Can oil and filter changes be done without removing the skid pans?
Or... are aftermarket alternatives available - like a remote oil filter and/or oil pan drain?
Either way, how much time does it take to remove replace the pans? Even if oil/filter is no prob, I'm thinking trannie filter/fluid changes...
Minutes, I have the same skid plates on my 4x4 Taco
Engine: Oil filter is accessed from inder the hood. Front/Left top side of the engine. Oil drain plug is accessed from behind an oblong plastic cover on the stock skid plate. Be cautious. I've seen people mistakenly remove the transmission drain plug.
Auto Trans: Leave it to the dealer or a mechanic that has a positive pressure oil pump. There is no filler port on top of the trans. It's filled from the same plug you drain it from. Easy to do if you have the tools (I use a pump used for outboard motors).
Transfer Case: Not covered by the stock skid. Easy to access.
-- Smitty -KB3GUN
Per Bill Smith:
The only reason I'm inflicting this discussion on the group is that if I buy used, I might not have a choice of skid plate vs no skid plate.
I'm thinking that for my limited use (all it has to do is not get stuck in beach sand) skid plates would be superfluous - so if I have a choice (as in buying a new vehicle) I'd be better off without the plates. OTOH, I note that the plates are part of the same package that offers up side-curtain air bag deployment in the event of a rollover.
Am I missing anything with that line of thought?
Probably adds 10 minutes to the oil change, less once you get the process down pat, at least on the 4 Runner.
If you're talking about the silver/aluminum bling plate, it's a piece of garbage. Tore mine up on the first rock it met. That plate does not interfere with anything under the engine. It mounts forward of the engine drain plug. The skid plate I was referring to is inder that skid plate. All FJC's have a cover/plate under the engine. Very thin steel and plastic. It protects from road debris, but that's about it. I removed mine when I went with a real skid plate (3/8" steel). You should have no problems either way. The FJC is a great vehicle you're sure to enjoy.
-Bill
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