It's extrememly easy to get at both. The oil filter is just above the skid plate and can be accesed from the side without removing the skidplate. You can even get such a good hold on the filter with your hand that you probably won't even need a filter wrench (I didn't). Easiest oil change ever.
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Eric Konarske &
Lara, my X '01 Solar Yellow XE 3 Pk. 4x4