I really don't see what all the fuss is about with the oil filter location. It's not in the best spot, but all i used was typical oil filter remover band/belt style. You can remove it from under the truck or above through the hood, either way is fine. Didn't have to remove the Skid plate or anything. Although when removing the filter it does drain onto the plate pretty good, definitely a good idea to put rags under it on the plate to catch it all.

I read horror stories of going through the wheel well etc etc, jeez, just get a $3 filter remover band/belt style and loosen the thing no biggie.

 

I agree with you. I didn't think it was that hard and don't see why you have to go in through the wheel well.

 

Because I have a ground wire and a wiring harness that your 03 doesn't have, in the way.

 

Ditto!

 

Yeah!! So take that!!

 

, yeah, and I didnt use a oil filter strap either. I did it by hand. So there!

 

That'll teach em.

 

Actually there is a wiring harness in the way, nothing that cant be worked around, must be a bit different than what the older ones have. But that is also why i posted my year, engine size and vehicle type so that no one would be confused.

 

I'm not pissed or anything, but I think its how you originally presented your first post. Kinda like saying, "Dude, you guys dont know how to change your oil. Its no big deal, actually its easy. What is everyone's problem? This is the easiest oil change I have ever done. I am the best, you are the worst."

For me:

I think its because my forearms, biceps and triceps are so ripped. I just cant get them in that tight space.

 

Christian,

Are you biking with your hands then?

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...threadid=10681

 

Dont you have anything better to do than dig up old threads?

 

um...

 

Sounds like we've got some "Popeyes" on this board with huge forearms. I go through the wheel well with no trouble. And the rule of thumb is hand tight with oil filters anyways, you shouldn't be reaming on them with the strap. As long as you give the gasket a coat of oil, hand tight will give you a perfect seal.

 

Ok fine, i'm not ticked either but i want to make sure my post is not misunderstood.

For anyone with an 03 Tacoma 3.4 ltr if you're complaining about changing the oil then yes i'm saying i'm apparantly better than you are because it is no big deal.

The intent of this post was to let those people with similiar vehicles to mine know that it is not a problem and what they need to do the job. I was almost scared to bother with the way i heard 4 or 5 people talking about it.

 

Its all good Icepick. Glad it worked out better for you. I had a friggin exxon valdez oil spill on my precious floor.

 

I always use an old cardboard box to lay on, well i didnt realize the oil would drain that far on the skid plate since it's full of holes but it leaked all over the concrete about an inch farther than my cardboard was, lmao

 

I left the plate on for the first two changes, then was freaked out by the oil showing up in my parking space, I couldn't figure out if it was just from the oil change or from the engine. It takes just a couple extra minutes to remove the four bolts holding the plate on, and is worth the easy cleanup afterwards.

 

Yeah I dunno about that whole skid plate thing. Last time I removed it (radiator replacement) I wound up taking out 5 bolts and putting 4 back in and could not find the 5th hole to save my life... I'm not sure if I took it out as part of the radiator or not tho since it was off the truck for a few days while I messed around with other stuff.

For $28 I just take the Runner to Raceway Lube out here. They do the oil (for a couple bucks more I get synthetic put in)/filter, check and add to all fluids as necessary, lube all points, give you a free air filter if you need it (I use K&N - soon to be Amsoil - so I don't use theirs) and generally just inspect stuff, all within about 30-45 minutes. I like to wrench on stuff quite a bit but I can't beat that for convenience. The price isn't bad either...

 

I always remove skid plate on 02 4runner, removing is easy because I hand tied when I install new filter. I also had 90 4runner. The skid plate's screws is much less than 02. I donot trust Oil change shop in my town, I had 2 cars had bad drain plug's threads by their works.

 

Boy, does THAT sound familiar!