Skid plate access question

[howieb]

I have read about the skid plate removal on the other threads and I am a little confused. It says there are 4 bolts - I can see the two front and two recessed, but does this remove the entire front skid plate? Seems it would only remove the front half, not sure if it is two parts but seems to be.

That brings me to the next question, the access panel for the drain plug seems to be in the back half, it is a large oval, so I am guessing I have to remove the entire skid plate to get at the drain plug. So are there not two additional bolts in the back making a total of 6 that have to be removed to get the entire skid plate off if I want to do the oil change without the skid plate?

Thanks for the help.

 

[manhunter]

Not sure what gen or model you have, but there are a total of 7 bolts for the two piece skid plate. 3 along the front under the radiator, 2 at the back of the front skid, that also passes through the front holes of the second skid, then 2 in the back of the second skid. To remove the second skid, you have to either remove the front skid, or just remove the second set of bolts at the back of the front skid. Hope that helps.

 

[toto]

Sounds like the 4th gen. You only have to remove the front part of the skid plate in order to get at the oil filter for a V8. The oval you mention on the second part of the skid plate is just a piece of plastic and comes out easily for access to the oil drain plug.

 

[howieb]

Thanks to both for the comments. I have an 07 v6 so I may try to get in there through the oval although for the first time, I may remove both plates to see what it is like under there. Not a lot of clearance, it may be easier to remove the skid plate to drain the oil so I can see what I am doing.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

If you are changing the engine oil there is no need to remove the skid plate. Front diff yes, but not the engine.

 

[howieb]

Yes I get that now, thanks for the comments.

If you are changing the engine oil there is no need to remove the skid plate. Front diff yes, but not the engine.