Oil filter/Front Skid/Front Cat Plate

I know this has many threads on it, especially on when/how/what oil to change/replace and all that.
But, since I am getting under the truck for the first time (I had my Taco fiend change it for me last time due to I was overseas and it was due), he told me last time he had to drop both skid AND front plate to get to the oil filter, and also dropped the oil pan while he was at it.

I have the Fomoto drain value that I am installing this time when I get the oil out. The question is: Do I have to drop both skid AND front plate in order to access the oil filter? I know the drain plug is accessible via the cutout on the plate (I have the Valhalla set), but can you technically get the oil filter out without making a mess on the plate? Or just remove the front skid and do it that way, quick and un-dirty?

 

A comment not an answer as I don't have the Valhalla skid.

I do my own oil changes and drop the stock skid plate. I want to be able to look up there and around and have just a general look around at the bottom of the engine, belt, etc. Every oil change is a nice interval to do that at.

 

Right, that would make sense, as a general eyeball would be better than not looking at all.
Just not a fan of dropping 1/8 steel plates, not matter how many....lol
Guess it is heavy equipment weekend then...

 

Cut a door in the plate

 

Mine actually came with that door (though, haven't figured out which size Allen wrench I need to open it with, but that's the easy part)
So I guess the next question is, is there a way to "remove" the filter without dropping the plates and using the door/gateway?
I know the filter remover adapter has a square at the bottom for torquing it open/shut, but with the plate being pretty far off, any tool/extender you guys use to make the job easier?

 

All you need is the MotivX tool kit. You drain the filter with it and then remove it. You won't get more than a drop or 2. I have the RCI engine skid plate and the Fumoto and MotivX work very well.

 

You mean this guy?

 

Yes, that is part of it. That is the filter wrench for the housing itself. There is also a drain tool. Here is the link for the whole kit. The funnel is nice too because it screws into the fill opening.

https://www.motivxtools.com/product...HzqCpptMlrbzDBAc2L-9pbKJvu8OK4AkaAlGvEALw_wcB

 

Get this in addition to the filter wrench.

$14 POWERWORKS Oil Filter Drain Tool Release Hose Tube Pipe Fit for Toyota, Lexus, Scion 2.0L - 5.7L Engines with Cartridge Style Filter System

Amazon.com: POWERWORKS Oil Filter Drain Tool Oil Filter Release Hose Tube Pipe Fit for Toyota, Lexus, Scion 2.0L - 5.7L Engines with Cartridge Style Oil Filter System : Automotive

 

Thanks guys. Guess Amazon will be delivering this afternoon so hopefully I can get it done after work today.

 

Finally took care of it today ( I know.....)

Couple of things for myself:
1. Put the damn truck on something first, ramp, pump, anything. I had maybe 2 inch clearance to work with and on a decline on my driveway (stupid way to die, I know....) Super hard to leverage any kind of strength to turn wrench, which leads to...
2. Tools. The above set is excellent, I have it and took a bit to figure out what to do with it (I though the funnel was to drain the filter part out....lol) Also, I got the Fomoto installed, so draining will be easier and less messy. Get the wrench extender for the filter part. Don't over tighten, hand-tight and 1/8 turn more.
3. Towels. You never know, I walked away to grab a tool, failing to realize the oil was draining faster than I thought, so it dripped onto the skid plate and cat plate, causing all sort of mess on the ground.
4. Visual check on everything while the hood is up. Still need to change out the air/engine filters, but that's the easy part....

Damn, I will be sore tomorrow....

 

I bought my kit last week and it arrived yesterday, have about 100 more miles until I hit 30000 and my next self service

 

I would say hit it. 100 miles is close enough.
I was actually over by close to 300 miles because short of proper tools and just time.
Houston heat/sun ain't joking....

 

I know the 100 miles is insignificant, just have to find the time. With traveling for work every week it might take me until the end of the summer to get there. Plus I'll be swapping out the factory front skid for an RCI to match my tranny and cat guards so would like to do that at the same time while I have everything apart. Also have to install my 6112/5160 kit when I have the chance, I've got my work cut out for me LOL

 

Yea, that's gonna take a while....
My next change will also involve transmission flush, around 30K miles, so yea, gonna have to drop both skid and front plate, both 1/8 steel, so not looking forward to that.
I talked to my Taco fiend, might hit his house since his driveway is longer and actually flatter, no need to kill myself over the slop and weight....