I just tried to do my first oil change on my 08 Armada and it was near impossible. There is a large piece of metal blocking the oil filter and then I could not get the factory oil filter off. I even went to Wal-Mart to buy a new wrench and still could not get it off. Are there any tricks to getting around the large metal panel?

Take the six 10mm bolts holding it on, off, and remove the gravel guard. Then it is wide open.

I remember having a helluva time taking off the factory filter too. It couldn't find my end-cap wrenches, and my strap wrenches were too large in diameter. I ended up using sandpaper and rags stuffed between my strap wrench to get the grip and leverage needed to back it out. I use Fram easy grip filters now, and I tighten them by hand (tightly, but not obscenely so). It's actually a little scary to think that the Armada 5.6 V8 uses almost the same size filter as my Camry 2.2 I4.

But yes, do what cpaul said first! ;)

I ended up taking it to a local oil change place and after they laughed at me for a second they changed it for me. They said they see this alot with Honda and Nissan. They said the factory uses a gun to install the filters. I used a Fram filter which are always easy to get back off. I just wish I did not have to take off six bolts to get to the filter. It would have been nice if Nissan had put a hole in the gravel guard.

you actually don't really need a filter wrench, sandpaer, or filter straps. just puncture the filter with a prestty decent size (length) screwdriver and turn. it's not like your gonna keep the filter. i still use an oil catch can under the filter whether i use a wrench or just puncture and turn. i havn't used and other tool to remove an oil filter for many years. just a suggestion and a free one on top of that.

Yes, sadly you have to wrestle with the gravel guard to get access to your filter. Not so bad after the first couple of times it almost becomes routine.
My first filter also was on too tight. I got a filter wrench socket from Wal-mart that worked great. Since then I have also started to install Fram Extreem or Extended Service filters and I also only hand tighten them, plus a little bit extra, just for my own sense of security. But I really wonder who they have at the factory installing those filters - must be Brutus, or his brother :)

Just an FYI... the FRAM filters are the lowest rated filters out there. I stopped using them after reading some of the reports I found on them.

Here is the fella that tightens the filters at the factory, I hear he works pretty cheap.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Male_silverback_Gorilla.JPG

For $210.00, you can change it out for a Titan Offroad Package Skid Plate that does have a door in it for the oil filter. You'll just need to remove your Air Dam because this one wraps up onto the bumper. It looks really nice IMO, the 2008 Titan Pro-4x has it too.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/betasite/images/a60/a60_500-1.gif (http://www.courtesyparts.com/betasite/titan-a60-2004-2008/genuine-nissan-parts/body-front-roof-floor/500-frame/-c-1244_1245_1351_1352.html)

Great scoop, Pops. $210 is almost worth it, I just can get my mind around what it will look like without the airdam; any photos??

Just a reminder, the 08's air dam is part of the front fascia. You can't remove it without cutting it off or remove the whole front bumper.

I'm glad you guys had this discussion. After reading the part about removing the six bolts, I performed my first oil change and it was very easy, once the plate was removed. And, due to the high clearance, I didn't have jack the vehicle up to get under it. It was worth it effort. BTW, what type of oil is preferred? I replaced the factory oil with a Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic 5W30.

I'm glad you guys had this discussion. After reading the part about removing the six bolts, I performed my first oil change and it was very easy, once the plate was removed. And, due to the high clearance, I didn't have jack the vehicle up to get under it. It was worth it effort. BTW, what type of oil is preferred? I replaced the factory oil with a Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic 5W30.

A lot of us use Mobil1 5W30 Full Synthetic but I have been seeing the Penzoil commercials and it seems like good stuff (although I'm sure that is the intent of the commercial :) )

I'm a Royal Purple fan myself. I run it in the Armada, 350Z, and my Xterra...good stuff.

I'm a Royal Purple fan myself. I run it in the Armada, 350Z, and my Xterra...good stuff.

I prefer RP myself (I use the tranny fluid in my M3). I watched a show on their factory and they really have an impressive operation.

My only issue is that it is not available locally - too bad as if it was I would run that instead of Mobil1. :(

Royal Purple started here in Houston and to my knowledge they still have their operation here. I think they have expanded and moved a little North of town.

I can find it most places on the shelf, but everyone except NAPA charges way too much per quart. I shouldn't complain...at least I can get it and don't have to order it.

I use the Castrol Synthetic blend in mine simply because once you go synthetic you can't go back. Although, those that go fully synthetic never go back to regular oil. Maybe I need to go fully synthetic.

I use the Castrol Synthetic blend in mine simply because once you go synthetic you can't go back. Although, those that go fully synthetic never go back to regular oil. Maybe I need to go fully synthetic.
Yes you can.