Nissan: XTerra questions

Hi!

I'm a new XTerra owner (just bought it in August) and have a couple of
questions.

I got a base model, 4-cylinder job. Not a lot of frills or extras. I'm
starting to see the need for the tubular step that goes along each side (I'm
not that tall, and neither are most of my passengers). Is it available
exclusively from Nissan or can it be obtained elsewhere for less? Can it be
installed by somebody reasonably handy with tools? Are there pre-drilled
bolt holes?

Second, I do my own oil changes. Did my first one a couple of months ago,
but couldn't get the danged oil filter out. Anybody out there know the
trick to doing this? I'll probably take it in for the next oil change
because the dealership sent me a coupon and says they can do it in 30
minutes. I'd still like to know how it's done, though.

Thanks!
--
Mike (ODO)

"brystok" <rr.com> wrote in message
news:uXAQb.106945$rdc-kc.rr.com... 
frame 
forget 

Thanks! I really appreciate the info. It's gonna come in real handy real
soon!

Mike