Oil filter help (I searched!)

I'm retarded...I have a 02 tacoma with the v6...where the hell is the oil filter?

I'm new to these engines and my warranty expired.

 

if you have to ask...

 

Thank you for that useful post...

 

Haha, my apologies. I don't know either, I've got an '06. They're pretty hard to miss on the 05+ 4.0Ls.

I would suggest the following:

 

try looking up from underneath it??? may be easier to spot from the bottom versus the top. good luck bud

 

In fact, here is the exact pdf from the factory service manual: just try not to drain your transmission fluid and put it in your rad. lol

edit: looks to me like the filter is underneath (as posted above) right by the passenger side CV?

 

I took a quick peek underneath. Didn't see much...I heard it was under my skid plate on the drivers side but just wanted to make sure before I start ripping stuff off.

 

mmm, that sounds right, you can see in the drawing the CV boot to the right of the filter. If you can, reach an arm up there and feel around to confirm thats where the filter is.

Hopefully somebody with a 1st gen can chime in to confirm

 

Pull off your front skid and it'll be obvious where it's at. you can change it with the skid on, but you'll spill and curse. It's much easier to do with it off.

 

I found it....left the skid on...a little oil on the top of the skid is ok by me.

 

I left the skid on the first Oil change and I left a few oil stains in the GF's driveway because the drips on the skid made their way out... not a happy camper, so I pulled it off, cleaned it and realized it'll be much easier for the next oil change if I take it off.

 

You may want to pick up one of those Haynes manuals, it may be handy for you to have in the future.

 

Free online service manual for your truck in the 1st gen forum (it's a sticky):
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/5696-2001-2004-tacoma-factory-service-manual.html

 

its a bitch to get to from underneath. there is a rubber flap in the front drivers side wheelwell that gives you direct access to the filter. i don't have my 02 anymore so i can't show you a pic. no skip plate crap or working around 4wd parts.

 

I'm going to have to check that out. Pulling the skid isn't a huge issue, but easier access to the filter would be nice.

 

This is for a same generation 4Runner with the 5vz-fe engine, which you also have so the process is almost exactly the same.

http://4runners.org/writeups/oil/index.html

 

X2
For future info you may need on your ride..if you click the "Tacoma Forum" link at the top of the page you will see that there is a whole forum for you 1st Gen guys. there is a lot of knowledge to be had on here.