Why Your Cummins Needs An Oil Filter Relocation Kit

It all started while I was doing my first oil change on Project WorkHorse, my 2019 Ram 2500. Typically, this task wouldn’t be a problem. But during this exciting adventure, I realized the new-generation Ram’s frame design necessitates the oil filter to be tilted on its side so it can be removed from the engine bay. This requirement was the beginning of my messy situation.

It was no surprise that as I tilted the filter, the oil inside instantly started coming out. My truck is by no means a show truck, it’s used to haul and tow things. That said, having spilled oil covering everything beneath the filter is not acceptable to me. I know what you’re thinking, “why didn’t you place a plastic bag over the filter before tipping it over”? Well, my hands are too big for both of them to fit in the same area as the filter. This scenario happened once, and I immediately decided I would not be doing an oil change in this manner again. Although I knew the Ram would be sitting for a while if I did not replace the filter and oil, I was willing to wait until I found the right solution — I did, with a company called Pacbrake.

Pacbrake oil filter relocation

With the old oil filter removed, the Pacbrake adaptor is installed in its place.

Incorporated in 1961, those early years saw the company focusing on big rigs. This eventually led to a strong presence in the medium-duty market and ultimately, our article, utilizing the company’s oil filter relocation kit (PN: HP10364). Although this article deals with a 2019 Ram, they have relocation kits and other products for many applications.

oil filter relocation

Before the parts are mounted, the hydraulic fittings need to be loosely installed. They will be tightened after you get the final hose routing established.

When the kit arrived, it looked to be a simple install. There were two hoses, a bracket, a couple of aluminum pieces, and a few fittings. After a quick read through the instructions — yes, I do that occasionally — I started by inserting (do not tighten yet) two of the short 90-degree fittings in the aluminum housing that replaces the filter on the engine. Next, I mounted the new aluminum filter mount to the included bracket and attached it to the frame under the sway bar bushing mount. With both aluminum pieces mounted, it was time to route the hoses.

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Routing the hoses is not a difficult job, however, they are heavy-duty hydraulic hoses that do not easily bend, so plan accordingly. Another tidbit I need to convey is to watch where you route the hoses. After I installed the kit, and upon initial startup, I was greeted with a very loud “buzzing” noise emanating from the engine bay. I traced it back to the hydraulic lines making contact with the A/C compressor. A quick reroute solved the issue.

Before we could permanently mount the filter bracket and housing, we needed to cut away some of the inner fender splash apron.

I would rate the oil filter relocation kit install up to this point as easy, but that quickly changed when it came time to tighten the fittings. I had everything mounted and did not want to remove the parts to tighten the fittings but in hindsight, that would have probably been easier. The issue is the fittings take a 7/8-inch wrench and the wrench is almost too large to fit in the area it needs to in order to tighten the fittings. Anyway, I eventually got them tightened and all is well.

I do want to let you know that I did need to modify the inner fender-splash apron to mount the relocation kit. The bracket and filter want to reside in the same location as the apron, so some trimming is required. This doesn’t affect the truck or the relocation kit, but it could affect your opinion of the installation if you haphazardly cut the apron. By the way, this alteration was easily accomplished with a pair of tin snips.

Once installed, there will be no more mess to be made when changing your Cummins’ oil and filter.

With the kit completely installed and the fittings tight, the new filter and oil were installed and the fittings and hoses were checked for leaks. Relocating the oil filter took the better part of two hours, but I was stopping to take pictures. You will likely complete the job much quicker. All I can say is, that the next time you’re ready to change the oil in your Cummins, have a filter relocation kit ready to install. You’ll thank us when you tackle that next oil change.

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About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
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