Oil Change

[PsyGrad]

So I went under my 2001 4Runner to do an Oil Change for the first time. Went to look for the oil plug, which I think I found in a hole through the skid plate? But I couldn't find the oil filter. So I have three questions, Is that the oil plug that I was looking at, two - where is the oil filter and what do you need to get it off, and three what would be the best place to jack up the truck to do the oil change.

 

[Bluto]

The pics and write up here should answer all your questions.

Ramps are the easiest way to get more room under the truck, if you need it. Or jack on the frame, behing the front tires. And use jack stands to support the truck, never the jack. I can get under without any ramps or stands.

 

[peter78]

It is not easy. I bought a oil filter wrench that is a cap and it fits directly over the filter. The cap is attached to a 3/8" socket wrench. When I reach up to put it on the filter I get the other hand through the side and go through the flap. I squeeze my left hand through the side of the flap. Then with my left hand I unscrew the filter part way and then take it off the rest of the way with my right hand. A true pain in the ass.

I put the rig up on ramps and I do not remove the skid plates. Some oil falls on the skid plates and drains down the back side where I catch the oil in my oil catch pan. I then use some paper towels to clean the skid plate.

I have done it for over 70,000 miles and it really doesn't get easier with practice.

I quoted myself from this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=12633

(In case you don't go to that thread, here is another link about an oil change on the 3rd generation, that was in that thread.)

http://www.4runners.org/articles/oil/


I was talking mostly about the oil filter, the oil plug is in the middle with the skid plates around it. (It sounds like you found it.) You will need a 14mm socket and a extension on your socket set. And yes it is still a pain in the ass to take the filter off.

 

[PsyGrad]

Thanks Guys!