Anyone change oil filter with TRD Pro skid plate installed?

Just curious IF the access is adequate to change oil filter with TRD skid plate access panel? Notice it is not centered below filter. Is it adequate? Thanks

 

I've been wondering the same thing

 

Well, you can get a socket wrench with extension under the filter center even though offset. I looked up at mine this AM when installing skid plate. I suppose if you wanted to use a "strap type" wrench you would want the panel offset to get you hand up inside. Toyota intentionally cut the panel off center. Would be nice to know it work though

 

I have a 2017 TRD OR with the black stamped sheet metal skid plate. I saw a video of an oil change and it started with taking down the skid plate which looks like a pain. I am looking for an excuse to get the TRD-pro aluminum skid plate with the access plate held on with 4 screws. If the oil filter comes out of that access plate hole so I can change the oil without dropping the skid plate that would do it. I would have to have the TRD-pro skid plate. Can anyone answer this for me?

 

OR skid plate is attached by 4 bolts. TRD Pro skid plate access cover has 4 screws. How much trouble are you saving yourself?

 

The access plate looks like its only 4 x 6 inches, much easier to handle than the whole skid plate coming down on my head. I am doing this on my back and it always happens that there is handful of sand on the top of the skid plate that finds its way on my face. If I could take down a 4 x 6 access plate to get to the oil filter that would be enough of an excuse for me to get the pro skid plate.

 

I just installed the pro skid today and went ahead and changed the oil while nothing was mounted. The access hole looks like it'll work, but may be tight. I'm glad it's a 10k oil change- every 3-4K would make me crazy.

 

Soooooo.......you installed a TRD skidplate today but you changed the oil BEFORE you installed the skid? So you really have no idea?

 

I installed the PRO Skid Plate on my 2016 TRD OR. I have removed the oil filter cover plate but not changed the oil. I have the Toyota filter wrench sold at dealer and have put it on the filter with a 3/8 ratchet drive with extension. It will work. I don't understand why the cover plate is not centered under filter? As I recall looking up, the filter is offset to driver's side of rectangular opening. All I can figure is that it would accommodate a strap style filter wrench better that way. Or they thought the cover plate would look better centered on skid plate. So, yes it should work since I can put canister style cap wrench on it

 

That's right. Just stating that it looks like it'll be tight.

 

So it sounds like the classic case of spending way more time trying to work around the plate rather than just dropping it and having easy access.

 

The main reason I replaced my factory TRD OR plate is it is very flimsy. I already bent it up w/o bad scrapes. Additionally, the PRO model is designed to attach properly to the factory threaded holes and frame supports behind it. Other after market designs I looked at removed the support brackets behind plate and only had bolts on leading and trailing edges; none in center. The PRO plate is engineered to fit properly w/o losing vertical force protection afforded by heavy steel brackets behind plate

 

^Aftermarket designs are typically 3/16" or 1/4" thick steel. The thickness resists bending on its own.

 

The ones I looked at had only 4 bolts and the two on back are not engaged into any significant threaded material. I evaluated designs like this and while I agree same thickness steel is superior to aluminum, all else equal, the removal of factory brackets and the 2 large diameter bolts in center, is a significant difference. I don't plan on riding rocks but the factory PRO design is smart. You can even lift truck thru aluminum plate because it bears directly (no gap) against the lift point made into frame. There is a recess circle on plate marking jacking point. There is no good reason to remove the backing brackets and not also use 2 center bolts except laziness on part of aftermarket designs that do this and consumers that accept it. My hat is off to the ones that don't. And those back 2 bolts are small diameter and their receiving threaded parts are only designed to hold up the flimsy factory plate. If you are not off road driving over deeper ruts the non-PRO skid is fine. I am a fan of PRO skid because it was well thought out. I am also a professional Structural Engineer.

 

I just did the oil change with the pro skid plate installed. I think it was easier to handle the access cover vs. the whole skid plate. My biggest problem was draining the oil filter. I tried the clear plastic drain tool included with the Toyota oil filter. I could not get it to hold in the housing. While I was trying I pretty much drained the filter down my arm. I purchased the Motivx Oil Drain tool for next time.

 

Totally easy. A non issue. Has a removable door.

 

I just did my first oil change after the TRD skid plate install. It was a messy nightmare. Draining the oil pan was easy, but the oil filter contents went everywhere. Just FYI. Had to use a long extension for the oil filter . Now I have to remove the skid plate to clean up all of the oil that is on the top surface.

 

I have the TRD Pro skid plate and the access door is the easiest way. I bought the filter drain kit and the Lexus filter cover (aluminum not plastic) and the fast funnel and it was a fun easy CLEAN job. You can Google the guy's info on the items. I think I got it all from Amazon including a 3 pack of filters. I buy my 0-20 Mobil 1 at Costco.

RZ Rob

 

this. easy.

 

Buy a new filter from Amazon. Find the drain adapter that comes with the filter. Take that drain adapter to Napa and find a hose that fits it. Next time you change your oil.....Remove the drain plug on the filter housing. Insert the drain adapter along with the hose you purchased. Filter housing will be almost empty when you remove it.