If you change your own oil on the 3.5L...

[Severdog]

If you've changed your own oil on the 3.5L engine you know how much of a PITA it is to get to the oil filter and spin it off. The worst part is that it's a two-hand operation since the filter is tucked so far back there, so you're on your back and craning your neck to get your arms back in there to loosen the filter. Ugh.

Well, no more. I found the perfect tool to make this a one-hand operation.

I found it at Harbor Freight; it's a "3/8" drive flexible ratcheting t-bar" about 18" long. When it used it with a 76/14 oil wrench cap, it was super-easy (well, comparatively!) and the filter was off in seconds.

Seventeen bones. Worth it.

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[hotrodmex]

Guess I've always used a tool to loosen any oil filter. I need to "upgrade," but I just used one of this style that you use with a ratchet or wrench and I felt it was one of the easiest filter changes I've ever done.

​

Someone of the forum recommended putting a small tray, like those semi-disposable food containers, to catch all the spillage and that was also a great tip.

 

[Kodiak]

If you've changed your own oil on the 3.5L engine you know how much of a PITA it is to get to the oil filter and spin it off. The worst part is that it's a two-hand operation since the filter is tucked so far back there, so you're on your back and craning your neck to get your arms back in there to loosen the filter. Ugh.

Well, no more. I found the perfect tool to make this a one-hand operation.

I found it at Harbor Freight; it's a "3/8" drive flexible ratcheting t-bar" about 18" long. When it used it with a 76/14 oil wrench cap, it was super-easy (well, comparatively!) and the filter was off in seconds.

Seventeen bones. Worth it.

Thanks for posting this! I think I will give it a try and at least have it on hand when I do mine.

 

[Severdog]

Guess I've always used a tool to loosen any oil filter. I need to "upgrade," but I just used one of this style that you use with a ratchet or wrench and I felt it was one of the easiest filter changes I've ever done.

​

Someone of the forum recommended putting a small tray, like those semi-disposable food containers, to catch all the spillage and that was also a great tip.

What engine do you have?

 

[hotrodmex]

What engine do you have?

Ha, derp...3.5 EB. I wasn't paying attention to what forum I was in. Sounds like there's a bunch of junk in front of the filter on the PB?

 

[Severdog]

Sounds like there's a bunch of junk in front of the filter on the PB?

yeah it looks like a scene from the Aliens movie. It's a bitch to get in there, requires both hands with tools I've used before.

 

[Gros Ventre]

I've used a "claw type" wrench. These have three or four legs that clamp and tighten up as you turn the filter in the loosening direction. Even the OEM filter came right off. Yep, it's really tight quarters in there. I use three 2x8s stacked on top of each other in a ramp arrangement to lift the front end up. Works pretty well. For the main oil drain, I've gotten a liquid extractor (got it to drain the front axle & it has worked well on the rear axle also). I'm going to try it next oil change on the engine.

 

[SumGuy]

Is factory spec 198 ft lbs on the drain plug?

or is the dealer tech being “funny” in his notes?

I cannot imagine that is right…

 

[imnuts]

A flex head offset handle ratchet works just as well.

 

[UGADawg96]

When I did it for the first time a couple weeks ago I just used a swivel socket and short extension.

 

[RobertD]

Is factory spec 198 ft lbs on the drain plug?

or is the dealer tech being “funny” in his notes?

I cannot imagine that is right…

It is really around 30 ft-lbs. 198 ft=lbs would damage the threads.

 

[RobertD]

If you've changed your own oil on the 3.5L engine you know how much of a PITA it is to get to the oil filter and spin it off. The worst part is that it's a two-hand operation since the filter is tucked so far back there, so you're on your back and craning your neck to get your arms back in there to loosen the filter. Ugh.

I hope this works for you. I have not had much trouble getting to the filter. I have long arms (39") and a 4 post lift. If you lift the truck to where the front bumper is about shoulder high you can easily reach the oil filter.

 

[nikon858]

I just bought the filter cap adapter and use it direct to my socket wrench, stick the wrench in there wherever it fits and loosen it. With everything in the way it’s more difficult with extensions I’ve found. Get it loose with the wrench then off by hand. Pretty easy and no mess with the built in funnel.

 

[Lucafu1]

This is all you need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003969PKS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Billflangjr]

If you've changed your own oil on the 3.5L engine you know how much of a PITA it is to get to the oil filter and spin it off. The worst part is that it's a two-hand operation since the filter is tucked so far back there, so you're on your back and craning your neck to get your arms back in there to loosen the filter. Ugh.

Well, no more. I found the perfect tool to make this a one-hand operation.

I found it at Harbor Freight; it's a "3/8" drive flexible ratcheting t-bar" about 18" long. When it used it with a 76/14 oil wrench cap, it was super-easy (well, comparatively!) and the filter was off in seconds.

Seventeen bones. Worth it.

Yea your so right, 24 Tremor 3.5 ! going to get one. Thanks Bill

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