Skid plate removal question

I have a 2015 SR5 that will never see an off road trail. Is there a reason to keep the skid plate attached that covers the oil filter? I don't like dealing with it to get to the filter and I'm thinking about cutting a hole in it so I can remove the filter without taking it off.

 

In all honesty I believe Toyota put it there for a reason so I always put mine back on. Yes it does take a little extra time and work un and re installing it, especially when I add anti-seize to every bolt, but worth the headaches for the extra level of protection. My BIL has the same exact 4Runner as I do and he has taken it off permanently without any issues. I am not sure about cutting a hole in it...I don't know of anyone who did.

 

Like @4X4Runner said it’s protection from road debris. I would leave it in place.

 

In addition to road debris, as others have mentioned, you'd be surprised how much cleaner your engine bay will be with the skid installed. I ran my 4th gen around for awhile with the front skid removed.....I noticed a significant increase in the amount of water and dirt that got (higher) into my engine bay. Ur skid may be a PIA to deal with, but it will keep your engine bay cleaner!

 

Perhaps take it to a fab shop and have them make a oil filter door similar to the drain plug door.

 

if you do not go off road and it is a bit on the high side not a problem to remove it.
so why is this NOW on all vehicles a cover under the engine bay ?????????????

it is about air flow .. if you purchased a sport car ya it will also have a cover to reduce resistance of the vehicle .
the bottom of the engine area will have less mess be much cleaner with the covers.

when I do the oil servicing/grease / leak checks the all covers come off .. keep off for a few days check for any leaks then put back on..
I also spray paint safe silicone on all the rubber bushings ..

 

I was planning to make it like the drain plug cover but thought maybe lots of owners take them off without any issues.

 

Maybe just take an angle grinder and make a hole where it is and rattle can so you still protect the rest of the stuff down yonder

 

Just leaving that area open is a thought but it might be pretty easy to make it a bolt in section. I'm sorta surprised that there isn't an aftermarket plate with that feature incorporated in. I guess they think there's not enough market for something like that. To be honest, I haven't looked very hard for aftermarket skid plates.

 

Im aure the maint shops would appriciate it

 

just cut a hole to your liking and its done .

 

Or just deal with it and leave it alone. It's not hard to simply remove the skid every 10,000 miles. It's really not a problem is it? Every 10,000 miles?

 

Yes there are aftermaket skids with bolt in sections to do oil changes without skid removal.

 

RCI