I own a 2000 Land Cruiser, and it gets its oil changes at the local shop. I have done oil changes before in my other car, 1996 corolla, and it is fairly simple. But my failure to find the oil drain bolt on the LC made me hand my car over to the local mechanic to have the oil changed. I have noticed that the mechanic put up to 7 quarts of oil! Is this how much it takes? I lost my manual so I don't know. I'm scared that if the mechanic poured too much oil in the car it will cause problem, so I'm trying to learn how to do an oil change on the LC.

Where is the oil drain bolt? Is the oil change just like any other car, or is there special steps I need to take?
Also, what type of oil and filter is recommended? I have about 140,000 miles on the odometer. It's a lot because I drive a lot. Any other tips? Thanks very much. -Ray

edit: A bit off topic but, I would also like ask if a Do-It-Yourself oil change for a 2001 Tundra would be similar to the LC. Thanks.

I don't know the specifics of the car, but if you are so worried, why don't you just check to oil level with the dipstick, it's there for a reason...

If your mechanic put in too much oil, it will read beyond full, and if it is the correct amount it will read in the designated area.

Ray, I don't know if you were able to figure out your situation but thought I'd respond just in case.

I don't think you need to worry about a possible overfill; here's the capacity specs for the 4.7l V-8 (from my manual - I too own a 2000 LC):

Oil capacity (drain and refill)
With filter = 6.8 qt.
Without filter = 6.4 qt

Recommended oil viscosity = 5W-30 SAE

I just picked up an oil filter the other day and they are surprisingly small for a V-8 but I did a visual comparrison of the one installed and sure enough...

... As for changing your own oil and where's that *darn* plug anyway???
The oil pan is protected by a skid plate. I've attached a file (MS-Word) where I've pasted some illustrations that shows the access covers you need to remove to get to the drain plug as well as the other cover for the oil filter which is located in the front of the vehicle on the drivers side. I couldn't paste them into this post so I had to attach it as a file.

Good luck!

You've got a Land Cruiser there, Ray not a Jeep. the cruiser a carries more oil and a specially baffled oil pan, protected too you notice, so reguardless of the slope front or side, the pump will always pick up oil. The oil and lube stations frequently miss driveline zirks so have them count and compare their answer to your owners manual.

this was a GR8 post. Because of economic conditions to our family. I too have had to change my oil for the first time. And for the life of me could not find the filter.

The Chiltons manual I have has not very discriptive. Your post was most helpful.

rb
colorado