TRD skid plate has oil access panel?

On Tacoma the TRD skid plate has a removable panel (4 bolts) allowing access to the oil filter so you don’t have to remove the skid plate. Is the 4Runner the same? If not , I assume it is necessary to remove the skid plate each time you change the oil?

 

Yes, the forward standard skid must be removed to access the oil filter element. The aft plate has a cover with two bolts that allows access to the oil pan drain plug.

 

All non-TRD Pro 4Runners have the plain stamped steel skid plate. it’s easy to remove and doesn’t pose a terrible hindrance.

 

To answer your question, no, the 4runner TRD skid plate does not a have "mini panel" you can take off (while leave the skid on) to access the filter. Only aftermarket skids have that option.

 

I see a product online from CarTrimHome that has an access port for oil change without removing skid plate. This looks good. Is there anything wrong that I am not seeing? It is NOT a Toyota product but looks like 1/4” thick aluminum. It’s $250 with free shipping in US. Also I see 4 hex bolts on the trailing edge of panel , even on the Toyota product. Why are these there? Is there a panel on the back side being held in place for some purpose. After seeing the back of panel on Utube install video, looks like the 4 hex bolts attaches a structural standoff to transfer jacking load to frame thru skid plate.

 

That's seems a nice product but the price is closer to something like RCI skid where it will replace both front 2 skids giving better protection.

 

Does the RCI have an oil filter door?

 

Yes, 2 bolt oil filter door and a hole for drain plug.

Here's a screen capture from one of my videos-

 

Glad this question came up. My car wash owes me a new skid plate for my 21 Venture. Their undercarriage wash robot came loose and crammed itself into the plate and bent it - nothing worse than hitting it on a rock would do, but they're good guys and are willing to fund a replacement. I've been trying to decide if I'll switch to a TRD plate, go back with the black OEM plate, or go to something aftermarket.

My main question has been the oil filter access panel. I didn't realize that the Taco TRD skid plate had an oil filter access panel.

Question: Will a TRD skid plate from a Tacoma bolt-on (no mods) to a 4Runner?

 

My understanding is the Tacoma skid plate will NOT fit 4 Runner. Also the Toyota skid plate does not have oil filter access plate. The picture I posted is NOT a Toyota product but looks like it

 

Tacoma OEM skid does have an access door, but will not fit the 4runner.

 

Got it. Thanks!
Brad

 

When installing the TRD skid plate, various Utube show removing the factory “air dam” which overlaps the black steel factory skid plate. Is it advisable to reinstall the factory air dam?

 

TRD Pro does not have that plastic

 

Ok. So if installing on ORP, just leave it off? I guess it doesn’t perform some air flow function since Pro doesn’t have it? Perhaps on the ORP with factory skid plate, the air dam is mainly for looks?

 

It's just a filler. The pro plate has less of a gap so they just left it out on the Pros.

 

Interesting. Thanks boys I din know they left off that plastic on the PRO's. Forget the TRD skids, get aftermarket. Have yourself a torque wrench just take a couple off yourself before the oil change place. Like kmeeg said invest similar dollars in a little more protection than the engine skid that everyone's got. Or don't cuz TRD looks great, just my thoughts cuz I looked at buying that skid myself. Brands like RCI, ARB, or hell your local fabricator. I love my ARB front end kit - ain't got no oil access she's all business

 

Great skid. I don't regret the buy. I think it's 10x's better than the OEM due to the filter access door. It's an exact replica of the Toyota skid minus the hardware ($20ish online). Toyota dropped the ball on this one. The Tundra and Tacoma's has that oil access door, why leave out the 4runner?? I opt'd for this skid vs RCI or other because it's the wife's vehicle, she only off-roads at the malls.

 

So the CarTrimHome skid does not come with mounting bolts?

 

We are about 2 weeks out from releasing our full skid set.


Will also work with our previous cat shield if you already have it.

 

It ships with everything you need to install the skid onto your vehicle, so yes, it does come with mounting bolts. You do not need to purchase anything else unless you want to use OEM hardware then you'll have to buy that on your own.

 

Maybe a dumb question, but has anyone with the TRD skid just cut out an opening for the oil filter? Any reason not to?

 

If all you do is cut a hole, it would work for changing the oil, but I would be concerned that a log or rock would catch the edge of the hole and try ripping off your skid if you had enough momentum when it caught. That's why they add a removable plate to those openings on the aftermarket skids with an oil filter access hole.

 

I've thought about that on my ARB skid - no oil access, but exactly, then you'd need to figure out bolting a plate