I just finished a write up on a tool that I have been using to crack 3.4 oil filters loose. It works great on Tacoma's from stock height on up and although I haven't tested it, I assume it will work fine on 4Runner's as well.

http://www.wattora.com/Mods/OilChange/

 

sweet...i'll definitely be purchasing one of those next time i do an oil change.

 

Enjoy! I have found that it makes the job a lot easier

 

Hey that's pretty cool! Never seen those before but I'll be sure to pick one of those up!!!
Thanks Rob

 

No problem Dude! I have been using it for a year or so on various rigs. Since the swap I don't need it anymore, no more shock towers in the way so I can reach right in, but it still comes in handy on the wife's stock Tacoma and the other IFS rigs I work on. Once you remove the splash apron, you can have the filter off in 15 seconds.

 

i use a difference variation of that on my rig.also from sears ,it uses a gear to compress two arms .when you loosen filter it squeezes the arms together.it is only used to remove,but we know better than to make them super tight...dont we!i go through inner fender with wheel turned,pull open the guard and there it is.12" extension with a swivel on end with this tool,slick as $hi+.hope this helps as these filters are pretty much buried on the 3.4 v6.

 

Sorry guys but i for one dont mind taking the extra 5 min to take off the one peice skid plate with 7 bolts on my 2000 Taco, reason being because i tried the going through the fender well method to do this and was not good at it at all nor do i have the patients to streamline it either. well after 1 hour, a loose filter and a new oil stain on my driveway i decided to stick with my old school approch. PS this my first post here and i love dis site thanx 4 your imputs

 

Welcome!

There are several ways to change the filter, this one happens to be easiest for some. Go with what works for you

 

I just reach in from the engine compartment and simply unscrew it by hand.

During installation, make sure you don't over tighten the filter and they come off quite easy. Lube the "o" ring and spin on til it mates to the block, then give it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

 

I did that once but I felt like a contortionist.

 

I did that once and gave myself a gnarly cut on my shoulder from the front bumper. Left a pretty cool scar though

 

i have been using tool similar to that at my work for a long time... i think my current one i use is like that and a craftmen model... aslo lisle is the otehr one i have

 

Here's the tool on Sears' website. If that link doesn't work just search for item #00947064000. I've gotta go get me one of those now. I took my replacement filter to CSK to get one of those plastic cap dealies to fit it, and when I went to use it tonight it didn't fit the filter on the truck. Stupid f'ing parts jockies at the dealer gave me the wrong filter, never buy stuff for two different trucks at the same time. After checking a spare filter for my other truck that I had on the shelf I discovered that the filter they gave me which was supposed to be for a '04 3.4 is actually for a '86 22RE. at least I can use it later.

I'm now on day 3 of this freaking oil change and haven't even gotten past removing the splash guards. I don't care what anyone says, that tinfoil is NOT a skidplate. And for those who say just reach in from above, either you have skinny ass girly arms or less crap in the way.

fixed link...

 

man, i havnt seen this picture in a few years.. its still awesome!

sorry for thread jacking

 

MAN, I had the worst oil change today. I specifically didn't tighten the filter much last time I put it on, but it was stuck TIGHT today. I went and bought the tool, and popped it off. If it wasn't for this post, my truck would still be sitting in the driveway w/o any oil in it! THanks!

 

Congrats on defeating a stuck filter! They can be a pain

 

I'm due for my change... I need to go to Sears

 

+2 for sears!

 

To hell with the stock setup, once oil change #3 rolls around I'm installing a remote filter setup. The tool makes it easy to get the filter off, but you still end up spilling a bunch of oil all over the place.

 

Yeah... I think I'm there as well. Though it'll be fun to find room to install it.