Done with OEM skid plate

2022 SR5

done with the TRD skid plate. I do my own oil changes and taking that down and getting it back up with just me and my wife is over. Please someone make a recommendation for one with the access panel. I do off road. Moab, Toyota Jamboree etc so please factor that in. Very much appreciate any advise if you currently have one with the access panel to the oil filter and are happy with it.

 

I have RCI skid plates. They have an access panel for the filter, and a hole to access the oil plug.

 

Many options. Have you read the sticky thread at the top of this sub forum, “5th Gen Armor”?

I have RCI. Works fine for me?

 

RCI here also. Best $325+ that I've ever spent. Bought it about 12 years ago for my 2010 4R, then took it off the 10' when I traded that in on my 19'. But I don't use the access panel when I do oil changes. I unbolt the skid plate completely. Reason being that I don't want residual oil on my concrete driveway.

 

RCI also.

 

^^^ This. Put in some time on that thread, pick your top 2 or 3, then come back here for input on those. Otherwise, you'll get 18 different opinions on why someone has one and why it's the best. Or set up a poll with the top 3 and go with the one that gets the most votes.

 

what are you doing where it takes two people to reinstall the skid plate?

 

One is doing it the while other one is watching and talking about how you should do it.

 

Not going to the gym.

 

I took it off first time when did the underrating and it was surprisingly easy. Watched a video before just in case but pretty self explanatory. If OP is tired of taking it off then take it somewhere for an oil change. I watch the whole process, pay $75 and done in 30 min. How much cheaper is the DIY? Plus taking care of the waste?

 

Just put RCI triple skid kit on, they forgot the engine skid hardware kit.

 

BudBuilt.

 

I put the CTH skid plate on for this exact frustrating reason. But I'll add off roading will probably dent the shit out of it.

 

Whether or not it is a bitch to remove and re-install is an opinion. I agree with OP. We have three 4Runners with the TRD skid plate and I do all of our oil changes and in my opinion it can be difficult with one person but I have accepted the challenge.

Also, sometimes it is not about the money but rather the trust in yourself over some kid making $15/hr. I have been burned on more than one occasion letting someone else do it.

C

 

I’m in my 60’s I can no longer do that. I had a torn rotator cuff 6 months ago

 

Looks like RCI is the one. I’ll look into that

 

I’m the OP. Change my oil every 5,000 miles. We drive the 4Runner a lot. I got burned like you from the dealership and will never let that happen again. Went for the “free” first oil change. I put a piece of tape over the oil filter housing and wrote Return to owner. Guess what? Never got that back. They didn’t change the filter. Just did a drain and fill

 

I’m the OP. I will not do that bc I got burned by the dealership where they didn’t change the filter. Plus I only put PUP and an OEM filter.

 

I’m The OP. I just ordered the RCI. Thanks for the pic and reply. I really appreciate it. That pic sold me. Looks really sharp.

 

Or maybe it’s bc I’m in my 60s and had a torn rotator cuff 6 months ago.

 

Sounds like you got your answer OP. I too have the RCI skids throughout. Here is a pic on how I setup for oil changes. I'm OCD with spills etc so my goal everytime is not to have single drop anywhere. Good luck.

 

I’m 68 and have no trouble with the TRD skid . I use a floor jack when removing and then reinstalling the skid .
Let the jack hold all the weight.

 

I’m the OP. Thanks just ordered the RCI 3/16 steel/powdercoated. I have to ask, that tube coming down. What is that doing and what size tubing is that? What’s the other end attached to? I’m OCD about oil on the floor as well. It’s just a hassle cleaning it up. RCI had a “tax season” sale and free shipping. Can’t wait for it to arrive

 

Probably an oil filter drain tool like this one here,

https://www.motivxtools.com/collect...1/products/toyota-lexus-oil-filter-drain-tool

Screws into the oil filter housing to drain it before spinning the housing off

 

Those are hoses and more gadgets we need to do it clean. I am bit clumsy and my pulse gets me when I get to the filter so using this tool I can make sure the housing is fully drained before unscrewing it.
On the oil pan, I just use a hose to the fumoto valve nipple, probably not needed. But the OCD says yes...because I am not as fast and tiddy as I used to be. Great tools out there.

 

Or that’s the case! Sorry about your shoulder.

Sorry, my comment was meant more tongue and cheek.

 

I know the feeling about a torn RC!
It makes me mad that I cannot do some of the easiest jobs because of it.
Mine cannot be fixed either.

 

All good buddy. I was crabby when I responded. I know if I keep trying to get that skid plate up there I’m going to re injure it. My wife is the sweetest lady and she tries to help but then we end up working against each other. Yesterday was the final straw. But yeah. All good with your response.

 

I bought the same drain tool for the filter housing. Yes it’s another “thing” that adds to the job, but it sure is nice when you can pull off a oil/filter change without spilling a drop.

 

You're going to want to use a floor jack to help install the RCI skid plates. The steel plates are pretty heavy, I was able to do it myself using a floor jack, but I don't have a torn RC. I bet if you use the floor jack to raise it, your wife can help line it up with the bolt holes. Other than the difficulties encountered by the weight of the plates, you shouldn't have any problems with the install, they bolt right up.