ron717

Does anyone kow how to remove the skid plate on an 03 4Runner V8 to access the oil filter and oil drain plug?

Good Times

4 screws
2 are located at the front of the skid plate where it starts (just under the radiator. the other 2 are where the second half of the skid plates are.

remove 4 screws and the plastic flap that covers the drain in the second skid. To physcially take the front skid plate off, loosen the bolts for the second skid (2). This way it will be easier.

Pretty simple so long as you didn't bang up your skid plates (if you offroad that is).

hope that answers your question

lance

ron717

The front skid plate actually has 4 screws. 2 upfront, and then 2 recessed. Do i remove the recessed screws?

Also, are there any suspension upgrades that increase vehicle height and stiffen suspension for serious off-roading?

Thanks

Good Times

front skids has a total of 4 screws:

2 up front under the radiator.
2 recessed about 12-18" from the front screws.

For upgrades for shocks:

daystar has spacers for sale (should be on shelves now).

nobody else has anything ready for sale. Downey is almost done with their full suspension but that's still pending final testing.

everyone is still in the r&d.

good luck!

tom4416

Another reason to buy the V6-Toyota thought to put in an access door to the drain plug. Remove nothing to change the oil. Surprised they can't fit a similar device to the V8 but I've never been under one to look at the setup. Would it be possible to use an oil pump to drain the oil (similar to what is used on I/O boat motors)? Would seem to be a lot simpler that removing skid plates but don't know how good a job they do of removing all the old oil.

abunich

I use the "Topsider". It is a metal canister with a manual vaccume pump at the top. There is a thin tube which comes out and fits all the way down through the dip stick port. Pump a few times and the vaccume sucks all the oil out. Very quick, safe, and clean. When the oil is out, change the filter, and refill with clean oil. I pour the old oil back in the containers and than later at night empty them on the neighbors lawn. Just kidding... I take them to a local garage to recycle.
I had an M3 before the 03 4-runner and it worked very well. Makes oil change a snap.

joker

There is an access door on the V8. Just cover a flathead screwdriver w/ some masking tape and pry to start. Remove by hand. You'll need an extender for your socket wrench to get to the plug.

Question-
Just how important is replacing the washer on the oil plug ever change? It seems like it would last a long time but I don't know so I am asking.

ron717

I just bought oe oil filters in a case of 10, there the denso's from Japan. What size oil filter wrench do I use?

Also, are there any off road clubs and trails in and around Northern NJ or PA?

Thanks

airunner

abunich

You're method of removing the oil using the "Topsider" seems doing an oil change an easy job. No more crawling under my truck.

Two questions for you though:
1. What are the disadvantages of using this device?
2. Where can I buy one, if I need to?

Thanks

abunich

airrunner,

The method is truely simple. I understand some of the Ferrari 308/328 poeple are stating to use the same product. It also worked great with my late M3 (Which I sold to get a new runner). The way I igure it, if it is good enough for a delicate Ferreri and M3 engine, it will work well in a Toyota. The oil change is incredibly clean and easy. I have not used this on the runner yes as I only have 800 miles.

1. The only disadvantage I have heard of is that some of the larger particles MAY settle out at the bottom and the suction may not pick them up. I fiure that the oil filter will clean out those larger particles beacuse they are suspended when the motor is running.

2. I got mine a few years from BMP. Scroll down half the page for the topsider.

http://www.bmpdesign.com/bmw/parts/c...tools_21.shtml

Hope this helps...

ron717

The topsider is only for removing the oil.

Since you must go underneath on the V8 4Runner to remove the filter, it doesn't serve any purpose to use the topsider.

I stil need to know what size oil filter wrench cup do I need?

rayh78

I tryed afew different cup wrenches I had. A couple fit but would slip off when I tried with my socket wrench. Then tried one the the wrenches with a round band and handle. This worked great and can use if ever get different brand filter. I find even when I find a cup wrench that works on a car it will not work on all brand filters. I buy any name brand on sale since they are suppose to be about same.
I really like the drain valve at http://www.fumotovalve.com/
used for years on other cars. Have to push in and turn so cant open by itself and nothing to wear out. If I get oil changed somewhere eles I dont have to worry about if they over or under tighten plug. Over the years have had one idiot that took out to drain oil could not figure out had to push in and turn to open.

airunner

Thanks a lot for the info, abunich.

It is perfect for the V6 as the new 4.0L engine has the filter on top.

abunich

airunner, let us know how it torns out.