My 2005 6MT is pretty close to the ground - I'm not sure if those plastic Rhyno ramp things will raise it up enough for oil changes.

If you use jacks, does the car have to be level for oil changes? Do you have to jack up the rear as well?

 

My husbnd uses the ramps but he's got to put thick boards just before the edge of each ramp so that that air dam does't touch on the way up. Then he let's me do my thing (changing the oil) He said if I drive it I've got to do it. I just hate removing the cover plate and all those little screws, but it's still very easy.

 

Ramps are plenty heigh. Unless your a super big guy and need alot of space, I don't think it should be a problem. I use the Rhino ramps and they give me plenty of room.

 

Not mean to be any kind of insult to you but does this mean if he eat it, he'll cook it and wash it as well. I wouldn't dream of letting my women go under the car. I'm old fashion, as I think no men should let women do their job and car for one things is for men. Cooking however in today's point of view could be both ways.

 

I have an 04x and I have the rubber ramps and they work just fine the only thing that sucks is the undershield. But you need boards if you have grond effects to get up on the ramps.

 

I no longer remove the aerodydynamic under body cover. I am able to get my hand on the oil filter for removal. I also can get to the drain plug. The Fram oil filters have a rough surface hand grip on them and are good for areas that a filter wrench may not get into. If using a fram filter, be sure that the gasget from the oil filter did not come off and get left on the filter mount area. Fram seems to have a problem with gasgets staying on the filter during filter removal. If it does come off, just put your hand up there on the mount area and remove it. Then , screww the new filter on hand tight but be sure it is snug. While the under body cover may get a little messy,you can wipe some of the oil residue away and you'll be fine. Lots easier than dropping that annoying bottom cover.

 

GsedanMan, I've found that with the Fram filters, it's good to take a some what generous amount of old oil (that you just drained), put some on your fingers, and rub it on the new gasket, then screw the new filter on... With this method, I have never had a problem with the old gasket staying on the post rather then coming off with the old filter...

I agree with you, I love the Frams for their grip tape ends...

 

I've got Eibach pro-kit springs (1.1" drop on the front) and the NISMO bumper on my sedan. I can use the rhino ramps for the rear end no problem, but it will not allow me on the front without some serious scraping. Would need the wood blocks to get that.

Other than that, ramps over jacks.

 

I used a ramp for my first oil change and the bottom of my front lip just barely got nicked. This was quickly solved by my wife scraping the entire lip on a parking curb. So now I can use ramps all I want to.

 

He does cook and clean up....while I'm changing the oil. Actually, I made him teach me. I just enjoy the mechanical stuff and like knowing what's needed and how to do it. Another reason i decided to register on this forum.

 

Wow there are still people around with that type of mentality? Amazing isn't it?

 

You might try the way the guys in the shop do it to save time, but avoid the mess that accumulates (sludge) on the cover when it's not removed. You just remove the front, and a FEW side, screws on the cover till' you are just past the oil filter/plug locations. Then gently bend the cover down and back too get access to both....viola'. No mess and saves time Whatever works. JBX

 

although today things are changing, you have to admit that IS still society's viewpoint. working on cars are generally for men, and cooking is generally for women. it seemed harsh at first when i read that her husband MAKES her do it, until she pointed out that she made him teach her. reaping only the benefits of what you sow isnt exactly the smartest way to do things, if youre better at cooking and hes better at changing oil, thats the way things should be done, if not for tradition then for efficiency .

as for me i use jacks. but only because i dont have ramps

 

You guys are funny! My husband making me (or I him!) was meant totally tongue in cheek. 4 hands are always better than 2. We're going to try a ralley this year and I'm nav'n.

 

I use a floor jack to raise the car up so that I can get underneath [my sedan has a mild drop of 1" in the front]. However, I have cut a larger hole in the underbody diffuser so that I do not need to remove it to get access to the oil filter. If you remove the underbody diffuser you will see how the stock existing hole can be extended to the metal brace.