My SF is a 2002 with a skid plate. I just did the oil myself at 1000 miles over to Mobil 1. I did not remove the skid plate, and had no problems with the oil or filter. If you think your SF is tough, go do a 2001 GMC Jimmy!! I also changed the oil and filter in my wife's SUV this weekend...my hands are still healing. Yeh oil is spilled onto the skid plate, but so what. I live on dirt roads out in the country. The dust will soak it up. Wash it out next visit to the local bath.