4.0 oil change

[rizoss16]

I need to do an oil change on my truck. I have never done one on a ranger and its damn cold outside. How long does it take Im wondering if I should just have a shop do it. Any step by step process anywhere? I couldnt find one using the search.

 

[MAKG]

If you've never done an oil change before, it's going to take you longer than you think.

It's not very hard, and if you've done it a lot, you can do it very quickly.

But since you're already complaining about the cold, I think a shop may be more appropriate. You WILL be lying on your back, and a cold driveway is much colder that way.

 

[marc11]

Enjoy getting the filter out!

 

[Crunchy]

Make sure you can get the filter off before you drain the oil.

Drain plug is 13mm I think (or was it 1/2"), anyways, somewhere around that.

The filter is up on the pasenger side on the engine, sits vertical. Easy as pie.

Only problem I can think of is if the filter is on there tight, there is not much room to get the filter tool around it. I use a K&N filter because of this. It has a 1" nut on the end so I install and remove my filter with a ratchet and 12" extension, no mess, no fuss, filter stays on the end of the socket.

The first time I had to bring it in to get the filter off cause it was on too tight and the filter tools were of no help. They put a K&N on and I do it myself from now on.

The 4.0''s do take more than a gallon of oil, get the big jug and a small one to go with it. My owners manual says the engine takes 4.7L, but its more like 5.0L of oil.

I do mine even at -20C outside, thats how quick it is.

Ohh, now is a good time to check your air filter.

 

[woodyedmiston]

Filter Wrench

Go by Autozone and pay less than $5 for a filter wrench that will fit your 3/8 drive ratchet. It works for me.

 

[north44]

^^^^ All great advice,

Not at all hard to do if you've done it before.

My advice would be to take it in to a "quick lube" place" where you can watch someone do it first, then, based on everything written here, and on what you've learned watching, try it the next time - weather will undoubtedly be warmer, and you'll have the experience of having seen it done.

When the truck's on a hoist, it's pretty easy and fast - changing it on the ground is a bit more of a challenge, especially when you loosen that filter and the excess oil drips down your arm (at least the filter is straight up and down with the hole at the top!).

IMO, the cost differential between paying for an oil change and doing it yourself is pretty small. In the places where you can watch them do it, you can see if they make any drastic mistakes (and don't be afraid to speak up if you see something done wrong).

Having said that, except for a couple of oil changes at the dealer when I first got the truck, I've done all my oil changes myself, primarily because I like to make sure it's done the way I like it, and for my own personal satisfaction.

Good luck, however you decide.

P.S. On my truck at least, the oil drain plug is 13mm.

 

[snake]

One other thing to be careful of on any vehicle- make sure the rubber seal from the old filter isn't stuck to the engine after you take the filter off. If it is, just yank it off with your fingers. If you put the new filter on with the old gasket in place, you end up with a double gasket situation- the oil will leak like holy hell when you crank the engine. Just make sure the old gasket is still on the old filter and you should be good.

I change mine at 5K. It isn't going to make much difference if you wait a few weeks until warmer weather unless it is really overdue...

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

im not sure if there is room in the wheel well on the rangers, but on my girfriends 05 sport trac with the 4.0l i was able to get my band wrench on the filter through the passenger side wheel well and get it loose that way. stupid boobs at the dealership tightened it all the way with the wrench and also neglected to lube the o-ring on the filter. might as well have welded the SOB on there for me. i had to jack the truck up a bit to comfortably get underneath on my creeper but its not probably not necessary. just make sure you have a large enough drain pan (6qt. or better) to hold all the oil plus the slop factor when you drag the pan out form under the truck. hope some of this insight helps.

 

[CRAZ28]

1. Make sure the truck is warmed up so that the oil drains properly
2. Remove the drain plug(engine off) and let it drain.
3. Remove oil filter, making shure that the o-ring(gasket) came with it
4. Dip your finger in the used oil and lube up your new o-ring
5. Re-install oil filter, and put drain plug back in
6. Add new oil, and feel like more of a man for doing it yourself

 

[99RangerKrazy]

If you do end up taking it to a shop, don't let them suck you in by having them change your air filter for $70 and your windshield wipers for $15 each.

 

[rizoss16]

Awesome! thank you all, excellent advice, I will change it myself I have done a couple on my jeep, i was wondering if it was a pain on the ranger but thank you all!

 

[joldtown]

My 4.0 loves gettin' lubed!

 

[Crunchy]

As cheap as oil changes are, it makes me feel all mushy inside when I give my truck an oil change. Its a bonding experience, laying there under the engine looking at all the parts, making sure its all in tip-top condition. Giving it new blood (oil), knowing it only makes it happy.

My g/f says when I bond with my truck it feels like I am cheating on her