Can anyone tell me the best way to remove the oil filter. I hear it's tricky to get to in the 3.9. This is my first oil change. I have previously taken it to speedy lube, but decided I would try and do it myself. I bought ramps last weekend and would like to buy the rest of the supplies this weekend. Recommendations for a good oil filter wrench type would be helpful, as well as the size wrench I need to remove the oil plug.
Any tips would be helpful.

 

Oh yeah. I been there.

I used mechanics gloves to get off the original. A huge pain in the butt, but its gotta be done. I replaced it with a K&N high performance filter, it is about $13 but it has a very important 1" nut on the top of it. That nut is perfect for easy install and removal from the 06 with a socket wrench.

 

the size of the drain plug is 13mm on my 07, should be the same for the 06 i'm thinking. as for a filter wrench, i use a traditional strap style wrench, but it has a handle that will rotate 180 degrees for getting into tight places. i don't know where it's from cuz it's my dad's. i think he got it at napa. otherwise, i would try a cap style wrench that fits onto the ribbed part at the bottom of the filter. they usually accept a 3/8" drive socket extension. (no socket needed, just the 3/8" end of the ratchet, or the end of an extension.)

the k&n with the nut on the endis veryconvenient, but expensive. unless you are buying it just for the nut on the end, the high performance filters imo are a waste. i've cut open many filters after oil changes (cheap and expensive) and the result is always the same. the oil and filter are clean! therefore, my advice would beget a reasonably priced filter if you can. good luck!

 

Thanks guys! I bought all the tools and the oil today. I'm going to use Valvoline oil(that's what Dad always uses) and I bought an AC/Delco filter, I was going to use Fram but they all looked dirty on the inside for some reason. I may try and change it tomorrow; I'll post and let everyone know how it goes.

 

ahhh FRAM!...stay away

 

In nicer weather, I change my oil on my 06 3.9L.. All I ever do is put it up on the ramp, pull the plug to drain the pan, then get my socket wrench and the extension and use an oil filter socket to loosen up my filter.. Then just take it off and drain.. It's quite easy to do.

As for the Air Filter, I just use a K&N washable.. I've always liked the performance I get out of adding it and it's really cheap in the long run.