Question/Opinion Oil Change

Howdy! Recently I acquired a 2018 TRD Off Road, and love it. I'm planning on doing the oil changes on it myself and had a question. As a kid I remember helping my dad change the oil on a 78 Chevelle. He used ramps that he would drive the front end up on, then we'd go at it. So my question/questions are...

1. Is this a good idea to use on a truck or any vehicle, because since you're at an angle you won't be able to drain all the old oil. (Dad and I lived on a hill, so the driveway had a slight angle, and we changed the oil with the car facing downhill so it would be relatively level and somewhat safe.)

2. Are lifting it and putting it on 4 jack stands a better option so you're still level? If so what/where are the jack points? Definitely don't want to mess up my truck trying to service it. Also not killing myself would be a plus.

3. What are your opinions on using pneumatic oil pumps like these? (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fluid+pump+oil+change&ref=nb_sb_noss_2) Seems like more of a hassle to me, in my opinion.

4. Combination of ramp and pump?

Thanks for your thoughts, opinions, and help.

 

unless you are fat you should be able to squeeze yourself under the truck no lift needed

i use ramps on my wifes civic

 

I got a small lift on the truck and have no issue squeezing under the truck to do most maintenance.

 

I use ramps. Wayyyy easier.

 

The problem with those ramps is that the truck isn't going to be level and all of the old oil will not drain out. I changed my own oil from the 1970's until a few months ago. When dad built his home in 1972 he used railroad cross ties to build a place in the back yard you could drive onto and get under cars easily.

After dad died mom moved out the house was sold. I was able to do it on trucks in my yard easy enough. I just paid to have the Honda done. But my regular mechanic will change it for $10 if I provide the oil and filter. For $10 I've just let him do it the last few times.

 

I back into the driveway and onto the ramp. Pretty close to level for me and my driveway

 

Kind of a personal preference really on the ramps. I can see why some people like them, even though the Tacoma is high enough already you don't need them. It's nice having extra space to move around. Think of them more as a luxury than a necessity...

Me, I don't use them.

 

The oil change is simple enough do without the ramps; but, trying to get the darn skid plate back on with limited space under the truck is a pain. Lifting the front on the ramps after the oil change is done would make it much easier.

 

Measure the amount of oil drains into the pan, I think you will get 95% of the oil.

 

I use 4 ramps. You can do it without but more room is easier

 

I'm able to just slide under the truck and get it that way.

I used to be friends with a guy who drove a Scion TC. We used ramps to change the oil one time. Worked pretty well, that car was low from the factory. I still see his car around town and I think he's lowered it an inch or two since then (don't know for sure, we don't talk anymore), so he basically has to use ramps or a lift, I'd imagine.

 

The amount of oil that doesn't come out if you have the truck on ramps is absolutely negligible. It will have zero impact on the life of the truck. If it makes it easier for you to put it on ramps do it. Trust me. 4oz of old oil not coming out won't mean jack shit to the truck when it holds over 6 qts. These trucks run incredibly clean. Just use an OEM oil filter and it will filter out more than adequately.

 

FTFY

 

Squeezing your fat ass under there should be the least of your worries. Breaking off the pos plastic filter or draining your tranny fluid (on accident instead of motor oil) is a bigger issue

 

Easy fix, I bought the 4cyl. Lol

 

I’ve always wondered about this- safety an such.

as it is stock my 1st oil change was just throwing a moving blanket down and shimmy under (and I’m thin) has plenty of room to do it but was also cramped and uncomfortable. I have since bought a low pro creeper and can roll under no problem but will not be able to change the oil with it unfortunately- the couple inches it raises you off is a no go. It’s just getting a bit harder to plop down and crawl under the truck/vehicle like I used to or I’m just tired of working harder so I need to find another solution so I can utilize the creeper

 

Just get ramps if it helps you get under the truck. Forget the pump. Isn't necessary.

 

I bought an aluminum housing because of the scare tw has preached about. But I didn’t use it and had no issues removing the plastic. So I’ll keep it as a back up. Also against tw operating procedures I also torque all my bolts to spec and by doing so I don’t foresee any issues removing the drain nut without the housing also loosening or breaking the housing. Proper filter wrench and technique makes all the difference imo.

my point, don’t get too caught up in the hype

 

I use four ramps to raise the truck for power washing prior to applying Fluid Film. Never had a problem driving up or down.

For oil changes, I use a jack and jack stands so I can pull the wheels for rotation and to check the brakes.

 

Though doing the change occasionally is fine, unless you’re an experienced mechanic and have a safe oil disposal source, I’d recommend you have it done at least once a year by someone who’ll do other checks and adjustments. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I already have to do a tractor, two outboards, a side by side, mower and snow blower that are all home bound. To me, it’s not worth the hassle.

I trust where I go and they do all other basic checks for nothing. Most regular customers get a little extra service. Just me being lazy since my neighbor stopped burning waste oil.