Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi Oil Filter Guide [2026]
The Mopar MO-339 is the standard OEM oil filter for most modern Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi engines, utilizing an M22x1.5 thread size. Choosing a high-quality filter with a silicone anti-drain back valve is essential for preventing the notorious ‘Hemi tick’ during cold starts.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Use Mopar MO-339 or equivalent for post-2013 5.7L Hemi engines.
- Verify thread size; newer Hemi models typically require M22x1.5 threads.
- Prioritize silicone anti-drain back valves to prevent dry startup wear.
- Synthetic media filters provide superior protection for 8,000+ mile intervals.
- A 74mm 14-flute wrench fits the standard OEM Mopar filter housing.
The standard oil filter for a modern Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi engine is the Mopar MO-339. This OEM part is the baseline for fitment on almost every 5.7L Hemi produced since 2013. If you are looking for high-performance alternatives, the most common cross-reference part numbers are the Mobil 1 M1-113A, the WIX 57060XP, and the Royal Purple 10-48. These filters utilize a 22mm x 1.5mm thread pitch, which is the specific requirement for the Hemi’s oil filter bung.
Selecting the right filter is more than just matching threads; it is about protecting the Hemi’s sensitive valvetrain. This engine is famously susceptible to the “Hemi Tick,” which is often exacerbated by poor oil flow during cold starts. A high-quality filter ensures that oil stays in the upper engine even when the truck is sitting. Using a filter with a cheap internal valve can lead to dry starts, accelerated lifter wear, and eventually, a very expensive camshaft replacement. Getting the part number right is the first step in long-term engine health.
Top Oil Filter Recommendations for the 5.7L Hemi
The OEM and Daily Driver Options
For most owners, sticking with the Mopar MO-339 is a safe and effective choice. It is designed by Chrysler specifically for this engine’s oil pressure requirements and bypass valve settings. If you prefer to shop at local auto parts stores, you will find several reliable equivalents that meet or exceed these factory specs. The WIX 57060 (standard) or 57060XP (synthetic) are widely considered the gold standard for aftermarket reliability due to their robust construction and consistent bypass spring tension.
- Mopar: MO-339 (Factory standard)
- WIX: 57060XP (Best for synthetic oil blends)
- Purolator: PL12222 (Purolator One)
- Fram: XG10060 (Ultra Synthetic with textured grip)
- ACDelco: PF64 (Commonly available cross-match)
Premium Filters for Hemi Longevity
If you run full synthetic oil and want the best possible protection, you should look at “extended life” filters. These typically feature 100% synthetic micro-glass media rather than traditional cellulose (paper). Synthetic media allows for higher oil flow rates while capturing smaller contaminants—often down to 20 microns at 99% efficiency. The Royal Purple 10-48 and the Amsoil EA15K50 are top-tier choices here. They use heavy-gauge steel canisters that resist bursting under high-pressure spikes, which the 5.7L Hemi can produce during cold winter starts.
- Mobil 1: M1-113A (High capacity for 20,000-mile intervals)
- Royal Purple: 10-48 (Heavy-duty silicone gasket and thick canister)
- Amsoil: EA15K50 (Maximum filtration efficiency)
- Fram: FE10060 (Endurance line, designed for high-flow)
Technical Specifications and Fitment for 4th vs. 5th Gen
The 2013 Thread Pitch Change
You must be careful when buying filters for older versus newer 5.7L Hemi engines. While the engine block itself has remained largely the same, the oil filter thread size changed in the 2013 model year. From 2003 to 2012, the Hemi used a filter with 3/4″-16 threads (Mopar MO-899). From 2013 to the present—covering both the 4th Gen (Classic) and 5th Gen (New Body Style)—the engine uses the 22mm x 1.5mm metric thread. If you try to force an old MO-899 onto a newer Ram, you will strip the threads and cause a massive oil leak.
- 2009-2012 Ram 1500: Uses Mopar MO-899 or WIX 54706 (3/4″ threads)
- 2013-2024 Ram 1500: Uses Mopar MO-339 or WIX 57060 (22mm threads)
- Note: Always verify your specific VIN if your truck is a 2013 transition year model.
The Importance of the Anti-Drain Back Valve (ADBV)
The most critical technical feature for a Ram 1500 oil filter is the Anti-Drain Back Valve. Because of the Hemi’s oiling system design, gravity wants to pull oil out of the filter and back into the pan when the engine is off. A high-quality ADBV acts as a flap that seals the oil inside the filter. Look for filters that specifically advertise a silicone valve (usually red in color). Silicone stays flexible in extreme heat and freezing cold. Cheaper filters use nitrile rubber (black), which can harden over time, causing the oil to drain out and leaving your lifters dry for the first few seconds of every start.
The bypass valve setting is also crucial. For the 5.7L, the filter should have a bypass setting of approximately 12-15 PSI. This ensures that if the filter media becomes clogged, oil can still circulate to the engine, even if it is unfiltered. All the part numbers listed above meet this specific internal pressure requirement for the 5.7L Hemi platform.
Understanding Filter Media: Synthetic vs. Cellulose for RAM Trucks
Choosing the right filter media is about more than just brand names; it is about how effectively the filter captures microscopic contaminants before they reach your engine’s bearings. For the Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi, you generally have two choices: cellulose or synthetic.
Cellulose: The Traditional Choice
Most “standard” or budget filters use cellulose media made from wood pulp. While these are affordable, the fibers are inconsistent in size and shape. For a daily driver doing short, easy commutes, they get the job done. However, they typically offer around 95% efficiency and can clog faster if you push your oil change intervals to the limit. If you use conventional oil and change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, cellulose is usually sufficient.
Synthetic: Superior Protection for Heavy Loads
High-performance filters, like those from Royal Purple or Mobil 1, use fully synthetic media. These glass-fiber structures are much more uniform, allowing for better oil flow while trapping particles as small as 20 microns. This is a game-changer for Hemi owners who use their trucks for work.
- Higher Capacity: Synthetic media can hold significantly more “gunk” without restricting oil flow.
- Durability: Synthetic fibers resist breaking down over long intervals, making them ideal for 7,500+ mile oil changes.
- Flow Rate: They provide better flow during those crucial first few seconds of a cold start when the engine is most vulnerable.
Critical Features to Prevent Engine Noise and Wear
The 5.7L Hemi is a legendary engine, but it is also notoriously sensitive to oil pressure and lubrication timing. This is where specific filter features become essential “insurance” for your valvetrain and lifters.
The Importance of Silicone Anti-Drainback Valves
Have you ever heard a brief metallic “clatter” when starting your Ram after it has been sitting overnight? That is often dry-start noise. A high-quality oil filter features a Silicone Anti-Drainback Valve (ADBV). Unlike cheaper nitrile rubber valves that can harden and crack over time due to heat, silicone remains flexible in extreme temperatures. It keeps oil inside the filter and upper engine galleries, ensuring that lubrication is instantaneous the moment you turn the key. If you want to avoid the dreaded “Hemi Tick,” never settle for a filter with a nitrile valve.
Bypass Valve Settings and Shell Strength
The 5.7L Hemi operates within specific oil pressure parameters. Using a filter with a weak or improperly rated bypass valve can lead to unfiltered oil circulating through the engine prematurely. Additionally, because the Ram 1500 filter location is somewhat exposed to road spray, a “heavy-duty” steel shell is a practical advantage.
- Internal Specs: Look for a bypass valve rated specifically for Chrysler/Ram specifications, usually around 11-14 PSI.
- Casing Durability: A thicker canister prevents punctures from road debris during off-road excursions or highway driving.
- Pro Tip: Many enthusiasts find that moving to a slightly larger filter “can” (like the SRT-spec filter) provides extra surface area for cooling and filtration, though the standard size is perfectly fine for most users.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Ram’s Best Defense
Maintaining your Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi starts with the small things, and the oil filter is your engine’s first line of defense. Whether you stick with the reliable Mopar OEM option for warranty peace of mind or upgrade to a premium synthetic filter for maximum longevity, the key is consistency and quality. A high-quality filter ensures that your HEMI stays lubricated, quiet, and powerful for hundreds of thousands of miles.
For your next oil change, take a quick look at the specs—aim for synthetic media and a silicone anti-drainback valve whenever possible. It is a small price to pay for the long-term health of your truck. Grab your preferred high-capacity filter today and keep that Hemi humming!
💬 Quick Questions & Answers
What is the OEM part number for the 5.7 Hemi filter?
The standard OEM part number for most modern 5.7L Hemi engines (2013+) is Mopar MO-339.
What is the thread size for the RAM 1500 5.7 oil filter?
Most RAM 1500 5.7L engines produced after 2013 use an M22x1.5 thread size.
Can I use a larger filter on my 5.7 Hemi?
Some owners use the larger SRT filter (MO-041), but you must ensure it clears the electronic power steering rack.
What is the best aftermarket filter brand for RAM?
WIX (XP series), Mobil 1 (Extended Performance), and Royal Purple are highly rated for Hemi engines.
How often should I change the filter on my RAM 1500?
It is recommended to change the filter every 5,000 to 8,000 miles depending on your oil type and driving habits.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mopar MO-339 the same as the older MO-899?
No, the MO-899 was the older standard filter with a 3/4 inch thread. The MO-339 is the modern replacement with metric M22 threads used in 4th and 5th gen RAMs.
Why is a silicone anti-drain back valve important for the 5.7 Hemi?
It prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, ensuring immediate lubrication upon startup and reducing the risk of ‘Hemi tick’ caused by dry lifters.
Will using an aftermarket filter void my RAM warranty?
No, as long as the filter meets or exceeds OEM specifications, it will not void your warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
What are the differences between WIX and WIX XP for the 5.7 RAM?
The standard WIX filter uses cellulose media for traditional change intervals, while the WIX XP features full synthetic media designed for long-life synthetic oils and harsh conditions.
Does the RAM 1500 5.7 oil filter location cause a mess during changes?
Yes, because it is located above the steering rack and crossmember, oil typically spills onto the frame; many owners use a ‘form-a-funnel’ to redirect the flow.
What is the bypass valve setting for the 5.7 Hemi filter?
The bypass valve for most 5.7L Hemi filters is set between 11 and 16 PSI, ensuring oil continues to flow if the filter becomes restricted during extreme cold.
