Any tips for first time DIY oil change on 2020 Expedition 3.5?

Just for the record, I get under this 2023 to drop the oil and filter without raising it at all. It's a bit tight and not much fun but I have 18 inch wheels and running boards and I pull off a front skid plate for the filter. I'm 240 lbs and 6'1" so I'm not lightweight. To sum it up: "sucks".

Fumoto valve has been mentioned but I like the Valvo Max. I've used it on my 2019 and now on my 2021. Comes with a hose, virtually no mess.

KenCar said:

I built wood ramps out 2" X 12" lumber laying flat on the concrete floor and layers stacked on top.
First board on the bottom was 48" with and angle cut on the end the wheel drives up.
Next board was 36" long with angle, third was 24" with angle, top board was 15" with angle and a board on the end to stop from driving off that is 9" tall.
Super easy to move around and no danger of them crushing or falling over.
My set is probably 20 years old.

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Isn't that 6" high? Commercially available 2x lumber is 1.5" I'm looking into building a set.

mangoman said:

Just got done with brakes and rotors on the highlander.. now moving up to work on the big boy. Couple questions for all of you who do or have done your own oil changes on this vehicle. I’m all set with filter and oil I’m gonna use as well as tools, but are there any other tips and tricks you’d recommend for maximum ease and safety? I’ve got 6 ton stands I can use as well as a 3ton floor jack.. I know some have mentioned they’ve done the job without lifting but for me it just seems like it’ll be tight. Just lifting and setting front and stands sufficient? Any washers or things I’ll need to have on hand to replace or just the fl500s motorcraft filter enough? Thanks in advance friends?

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This is what i do for both my 22 and 23 Expeditions - I pull the car up on the car ramps - no jacking needed. You will need a 9mm socket on a drill drive if you have an engine cover and a 16MM for the drain plug. FIlt isnt that bad to get to. You might need a Pliers type wrench is you cant get it off.
For Oil - If you have under 30,000 miles use the Ford Semi Synthetic for over 30,000 miles use Ford Full Synthetic, Castrol GTX Full Syn, Amsoil OE. All 5W30. No need for and High mileage oils as its unnecessary. For the oil filter the FL500 is great and the WIX57502 filter is even better. Fords don't use washers on the drain plug - machine fit. For the engine air filter the Ford FA-1883. Change often!

Thanks for this info...I'll be doing my first oil change soon. Couple questions for the new to me 2024 EL LTD w/30,000 miles.
Do you recommend 5,000 change intervals? I did that with my former 2014 EL LTD w/V-8.
Mobil-1 full syn OK too? I used that high mileage version on my '14 and had zero problems.
I know these oil questions are like tire questions. I'm hoping for a long and happy life with my 2024. All is good, all but that BFS (big screen). I liked buttons & switches.
Thanks All...

Jamo said:

Thanks for this info...I'll be doing my first oil change soon. Couple questions for the new to me 2024 EL LTD w/30,000 miles.
Do you recommend 5,000 change intervals? I did that with my former 2014 EL LTD w/V-8.
Mobil-1 full syn OK too? I used that high mileage version on my '14 and had zero problems.
I know these oil questions are like tire questions. I'm hoping for a long and happy life with my 2024. All is good, all but that BFS (big screen). I liked buttons & switches.
Thanks All...

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I believe most people recommend 5k mile oil changes for keeping the turbos clean/happy...I do 5k because it's easy to track on my odometer. I've always done full-synthetic and the price difference isn't much for the peace of mind (to me.)