Basic question...but looking for input.
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Basic question...but looking for input.
Im in Virginia, and have a 2000 Ranger 4.0, 4x2, 5 speed.
My last car was a 86 VW Jetta, that i used for autocross, etc.
The jetta was to old, but am curious if i should use synthetic oil in my truck.
Since this is the first vehicle i actually have payments on, and want it to last forever, what is the best oil, synthetic, or traditional, to run in my truck? also, what viscosity? its mainly just a daily driver, not a real work truck. no towing, or hauling at this time.
My last car was a 86 VW Jetta, that i used for autocross, etc.
The jetta was to old, but am curious if i should use synthetic oil in my truck.
Since this is the first vehicle i actually have payments on, and want it to last forever, what is the best oil, synthetic, or traditional, to run in my truck? also, what viscosity? its mainly just a daily driver, not a real work truck. no towing, or hauling at this time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: California Desert
Arguably one of the best motor oils on the planet is Mobile 1 Synthetic. Of course not all of us can afford $5 a quart. I'm using Valvoline Synthetic Blend. With only 108k miles I can't yet say how this choice effects the longevity of the engine.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Cypress, CA
Ranger v6 : There are as many arguments for Synthetic Oils as there are arguments for Dino oils. Personally I have concluded that it is a matter of preference.
You may choose to visit bobistheoilguy.com and read what they have to say and there are many other "oil bible" sites. At my shop, we use Americas Pride re-refined oils and have never had a problem with it. Purchasing it is a political move but nonetheless it works.
Whatever you use, keep it clean and use good filters - which is a whole other topic.
Good Luck
Russ
You may choose to visit bobistheoilguy.com and read what they have to say and there are many other "oil bible" sites. At my shop, we use Americas Pride re-refined oils and have never had a problem with it. Purchasing it is a political move but nonetheless it works.
Whatever you use, keep it clean and use good filters - which is a whole other topic.
Good Luck
Russ
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: ut
I've got 186k miles on my 90 Ranger 2.9L. All I've ever used is Valvoline 10W-30. I'm weary from all those oil changes every 3k miles, however!
I suppose keeping to a good maintence schedule is the most important thing.
I suppose keeping to a good maintence schedule is the most important thing.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
Since you want it to "last forever", the best oil is clean oil of a major brand name. I've found that changing oil and filter every 3000-3500 miles makes em go an easy 250,000 miles. By doing so you're removing debris that the filter can't. For viscosity, Ford issued a TSB some time ago advising 5-30wt in all of their vehicles.
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Ok, 5-30 Motorcraft would be combining replies.
Now, lets touch on the filter statement that was made.
do tell, do tell.
Now, lets touch on the filter statement that was made.
do tell, do tell.
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From: Wildwood, MO
In my 04 I decided to go with the Mobil 1 5w-30 and the Motorcraft (Ford) filter. If you purchase these items at Wal-Mart it's about $20 for 5 qts. and $3.50 for the Motorcraft filter. I like the Mobil 1 for the long Ford recomended 5000 mile oil changes and I'm sure the filter will be fine. Also, it'll give me a slight bump up in milage being a syn. oil. You could spend more or less money on an oil change but this combo is both affordable and quality. I've used Mobil 1 since 1979 in various trucks and cars and it is as good as they say it is. 
Senior User
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From: Indianapolis, IN
I belive the manual on my 98 4x4 states that oil changes are supposed to be done every 7500 miles!! i always thougth that was crazy talk and usually change it by 5k, just to be sure. Don't want any sludge gummin up an oil passage and killing my engine. I want to keep this truck for years to come. I belive last time I used the Valvoline Synthetic Max Life oil. Supposedly has additives to help restore gaskets and such and "Help older engines run longer and better". Figured it was just "creative advertising", but it was on sale, so I bought it 
I've noticed no difference. Altho, its hard to tell a difference in a gasket/seal from the outside of an engine.
I've noticed no difference. Altho, its hard to tell a difference in a gasket/seal from the outside of an engine.
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