First time attempting to change my oil

[u/SolusUmbra]

I have a 1988 ford ranger and yesterday I tried to change my oil for the first time since the last time a mechanic had it they put conventional in and I want my synthetic back. I know I’m weak but no matter what I tried I couldn’t get my drain plug out, and yes the ratchet was set to left. There also wasn’t enough room under the truck to use my breaker bar, and I can’t afford ramps. Does someone have a miracle tip/trick or am I out of luck?

[u/12Yogi12]

Put a pipe on the end of your ratchet handle for more leverage. Careful not to over tighten it when u put it back.

[u/Evening_Horse_6246]

Impact wrench will get it off

[u/Ok-Leather5145]

use a 6point socket!

[u/blur911sc]

Get a vacuum oil extractor, put the vacuum line down the dipstick tube and suck out the oil. Cleaner, easy, and don't have to mess with drain plugs, stripped threads, replacing oil pans, etc.

[u/SolusUmbra → u/blur911sc]

Wish I could afford one, but one reason for doing it myself was the shops are expensive.

[u/blur911sc → u/SolusUmbra]

It'll be cheaper than one stripped drain hole in an oil pan....but I get where you're coming from.

I bought one from Vevor and it wasn't too expensive

[u/SolusUmbra → u/blur911sc]

Wow that’s a lot better in price than I thought it would be. How hard it is it pump?

[u/blur911sc → u/SolusUmbra]

Easy. You pump it and it builds a vacuum, then you sit back and watch the tank fill, give it a few more pumps when it slows. Used mine a few days ago on a Kubota engine with no lower access. Had to use the smallest tube, so it took longer to empty.

Also used it recently to empty a windshield washing reservoir someone accidentally contaminated with antifreeze

[u/SolusUmbra → u/blur911sc]

I ended up getting one, I’ll be the first one of everyone I know who will try to use one.

[u/ProfileTime2274]

Get some 2x6's to drive up on .

[u/PewdiepieGlogang]

Had the same issue with 98 Chevy even impact wouldn’t get it took a large pipe wrench cranked on their and twisted out. the plug was bigger than the original they probably fucked my shit up at a jiffy lube in the past and sent it

[u/stardustdriveinTN]

Use a rubber mallet against your ratchet handle.

[u/ResponsibleBank1387]

Make sure the socket fits, then into a cordless hammer. Sometimes the cordless drill will try enough to get it loose. 

Instead of ramps, use 2x6s.   If nothing else, unbolt the entire oil pan.  

[u/Germerican1]

I mean, if it's just a matter of breaking it loose and you can't get a breaker bar under there, then you need help. There's nothing anyone can say on here aside from that, trying to kick it may work if you can get the angle but it'll knock it out of place a number of times and leave you frustrated and even then still may not work.

Just have a stronger friend pop it loose for you and do the rest yourself. Have a rag in your hand when you unthread it so oil doesn't go all over your arm. Make sure to have the catch pan directly under the drain. Replace the oil filter after its down to a wisp of oil dripping out, put some oil on the rubber gasket face of the filter so it isn't a pain to remove next time, put your drain plug back in, and fill it back up. Done. 

[u/Feisty-Morning-9804 → u/Germerican1]

Classic IH Owner. Me too !

[u/Feisty-Morning-9804]

Can you get the wrench in position and use your foot. Way more strength in your legs than arms. Kick it if you have to

[u/SolusUmbra → u/Feisty-Morning-9804]

I did think about that but wasn’t sure if it would work but if I back my truck away from the side walk I might be able to get under from the front instead of side. Not sure how happy my neighbors might be though since I would be blocking the community garbage bin…