First Oil Change on my 2017 Ram 5500 C&C

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

I just performed the first oil change on my truck. I decided to follow a 10K mile change cycle. This was the hardest oil filter I have ever removed. I usually use my trusty band filter wrench, but I could not get enough leverage to get 'er off. I had to resort to old school Cummins tool kit with band wrench attached to a 3/8" long extension, and swivel head socket wrench. After a few grunts, had it off. Drained the factory oil, installed my new Fumato oil drain valve, and added my Mobil 1 5W40 full synthetic.

BTW, I was a little surprised to find a grey Mopar Oil filter, expecting to see a white Fleetguard.

On my former 2009 Ram 4500, I received three years of free oil changes from Ram, so I didn't get that first oil change experience with that truck.

Just thought I would share the experience. glad I remembered I had the old tool kit. Not the barring tool. See pic:

 

[Cummins12V98]

Big question, from the top or bottom? Did you spill any oil?

 

[Wiredawg]

From the bottom, and I never spill any oil. Drain the oil with the truck hot, remove the oil filter and replace with full one the next day when cool. Ron

 

[nukegm]

comrade!

my 2018 2500 first oil change was the hardest filter i have ever tried to remove. im not weak either. carpenter for 30 years....destroyed my strap wrench too. some robot must have put that filter on. cheers!

 

[gsbrockman]

From the bottom, and I never spill any oil. Drain the oil with the truck hot, remove the oil filter and replace with full one the next day when cool. Ron

After about an hour drain time on a fully hot engine, my oil filter siphons down to about 50% if I were guessing.
Just serviced mine for the 4th time in about 6 months......56,852 miles and 1,014 drive hours since April 23rd this year.

Best part is the flatbed makes a great workbench.

 

[Learjet]

I used a end cap filter wrench, socket wrench with a pivoting head and a pipe added to the end to make it longer. No problem getting it off the first time through the wheel well.

https://www.genosgarage.com/product/lc61580/tools

 

[dawizman]

I used a cheap rubber strap wrench for my first change. After that, I have been able to spin both oil and rear fuel filters off by hand. I have big hands though, so I can get a grip on em.

 

[Cummins12V98]

On the 4500, 5500 can you remove the filter from the bottom? NOT thru the fender.

 

[Wiredawg]

From the bottom is easiest for me. I tried reaching around the fender liner, but it was binding my arm pretty bad. I changed the oil filter on my '09 4500 from the bottom too. straight dro down.

 

[gsbrockman]

On the 4500, 5500 can you remove the filter from the bottom? NOT thru the fender.

Your question was answered in post #3.....why ask it again?????

 

[Flinty]

Same experience here. Totally destroyed my trusty oil filter wrench. Bought a new one and had to put a 2' pipe on it. I was sure that I was going to crush the filter. I have one of those caps that screw on to the filter to keep oil from spilling out while it's manipulated through the fender.

 

[Cummins2014]

Big question, from the top or bottom? Did you spill any oil?

Too Funny.

You should take a poll, I’m thinking we are leaning towards thru the fender in popularity, and then there’s the oil spill thing and which cap is being used

 

[gsbrockman]

Too Funny.

You should take a poll, I’m thinking we are leaning towards thru the fender in popularity, and then there’s the oil spill thing and which cap is being used

Well.....since the OP has a 2017 5500.....through the fender is not an option, as evidenced by this pic of my 2018 4500.

 

[Cummins2014]

View attachment 109176
Well.....since the OP has a 2017 5500.....through the fender is not an option, as evidenced by this pic of my 2018 4500.

Can a 4500 or 5500 be involved in a poll, cant you remove the filter from the bottom . We need some rules here if he starts a poll

 

[gsbrockman]

Can a 4500 or 5500 be involved in a poll, cant you remove the filter from the bottom . We need some rules here if he starts a poll

That’s already been answered, but since you rode The Short Bus to skuuuul, here’s a visual aid for ya.

I also uploaded the full size image for ya as well.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Your question was answered in post #3.....why ask it again?????

Die you READ my question???

 

[Cummins12V98]

What was so hard to say YES the filter is accessible from the bottom??? I did clarify my question as we have talked top or bottom many times referring to the 2500/3500’s.

 

[kthaxton]

In effort to take a stand against the absurdity, I choose not to identify as either from above or through the fender, nor do I care how many are on "my team".

....and I don't care what y'all choose either.

But I am excited to share with everyone.....I too changed my oil this weekend.

 

[gsbrockman]

What was so hard to say YES the filter is accessible from the bottom??? I did clarify my question as we have talked top or bottom many times referring to the 2500/3500’s.

"I can, however, do it straight from the bottom like the 2007.5 through 2012 model years."

Think I would still be a "TOP" guy!

THIS.....is why I get frustrated at you.......you have the retention of a gnat or goldfish.

Die you READ my question???

DIE you see the pic in post #15????

 

[Learjet]

you guys are funny