The 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 holds 6.4 quarts of 0W-20 (5th gen 2010+) or 5.5 quarts of 5W-30 (4th gen 2003–2009). Cartridge filter is on the bottom of the engine with a built-in drain valve. Drain plug torque 27 ft-lb, filter housing 18 ft-lb. Job takes 30–60 minutes.
The 1GR-FE V6 powers every 4Runner from 4th gen (2003) through 5th gen (2010–2024). The 4th gen used 5W-30 conventional or blend; the 5th gen switched to 0W-20 full synthetic for fuel economy. Either works mechanically — match the manual to keep warranty and CARB OBD-II monitors happy.
**Cartridge filter design.** Toyota's cartridge filter sits on the bottom of the engine, behind the front skid plate. It has a clever drain valve — thread a small plastic drain tool (included in the Toyota filter kit) into the bottom of the housing first, and oil drains out through a hose you can route into your pan. This keeps oil off the skid plate. Without the drain tool, oil sprays everywhere when you crack the housing.
**Cap socket.** 64mm 14-flute oil filter cap socket fits both gens. Cheap aluminum versions strip teeth out of the cap — buy the steel version (~$15 at any parts store) once and keep it for life.
**Skid plate access.** Stock front skid plate has an oval cutout that gives you access to the filter and drain plug without dropping the skid. Aftermarket skids (Rago Fabrication, RCI, BAMF) keep the access port; bare-bones plate-style skids don't, and you'll have to drop them. Plan accordingly.
**Oil choice.** 0W-20 full synthetic is correct for 5th gen. Mobil 1 EP, Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline EP, and Toyota TGMO branded oils are all SN+/SP-rated and work fine. For high-mileage 4Runners (200K+) some owners step up to 5W-30 to quiet a slightly noisy timing chain — Toyota's TSB allows this in hot climates without warranty implications.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-20 full synthetic (6.4 qt 2010+ / 5.5 qt 4th gen) | Toyota / API SP equivalent | ~$35 |
| Toyota cartridge oil filter kit | Toyota | ~$8 |
| Drain plug gasket (aluminum washer) | Toyota | ~$1 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.