I dropped the skid and did my first oil change (at 800km), and the skid didn't want to cooperate. Toyota 0W20 and factory filter/crush washer. I wanted to try it without ramps to achieve a more complete drain. I have a pair of Rhino ramps, but being stubborn I squeezed myself underneath and got 'er done. I learned a few things in the process:
- A Fumoto valve with hose will likely be in my Amazon cart soon, provided the dealer won't balk at one being installed when they do the free services
- Toyota did a pretty good job with the access plate where the drain plug is...minimal splash on surrounding parts
-Toyota did a great job with the built-in funnel below the oil filter
-The Motivx oil filter wrench worked like a champ to get the super tight factory filter to turn (appreciate the recommendations from the forum)
-Two drain pans come in handy, one for drain plug and one for the filter
-There isn't quite enough room to get my face under the drain plug with flashlight in hand to pry away the old crush washer (so a diet is in my future)
-While the factory fill of oil was dark, it didn't smell of fuel and I did not see any metallic particles
- The electric ratchet that I got last winter will make life easy going forwards
I'll repeat the process in another 800km, and again at 8000/16,000 but I'll definitely be using the ramps next time. I used to be able to get under my Jeep JKU pretty well to drain the oil, but the Land Cruiser sits a good bit lower. I'll consider adding the full size aluminum skid plate between now and then as I like the way two of the bolts support it in the middle. If anyone has this aluminum skid, I'd be interested in hearing if it has the same two hooks closest to the front bumper- those are the ones that didn't want to cooperate for me.