I have a 2007 dodge ram which sits pretty high off the ground and I can lay down and work without a jack as is if need be. I'm changing my oil for the first time by myself. Is it a requirement to jack the truck up even if there is already enough space? ALSO, what kind of oil filter should I get?

 

No you don't have to Jack it up. Don't get a fram filter.
Napa gold/wix, purolator, mopar... All good.


https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-ram-faqs-diys-and-how-to-s/222705-oil-filter.html

Theres a poll and thread on what filters guys run. When you take off the old filter, make sure the gasket came off with it and its not stuck on the truck yet. And smear a fingerful of old or new oil on the new gasket. Good luck!

 

I've NEVER jacked my truck up to change oil but my driveway is slanted so it lets as much as possible get out the drain hole.

My favorite filters are NAPA Gold (Wix), Purolator or any filter made by Champion Labs (K&N, Royal Purple, Mopar, STP, Mobil 1 or Champ). I'm also a devout Fram filter hater...

 

My driveway is slanted as well but I was gonna do it with the car parked on the street because it's level there (Haynes manual says to do it on level ground). Does this even matter? I've got 7 quarts of oil which is how much I should be filling the truck up with so I don't see why I couldn't use the slanted driveway if I know exactly how much is going in.

 

You'll be fine. I'd run it for a little bit to get the engine oil warmed up slightly though. Makes for a faster oil change.

 

Got it finished. Took like 20 minutes and I drove around to make sure it's working fine. How long before I see any problems if I did something wrong? It's really hard to read the oil dipstick with the new oil in there. That is my only concern. I did put 7 qts in there as indicated in the manual after waiting for all of it to drain on level ground. Man, this beats waiting in the dealership for 3 hours and paying 50 bucks!!!

 

Nice work, it always starts with an oil change. Next year youll be throwin in a new cam... Haha

 

like that right there lol
Al.

 

I always change my own oil when I can because of how easy it is, the money it saves, and the time waiting. Have always parked my truck on more or less level ground and drained it, removed the filter, and then put the 7 quarts back in.

It shouldn't be hard to see oil on the dipstick after an oil change. Sure the oil isn't as dark as old oil but it should be clear whether or not it is full.