Skid plate removal 2019

I was about to do my first oil change on a 2019 with 4.6 engine. The oil drain plug is accessible but the filter is under the skid plate. Crawled under there with the sockets I expected to need but it is not like the instructions I read. Looks like it might be two pieces. Top is held on by three screws that I can see but might be more to it. The plate has larger bolts on a hanger type setup. They are above the plate rather than on the bottom. I didn’t want to start taking stuff off when I’m not sure what the hell I’m doing. Can anybody tell me the procedure for doing this?

 

I know on my 2018 you have to undo a bunch of bolts and then the front of the skid plate slides to the side (has hooks to keep it from falling). My advice is to replace it with aftermarket that has an access hatch for the filter (or modify your stock one) to save yourself the frustration.

 

You've found the three screws up front. There are five bolts recessed, 12mm, two up front near the screws, three in back on either side and one in the center rear (leave that one until last). The front will be held in place by a couple hooks, but the back will drop a bit after you pull that last bolt. Once you pull that last bolt, lift the front up slightly and slide it left, then it will drop down.

The only real pain is while reinstalling it. Aligning the hooks with the slots can be annoying. Find the slots and focus on getting the hooks in, then sliding slightly right. Reinstall all hardware.

-WV

 

Thanks. Is it two separate pieces? Had the first change done free at the dealer. By the look of those screws I wonder if they changed the filter. Too hot for an old guy to do it today anyway.

 

No, the skid plate is one piece. The screws in the front is to bolt them front bumper down to it. I don't ever use a screwdriver for those screws. They will take a 10mm or 12mm socket which is what I use.

 

Looks like it might be hard to get at those bolts under the plate. Wish they would have left it with all bolts on the bottom.

 

I replaced mine with the TRD one that has the door.

Someone on here did this one to their factory one....see the door

 

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but do all of the late-model Tundra's come with a stock skid plate? I have a 2018 CM 4.6 2WD, and when installing my front TRD sway bar, I noticed that I do not have a skid plate. I've been getting my free oil changes at the dealership (part of the sale) and wondering if they didn't put it back on.

 

No, they do not all have one. The skids are part of the off road package, at least it was on my truck.

 

my platinum came with this one, and i replaced with the PRO i scored on CL for $300

 

Mine is just an SR5 without the off road package. They probably don’t come on 2wd models.

 

I’d leave it off for future oil changes but it goes in the woods during bird season.

 

Ah, maybe that's what it is. The skid was listed under the off road package on my truck is why I thought that was where it was added in. Honestly, the basic skid is pretty thin and flimsy, so an aftermarket with a door is a better choice in every aspect except weight.

 

I am getting old and dumb. Thought this was different from skid plates on previous years but now I see you access the bolts through holes from the bottom. Nothing has apparently changed.

 

Recently we had our oil changed on our used 2018 Tundra. The dealer charged $40 to remove and replace the skid plate during the oil change. Is this standard?
The total for the oil change was about $110.
I was shocked!

 

The motor takes 8 1/2 quarts of synthetic oil and a filter. You couldn’t buy that at an auto supply for $40 so I doubt any dealer would do it for that price. Did you have something else done after the oil change you feel you were overcharged for?

 

Welcome from NY.
$40 is cheap for a oil change, 8.5 quarts of oil and filter.

 

Welcome to the club from MA!
I like the name!

 

Sorry about that. I'm not sure what happened to my original post, but I've edited it to include my true intent of the question. Is it standard for them to charge $40 just to remove and return the skid plate?

 

My local garage charged me 120 for an oil change. They didn't break it down so I don't know how much it cost to remove the skid plate. I'm thinking about getting the TRD plate with access panel to the filter. I just hope they adjust the price for my effort.

 

No, I don't think it is reasonable. For a mechanic with the truck on a lift + impact gun, it should be less than a 5 min job to take the plate off and reinstall. On the other hand, $110 is probably average for total dealer charge for oil and filter change.

About 1/2 of that charge is for labor, so give it some thought when you are ready for your next change. I think there is significant benefit from a DIY approach. Foremost, is that you know it is done right. And, the satisfaction of maintaining your truck.

 

Nailed it!!!

 

OR package includes the other skids. Transfer case and gas tank. I thought all models had the engine skid. Just a suggestion but when instructed people which direction to slide it it would be better to use driver side/passenger side rather then left/right. Is it left/right laying on your back?

 

just got mine done and my cost was 89.00 with a tire rotation. If they told me that I would take it elsewhere.

 

These are the same people who charge $90 to change the cabin air filter (a 30-second job and a $15 part at best). That’s atrocious.

The absolute worst thing about Toyota (and many other auto makers) is the dealers.

 

My local dealer will do an oil change way cheaper than an independant, one reason is their syn oil is bulk.

 

I did my own first oil change at 1300 miles. Oil and filter. I have a little roller from a creeper seat that I dropped the skid plate on and slid it out of the way to service the truck. Laying on a creeper it was a PITA to get it back on. Next time I am going to get some long bolts to use at guides to get it in position and then install several bolts to get it back in place. It’s not hard. Just a little extra time consuming.