Just bought my first Ram - 2020 Laramie, 5.7L e-torque - now what?

[greywolf2112]

I ended up with a 2020 Ram Laramie with 5.7 Hemi. 60k miles.

What would you do first to it?

Oil and filter change? If so, what kind of oil and filter would be best? 5000 miles a year or so of driving, maybe 15% towing 4500-6000 pounds, always at 65 mph or under, in Florida (no hills/mountains).

Other filters to change?

Fluids?

Maybe take it to a good mechanic/Dodge dealer and have them do a full multi-point inspection?

 

[Mojo88]

Recently bought a '19 Laramie Longhorn, 55k miles. Going through same process now. Had fresh oil/filter from dealer.

Air filter was dirty. Cabin filter was even dirtier.

I changed rear diff fluid myself. Gonna do front diff and transfer case next time on lift (have a 4-post in my garage). Thinking I might look at tranny fluid too.

I always check out underneath, mine looked good. I spray lube numerous points under there. One thing that always gets neglected is door hinges and latches, they really benefit from a little bit of quality lube (I use 'chain lube' spray, it's heavier and stickier).

 

[Dredger]

Best place to start is your owner's manual servicing and maintenance section. It will list the items by mileage and years.

 

[greywolf2112]

Thank you, and I'm reading threads here. Seems to be a big discussion on 5w20 (what is recommended) and 5w30 oil - kind of trying to figure out the benefit of going to 5w30?

 

[clay282]

.

 

[greywolf2112]

The "third brake light" that is mentioned - is this the one above the rear glass behind the passenger seats? Is there a link to a step-by-step on how to repair this to ensure no leaking?

 

[ibike]

PAC oil relocation set up. When you change the oil which is my first to do you’ll see why!

 

[clay282]

.

 

[Nashveygus]

To keep the oil filter from dripping all over creation while unscrewing- I simply cut out a 1 1/2" drip pan from a plastic bottle (the thicker the plastic better for stability)- cut it long ways- then slide your new drip pan up and under the oil filter- viola! Works like a charm, however you do need to carefully slide it out after the oil stops dripping, otherwise the pan will tilt and you still get soaked! Took me a couple of oil changes to get the hang of it, but didn't spill a drop last month for my 3rd oil change. I considered the PAC oil relocation, but this (much) cheaper yet (just as) effective method does the trick for me and keeps my arms and basement floor oil free.

 

[VanD]

My 2020 5.7 just hit 36,800 miles. Wouldn't start. Totally dead, no power anywhere. Except the alarm. Been in the shop 12 days. RF Hub fried. Luckily I have a warranty!

 

[Jim113]

Thank you, and I'm reading threads here. Seems to be a big discussion on 5w20 (what is recommended) and 5w30 oil - kind of trying to figure out the benefit of going to 5w30?

I have a 2020 Laramie Longhorn and I use the recommended 5W20 weight and Mobil 1 Extended Performance synthetic along with the matching Mobil 1 Filter M1-113 ... Never had an issue and this is my third Ram Longhorn using the same oil and filter ...

 

[Rambo71]

Welcome to the RAMily! Everybody has their own story about mod this, remove that. You gotta do you. My 2015 Ram 1500 Express, 5.7 Hemi, has no mods. Using factory recommended lubricants. 145k miles, infrequent towing, but drive it like its stolen. No Hemi tick, still going strong. Several broken exhaust manifold bolts, always fixed under extended warranty. Follow manual for maintenance intervals. Look at the rear cab vents for broken/missing rubbber flaps (another frequent water leak spot), easy fix, posted here several times.

 

[Hawkman]

Congrats on the new to you Ram.

I’d treat all fluids and filters as if never serviced. Take care of that and then just enjoy it.

 

[KeithP]

Son has a 2017. Daughter a 2019. Both 5.7s. 103k & 90k respectively. Both have always had regular dealership service from the day they were purchased new. Both run great. The usual cracked manifolds and folding mirror gearing on the 19 but all issues were covered by warranty. Aside from that nothing of note.

Oh, and neither have had any mechanical/electrical mods. Both remain factory stock. Take that for what it’s worth.

Enjoy your new to you ride.

 

[greywolf2112]

Well it rained today for the first time, and I confirmed I have a leak on the passenger side of the rear window. Don't know if it is from the third brake light or the glass/channel. Will RAM cover this repair since when I put my VIN number in no recalls show up? I tried taking off the third brake light yesterday but after taking the 4 screws out it almost felt glued in - it would not budge and I didn't want to break it.

 

[greywolf2112]

I called the main FCA customer service line and after they ran my VIN they told me it has a restriction on it and does not qualify since it is a rebuilt title vehicle due to an accident in July - I guess it makes sense, I suppose.