4.0L 1GR 2nd Gen Oil Change Guide

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For anyone reading this thread and worried about the crush washer on the oil pan, dont! My truck is 10yrs old and is still using the original from the factory w/no leak of anykind. Same for the diffs and transfer case.

 

Then it's not a 2nd gen but yes, the crush gasket is fine for multiple uses if it's not cracked or warped.

 

I wouldn't worry about it either, some new Tacoma's coming in for their first oil change have condensation on the oil cap.

 

Just did a change on the wife's 4Runner at 40K miles, I had never changed the gasket -- never really have on other vehicles, and no leaks. The gasket was stuck pretty good to the oil pan, took a while to knock it off. So if it did get a leak, you could mess up the pan getting it off. I would suggest changing it at least every other change as cheap insurance.

I had just taken my Taco in for the free 20K service and to check the brake squeal issue covered by a new TSB (I just have them give me the filter and gasket and change it with synthetic myself, let them rotate the tires and check alignment). While I was there I stopped by parts to buy 10 of the gaskets and they just gave them to me for free. So for me, it is free insurance. Got a case of Toyota filters off of eBay for $44 shipped, so I am set for a while now. AutoZone has good $10-off coupons on the 5-quart jugs, too, so I stock up when they send them.

 

My free service just ran out, looks like I'll be doing this soon. Good things this is here, gonna make this much easier!

 

Does this pic assume the skid plate is already removed? I'm assuming I need to remove skid plate to do this right?

 

On your '11 there is no need to remove the skid plate, unless you have an aftermarket skid plate installed, even though most have a hole so you can read the drain plug with a ratchet extension and a 14mm socket. And the filter is on top on the V6, and easily assessable on top of the exhaust on the 4 cyl.

 

crap. just changed my oil, didnt know there was a cap at the bottom of the oil filter. i just soaked it all up with paper towels. hahaha

 

Try reaching in from the outside Drivers
Side behind tire.

 

for what?

 

What we use at work is a oil quart bottle cut in half to catch the running oil. I usually remove the black cap before unscrewing the filter (less mess that way).
I recommend using a bottle of Mobil 1 cut in half the top of the bottle screws in the Toyota filler neck ( ahh ha! We now have a funnel!) and you can use the bottom half to catch the oil.

 

I know, was wondering if he realized it and where he was.

 

Some Food for Thought!

I wonder how many here change their oil and let it drain back down from the filter
through the engine and not use the drain valve next to the filter. I think the worst of the worst is going to be right their at the filter and you should drain it from the valve.
just sayin

 

Oh, one more thing I noticed.
All the post I've read about your dip sticks not reading correctly. My truck is brand new and I'm assuming the oil is topped off correctly, but when I check mine it's half way up the stick. It's probably not reading correctly because the dip stick is touching the side of the
dip stick tube and getting oil on it. After several attempts to check the oil, wiping the stick
off each time it finally came out reading right at the second dot.

I'll be changing my oil soon and I'll be pouring the old oil back into the quart bottles after I put the new oil in. That way I'll see exactly what's in their.

 

72mm

 

Is there anything that needs to be lubed other than engine oil? Front end suspension etc?