Okay, I've owned a ton of cars and now a 2001 4Runner. It was really cheap for oil changes until recently at a nearby shop so now I'm looking at doing it myself. I am having a hell of a job finding the oil drain plug. Can someone please give me some direction. Also, any tips on getting the filter out other than going from under the vehicle. Looks like I can get to the filter if I go through the wheel housing.

 

ok so ive been doing this since i first got this car from my parents... its actually pretty easy. The drain plug is at the end of the skid plate and is the most prominent bolt sitting there.

As for the filler there are several locations u could try to get depending on wat u think is easiest but i think ur best bet is under the car near the wheel housing if i remember correctly. The first time ull want to use the filter tool to untwist it but once u put it on u can just twist with ur hand.

First time i tightened it with the tool and i almost crushed the filter when getting it out the next time bc i put it in so tight. Well i hope i could be of some help and good luck!

 

Thanks, I went under and looked again. I think I found it. A very bright silver looking bolt. Looking at it, it appears you are looking through an oval shapped hole in what looks like another metal guard that extends aft of the skid plate.

 

Yep, that's where the drain plug is. And it's easiest to go through the wheel housing to get at the filter as stated before.

 

Dont loose the gasket that goes on the oil drain plug or you will leak oil. Youd be best to get a factory toyota filter as they come with a new gasket, but ive reused gaskets on many occasions myself. I like to take the skidplates off so oil doesnt get all over the top sides of them. Theres only a few bolts that hold the skidplates down. You can get to the oil filter through the drivers side wheel well. You may have to unclip the splash guards to see it though.