How to Change Your Fox Body Mustang’s Oil

How to Change Your Fox Body Mustang’s Oil

Last Updated August 5, 2024 | Kevin Brent

You love the power and performance of your 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang, so keep it running longer by regularly changing your oil. Changing your Fox Body Mustang's oil is crucial, especially if you tend to push its power and performance to the limit. When your oil breaks down, it fails to lubricate your engine as well. This causes excess wear and other potential engine issues.

Keep your engine properly lubricated and functioning at its best by following our step-by-step guide to changing your Fox Body's oil. For 1979-1993 Mustangs, you should change the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, or every 3-4 months on average. So let's get started!

What Oil to Use In Your Fox Body Mustang

For 1979-1980 models, Ford recommends 10W-30 oil. For 1981-1993 models, you should use 5W-30 oil for best performance.

Fox Body Mustang Oil
Fox Body YearsOil Type
1979-1980 10W-30
1981-1993 5W-30

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Fox Body Oil Change Instructions

Required Parts and Tools:

  • New Oil Filter
  • 5 Quarts of Fresh Oil
  • Oil Pan
  • Large Rounded Wrench
  • 16mm Wrench or Ratchet Wrench
  • Funnel

Step 1: Lift Your Fox Body

First, you'll need to jack your Fox Body up high enough to access the drain plugs and oil filter. This can be done most easily with a lift, but a jack and jack stands or ramps work, too.

Mechanic standing beneath Fox Body Mustang

Related: Not sure where the jack points are on your Fox Body? Check out our guide on how to jack up your Fox Body Mustang.

Step 2: Locate Front and Rear Drain Plugs

The Fox Body Mustang actually has two drain plugs for the oil pan. Locate both the front and rear drain plugs. We'll start with the rear.

Mechanic pointing out Fox Body Mustang drain plug location

Step 3: Place Drain Pan Below Rear Drain Plug

Place an oil pan or some other container to catch the oil once the drain plug is removed. It's a good idea to throw some cardboard underneath, as well to soak up any drips that miss the pan.

Placing a oil pan below the oil drain on a Fox Body Mustang

Step 4: Drain Oil From Rear Drain

To drain the old oil, unscrew the rear drain plug first, as gravity carries the most oil to that location. Using a 16mm wrench, loosen the rear bolt. Once the bolt is removed, the oil should start draining in a smooth stream. Let the oil drain until the stream turns to a slow drip.

Once the oil is barely dripping, reinstall the drain plug using the same wrench you used to remove it.

Oil draining from a Fox Body Mustang rear drain

Step 5: Drain Oil From Front Drain

Repeat the process from the previous step for the front drain plug. Reinstall the Fox Body Mustang drain plug when you're done.

Oil draining from a Fox Body Mustang front drain

Step 6: Remove Old Oil Filter

Locate the oil filter for your Fox Body (pictured below), and grab your oil pan from before to catch any oil that might drip from the filter.

Next, unscrew the Fox Body oil filter by turning it counter-clockwise. You should be able to do this by hand, but you might need a wrench to get it moving.

Mechanic removing oil filter from a Fox Body Mustang

Pro Tip: Keep the old filter facing up as you remove it from the body. This will keep excess oil from leaking.

Step 7: Dump Excess Filter Oil Into Pan

Once the filter is removed, dump any extra oil from the filter into the Fox Body oil pan.

Mechanic dumping a Fox Body Mustang oil filter into an oil pan

Step 8: Lubricate New Oil Filter

Dab some oil from the old filter onto the new one to lubricate it. This'll make it easier to install.

Mechanic lubricating new Fox Body Mustang oil filter

Step 9: Install New Filter

Screw the new oil filter in at the same spot the old one was removed. Just tighten it by hand, there's no need for a wrench. Clean up the area around the new filter with a rag to get rid of any excess oil.

Mechanic installing new Fox Body Mustang oil filter

Step 10: Add New Oil

With your oil drained and your new filter in place, it's time to add fresh oil to your Fox Body. Locate the oil cap under the hood of your Mustang (pictured below) and unscrew the cap.

Add 5 quarts of fresh oil to the tank using a funnel to avoid making a mess.

Mechanic adding new oil to a Fox Body Mustang

Step 11: Reinstall Oil Cap

Remember to screw the oil cap back on! Make sure to turn the cap until it clicks for a tight seal.

Mechanic screwing on an oil cap to a Fox Body Mustang

Step 12: Check New Oil Level

To make sure your oil has been topped off correctly, locate the oil dipstick under the hood of your Mustang, remove it, and clean it off.

Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again for an accurate reading. Check to make sure the oil level is between the x's above "add" and below "max".

Mechanic measuring Fox Body Mustang oil level on a dipstick

Step 13: Dispose Of Your Used Oil

Take your used motor oil to a local auto parts store or garage that offers recycling, or donate it somewhere that uses a waste oil heater.

Take On Your Next Challenge With Your Freshly Oiled Fox Body Mustang

Before your next oil change, be sure to check out upgrades for your Mustang oil system. Check out our Mustang oil recommendations article to learn about oil viscosity and the difference between conventional and synthetic oil. If you want deals on Fox Body parts and more great content like this be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Get Expert Tool Tips

Check out our other three Ford Mustang oil change guides.

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