Oil Change with Skid Plates?

This may be a stupid question but: I have an AllPro IFS skid plate. Does this need to be removed before I get an oil change?

 

Judging from the looks of the photo you might be inclined to do as others have and remove the automatic transmission drain plug by mistake.

 

If they made a hole for the drain plug, no. I don't think I've personally seen an all pro IFS first hand though so I can't comment.

 

My skid (non allpro) has a hole like the posted pic for easy oil drain plug access.

 

I've got an All Pro skid and I use the fumoto valve to drain oil

 

How is the fitment around the valve? I have one of the Fumoto valves on mine and I'm wondering if skid plates will fit or not. Is it difficult to actuate the little lever?

 

is it that hard to take the skid plate off?

 

^^ This^^. Just get in the habit of taking the skid off. It's a chance to give the low end of the motor a good inspection.

 

No super easy but I bought the little 1$ nipple to pop on it and have a foot of Jose so it drains easier. The dealer does my oil change since I've got free oil changes for life and they love the thing since I got the skid

 

When you're under the truck without a lift, a 50# steel plate can be a bitch to balance. Some are also connected to the mid skid, so you have to mess with that one too.

All IFS skids out there seem to have a hole for oil draining. You can also reach the bolt from the side of the skid plate. A Fumoto valve with a hose is the cleanest way. If not, you may have some oil spilling onto the plate.

 

No, it's not difficult, but I'd just rather not deal with it. I have to do oil changes every 6 weeks, so anything to make it easier is nice, hence the Fumoto valves.

 

I have the 2.7l and the oil filter is on the bottom of the engine. With my AP ifs skid it just has a oil drain hole so I need to remove it. The weight of the skid makes it annoying to take on/off but all I have is a gravel driveway.

 

Nice, got a link to the valve you use?

 

This is my situation. It's just a bit tight even when my truck is jacked up.

 

X2
I've got a pelfreybilt one and it also has a hole. I don't remove it. A little cleanup after no biggie.

 

This is the one people typically get. It's the "short nipple" model so it is tucked up and away from even being close to ever coming in contact with the skid.

http://www.fumotousa.com/parts.php?partname=F103S&partnumber=41

 

my AP has a hole for change. Clears my fumoto perfectly from debris

 

Thanks!

 

I need to look into this.

OP, if you don't like the nipple there all the time then I recommend getting this:

$44 EZ-103(12mm-1.25) EZ Oil Drain Valve with removable Hose End Combo

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTV2M90/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Nipple screws off, I have one installed and really like it.

 

This is what I bought: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-12V-5A-...544?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item486f75c570

I have used it so far on the Tacoma, a Volvo, and an Impreza & Forester. It works great. It only takes a few minutes to pump the oil out and with a little practice, no drips. The only down side is that it does leave a small percentage of the oil in the sump as you cant get 100% out. However, based on my experience it is never more than about a pint. I am unsure if draining would not leave as much. In a situation like the Tacoma & Impreza with a top side oil filter you never even need to get under the vehicle except to grease the zerks. The only suggestion I make is to be sure that your oil is hot before trying the extraction.