Pictures of underside of Viper/Oil Change Questions?

[carguy07]

Was wondering if anyone had pictures of a Viper on a lift? Was thinking about doing an oil change myself and am trying to figure out where things are. If so could you point out where the best points are to place a jack? Do I need to replace the washer/gasket on the oil pan plug everytime or just as needed? I think this car has some grease fittings, where are they? Lastly, is it realistic to think that someone with really long arms could do an oil change without lifting the car at all? Thanks, Keith.

 

[GR8_ASP]

You need to indicate which year Viper. The oil filter position is quite different between Gen I and II.

The drain plug has a rubber seal molded in - no gasket to replace. It goes into an alumunim pan so be mindful of the torque. I think it is 20 or 25 ft-lb.

There are grease fittings on the ball joints. Can't remember exactly. They can be accessed without removing the weels But I have always had the wheels off when I did it so do not know how difficult it is with them on.

Regarding an oil change without a lift. I don't think it would be possible at ground level. Get some 2x10 or 2x12's and stack them in a staggered manner and drive on top. Depending on how "long" your arms are and, more importantly how big your belt line is, will impact how many boards required. Before I got a lift I built roll on ramps that were about 12 inches tall and oil changes were okay. Not easy, but okay. Now that I have a lift I cannot believe that I did not get it a long time before.

Note, I started changin my own oil after the first dealership change. The first service (500 miles on the car) they forgot to tighten the filter and it sprayed oil everywhere. Thankfully no damage. But it changed my dealer service behavior forever.

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

I am sure it is NOT a GEN III.....I recall his post about the purchase.

No matter....once you get under there is is READILY apparent. Heck, even I, KING POSER, figured it out!!

 

[GR8_ASP]

Tony, I only mentioned Gen I and II above. I mentioned them because Gen I is much harder with the horizontal filter above the frame rail as compared to the vertical filter in the Gen II. The Gen I is very difficult to change without getting oil on/in the frame. I use a plastic bag to capture mine, and even with that have to use carb cleaner to remove spilled oil. That is with it 6 ft in the air. Much more difficult on the ground.

 

[Steve-Indy]

For the record, Gen I, Gen II, Gen III oil pan plugs all require 25 ft-lbs. torque.

 

[carguy07]

I have a Gen1. Would be great to have a picture or two. Can't see anything under there. Thanks, Keith.

 

[PETSN8K]

Absolutely no way to do the oil change without lifting the car.

I use the jack points designated by a metal loop welded to the frame for the front (loop located behind each of the front tires). For the rear I just access the frame from the rear of the car(I have a low profile jack).

The oil filter is located on the passenger side, in front of the oil pan, above the frame. Very difficult to get to! NAPA sells a filter wrench called the claw which works very well in such a tight space.

As far as grease fittings I believe there are 3 on each wheel, 1 on top and two down low. I've always taken the wheels off to do this. You may have to feel around and remove some crud to find the fittings, but they are there.

I'll have my car back up on a stand in a couple of weeks for brake pads. If you still want pictures by then let me know and I'll e-mail a few to you.

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Tony, I only mentioned Gen I and II above. I mentioned them because Gen I is much harder with the horizontal filter above the frame rail as compared to the vertical filter in the Gen II. The Gen I is very difficult to change without getting oil on/in the frame. I use a plastic bag to capture mine, and even with that have to use carb cleaner to remove spilled oil. That is with it 6 ft in the air. Much more difficult on the ground.

Thanks Ron!! Sad to say that some of us are destined to have only ONE Viper, and I guess I should have been clearer that I know little about GEN I's. Learn something new everyday here!!!

 

[GR8_ASP]

Tony I understand as up until lately I had only one, and a "poorly" Gen I at that. Please no one start making pro/con comments about Gen I vs Gen II. I like them both (actually all 3) for what they are. Kind of like children, each is unique but they are all equal in the eyes of the parents.

Think of it this way though, you have the version (GTS) that is the most desired. I am still getting used to the SRT. Certain aspects are great, and I hate to say it but it is too civilized. The civility reduces some of the fun to drive perspective. It only feels like a Viper when you are driving spririted.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Okay, finally put the RT/10 on the lift for pics.
Bottom View

Close Up from Bottom

View from the Front

Hope these help

 

[prodiver]

If you are considering doing any type of service on your vehicle the get a year specific Service Manual. It is one of the best investments you can make if you are going to do any work at all on your car.

 

[carguy07]

Thank Ron, that's exactly what I was looking for. Holly Sh** I think I better have the first one done till I get more familiar with this thing. I think I better watch them do it too, a slacker will wipe the old filter with a rag and tell you its new. Thanks again, Keith.

 

[95Viper]

1. Buy a Service Manual
2. Call a local Quick Oil Change place. Most take $10-$15 for an hour if you go during a slow period for them. You can drive your car in and walk underneath.

Grease the fittings when you take off the wheels and change brake fluid (should be done every two years) or pads. Don't overfill ball joints (read manual)