Virgin Ranger User :)
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Virgin Ranger User :)
Hey all,
I just got a 03 Ford Ranger 4.0 sohc fully loaded 4:10 4x4 all the goodies... I come to you all for advice on motor oil. I know Motorcraft would probably be the choice on here but I'm looking for some insight. I dont mind dropping 7-8 dollars for a quart of oil if I know it will help improve the longevity and performance of my pickup.. I used to own a Dodge Dakota 5sp 3.9v6 (here come the bashes
) I, being a 22 year old kid, wanted to try some different stuff with it... I ended up putting mobil 1 extended life oil in it. And, as you may expect,.. started getting a lifter tick. Now, I dont want to make the same mistake twice. I like quaker state so thats what ive been using for the last 8,000 miles but since a change is coming up here in afew hundred miles I am coming to you guys for some advice....
Thanks for making this community what it is.
easycheese
I just got a 03 Ford Ranger 4.0 sohc fully loaded 4:10 4x4 all the goodies... I come to you all for advice on motor oil. I know Motorcraft would probably be the choice on here but I'm looking for some insight. I dont mind dropping 7-8 dollars for a quart of oil if I know it will help improve the longevity and performance of my pickup.. I used to own a Dodge Dakota 5sp 3.9v6 (here come the bashes
) I, being a 22 year old kid, wanted to try some different stuff with it... I ended up putting mobil 1 extended life oil in it. And, as you may expect,.. started getting a lifter tick. Now, I dont want to make the same mistake twice. I like quaker state so thats what ive been using for the last 8,000 miles but since a change is coming up here in afew hundred miles I am coming to you guys for some advice....Thanks for making this community what it is.
easycheese
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I am going to say exactly what you thought I would, use the Motorcraft. It's designed for our engines, it runs great in our engines, I wouldn't trust anything else. I'm like that about everything. Only GM products for my GM vehicles, only Ford for my Ranger.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
I used Quaker State for years in several vehicles and never had any engine/oil related problems. In reality you can use whatever you like, especially if you change it every 3,000 miles. Most all oils are pretty good. I've been using Havoline lately because it's well thought of and been on sale for a while down here. I do like the Motorcraft filters though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Wouldn't use the Wally World brand, whatever it is. Use one of the big brands if you choose not to use Motorcraft.
Just be careful with the 4.0Ls since they aren't known for their great upper-head oiling characteristics. Keep good oil in there, change it as necessary, et cetera.
Just be careful with the 4.0Ls since they aren't known for their great upper-head oiling characteristics. Keep good oil in there, change it as necessary, et cetera.
Last edited by RangerPilot; Nov 29, 2005 at 09:38 PM.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Welcome to FTE easycheese.
I've used Motorcraft & Havoline oil in my 99 4.0L. I'm currently using Havoline synthetic,as I tow in the mountains.
I've used Havoline over 50 years now, no sludge, no carbon, no tar, no varnish, no gelling, no deposits, NO PROBLEMS!!!! lol
I use Motorcraft oil filters because they are well made, with a large filter area & the anti~dainback valve is located in the threaded base end of the filter, where it belongs, for our engines.
If you choose to use other than Ford specified oil or filters, make sure they meet or exceed Ford's specifications & service your ride as called out in the scheduled maintenance section of your owners manual, for the type of driving you do.
Happy motoring in your Ranger, take care of it & it'll likely work real good & last a looooong time!!!! lol
I've used Motorcraft & Havoline oil in my 99 4.0L. I'm currently using Havoline synthetic,as I tow in the mountains.
I've used Havoline over 50 years now, no sludge, no carbon, no tar, no varnish, no gelling, no deposits, NO PROBLEMS!!!! lol
I use Motorcraft oil filters because they are well made, with a large filter area & the anti~dainback valve is located in the threaded base end of the filter, where it belongs, for our engines.
If you choose to use other than Ford specified oil or filters, make sure they meet or exceed Ford's specifications & service your ride as called out in the scheduled maintenance section of your owners manual, for the type of driving you do.
Happy motoring in your Ranger, take care of it & it'll likely work real good & last a looooong time!!!! lol
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Oh, I'm not sure if your Ranger falls under the ones it's suggested for, but you need to kick your 4.0L above 3K every now and then ("periods of daily operation above 3000 RPM, such as a brisk acceleration from a stop") to kick the carbon outta the engine.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 0
From: Higginsville, MO
I use 5W30 Mobil 1 Full synthetic with Wix filters. So far so good on my engine and a friend of mine has a 97 F150 that has never had a wrench on it with 200K on it and it just now developed a very light lifter tick and he has always used Mobil 1 synthetics changed every 3K miles. Not too bad for a truck that pulls a 24ft. boat every weekend of the warm months.
Last edited by Level2; Nov 29, 2005 at 10:50 PM.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: crete, illinois
FOR GOD SAKES, STOP USING QUAKER-STATE! i can't believe people still use this crap. every mechanic i know and i know a few say it does not protect like it says or like some think. i actually have proof, but i can't show you unless i download a picture. anyway, valvoline, havoline, motor-craft, penzoil, castrol, these are good oils. i used to use fram filters until i got on here. only motorcraft filters for me and my ranger now. my dad always said oil is oil and gas is gas. well he was from the old-school and somewhat a country boy. sorry pops. he actually used shell fire and ice. lol. i want my stuff to last and so i have to protect it so i tend to listen to my mechanic buds. oh i aslo heard that lucas is pretty good to.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
My Dad was in the gas station bussiness and I grew up around cars and trucks. It was a mobile station and we have used mobile one in every vehicle we have ever had. We have never had an engine wear out. All of our vehicles have dissentigrated in other ways (road salt). Mobile one is the best you can get. It's been our experience that you have to use a heavier weight than normal because being a full synthetic it tends to be thin. If you put mobile one in an old engine with a ton of miles on it, you'll ussually find leaks that you didn't know you had
I am planning on putting mobile one in my ranger and every vehicle I ever get.
I am planning on putting mobile one in my ranger and every vehicle I ever get.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Everyones got their own brand preference. What will make the most difference in longevity is changing the oil and filter on a regular basis. This will remove the stuff that is too small for any filter to trap. Myself, I like to go 3,000 miles and if there are lots of highway miles I'll up that to about 3,500 miles.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
You are right, everyone does have their brand preferences. Some are Chevy men, some are Ford. For myself, I have always been and always will be partial to mobile one. It's what I grew up with. Mobile one to me is like Granndma's home cookin'. It just tastes right.
I really like the 5-40. They even use the stuff in the space shuttle, not sure what weight though.
I really like the 5-40. They even use the stuff in the space shuttle, not sure what weight though.
