I attacked it from the bottom. Used a socket to get the filter loose, then slid a bread sack over it and unscrewed it. It was easy on my 4X4. I can see where the two wheel drive guys might want to come from the top. A long extension, a break over bar and the socket, done deal. A tip for those not in the know, there is an injector resting right under the oil fill hole. One of the mechanics at the dealer advised not to use a metal funnel when pouring in oil, he claimed the injector could be shorted out. I could see that if the sharp edge of the funnel cut into the wiring. Anyway, I make it a practice to use a fairly heavy plastic funnel on mine. Glen