What size is the drain plug on a Dodge Ram?
The engine oil pan drain plug on most Dodge Ram pickups is typically a 14mm (M14x1.5) threaded plug with a 14mm hex head. Other drains—transmission, transfer case, differentials, and radiator—vary by model year and drivetrain, so always verify the exact size for your truck.
Engine oil pan drain plug
The oil drain plug is the most common plug owners need to remove during an oil change. In modern Ram engines, the standard is a 14mm hex head and M14x1.5 thread. Use a 14mm socket to loosen and reinstall, and replace any washer or gasket if the plug uses one.
What to check if your plug seems different
Some older Ram models or specialty engines may differ in head size or thread pitch. If you encounter a plug that doesn’t fit a 14mm socket, inspect the plug head with a caliper or consult the appropriate factory service manual for your exact year and engine code (for example, 4.7, 5.7 Hemi, 6.4, or diesel variants).
Other drains you may encounter
Beyond the engine oil pan, Dodge Ram vehicles can have multiple other drain plugs depending on the drivetrain and service being performed. These include transmission, transfer case, front and rear differential, and radiator drains.
- Transmission drain plug: sizes vary by transmission model and year; the head size and thread pitch depend on the specific transmission (e.g., 68RFE, 6-speed/8-speed variants). Always verify with the service manual for the exact size.
- Transfer case drain plug: typically smaller than the engine drain and varies by transfer case model; refer to your manual for the correct size.
- Differential drain plugs (front and rear): sizes depend on the differential type and year; some use metric heads while others use SAE sizes.
- Radiator/cooling system drains: many radiators have petcocks or plugs with their own sizes; these are not related to the engine oil drain plug.
Because these sizes differ by model year, engine type (gas vs. diesel), and transmission, always confirm the exact plug size before attempting a drain.
How to confirm the correct size for your Ram
To ensure you have the correct drain plug size for your Ram, use these steps:
- Consult the owner’s manual or factory service manual for your exact model/year and engine code.
- Inspect the current drain plug: head size, thread pitch, and plug type (magnetic, gasketed, etc.).
- Measure common hex sizes with a ruler or caliper (typical hex sizes include 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, or SAE equivalents such as 9/16" or 1/2").
- Check a reputable parts catalog or contact a Mopar dealer with your VIN to confirm the correct plug kit for your truck.
When reinstalling any drain plug, use the specified torque and replace washers or seals as recommended to prevent leaks.
Summary
For most Dodge Ram models, the engine oil pan drain plug is a 14mm (M14x1.5) threaded plug with a 14mm hex head. Other drains—transmission, transfer case, differentials, and radiator—vary by year and drivetrain, so always verify the exact size for your specific truck. When in doubt, consult the vehicle’s manual or a dealership to confirm the correct size for your Ram.
