TRD Pro Skid Plate - 2020 OR Premium

[Indian MC]

Does anyone have a photo showing the view of the oil filter housing through the access panel on the optional TRD skid plate?
I'm reading different stories.
Some say it's GR8t now to change your oil while some are say it's BS because you end up making more of a mess.
Being confined while using the plastic oil housing drain adapter that never ever seems to insert in correctly or not at all.
I'd rather get the oil spillage on the cardboard on my floor than on the top of the new skid plate.
Easier to clean with gasoline and a push broom.

 

[Rainier42]

There is no oil filter access panel on the TRD skid for the 4Runner. I believe the Tacoma TRD skid has an access panel.

 

[fkheath]

There is no oil filter access panel on the TRD skid for the 4Runner. I believe the Tacoma TRD skid has an access panel.

Correct. You have to remove the TRD skid plate to change the oil.

 

[Indian MC]

There is no oil filter access panel on the TRD skid for the 4Runner. I believe the Tacoma TRD skid has an access panel.

I guess that settles that! Lol
Thanks!

 

[badattitude]

The best oil change/skid plate tip I have is to leave the stock skid hanging. After the four bolts are removed, the stock skid will hang down, still attached by two hooks on the skid that grab the radiator support (I think). Anyway, if you just unbolt and hang the stock skid, instead of removing it altogether, its a lot easier to reinstall. Of course this means you need to access the filter and drain plug from the rear or side, not the front. I reverse/back onto my ramps to clear room behind the front wheels for access from the side/rear.

 

[fkheath]

The best oil change/skid plate tip I have is to leave the stock skid hanging. After the four bolts are removed, the stock skid will hang down, still attached by two hooks on the skid that grab the radiator support (I think). Anyway, if you just unbolt and hang the stock skid, instead of removing it altogether, its a lot easier to reinstall. Of course this means you need to access the filter and drain plug from the rear or side, not the front. I reverse/back onto my ramps to clear room behind the front wheels for access from the side/rear.

That is for the factory thin steel "skid plate", not the TRD skid plate. The TRD skid plate has no hangers, only the four mounting bolts.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/817mB4nXCGL.pdf

 

[badattitude]

Yes good call out.

I believe the OP still has the original skid plate. He/She is asking if the TRD skid plate has a access portal. It does not. Keeping the original and using it differently my be an option.

 

[Indian MC]

I wasn't in any rush to spend a few hundred bucks on a new skid plate for a brand new 4Runner anyway. I just did my first oil change at 2500 miles. The Skid is only a few bolts and the front plastic thing in front of it, only a few more. I set a 3'x3' piece of cardboard on the concrete floor. That way, when I lowered it down onto my face I could just swing over and place it on the cardboard without scratching and abusing it.
After I was done with the filter change, I summoned my wife out to the garage. She handed me the skid while I was lying on the creeper.
Hey, I'm 63, what can I say..