LSUMatt1514

Guys, I feel like a total idiot posting this (try to keep the laughter to a minimum), but in 27 years I've never changed the oil myself in any of my vehicles. I've put almost everything on my 4Runner myself, but never changed the oil. I'm sick of paying $25 to have it done, and now that I want to start running a synthetic (I'm at 102,000 miles), there is no way that I'm going to pay some place $45 for an oil change. I can get 6 quarts of Mobil 1 SuperSyn at Sams's for $22. Here's my questions...

1. Anyone got a pick of the location of the drain plug on a 2000+ 3rd gen?
2. Where's the filter at?
3. Does the filter simply unscrew from the housing?
4. What filter would you recommend?

Thanks for the help guys. Later.

Matt

Amkeer

Get yourself a container to drain the oil into such as what is sold where you buy the oils so you can bring the used oil back for recycle. The drain plug should be located right at the bottom of the oil pan. You will loosen the oil fill cap, unbolt the drain plug and allow the oil to drain. While you allow the oil to drain go ahead and check the driveshaft and suspension. Grease any zerk fittings if any. Once you are done there you can replace drain gasket and plug and retorque to correct specs. You will then remove the filter. Some that are overtightend may need to removed by a filter wrench. Make sure you oil catch pan is located under the filter so you can catch the oil falling from the filter. Another way to minimize this mess is punch a hole in filter to allow the oil to drain before removal. You will apply some oil to the gasket on top of the filter and fill the oil filter about 2/3 full then screw the new filter on. Once the filter is screwed on you will turn it one full turn. The key here is make it tight so it doesn't leak, but not to tight that you can't remove by hand at the next change. Get the funnel and SLOWLY fill the crankcase to the full line on the dipstick. You need to keep checking the dipstick until you get it filled to the full line. DO NOT OVERFILL! Once oil is filled start motor and check filter and plug for leaks. Shut motor off and let sit for 10 minutes and check the dipstick to make sure the oil level is at the full mark. Once done write down ODO readings and date and set next change interval with Mobil 1 at 6 months, 7500 miles. Recheck the dipstick every other week and maintain level at full mark.

The filter a Wix, Purolator or Toyota brand.

LSUMatt1514

Thanks dude. I appreciate it.

Matt

Yoda

I looked at the "cutaway" oil filter at Toyota. Man, the OEM filter is awsome! Go OEM!

Warm oil drains faster (hot oil burns the pinkies)

Grease the driveshaft! Many dealers and "lube places" do not. Front should have 3 zerks, rear should have 5 (there are 3 places to grease on that double cardin joint at the front of the rear shaft). I like using synthetic grease. More $ but I think it stays better and more water resistant.

TDiddy

Check www.4runners.org

I think Bob has a write up that you can follow. Not for a 2000+, but should be relatively similar!

LSUMatt1514

Well, I got my oil changed today at Express Oil Change. I went down underneath with the guy and he showed me where the drain plug was. He also showed me how to get to the filter. No more paying for them for me. Next time I'm doing it myself. Thanks guys.

Matt