[Matt6785]

ive been looking for a shop to do some one the basic maintenance on my truck and I spoke with these guys today. their prices are pretty damn good but they are a first come first serve shop similar to Jiffy Lube so getting in can be a PITA.

prices from memory (wont be exact)

tire rotation: $20
oil change: $50 (filter is included but didn't ask if oil was included)
fuel filter change: $120 (filters included)

the shop manager was fully familiar with Ram trucks and know about all the fittings that needed to be greased. as a bonus he also said they could grease the bearings on my small trailer (which ive been too lazy to do).

any one have experience with Grease Monkey?

-matt

 

[Jhenderson]

If they’re doing a fuel filter change for $120 and supplying the filters run away fast.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Yup, for those prices you better verify what kind of filters they are using, and what oil.

Too cheap for good quality filters.

 

[Danderson]

Maybe better to find a competent independent garage.

 

[utahtrapper]

My guess is they will be the cheapest filters possible. JMO

 

[Quint]

For the ........ no, dont, why?

Those places use the cheapest "equivalent" filter, bulk oil of the cheapest variety and may or may not match what they advertise.

They are not trained on diesels, you may get lucky and have a few that actually know a thing or two but still not worth the risk.

I went to the equivalent out here on the west coast due to a lapse in judgement because I wanted a quick trans fluid change after initial break in, told them what I wanted. While I was watching they proceeded to pull up the auto trans flush machine. This was after I stressed I had a manual trans. I promptly took my truck away.

 

[HeavyTwo]

Wrong Forum buddy. Everyone here changes their OWN filters and ONLY use MOPAR branded filters.


That is what many members on this site want to post here

Personally, I'd rather pay someone to change my oil and filters. Usually only cost a few bucks more, and gives me more time to do the things I want to do. I can always make more money, I can't make more time.

I have changed the oil and filters on my trucks and cars. I usually do it at least once, so I can see the details in what is required. So, if anything pops up during a change, I'll know what stuff is there. Example, I have all the tools to change all the filters, the large socket, filter cover, and so on.

I make sure they use good filters, and sometimes I'll supply the filters.

Oil change costs me about ~$100.

 

[dillonjm]

Wrong Forum buddy. Everyone here changes their OWN filters and ONLY use MOPAR branded filters.


That is what many members on this site want to post here

Personally, I'd rather pay someone to change my oil and filters. Usually only cost a few bucks more, and gives me more time to do the things I want to do. I can always make more money, I can't make more time.

I have changed the oil and filters on my trucks and cars. I usually do it at least once, so I can see the details in what is required. So, if anything pops up during a change, I'll know what stuff is there. Example, I have all the tools to change all the filters, the large socket, filter cover, and so on.

I make sure they use good filters, and sometimes I'll supply the filters.

Oil change costs me about ~$100.

I buy the time argument. I agree.

That said most places use crap filters and crap oil.

Fleetguard, baldwin, Mopar (fleetguard) are what id require. And decent oil: valvoline premium blue, retella, delco. Anything else and I’d be running the opposite direction.

Most guys here change their own stuff to control the input. I get it. I do the same most times.

 

[FrankG]

I use a small 2 man shop in town, I supply the filters and oil, and it cost me $60.00.

From Amazon
3 Mopar filters $105.02
3 gal 5w40 $58.50

Total $223.50

Anything much less than that, be real careful of what you are getting.

 

[ironpony]

1/2 hour in the garage of 1/2 hour at the lube joint, whats the difference?????

Oh, at home I do it and can check other items for wear / damage, lube joint anything can happen.

 

[Matt6785]

i was just curious if any one has used them.

all people are lying thieves who will cut corners and steal if given the chance. so of course i always watch people do the work and assume they will rip me off if im not careful. i follow this same policy when people are working on my house. i completely agree with people here when they say to check to see what oil/filters are being used. in my case i would most likely provide all my own oil/filters if i have someone else do it and would watch them do the work closely to make sure my parts are used and all requested work is actually performed.

i plan on taking my truck to this shop to get my tires rotated and my trailer serviced in the next couple of days. ill ask them about what oil and filters they use in their service and i suspect you guys are right on the money about the fuel filters.

-matt

 

[camperman]

Lots to be said for doing it your self. You know it was done right, the first time. Took my sold truck to a lube place for an oil change while away from home. Got home, when time for the next oil change, the drain plug had been rounded smooth. Could only remove with vice grips. Never again. I made a set of ramps using 2x12 lumber. Now when on extended RVing trips, I change my own oil. To many lazy or non caring techs posing to be mechanics. I know what filters were used, oil. Same with fuel filters too.

I let my oil drain for about an hour, while doing that, I can inspect other areas. I understand the "time" part, but when a cheap type place makes an error or causes a issue, and makes another problem with your expensive truck, how much did you save? Might end up costing more.

 

[Diesel1892]

Is that one of the “gas monkey garage” guys side businesses? The last thing you want touching your truck is some mechanic monkey. Take it somewhere good. You get what you pay for and at those prices those “mechanics” are probably $15 hr at best. Not the skill caliber I would want touching my truck. Good diesel mechanics make twice that. Also as others said they are most definitely using cheap filters and fluids. Personally if I go to a shop and the price is cheap I run away. If you can’t afford quality maintenance it’s better to buy a cheaper throw away vehicle.

 

[Lins]

Lots to be said for doing it your self. You know it was done right, the first time. Took my sold truck to a lube place for an oil change while away from home. Got home, when time for the next oil change, the drain plug had been rounded smooth. Could only remove with vice grips. Never again. I made a set of ramps using 2x12 lumber. Now when on extended RVing trips, I change my own oil. To many lazy or non caring techs posing to be mechanics. I know what filters were used, oil. Same with fuel filters too.

I let my oil drain for about an hour, while doing that, I can inspect other areas. I understand the "time" part, but when a cheap type place makes an error or causes a issue, and makes another problem with your expensive truck, how much did you save? Might end up costing more.

x100. Saves me money, I know it was done right and I get to learn more about the truck while I'm in there. I doubt any oil changer will look around enough to inspect anything. Could be handy when I'm potentially stuck on the side of the road some day for something minor.

 

[Jimmy N.]

i plan on taking my truck to this shop to get my tires rotated and my trailer serviced in the next couple of days.
-matt

Keep us posted on what torque they set your lug nuts to, and on the trailer, too.
Of course, they may not have a torque wrench, know the specs, or even care.

 

[Grit dog]

For the ........ no, dont, why?

Those places use the cheapest "equivalent" filter, bulk oil of the cheapest variety and may or may not match what they advertise.

They are not trained on diesels, you may get lucky and have a few that actually know a thing or two but still not worth the risk.

I went to the equivalent out here on the west coast due to a lapse in judgement because I wanted a quick trans fluid change after initial break in, told them what I wanted. While I was watching they proceeded to pull up the auto trans flush machine. This was after I stressed I had a manual trans. I promptly took my truck away.

OMG, just because a truck takes diesel does not make it magical.
I have many vehicles serviced by Jiffy Lube, Grease Monkey, whoever is closest and doesn't have a long wait. Hundreds or oil changes, at least, over the years. I can recall one potentially expensive error, maybe 2 but the second one isn't coming to mind....
Will you get the option of using your preferred boutique branded oil and "favorite" filters? No. Will your vehicle blow up? Not likely according to the millions of people running around on Jippo Lube Oil changes.
I also do all my own services on everything I personally own, and in the same number of years, I'm about equal in dumb oil change errors.

Only thing wrong with the OP's scenario is it seems far too cheap for the work being done. Around here, new gass pickup basic oil changes are over $100 at those places..

But, no, I don't ask them to do any special service type work typically like trans/axles, brakes etc.
You do have to consider the source.

 

[slayerfish]

Never Ever use a Jiffy Lube or Grease Monkey. Playing with razor blades there-

 

[Ltngdrvr]

OMG, just because a truck takes diesel does not make it magical.
I have many vehicles serviced by Jiffy Lube, Grease Monkey, whoever is closest and doesn't have a long wait. Hundreds or oil changes, at least, over the years. I can recall one potentially expensive error, maybe 2 but the second one isn't coming to mind....
Will you get the option of using your preferred boutique branded oil and "favorite" filters? No. Will your vehicle blow up? Not likely according to the millions of people running around on Jippo Lube Oil changes.
I also do all my own services on everything I personally own, and in the same number of years, I'm about equal in dumb oil change errors.

Only thing wrong with the OP's scenario is it seems far too cheap for the work being done. Around here, new gass pickup basic oil changes are over $100 at those places..

But, no, I don't ask them to do any special service type work typically like trans/axles, brakes etc.
You do have to consider the source.

You're missing the most important point here, it's not their ability to perform the service, it's the junk quality filters they use. Although, I wouldn't trust them to be able to do a oil change on one of our trucks without making a mess out of it.

If you're okay with those crap parts, fine, but most reasonable people aren't.

 

[camperman]

Keep us posted on what torque they set your lug nuts to, and on the trailer, too.
Of course, they may not have a torque wrench, know the specs, or even care.

I torque my 5er lug nuts 85-90 foot lbs. 135 foot lbs for truck. I too would be curious if they even know. When traveling with RV, I always carry a torque wrench with proper fitting 6 point sockets.

I found this some time back. Pretty long list for torque values.

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/4th-gen-non-powertrain/766649-4th-gen-torque-specs.html

 

[slayerfish]

Just sooo many bad reviews on those places, loose drain plugs/ filters being the main culprits.