2013 oil filter change

[CBari]

I know on the 3500 2013 frame there is a cross member that makes the oil filter change difficult, did I hear somewhere that they where making a change with the 2014 to make the filter change easier or was that just me dreaming. I back on the hunt for a new truck and have begun to see some nice discounts on the 2013, but would consider waiting a little longer on a 2014 if I could find enough changes to justify the price difference.

 

[Wertles]

Right now, with rebates what they are, you could pay the dealership to do the oil changes for the life of the truck and still come out far ahead $$$ wise. If there are other things about the 14 that appeal to you, then by all means go 14 but spending an extra 3-4000 just for a little easier oil change doesn't make sense, especially since they go 10-15,000 miles in between changes.

 

[CBari]

Wertles Oil change wasn't the only thing that interest me about the 14. I try to service all my own equipment cause most of the dealerships have high school drop outs that haven't been caught by a random drug test yet doing oil changes. I have seen first hand their incompetence. I can change the oil in my trucks and inspect and service the rest of the truck in less than 20mins now with out spilling a drop on the ground. So if takes 30mins longer to change the oil that is worth a lot in my book.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

There is a recent thread on this forum about the oil change procedure. It appears that if you take off the hose from the air box to the turbo, it goes well. I don't believe there waw any change for 2014.

 

[Wertles]

Wertles Oil change wasn't the only thing that interest me about the 14. I try to service all my own equipment cause most of the dealerships have high school drop outs that haven't been caught by a random drug test yet doing oil changes. I have seen first hand their incompetence. I can change the oil in my trucks and inspect and service the rest of the truck in less than 20mins now with out spilling a drop on the ground. So if takes 30mins longer to change the oil that is worth a lot in my book.

I wasn't trying to offend you at all. I agree with you that nobody touches my vehicles but me for routine maintenance but my point was that there is about 3-4000 difference in the price of an identical 13 and 14 year model. Every thing else being equal, even if I saved 30 minutes a change (1 hour a year, 10 hours over 10 years), I couldn't justify the difference in price. However, if you look at other things like color availability, future resale etc, then the added cost may be justified. But as Joe said, there isn't any change between the 13 and 14 in the ease of oil changes so its a mute point any way.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I changed the filter on my 13 yesterday, NOT too much fun. Seems that MOPAR could have made some better access to the basic maintainence items. . I agree with not letting some glorified floor sweeper change oil on my truck.

 

[CBari]

No offense taken Wertles, See as no changes that helps me make my mind up. If I can just find one like I want I will be buying a new truck shortly.

 

[Wtson145]

the oil filter change difficult, did I hear somewhere that they where making a change with the 2014 to make the filter change easier or was that just me dreaming. I back on the hunt for a new truck and have begun to see some nice discounts on the 2013, but would consider waiting a little longer on a 2014 if I could find enough changes to justify the price difference.

 

[EDankievitch]

Just buy the truck you like and get the best deal with. The new trucks have a 10-15,000 mile oil change interval so for most of us that's like what twice a year? I can deal with having to do a slightly harder job only twice a year. Now as for the dealer and that High school drop out that has squeeked past the random drug tests... If your dealer gives a dam about his shop and keeping his shop's rating for the best service hourly rate... That High school druggy dropout is not going to last much past the first month. All the shops around my area will not put up with someone that can't perform, even if the job is sweeping the floor. And the dealer that did look the other way and kept the shop guys that couldn't do the job, They all lost their franchises. They are out of business. That said don't fret having your dealer do your oil change.

 

[Jim W]

the oil filter change difficult, did I hear somewhere that they where making a change with the 2014 to make the filter change easier or was that just me dreaming. I back on the hunt for a new truck and have begun to see some nice discounts on the 2013, but would consider waiting a little longer on a 2014 if I could find enough changes to justify the price difference.

No; I do not believe there will be any frame changes in the near future to allow the oil filter to be changed similar to the 98.5 trucks through 2012.
I was at the roll-out for the new frame changes and the 2013.5 engine change that was held at the CMEP plant in Columbus IN in 2013. Ram made a point that the frame was changed to improve the stiffness of the frame to allow for the higher towing and carrying capacities, and the front section member was required. Cummins made the point to Ram that the filter would be difficult to change with this new section member being added. Ram's engineering design team said the frame member was required and they could not undo this change.

I believe what you are hearing is that the 2500 HD frame in 2014 will now be similar to the 3500 HD frame; if not the same frame between the trucks now that was released in 2013.5 for the 3500 HD truck than.

As Joe stated above if you follow the directions provide in the thread about removing the air induction hose from the air box to the turbo the oil filter can be changed relatively easier than if not removed.

Jim W.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have changed oil and filter several times now on my 2013 3500, and find it almost as easy as previous years. I described my procedure in Issue 84, p. 90.