Aftermarket skid plate oil filter change

To those who have skidplates with no access to the oil filter, do y'all change the filter with the plate on and mop up the oil, or take the plate off?

 

I'm gonna take this as a serious question lol

Take it off!

 

Take it off!

 

Well if it's like my wifes 2010 4runner it will be a pain in the ass. I tried changing the oil and I couldn't get the skid plate down enough. Its hindged in the front. So it swings down. Hopefully the new tacomas aren't the same way.

 

There is a hole for the drain plug, just not the filter. If at all possible I'm going to change it without removal due to having to remove 10 bolts and dropping the 65 pounds of plate.

 

well.... in that case, make sure to have shit lots of cat litter next to you and make sure you are wearing a rain suit because is going to be messy

 

If you really dont want to drop the plate, how about you get an angle grinder and cut a just-big-enough access port for the oil filter? Your approach (if it is even possible) seems impractical. Unless you are cool with a huge oil slick in your driveway all the time, I will bet the cleanup effort is going to take a lot longer than simply dropping the plate.

Another option: get a nice, wide platform, motorcycle lift to help support the weight of the plate while you unbolt it. Harbor Freight has a decent one for $75.

 

uhh will have to try the motorcycle lift, tired of lifting that heavy skid plate with my muscles every time I do a "OIL CHANGE"