Extra long socket for factory skid plate removal?

Every time I change the oil I seem to lose the socket inside the skid plate. What are you guy's doing to prevent this? I'm thinking of getting a socket that is extra long or a locking extension.

 

I usually use electrical tape on my socket and extension. But I'm also really cheap.

 

I use a longer socket. Haven’t had a problem.

 

I just use a standard 3/8 drive socket in a 1/4” impact driver holder from Harbor Freight. Never had the socket pop off, but Toyota’s stupid standoff and sheet metal bolt retainer is a pain to me.

Separate gripe, What’s it take, 4 sockets to change oil? 1 for the front screws (or a philips bit), 1 for the front bolts. 1 for the back bolts. 1 for the drain plug (or a box end wrench). Couldn’t have used fasteners with the same size head could they?

 

I use a deep well socket and small extension. My issue is more with all the dirt that falls on my face.

 

I wish they wouldn't call it a skid plate. It's more like a dust shield. When I ordered my 2017 DC new, the dealer was raving about how it even has beefy skid plates. Three days later when I went to pick it, I looked underneath at the "skid plate" and was PISSED. Wanted to say something but was trying to stay in a good mood since I was getting a brand new truck. Still to this day, that is a thorn in my side. Wouldn't have been bad if he wouldn't have gone on and on about the "skid plates."

 

Just leave it off.

 

10mm for the front 3, 12 mm for the 5 skid plate bolts and a 14 mm for the drain plug. Oil change takes 10 minutes, skid plate takes 30 !

 

I suck it out using a pump.
Best 100.00 I ever spent

 

.

 

@RCIoffroad

 

I really need to do this to mine

 

What pump are you using? You would still have to remove the skid to change the filter unless you have an aftermarket skid plate.

 

I believe the stock Non-TRD plate is refered to as a "Splash Plate" by Toyota.

 

I have the Mityvac 7201 pump

https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-Fluid-Evacuator-Plus-MTY-7201/dp/B007QV0966

My skid has a door on it that was stock to remove the filter though.

Wasnt sure if it was stock on all trucks but I have a 2019 Pro.

Allen wrench and the pump in about 10 minutes.
Pump the old oil into the jugs I bought the new oil and done.

 

Wow. That is quite tempting. Mess free changes. Could use it on the snowblower as well. Added to cart

 

Just be careful pumping it into the 5 gallon jugs.
When it empties the air comes out and its like a porn video with it spraying all over.

My first oil change it looked like I ran under the chocolate fountain at Golden Corral .

I started pumping it with the hose in the 5 gallon jug and it was filling up pretty fast. I kept pumping.
Well it holds the air like a compressor
Once the oil is out air then comes out.
The hose lifted up out of the jug and trying to catch that damn hose was a site.
My wife said from a distance it looked like I was swatting at a bee.
Then I walked in the house.
It is funny now, my wife still laughs like hell about it with tears in her eyes.

 

I generally just use a standard length socket and 1 extension. It is just long enough to get the skid plate bolts installed and tightened up!

 

Thanks for starting this conversation back up, OP. Lots of fresh ideas. I wish the oil filter replacement as easy as my 06 4runner 4.0.

 

Locking socket extension. Get a set from harbor freight; they’re like ten bucks

 

Very nice Sean. Great idea.

 

effing genious

 

Two words:
Fumoto valve
RCI skid plate

(Well, more than two words...)

 

With the improvised door cut out. Have the filter in and out with in minutes. Ensure to use door weather strip to prevent cutting your arm.

 

After I cut the hole I figured I'd leave a signature for someone down the line. Good old fashioned 69 etched in there for the next owner or oil tech. Yes I'm immature and bored.

 

The window is a good quick oil change but you wont be able to inspect the rest of the under body. I had a bad water pump with slow leak and would never have seen it if I had the window but I did add a small amount of coolant sow maybe that way. The same for high mileage oil changes less time under the hood.

 

Tiny hands for the win!.. at least i’m good for something.

But I take the few dozen minutes and just drop the plate so I can inspect the underfluffies.