Alright this one just came to me. On my 02 4.2 the manual states 6 quarts of oil. But my stick is still a wee bit below the full mark. I've driven it on long trip going 80-90 MPH and nothing, no troubles and it doesn't use any oil as well. I remember checking the oil when I first got it, kind of a just because and it was on the full mark.

So my question is does it really matter? I used 6 quarts as the book says? Change it regular the whole nine yards. I just want to keep this rig as long as I can because I hate the payments of a new one. (I bought it new)

 

6 quarts is what it takes.
6 quarts puts mine about mid-level on the dipstick.
I have, on occasion, gone with 6.5 quarts, but now I just pour in 6 qts. and go with that.

 

Thanks that is what I've been doing. I owned a fine 79 F-150 Ranger and well it liked oil as the older Fords do. So I was concerned that I could spark a thirst for oil in time. Thanks for the reply.

 

a little extra oil may be ok...it will assure you dont run the pump dry under hard acceleration (but I doubt thats possible in these trucks)...too much and it will beat your oil into a froth and that wont flow too well...I'd just stick with what the manual says...6 quarts regardless of what the dipstick says

edit: of course keep note of where the six quart mark is on your dipstick and try to maintain that level

 

Thanks for the post. Sorry for the delay. Yeah I just changed it and just used the straight up 6.