TopOMichXL

I have been doing my oil changes on my 2.7. The easiest oil changes I've ever done. I am getting ready to do my third oil change, (15,000 miles), and I would like to make it even easier.
Does anyone use ramps to change their oil? I was wondering if it's a good or bad idea, elevating the front? Am I overthinking this? Ha ha.

rliles1

I change my own oil too, and always have. I use ramps only to raise the front end enough to crawl under there. If I can get under there without, I don't use them.

acdii

Yep, always do when changing oil. The drain is at the rear of the pan, so the slight angle helps drain it all out too. The only downside is that oil pools under the filter and then drips out when the truck is on the ground, so I have to remember to stick shop towels up in that area to sop up the oil first.

Bubbabiker

I use ramps for the oil change. Just makes easier for me and plus getting a bucket under there to catch the oil.

idrive

iTrader: (3)

First off. I offer my following "thoughts" from what I have either learned, assumed, heard, thought I'd heard etc.

I have worked on cars in some way since I was about 14. Took auto mechanics in High School which is where I first learned? what I'm about to throw out as consideration. Have been changing my own oil for 40 years and helped friends rebuild motors as well as hang out at my buds auto shop (where I work on and do all my mods with this truck) for several years. Back in the day I was probably changing the oil in a E350 5 times a week when I first started my transportation business.... okay so....

In order for oil to drain properly (completely) the vehicle should be level especially if it has not sat long and had a chance for the oil to drain fully in to the drain pan.

It is still my opinion that oil will not drain fully if the vehicle is not level. Whether we're talking about a couple of tablespoons or a half quart I do not know. Does it/will it make a difference? Probably not, for the OCD? Yes

Now wasn't that fun....

TopOMichXL

That was a concern for me as well. As these trucks, the ones that have not been leveled yet, sit a little lower in the front, I was wondering if it may be an improvement to be on ramps, plug being on the back of the pan and all.

idrive

iTrader: (3)

Would be interesting to throw a level on the bottom of the drain pan on a truck that has been leveled and one that hasn't. I'd bet (guess) the drain pan is level on the truck that is stock.

TopOMichXL

That's a real good idea. Will be under there soon, and will put my torpedo level on there.

BubbaKen

No shop/oil change facility puts vehicles at an angle. You are all overthinking this.

TopOMichXL

Well I can understand why they wouldn't, having lifts or pits like the oil change place in my town.