How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Dodge Ram

The Dodge Ram is one of the most popular trucks on the highway. If you have one of these sturdy trucks, you'll want to keep it in good running condition as long as possible. This includes watching for oil leaks that might indicate a worn oil pan gasket. Here's how to change the oil pan gasket in a 2002 to 2008 2WD Dodge Ram.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Large piece of flattened cardboard
Large bucket
Ratchet wrench
Clean rag
Solvent
Replacement gasket
Approximately 11 qt. of appropriate motor oil
Empty milk carton

Step 1
Park the truck on level ground and set the parking brake. Put a large piece of cardboard under the truck, near the left front wheel.
Step 2
Put a large bucket under the drain plug on the oil pan and loosen the plug with a ratchet wrench. Once the plug is loosened, the oil will flow through the plug threads.
Step 3
Disconnect the negative battery cables and remove the starter motor, transmission and transmission adapter plate and flywheel. Take off the bolts holding the oil pan, remove the oil pan suction tube, and pull the oil pan loose.
Step 4
Scrape off the old gasket very carefully, and then wipe the surface with a clean rag dipped in solvent. Wipe out the inside of the oil pan as well.
Step 5
Reinstall the oil pan, the oil pan suction tube, flywheel, transmission, transmission adapter plate and starter motors, and reconnect the negative battery cables.
Step 6
Fill the engine with approximately 11 qt. of motor oil, and check with a dip stick to be sure you've added enough.
Step 7
Pour the old oil into an old milk carton and dispose of it at a garage or a hazardous waste facility.