I never take off the rear plate for an oil change, and leave the rear bolts to the rear plate tight so it cannot come off with the front splash guard off. In fact I only need to remove one of the two bolts at the front of the rear shield completely (just loosen the other) because there is a teardrop slot in the front skid for that reason.

 

That is how mine is also.....no smacking in head if you remove the right one!

 

Which part did you buy? I don't see our favorite brand listed as an option on their site. I searched Chevy and GMC for our motor and didn't see that either.

Thanks.

 

It's the same one as Chevrolet 5.3L for mine, but that's the Alpha. I'm not sure if the I5 takes the same thread size, but I think it does. You can call them for the correct part number. I used the F107N. The 'N' series has a nipple that you can attach a drain hose to. That made for zero spillage, as you can drain directly into a container.