This isn't a good idea. Why? Because it takes IT from the position of being a roadblock, which is something you can push to get fixed and puts you in the wrong instead.

IT has valid reasons using RHEL and older packages, you presumably have valid reasons for using newer packages. If newer packages are needed work with IT to get those newer packages. This also means that they are back in the position of being a roadblock if critical projects really can't go forward due to their policies.

Sometimes the way to fix what is broken is to make your department stop being a crutch for failed IT policies.

Also, randomly changing system packages in production is a dick move. That sort of shit is (rightfully) going to result in getting your access revoked at the minimum.