Anyone change oil filter with TRD Pro skid plate installed?

Yup. Just took mine off yesterday so the dealer could do my first free oil change. I removed 6 bolts though (2x 12mm and 4x 17mm head bolts) Super easy, one-guy job, no jacks or stands needed.
**I wasn’t sure if they’d remove the whole thing while doing my free oil change at the dealer and I didn’t want some flat rate tech cross threading the bolts while using an impact gun to reinstall it so I figured i’d re and re it myself

 

I took the plate off and cut the hole bigger so a filter wrench fits it.

 

I think that a proper skid plate with access hatch is the way to go. Small screws are easy to remove and the small hatch is easier to handle than a large skid plate.
I still haven’t purchased a set of aftermarket skid plates for my Tacoma. I have yet to sell the full set from the new F-150 I traded in for the Tacoma.

This was done to the stock deflector shield over a year ago, just for the heck of it.
It was easy to use a hole saw on the thin metal.
Super easy access and the second bolt isn’t even used. Just rotate it out of the way.
It’s stays in place and doesn’t rattle.

Used scrap pieces in the garage.

 

I like this and was thinking of doing something similar. Have you done an oil change yet, and what size is the hole?

 

4.25 inch hole saw. I used it for a second time oil change a few weeks ago and it works well.
Placing a large rag or shop towel on top of your skid plate or shield helps to keep it from getting messy in case of any spillage.

 

I prefer to drop my stock Sport skid plate every time I change the oil. While I have it off, I check for leaks and make sure everything is looking good underneath.

 

If i were to describe it, messy as shit. Whole area between the skid and the plate is brined in oil now. Playe can take a good hit tho when offroading. Im taking the plate off in the future for ease of acsess and to just check everything over while im down there.

 

To keep from making a mess, i use a foot long hollow metal tube that holds the plastic filter housing drain gizmo that comes with the new filter. I place the plastic gizmo in one end of the tube, point the other end of the tube into my drain bucket, and then press upward on the tube to compress the spring loaded check valve with the plastic gizmo. The oil drains inside the tube and into the bucket with zero mess.

 

Filter access thru the access panel is 100% easy and doable. 3/8 drive and an extension.

 

Former toyota tech here, and respectfully fuck the TRD skid. The stock skid is better. Both are useless and will dent with any serious impact but the TRD one is heavy and a bitch to put back on. And no, you cannot do the oil change with it on without making a mess and getting it all oily. I've only done an oil change with the TRD one on like 2 times and I learned my lesson, just take it off. The stock one at least will hang on the hooks on the frame so it's easier to install and remove.

 

As a Toyota tech, you should know about this kit and have one in your tool box.
This kit makes oil and filter changer on the tacoma easy and clean with the TRD skid on.
Yes, the b.s. white clip that comes with the filter is garbage. Right tools for the right job. Ignore the oil in the kit, it's a representation photo.

 

Done 4 or 5 change through the TRD skid, there is plenty of room to get the filter in and out, it drops strait through the hole once its off.

 

Kitten killer!

 

Do you not drain the filter first? you know it has a drain right?

 

I took this photo with the Access Plate removed.



I will be doing an oil change this weekend and give some feedback on the ease/difficulty of removing the oil filter housing.

The MotivX drain tool should help pre-drain before removing the filter housing.

I got the funnel too! (FIT TEST)




The drain pan shouldn't be too messy but...that's part of doing an oil change.

 

Also gives you a chance to clean your skids off.

 

This is awesome idea

 

Yeah not the best design for oil changes however i can attest to its durability. It has already taken some pretty big hits for me and has protected the LCA ears from being hit

 

aalot of toyota techs in here......

 

Yes i use the drain little plastic thing that comes with the filter kit. The problem is even with the drain plug both end up having flow diversion that hits and lands on the skid