About to install RCI armor ... will dealer oil changes lose install hardware?

OP reporting in ...

Just did the first oil change myself. Took off the engine skid, leaving the transmission skid on because I wanted to. Installed a Fumoto oil plug. Will re-install the engine skid before I try the not-as-challenging off-roads. May take off the transmission skid first to allow the Toyota technicians to lube the propeller ... do not know exactly where the zerks are and have other things to do this month. Also let them rotate tires and the other 15K things.

Differentials, transfer case and transmission look easy enough with the fill/drain plugs identified.

First time learning how to man-handle the transmission plate and engine plate while lying on your back is less than enjoyable. But now I am getting perspective on things ...

 

It takes all of 30 seconds to find the grease zerks and five minutes to lube them all. Assuming you even have any of course, I think I remember reading that they were completely done away with in later model third gens.

 

I will look closely at the front/uncovered (transmission skid) part of the front propeller before using the grease gun or grease tube in case I can return them. I knew the rear zerks were sealed so they were not on my list. IF gone that is one less task to be concerned with.

I just wanted to first find (and did find) a picture provided by another so I had some idea what I was looking for under the truck. Also pictures for the differential and transfer case fill/drain plugs. Though the $6/crush-washer that the Toyota dealer quoted was not pleasant news.

 

I really like Valvoline quick lube places. Generally friendly and enthusiastic. They don't mind when I bring my own fluids. However they really don't supply them with the best hand tools (old, worn HF). I forgot to remove the access cover for the oil filter on my TRD skid plate and didn't think there would be any issues. One of the hex bolts was stripped. They must have used a standard hex in the metric. I was able to get it out with vice grips and have since replaced it (no issue with threads).

So yes, I will be removing my self from now on. I still like them, I just don't think they are equipped for this sort of thing.

Reminds me of my grandfather's cherry-pie 1972 Continental Mark IV he bought new. I definitely remember that he used to remove the full wheel covers himself before bringing it in for tire rotations. He just accepted that they would not handle them with the care he personally would.

Brett