RCI Front Skid Plate on '05 V8

[smokey7722]

From what I was reading on any thread I could find is that I would be removing the skid plate to perform an oil change on my '05 V8 if I put the RCI skids on. I don't mind it as I do it with the OEM skid right now but figured I would confirm and/or ask others opinions on how easy they find removing the skid? The OEM skid has the hooks on the front so you can remove the bolts and as you do so it hangs to make removal/install easier. I assume the RCI doesn't have something like this and its just four bolt holes with it?

I'm considering pulling the trigger on their tax sale for a full kit and I think this is my only question left.

 

[chaz]

says : service openings for changing filter without skid removal: https://www.rcimetalworks.com/03-09-4Runner-Front-Skid-Plate-T4R-03-09-01.htm

 

[Inv4drZm]

Its heavy but I remove it by myself all the time. Through a combination of loosening and removing sets of bolts you can drop the skid on top of you laying on a creeper and wheel it out of there. I forget exactly how but I've done it quite a few times. If you need help use a floor jack to help hold it up and wheel it out.

I think it is easier to change the filter with the skid removed (V8) but it has a drain hole for the drain plug.

 

[smokey7722]

[MENTION=19297]chaz[/MENTION] - I read that too however from the photos there is no way there is reasonable access for a V8 unless you want oil spilling all over when you remove the old filter.
[MENTION=130999]Inv4drZm[/MENTION] - Thanks, thats what I have been gathering from what I am reading. The drain hole is great and wouldn't be any different from the OEM plates. I usually pull my runner up a bit to the edge of my garage where the driveway starts to angle downward then jack it up and access that way so I have plenty of room. I need to jack it up anyway to remove the old plate already. Those hanging hooks are awesome though making it a lot easier to work with.

 

[SAC-CA-Runner]

It's very easy and takes a minute to take off. I put a 2x4 that is about 14" in length between the jack and the skid and loosen the 4 bolts. I then lower it slightly and slide it out. Drain oil, put plug in, pull off filter, let it drain, put new filter on, slide skid back under (never comes off jack), jack up the skid so it's somewhat tight against the mounts but can be maneuvered and then put the bolts in, realign and tighten. Done! 15min tops to change oil. Depending on how long I let oil drain and drip. I usually have other projects going so it's no biggie.

 

[USMCEngineer]

Front Skid

I have a full set of RCI skids, and I drop my front skid for all oil changes. I even have the Fumoto valve, but I've found it's as much trouble trying to get the hose tightly on the valve as it is to just drop the skid. As stated above getting the filter out with making a mess is also impossible without the front skid off. My plan was to only change the oil filter every other oil change, but since I'm dropping the skid, I feel I might as well just change the filter as well. I use a Harbor Freight aluminum jack. Any floor jack makes it a cinch, but the aluminum ones are easier to work with when you are trying to position it under the vehicle. It helps to put it on the jack before wheeling it under to find the balancing point. I've used a piece of wood before as well.

 

[chaz]

lay a towel on the inside of skid, after filter is loose put a plastic baggie over it when removing, most everything falls into it, what doesnt is soaked up by the rag. i do still have the stock skid so its easy to just grab the side & bend it enough to squeak my arm thru. of course i have old skinny gumby arms tho. if ur worried about any renegade drops just lay cardboard under the truck first. i guess what im sayin is with the RCI to me its looks like plenty of room.