6 hours labor to replace oil pan gasket????

Invent a time machine that can get you back to 2015.

Post good info to the stickied threads - keep up the good work. It helps to have experienced people. Thank you man.

 

I was a bit worried after reading all of the comments online about replacing the oil pan and how hard it would be. I have a Tacoma 2011, 4door, 4x4, v6. Oil pan drain plug was stripped out by an oil change place. I purchased a brand new Toyota pan for $32.00. I also purchased a gasket but will be taking it back as there is no gasket on the factory pan, just RTV form a gasket. Cross member did not have to be removed nor could it be removed as it is part of the frame and welded on. Differential and axle did not have to be removed. About 12 small 10mm bolts, a utility knife to cut existing gasket out. Total time was 1 hour 15 minutes and that included new oil and a filter plus cleanup. Pan comes right off and easily fits inside frame for taking off. What I am thinking is that the differential drop and the axles must apply to the upper portion of the pan? The lower pan where the drain plug is a piece of cake to change. Not a mechanic, just a weekend warrior. No power tools, no air tools, just a socket set. Anyone who is needing to fix a leaky drain plug, recommend replacing the pan. I was told by the local parts store that there is no oversize plug for this pan for this year vehicle. Looking inside the new pan I could see why as there isn't enough metal for an oversize or re-tapping. Hope this helps with anyone else that is worried about replacing a leaking pan. I am not sure about other years or the 4 cyl version. One video I found on YouTube claimed it took 14 hours to remove the pan on a 4 cyl. I am not sure why? I may have just gotten really lucky on this one but again not a mechanic. I did raise the front end of the truck and place on jack stands to help see everything better. The bolts that hold the pan on are very easy to access, no universal joints or tight spots, standard socket set. I am thru the moon that it is not as bad as what I have read online. Was originally contemplating having a piggy back drain plug welded into the existing pan because I was afraid the removal of the pan would be incredibly hard. Concern was catching oil on fire and burning or heating up any seals in near the pan. Again, hope this helps someone else out there.

 

Just did mine about an hour ago. Took an hour and 15 minutes. Nothing had to be removed, lowered, raised, etc. It just unbolts and comes right off.

 

I was reading all the precious comments and mind blown because i looked at the oil pan on my 2012 that is leaking and wondered to myself how can you not access this? Somtimes the internet can get you all messed up with innacurate info, front diff drop my ass ha ha

 

2nd gen Vs 1st Gen. This thread is in the 1st gen section and OP started this in reference to a 1st gen.

Glad the 2nd Gens are so easy, but this doesn’t help 1st gen folks.

 

Do you realize that this 2015 thread is in the 1st gen forum? And the original vehicle in question was a '95?

Also, most all shops charge on flat rate hours, not 'real' hours. Good mechanics can get 40-60+ billable hours out of a week of steady work, poor mechanics might make 30. It's totally on them if they can beat the clock (with a quality job) or futz around and lose their tails.

 

I am an idiot, so sorry for posting this in first generation. Ugh, really thought I had it in the right spot. My apologizes. Yes, if all that I am reading is true and it is for the first gens. I am so sorry. That sounds awful.

 

Nope. Just a little lost. It's a big place, and we all find ourselves wondering where we are sometimes. Well, maybe not 'all', but I do!

 

I googled 2012 tacoma oil pan gasket and it brought me here so i blame google. Lol

 

actually started in 2011

blame your eyes

and the obligitory

 

No worries, just pointing it out. Also trying to prevent a 1st get guy from thinking it was THAT easy.

For the 1st Gen guys, with 4wd, if you need to access your oil pan. You do have to remove the front diff. Is it easy? No, but not because it is mechanically technical, it is physically a PITA. Instead of using a bolt through the cross member into the diff, they have a stud that comes out of the diff into the cross member. This means you have to lift the diff up enough to get the stud to clear the cross member. Other than that there are two vacuum lines and a plug that require freakishly small hands or long tools.

Pull the CV axles, unbolt diff, disconnect the transmission from it's cross member and jack it up as far as you can (gives more room to get diff out), disconnect the vacuum lines and power plug. Then push the diff up and twist it out of the way. Put it back in reverse. you will NEED at least one extra set of hands, more are better.

Timmy the Toolman has a good video about it, includes the appropriate language required to complete the job.

 

A good mechanics rate is worth every penny. I would love to find a mechanic in my town for $

Thank you for being very kind about the mis-post. I googled "2011 Toyota Tacoma Oil Pan Removal" and that is how I came to this thread, I should have checked the forum as I know better. This makes way more sense now that it was for first gens. I couldn't figure out what I was reading and looking at my truck. Again my apologizes to anyone for the post in the wrong spot, maybe the OP can move it or delete it?

 

Solution, dont buy a first gen buy my piece of shit 2012 project

 

I know this is an old thread but it would be awesome if you could link that video - I've searched YouTube and can't seem to find it. Starting this job soon on my 1998 2.7L and not looking forward to it so really want to learn as much as possible ahead of time.

 

https://youtu.be/w_gPiDvh9v4

 

Thanks for that! I guess I misunderstood the original reference, I thought there was a thread on the oil pan but this will still be very helpful since it's the main challenge. I think I can figure out how to deal with the pan if I can just get the sumbitch out.

 

Oil pan is just going to be the same as any good sealing video. Drain oil, remove pan, clean, check for damage, clean, install gasket or rtv of your choice, replace.

 

Exactly. It's just all the crap in the way of getting the oil pan out that has me a little intimidated.

 

Timmy’s video will be a great help for that

 

Holy crap this old post was hilarious. "All you need a swivel socket and the pan can be dropped without removing the diff" and "no way that should take 6hrs", bet the people posting those would MAYBE get it done over a weekend. Anything in the front end of thses trucks around that diff SUCKS!! People also forget there is a snaking tune inside that pan that is the oil pan pickup.

Thanks for the bump that was a good read/laugh!