easy way to change the oil filter for toyota 4runner 96 - 2002

[maan]

well it was an option for me to take out the skid plate untill i was fed up ...here is an easy way ...front driverside wheel just turn it to the left al the way look behind it u will see a cover plastic or rubber sheet ..hell i do not know what u cal it anyway it has few clips on it just take them off jentely with a screw driver and then u will see that u have a gap that u could easly snake ur hand and arm to get that filter out ...got it guys ?? well if the filter is tight u may have to do it the skid plate way and you make sure u put it tight enought to make easy for ur self to take it off the nex time ....willl be more than happy to pass more tips about that ...good luck

[Brian R.]

If you do it that way, make sure you take a hose or something and wash off your front differential and engine cover because you've just dumped a half-cup of really dirty oil on them. Fast, but dirty.

That's the way Jiffy Lube does it.

I wouldn't suggest putting on the filter less tight that snug plus 3/4 turns as is recommended. It's your engine.

[Oompa Loompa]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

If you do it that way, make sure you take a hose or something and wash off your front differential and engine cover because you've just dumped a half-cup of really dirty oil on them. Fast, but dirty.

That's the way Jiffy Lube does it.

I wouldn't suggest putting on the filter less tight that snug plus 3/4 turns as is recommended. It's your engine.

I dont take the skid plate off and reach up from underneath/behind, not through the wheel well. I break the filter loose and use a plastic bag that you get when you purchase the oil filter and put it up around the filter and oil cooler. Just keep unscrewing with the bag over filter. Dont worry about it wrapping around and getting tight. I do it every 8 weeks due to my driving habits. And i've got 133k on my 98. It takes a bit of finesse, but it saves a lot of clean up in the end because that cup of oil is now in the plastic bag with the filter rather than all over the skid plate and power steering rack.