Did my first oil change on my 06 double cab

Have had it changed twice by shops after purchasing used two years ago with 75k miles.
Since it has a front hitch, it seemed that removing the front plate would be complicated so I drained the oil and removed the oil filter from the top. That was easy, but replacing the filter was very difficult since I couldn't see the filter mount (it is under the alternator pulley) and is at an angle. It took almost half an hour of holding the filter with one hand and guessing at the angle to screw the filter in place.
Any have a suggestion for a better way to change the oil/filter???

 

Practice makes perfect! I will probably cut a notch in my skid to easily see, remove the filter. For the oil itself, look at a Fumoto valve; it’s a secure 1/4 turn ball valve that stays in the oil pan and you just open it when it oil change time

 

I’m assuming you are vertically challenged, so try using a small step stool or little step ladder to give you height so you can lean in. If your arms still aren’t long enough, then drop the skid plate and do it from under.

Secret for you is to find the oil filter by feeling the threads first before install with your fingers. This gives you your range. I back (reverse) spin the filter also before then forward spinning to tighten. This also allows you to feel the angle and prevent cross threading.

Make sure your hands are clean and you wipe the oil cooler before putting on the new filter. Prevent dirt contamination as much as possible.

 

This Dude: like a BOSS!

[Meaning 'masterfully done']

 

@Darkness posted up some contraption for @FirstGenVol last year to help him with doing engine work. Think Tom Cruzé used it too?

 

Yeah, it will get easier with practice/experience. The main mistake new learners make is trying to see the oil filter mounting location. When you try to see it you make it more difficult for yourself. You want to learn to put an oil filter on by feel. Put the threaded hole of the filter against the threaded oil filter mounting nipple and gently wiggle it while turning it. It will catch and then just spin it on. With practice you will be installing filters in seconds on most any engine. Anyway, that's how I taught my sons and other new mechanics that I trained.

 

Thanks, that's what I did in the end to be successful, though finding the threads with the filter was certainly a challenge, as you can't see the threads and you are screwing the filter up and at an angle. Yes, I did use a step to reach over the front end and down to below the alternator! Also, I dropped the filter once and it was a bit difficult to extricate from on top of the skid plate!!!

The other odd thing is when I drained the oil I got 6 quarts out. I have added oil when it appears low on the dipstick, but since the manual says it takes 4.5 quarts I think it was overfilled. After driving and waiting 5 minutes (as mentioned on our forum) the oil is still not touching the dipstick, let alone not being in the zone. I don't like not seeing the oil on the dipstick. Should I add more oil? If so, how much?

 

6.5cuties I believe

 

Say what? You have a V8 4.7? Spec should be 6.5 quarts for ENGINE OIL. At least this is true for the 2002.

 

Removing the skid plate next time will solve this problem. I'm way too short to do what you attempted.

 

But you have nice hands.

 

Thank you.

 

Yes, 6.5 quartz. Also don't overfill your filter, as it will spill when you tilt it to screw it on. Also, if anyone knows how to get 1/2 a quartz w/o cutting the full bottle in half let me know. It's a mess...

 

A milk jug or any normal half gallon/Gallons jug screws right into the filler cap opening

I use this for filling to keep from making a mess

I cut the bottom out

 

You'll get used to it.

 

Well, one mystery is solved....
When I looked again at the manual the spec for the V6 is 4 quarts and 6.5 for the V8.
Duh
Thanks everyone!

 

Do you take the seeds out of the cuties or leave them in??

 

Are you sure you cant drop the skid with the front hitch on? I had a Curt front hitch on my old Tundra and I am pretty sure I could drop the skid plate no problem with that on.