cljones

I changed my oil this weekend in my recently purchased 2020 GX460. This was the first time I have changed the oil in an GX460, and I did not use ramps and fighting with the skid plate to get to the oil filter was not easy.

Maybe its a dumb question, but I'm wondering about using ramps in the front and leaving the rear on the ground, will this prevent the oil from completely draining? I realize I could jack up the rear to get it level but I really just need a little extra clearance to drop the skid plate and get to the filter, and I'm wondering if just putting the front on ramps (with jack stands) would work?

I know there are numerous threads on changing the oil, and I have searched through them, but I didn't see anyone address if only use 2 ramps in the front was an issue.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Lee
2020 GX460

Acrad

I’ve done many oil changes using ramps just on the front wheels.

cljones

@Acrad Thanks for your reply! And all your other advice!

NewB2Lexus

If it concerns you get 4 ramps...

Wait4Vtec

If you are just dropping the skid plate on front ramps it is fine. Removing the skid plate and attaching it back is such a pain in the *** because of the hook design and 2 holes it hooks into.

Misteracng

I struggled as well getting the skid plate off on my first oil change as well. If you just remove the 3 bolts holding the plastic piece forward of the skid plate, it then allows the skid plate to fully swing done. Then its totally painless to get the plate on and off because you have room to move it forward and back to clear the hooks. You already remove the 2 bolts and the plastic retainer to let the skid plate swing. Looks like that the plastic piece protects road debris from going up and hitting the radiator and might direct flow.

jonshonda

Take an extra 45 seconds and remove the plastic panel between the bumper and skid plate first, then drop the skid plate. This isn't rocket science.

ASE

... agree with the frustration ... a complete PITA ... the problem ... the "double hook" ... with the second (minor) hook designed to prevent the inadvertent drop of the skid plate when lowered when one is using a lift ... as at the dealership. So, for multiple GX's ... 4-Runners ... FJ Cruiser ... all the same skid plate hook design ... do yourself a favor and completely grind the secondary minor "hook" completely off ... using a Dremel Cutoff Wheel ... or File ... or whatever. This will make removal and re-installation very easy ... even with the plastic panel in place.

ASE

BTW ... the FJ Cruiser does not have that plastic panel ... for me, it is not in any way functional ... so can be removed and put in the recycle bin ...

jonshonda

I would be hesitant to remove any panels around the radiator area. Guessing that panel is there for a few reasons, one of them is to help direct air through the radiator/condenser, the other is likely to keep debris from entering that area which does have some sensitive components.

Again it takes less then a minute to remove that plastic panel in front of the skid plate, and when you do the skid comes off and on super easy. I assume that the plastic push fastener was used on that panel as a way to help hold it in place for locating the other hardware....which tells me Lexus intended for it to removed frequently.

ejthomp

100%. Removing this plastic panel first, makes taking the skid plate off and putting back on a breeze. Entire job is easy then.

I can understand leaving it on if you have an overhead lift. Otherwise, just take it off.

ASE

... buy some of these since they easily break ...


... otherwise buy the same "Push Fastener" from Lexus for $3.00-odd per ... crazy ...

shawngt2

Totally Agree! Those damn hooks! They are the only thing that drives me bonkers. I can't take my front skid off sometimes when changing oil with front ramps only.

ASE

Grind that "secondary hook" off ... it's just a "nub" ... but makes disengagement a royal PITA ...