Oil filter location and diy question

[Timmi]

Hi all, going to put in full synthetic 5w20 I’ve checked out the location of the oil filter and what I can reach easiest with my hand with no ramps and it seems I can reach it at arms length easier from behind the front wheel with my body slid under the passenger side rather than from the front passenger as everyone shows online... my only issue with the back is you can’t really view the filter and it’s by feel. It will make the new one harder to put on possibly. I did purchase some Rhino ramps to make it easier but would like to avoid using them at least till the ground is clear and level. I would like to know People’s experience with the ramps also if it makes it even easier to do. I also won’t use the ramps now without jack stands as a safety which I need to still purchase and the wheels chocked that’s why in the winter I’d like to avoid them.

 

[gypsy400]

How do you suppose you can use jackstands with drive on ramps?

No sense reinventing the wheel. Raise the vehicle properly and get at filter from the front.

Sent from my SM-G903W using Tapatalk

 

[Timmi]

Makes sense, Thanks

 

[averageguy]

If your not comfortable or properly equipped to raise a vehicle and work underneath it, don't. Take it to an oil change place that carries the oil you want to use or one that will do it with the products you supply. Its not worth getting smashed under the truck or cross threading the filter, doubling up the gasket, or not getting it tight and it falls off. How much do you save doing it yourself?

 

[huntergreen]

I made ramps using 2x8 planking. No chance of them collapsing. I would never get under a vehicle using plastic ramps. Keep in mind I am an old guy and falling behind on new tech and products.

Btw, I wouldn't trust metal ramps or anything else to climb under my truck if they were mfg in China.

 

[Burla]

I'd just say this, if my plastic ramps fail, they wont hurt me because ramps or not my truck has clearance. They just make it easy. But yeah, if you aren't dead center you will **** them up, don't ask how I know.

 

[guyc66]

I jack my truck up on the passenger side about 3-4” to allow a little extra breathing room for my beer belly. Then I put a couple jack stands under the frame for added safety. For me, I find it easier to get to the filter from the front. The job is a little messy due to its location but I just use a lot of shop towels and cleanup isn’t that bad.

 

[Nick_rp]

I use the rhino ramps. The fear of being crushed is exhilarating and makes changing the oil fun

 

[ThunderMug95]

I made ramps using 2x8 planking. No chance of them collapsing. I would never get under a vehicle using plastic ramps. Keep in mind I am an old guy and falling behind on new tech and products.

Btw, I wouldn't trust metal ramps or anything else to climb under my truck if they were mfg in China.

Same here. 2x8’s and made a little “skateboard” to make moving them less of a beast. No chance in hell those ramps will collapse!

 

[GIJoe2010]

I use my 3 ton floor jack and lift from the front cross member to get about 3-4” extra or so, then jack stands under the frame behind the front tires. There’s 3 points if contact without having to drive up on to ramps. But to each their own, and very interesting idea on the DIY ramps.

You got pics of them?

 

[misfit77]

Rhino ramps for me.
At first I needed them, but after my filter relocation i only need them to get my gut under the bumper.

If you ever see how rhino ramps are made, you'd be comfortable using them.

Worse case they break and I get stuck but not crushed.

 

[Lucy Girl]

Rhino ramps. Say no more!!

 

[Colt4thHorseman]

Just some advice that pertains to the oil filter change itself and not the ramp or jack stand issue.
If it is the FIRST time the oil is ever going to be change, I advise taking it in to the dealer and have him change it. Only because the oil filter is going to be VERY DIFFICULT to get off. Once that is done, then you can change it after that.

 

[LarryA]

I jack my truck up on the passenger side about 3-4” to allow a little extra breathing room for my beer belly. Then I put a couple jack stands under the frame for added safety. For me, I find it easier to get to the filter from the front. The job is a little messy due to its location but I just use a lot of shop towels and cleanup isn’t that bad.

First time I squeezed under the front and removed the filter...very akward and I made a bit of a mess, especially removing the mopar filter. Second time I also jacked it up a few inches, shoved a jack stand under and went to work. That 3-4 inches made all the difference, easy to get a plastic bag around the filter, and ultimately only spilled a few drops.

 

[RickH]

First time I squeezed under the front and removed the filter...very akward and I made a bit of a mess, especially removing the mopar filter. Second time I also jacked it up a few inches, shoved a jack stand under and went to work. That 3-4 inches made all the difference, easy to get a plastic bag around the filter, and ultimately only spilled a few drops.

Wow, never too old to learn something new! Great idea with the plastic bag. I'm no fan of the filter location. Hate having to wipe up around all the steering linkage. Now I won't have to anymore, assuming I can remember this trick next time! Thanks, Larry!

 

[LarryA]

Wow, never too old to learn something new! Great idea with the plastic bag. I'm no fan of the filter location. Hate having to wipe up around all the steering linkage. Now I won't have to anymore, assuming I can remember this trick next time! Thanks, Larry!

Glad to pass along, read about the plastic bag trick here as well.

I use the Wix XP filter, slightly smaller than mopar, a quart sized zip lock easily fits over it.

 

[misfit77]

When doing the plastic bag trick.....

1. Be sure you don't Jack the truck too high, your arms will be extended for while.

2. Be patient. I waited and waited and still had oil dripping.


3. Use the bathroom before starting.

 

[captainronpo614]

No chance in hell those ramps will collapse!" ???? Ya, And I'll Love You Forever, I'll Only Put the Head In and Oh, He's Just A Friend....................

 

[captainronpo614]

And almost forgot the most famous: "Hold my beer, and watch this ****"

 

[Harley Harrold]

I use a set of Race Ramps to drive up on making oil and filter replacement easy, plus I can get a good look for any problems that might go unseen from above the engine.