99 Tacoma oil change is a Pain in the @$$

This will be my first post, so I figured I'd address one of my bigger pet peeves about my Tacoma. I've changed my own oil on all my vehicles before, but this Tacoma is the most miserable vehicle I've ever had as far as changing the oil. It's usually a 45 minute process which i don't think it ever should be and then I can NEVER get a really snug fit on my oil filter. Has anyone else had this issue? I searched the forum for other posts, but couldn't find anything. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I have an 06 and it's a joy, what is it that makes yours so difficult ? oil plug location ? filter location ? do you have to remove any cross members ?

 

It's a slight pain in the ass for the V6, but not really, not sure how it is on the 4 banger.

 

R6,
You've probably already tried this, but I'll throw this tip/trick out there. This is for the 95.5-2004 Tac's with the V6. I don't know about the 4 banger. Just before you change your oil, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. When you look inside the driver's wheel well, you will see the inner wheel well rubber mud guard. Carefully remove the plastic retainers holding the rubber splashguard in place (I happened to have the tool, but and old fork will do the trick). If you look toward the front of the wheel well opening you will have a straight on shot to the oil filter. If 'Jiffy Snappy the oil dork guys' changed your oil last, you can used the filter vise with a 3/8" drive ratchet, if it's too tight to turn by hand. If your really finicky about excess oil running from the filter (I was) getting all over the skid plate, use a piece of soda (or pop if you're from that part of the country) box cardboard to direct it away from the skid plate. With the wheel well trick, an oil change on my 1997 was 20 mins tops with greasing the drive shafts.

Anyhow, take it for what it's worth. Sure as hell beats removing the skid plate!

 

CtryBoy,

Thanks for the reply. I actually tried that the last time turning the wheel all the way and unfortunately, I have shorter arms and couldn't reach it to get it as tight as I wanted. My garage floor is nasty and rough and I couldn't get the jack stands to go high enough to keep my truck up in the air to take the tire off. I figured if I took the tire off, it might be easier. I guess if I take the time to figure out how to get the wheel off, that'd probably cut my oil changed time down to about 20min. like you said. Thanks for the tips!!