I have had great problems changing the oil filter. It is very difficult to get to. Does anyone have any helpful hints??? Thanks

 

There is a removable metal plate in the pass front inner fender with 4, 10mm bolts. Remove that plate to access the oil filter. Get a filter wrench ( the kind that attaches to a 3/8 extension ) and istall it on the filter, use a 24"- 3/8 drive extension and a ratchet to turn the filter loose. Remember to place a pan under the front diff to catch all the oil.

This is how I do mine. Quick and easy.

 

Inside the passenger side front wheel well is a little metal plate held on by 4 bolts. Remove this plate and you will have direct access to the oil filter. I use a two-claw type filter wrench that fits into a socket and then use a long extention to remove the filter. Place rags underneath the filter before removing to catch some of the oil that comes out when the filter is loosen.

 

yeah i never had a plate on my runner.. i just stick my arm in and twist!

 

Get some one with skinny girl arms to grab it Or just jam your arm in and twist.

Its not as bad as the 88-95ish chevy 5.7 4x4.... stupid gm.

 

I never have too much of a problem...but that might be because of my skinny girl arms I just reach in there with an oil filter wrench and off she comes.

Moral of the story, get your girlfriend/wife to get in there and it'll be easy as pie. lol.

 

I've always just reached in from the wheel well. Only problem I've ever had (almost every oil change) is oil from the pan nailing the crossmember. Picked up a Fram product that allows the oil to drain through a hose, no more mess.

 

Without AC it is very easy to get at if you stick your arm from the front of the engine to the filter under the intake. If it has AC I go from the fender, just stick my arm between the frame and fender. Both I use a strap type wrench.

 

I have a strap type wrench with a swivel where the strap clenches that makes it really easy going through the access cover in the fender.
Jim

 

dont screw the dang thing on so tight and you wont have a problem

 

yeah i've never had to remove the plate for a stock size filter (got a fl1a on there now, and I had to remove the plate)

i have a filter wrench for it, but never have had to use it...its always been loose enough to unscrew by hand. be careful if you use a filter wrench to screw it on be reaaaaly gentle. they're supposed to be hand tight without the wrench

 

That is correct! You should never need a filter wrench to put on OR take off a filter on a 22re. Also, when you are putting a cold filter on a hot (or warm) engine take thermal expansion into consideration. What was once "hand tight" might not be hand tight anymore

 

Poke a screwdriver through it and torque it off. There is a slight possibility of oil leaking from the hole you punch in the filter so I'd advise not reusing it.

 

lol.

I put them on hand tight but they always seem to be tighter when I go to take them off.

Rob

 

Well, now you know why!

 

they'll always tighten over time because of the heat, but i've yet to need a filter wrench on my truck, and i've changed the filter a number of times.

 

Hand tighten with a thin film of oil on the gasket. If you dont think it's tight enough or you just wanna check, just reach your damn arm in there and check. Also, Here's an AWESOME tip!! Srew that small ass stock filter. Use a PH8A V-8 sized filter. That way you can throw a full 5 quarts in the engine and have more filter to keep that crap clean. Use 20-50w oil and it'll give your timing chain and guides a little longer life. I live in PHX, AZ so I use 20-50w all year, you may want to use a little lighter oil in cooler climates.

 

I was just gonna suggest the Fram PH8A myself! I got a tough guard (or is it the extra guard?) , with internal valves to keep oil in the filter for well lubed starts. More filter, more oil, same threads and gasket. Can you beat it?

 

Wix are good filters and cheap. Fram have a really bad rep.

 

Just make sure you are off center or at the very at with it. You don't want to stick the screwdriver through the pipe/threads.