I thought I bought a Toyota not a BMW….

The title describes the thoughts running through my head tonight.
It started when I was going to do my first oil change on my new to me 2019 4runner. With 96k miles on the clock and all of the maintenance done at a fairly local dealership I figured I would take the reins from here like I did my 2015 Tacoma. Boy was I wrong. I had already researched what was involved with the oil filter housing and all. Piece of cake I can knock this out and put OEM filters and oil in before a short beach trip. After wrestling with the skid plate for twice the time it takes me to change the oil in my 2500hd LQ4. Why isn’t this a filter they put on top of the engine like the tacomas? The I found myself at the drain plug which was finger tight so thankfully that didn’t come out at some point. Then I finally popped the filter housing plug, got what I could out and proceeded to put my housing tool on to find it extremely tight. I mean to the point I was either going to free it up or break something trying. So I cut my losses figuring it was 9:30pm and I am already 1hour away from any dealership to begin with. Filled the car up with my 6.6 qts of the Toyota oil to drain right back out in the near future. So greased everything up which appeared to be neglected for awhile and test drove it. Everything sounds way quieter after going to the OEM oil. Oil changes on this car is now where near as easy and convenient as the Tacomas, and it is really disappointing to be honest. I will have to just take it to a dealer I’ve dealt with and let them wrestled to cap off to replace it. Ok my rant is over.

 

For the oil filter housing, get the Motiv X tool (Amazon) for removal - and use a breaker bar to loosen. I'm with you, I have a 2015 Tacoma that is so easy to change the filter. On my 4Runner, I use the Motiv X tool to break loose the oil filter housing. And I torque mine to spec when I install. That big "O" ring keeps the filter housing nice and tight, and that is what makes it hard to loosen the housing when it is time to change the filter. I believe Motiv X has a store on Amazon. Just search Motiv X on Amazon.

 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Motiv...508A328A206?store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto

 

.I just did a quick search and isn't Tacoma the same? Sorry, I'm no Tacoma owner. So didn't understand whats the difference.

 

Some people should let the dealer service their vehicles.

 

2nd gen Taco had it up top but people still couldn’t figure that out. There was a plug on the drain cup everyone left in and quite often they drained the trans instead of the engine.

 

Oh I see. Just like the 4th gen 4Runner. Looks like OP was comparing different generations.

 

The unremoveable filter housing & loose drain plug is what you can get when you take your 4R to the dealer for oil changes. If you get the filter housing off yourself, using the right removal tool and a breaker bar, you will then be able to reinstall it properly instead of with an impact gun, and be able to remove it next time. I'm surprised you didn't have cross threaded, broken, or missing skid plate bolts.

 

Oooooh! A maggy!!

 

Had a 4G that got regular service at the dealer (lifetime oil change plan). Lifetime oil changes also meant lifetime re-tightening loose skid plate bolts, and going without the ones that were missing or x-threaded. At least the skid plate rattle was annoying, so I had that going for me. Thank Dog for OE service techs.

 

You will learn that even when you do it yourself carefully and properly torqued the filter housing is a B$*$%$ to remove. Solution is the MotivX tool with a half inch breaker bar... and even then sometimes I have to put my foot on it for gentle persuasion. I would NOT recommend taking a hammer to it.

I also came from a gen 2 Taco and had the same WTF moment. you get used to it.

 

2008 FJ had filter on top, 2012 FJ had remote underneath, 2015 Tacoma had it back on top, 2018 & 2023 4Runner has remote underneath. Same engines.

 

It was meh. Slower at the track than intake and exhaust (added coilovers, sliders and front skid) then it "woke up" but still just slightly slower than an ecopoop raptor with a one size down pulley. Also it was $4290 then not $7.

 

My 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport is 2WD and not modified other than T4R ORP factory wheels with Michelin Defender LTX installed. This truck doesn't have a bunch of extra weight like my T4R has, so I am happy with the power and acceleration as is.

 

I thought they are slightly different engines, thats why we see these differences, I guess.

 

Yeah single VVT-i has the top filter and dual VVT-i has the housing. 15 Taco will still second gen as the turd gen was new for 16 with the 3.5 turd.

 

This is a true tragedy

 

Yes basically the same eng. why they switched back & forth
2022 FJ? I know t hey stopped exporting to USA after 2014 model yr & were still exporting to middle east. Was 2022 the actual last yr of model production??

 

Yes

 

Almost the same.

Early FJ, 4Runner gen 4 and Tacoma gen 2 where the 1GR-FE(GRN210) single VVTi, 240-ish HP.

• The single VVTi sytem has variable timing on intake valves only

​

later FJ??, 4Runner Gen 5, and some Japan models have the 1GR-FE (GRN280), dual VVTi, 270ish hp

• Dual variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust for increased power output.

​

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_GR_engine

 

Are they more of a pain that the easiest to change vehicles-yes. Did you give up Way too soon-yes.

 

I have a 2018 Taco and a 2021 4Runner, both require removal of the skid plate and use the canister filters.

On a positive note, I'm feeling much better about my oil changing abilities now.

 

I never have that issue with my filter housing. I thread it on till snug, then give it one further snug with the ratchet.

Next time I change the oil, smacking the ratchet with the heel of my hand is enough to break it loose. And I am not a big guy with catcher's mitt hands.

The o-ring makes for a tight seal, it barely needs to be tightened up.

 

Are you me?

I feel the same way, just got my 4runner on Saturday and already bought a motivx wrench and funnel...and got the ramps ready

I figured once I got the drain pan and ramps set up, I can change all the cars on the same day and its not that bad

 

I predict you will do one or two changes before biting the bullet and installing an aftermarket engine skid with an access panel for the filter even if you don't intend to beat it up.

 

Welcome.
Changing the oil on the 4Runner takes a little longer than my Acura, but only because the skid plate has to be removed. So instead of 20 minutes, it takes closer to 35-40 minutes.

 

I actually had an RCI skid (I got mostly to make oil changes easier) but I sold it because I didn't feel like it gave me enough room to snake my arm up there to wrestle with the filter canister. I actually prefer removing the oem skid so I have plenty of room to work. I'm pretty much in the minority when it comes to that, though.

 

It seemed like a real chore the first time, but learning how to use my shoulder to support the skid made a big difference. It seems quick and easy now.

 

I do to. I haven’t found removing the skid onerous… none of my bolts strip or cross thread. Support it with a hydraulic floor jack while loosening the 4 bolts.


Of course once upon a time I replaced clutches, driveshafts, struts, etc so my threshold of “hard” may be higher than somebody new to DIY……