Still learning this Android stuff. I have my main stuff setup as I like and was able to do all I needed without rooting. Just a little tweaking with a Car loader and I am rolling.
Last thing I would like to do is change the boot animation to a Ford animation to match the truck.
I found this link that provides the files for the animation and instructions but one needs a rooted device.

https://forum.xda-developers.c...tion-toyota-t3351617

I have googled and YouTubed but not sure what is the best/easiest way to root a device.
I have an unbranded Android device running Android 8.1 Oreo.

The "easiest" way is to sideload an auto-rooter program and run it. This requires that the auto-rooter (e.g. "KingRoot") supports your device. If it is a popular device, you are probably covered, an "unbranded device" running an up-to-date Android version, probably not so much. Wouldn't hurt anything to just try it.

"Side loading" means installing via adb.

adb (Android Debug Bridge) is a Google-provided software suite that installs on a Mac or Windows box that interfaces with an Android device attached to the computer via USB. It allows copying to and from the device's storage, running command line programs on the device, etc. bypassing many of the "protections" built into the Android GUI. ADB is very handy to have installed even if rooting isn't your goal.

Search for your device on Android developer sites, and once you get through the jargon, you will likely find a step-by-step guide to rooting. Xda-developers.com is one of these sites, but there are many others.