🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Ram keeps the 5.7L Hemi lubricated, cool, and protected from wear. This service is straightforward if you have the truck safely supported and the correct oil spec.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool down before draining oil. Hot oil can burn skin.
• Use jack stands on solid ground. Do not rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep the truck level as much as possible while draining and refilling.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly. Do not pour oil on the ground or into drains.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 24mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-20 synthetic, MS-6395 spec) - Qty: 7 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket/washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Raise the front of the truck and support it securely with jack stands.
• Have the new filter and all 7 quarts of oil ready before draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the truck.
• Place the jack stands under the proper frame points.
• Lower the truck onto the stands and verify it is stable before crawling under it.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan.
• Use the 24mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug gasket/washer if equipped.
• Torque to 20 N·m (15 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the filter.
• Spin the filter off by hand once loose and keep it upright to reduce spills.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter.
• Double-check for the old gasket.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with shop towels.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin on the new oil filter by hand until the gasket touches.
• Tighten the filter another 3/4 turn by hand. Do not overtighten.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install the drain plug by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 24mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 20 N·m (15 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Fill with fresh oil

• Lower the truck enough to access the engine bay safely, or keep it level if possible.
• Remove the oil cap and use the funnel to add 5W-20 synthetic oil.
• Add about 6.5 quarts first, then check the dipstick.
• Top off slowly until the oil reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 7 quarts with filter.

Step 7: Start and check for leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
• Recheck the dipstick and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level sits at the full mark on the dipstick.
• Check again for leaks after a short test drive.
• Reset the oil life monitor if your truck shows one.
• Recheck the oil level the next day.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.