Thanks all for the responses. A couple of questions were asked so let me try to address those. First, the oil drain plug is on the side of the oil pan, not the bottom, so the Fumoto drain valve is pointing to the side and not pointing down. I would never try one of these valves if it was pointing down since that could very easily hit something and be broken off. And yes, I did try sliding my oil drain pan in from the front. As I mentioned, the aftermarket X-brace I have installed underneath the car lowered my clearance to about 4". If it weren't for that, I possibly could slide my oil drain pan under there. A couple of you agreed with the idea of using 2" thick boards to drive up on and that will definitely get me high enough. I have an epoxy-painted garage floor so I'll have to put something sticky on the bottom of those boards to keep them from sliding as I drive up. Also, I had heard of pumping the old oil out through the dipstick hole. I used to do this on a boat that I had but it was not that easy to get all the old oil out. Of course, this approach would make my Fumoto drain valve pretty useless so I don't think I want to go that route. It sounds like my best option is to use 2" boards. Perhaps I can find some rubber-tipped feet like those used on the bottom of furniture legs to keep the boards from sliding. Thanks again for all the ideas. --Ken B.

 

Someone requested a picture. I took the best picture I could but I'm rusty on the best way to post it. Let's see if this works:

Fumoto Valve

 

Well, that didn't work. Let's try this:

 

subscribed. i have a fumoto valve, lowered car, and x-brace...so my old way of oil changes won't work anymore.

 

If I may ask, what is your new way? Thanks-Ken B.

 

My attempt to add the picture of the Fumoto valve still did not come out as well as I would have liked. Using photo bucket, can anyone tell me the particular option I should have chosen to show a larger picture? Thanks-Ken B.

 

Thanks for the info. I am also a proponent of driving on scrap wood to do the oil change. I have the AP1 OEM lip and can't drive onto my lowboy ramps without first having 2x6s under each wheel. Works like a champ. My Home Depot's lumber department has scrap wood for sale and I was able to get what I needed for 51 cents.

 

Great suggestion about scrap wood at Home Depot! I'm going to check that out today. Thanks! --Ken B.

 

haven't had to chance the oil yet with this new setup

 

The reason why Fumoto advises not to use the valve on lowered cars is because it sticks out more to the side than the stock bolt and not because it sticks out more towards the bottom right?

Also the correct part # is the F-106(N) right?