2012 Ram 1500 Big Horn Oil Change

[realdeal]

Any suggestions on the easiest way to access the oil filter to change my oil.. I am a new Ram owner and it looks like it is hard to access. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Sagebrush2500]

Welcome to the forums! I'm sure if you dig around a bit you'll find about 100 "Best" ways and find that most of them are very good.

It's not soo bad on the 5.7 - just a bit of a reach is all... a bigger problem that's addressed in another thread is how the oil runs all over the front suspension.

May want to check your engine size - 6.1 doesn't sound correct.

 

[realdeal]

Thanks for the reply.. Ya your right i have a 5.7 i must have mis-clicked. Do you have any solutions to stop the oil from getting all over the suspension?

 

[GlOcKnRaM]

There are so many tricks..cardboard, rags..etc but i found an angled piece of metal I put up the to act as a funnel...flowing through it into the drain bucket instead if it going everywhere.

 

[Catchin Zs]

Do you have a Fram filter?

 

[realdeal]

yes I have a Fram (PH2) oil filter

 

[realdeal]

I will try that trick with the metal.. Thanks

 

[GlOcKnRaM]

No problem!

 

[blrmkrl83]

You can get at the oil filter from the front real easy. I just roll under the truck from the front and reach over the crossmember. I tried a couple of the tricks for catching the oil, but they didn't work well for me. I just take the filter off, dump some of the oil out, and then take it out. I just wipe up the oil with a rag or 2. To me it's not a big deal, but I understand why it ****** some peope off. Make sure the gasket comes off with your filter too. I haven't had that problem yet but it seems somewhat common.

 

[Black Cloud]

You can get at the oil filter from the front real easy. I just roll under the truck from the front and reach over the crossmember. I tried a couple of the tricks for catching the oil, but they didn't work well for me. I just take the filter off, dump some of the oil out, and then take it out. I just wipe up the oil with a rag or 2. To me it's not a big deal, but I understand why it ****** some peope off. Make sure the gasket comes off with your filter too. I haven't had that problem yet but it seems somewhat common.

Just changed my oil at 1400 miles and the gasket stayed on the block. I didn't know it and screwed on the new filter - it distorted the old gasket and when I started the engine, oil went everywhere. Make sure to look for that gasket!

 

[Edgethis]

I have read that Fram filters arent the best. I usually use a Mobil One or K&N oil filter.

 

[audio1der]

Access the filter fron the front, over the front steering rack.
For at least the first time, you'll likely need an end cap filter wrench to get the filter off; they're on TIGHT.
WESTWARD Oil Filter Wrench, End Cap, 3 1/4 In - Oil Filter Wrenches - 1EKH9|1EKH9 - Grainger Industrial Supply

Other than that, its a bit messy but easy.

 

[Russ64]

I only use Wix oil filters

 

[marv02]

If I recall NAPA Gold filter are made by Wix also.

I try not to use Fram my self I normaly go with OEM or NAPA Filter only.

I only use Wix oil filters

 

[SmokedRam]

If I recall NAPA Gold filter are made by Wix also.

I try not to use Fram my self I normaly go with OEM or NAPA Filter only.

Yes sir...NAPA Gold are rebranded WIX filters.

 

[guntoter]

I just changed my trucks oil for the first time this weekend, at about 1500 miles. Got the filter from the front and the oil went everywhere. I later went to the car wash and used the pressure washer to spray from underneath to clean it up.

I used a Mopar filter, which are available at Walmart, and Mobil1 5w20 oil. Some have had trouble getting the filter off the first time, but I had no trouble using a regular oil filter strap wrench. Dont forget to check the lube in the front and rear differential and transfer case. Its a good time to check tire pressure and look for any problems underneath also.

 

[realdeal]

I just want to thank everyone for all your information in referecne to my post!! Greatly appreciated and very helpful!!!

 

[audio1der]

Just changed my oil at 1400 miles and the gasket stayed on the block. I didn't know it and screwed on the new filter - it distorted the old gasket and when I started the engine, oil went everywhere. Make sure to look for that gasket!

I've done that once as well; with our Caravan using a Mopar filter. I won't use Mopar filters anymore; crap. All the filters I've ever changed, that's the only P.O.S. that tried that with me.

 

[Darkflow]

I gotta 2010 that I recently bought and I'm fixing to do my 1st oil change. What oil weights do you guys use? I'm coming from a Camaro so I've only ever used 5w30.

 

[SirGeorgeKillian]

Nothing wrong with a Fram, in fact, I'd be willing to bet my left testie that they are one of the best you can buy right now.

Now a few years ago, they weren't worth the box they were packaged in, but they have addressed their shortcomings.