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Hello,
I have a '98 Ranger 3.0 2WD Extended Cab and I use Fram for my air filters and Motorcraft for the oil filter, I was planning on using a K&N air filter instead. I did not want to put the money out for a complete intake kit so I was going to buy just the OEM replacement. Is it worth the money to keep buying regular paper filters or go ahead and buy the K&N. I also noticed that they make oil filters as well. Is the Motorcraft filter just as good? One final question, I still use regular Penzoil 5W-30 even though my truck has 96,000 miles on it. Should I change the type of oil I put in it.
Thanks,
JM
Haha - congratulations chief, in a single post you have just resurrected several of the most inflammatory issues ever debated in the history of automotive internet forums.
As for air filters: do a little research both here and on the net, you will find boatloads of information and opinions, read through some of it then and decide for yourself what's best for your truck.
Regarding oil filters: see above
Regarding oil brands: see above
I recommend that you also search through the Oil & Lube Forum which will provide even more opinions on the subject matter.
Last edited by Rockledge; Jul 4, 2006 at 09:06 AM.
I am a believer in mobil 1, as for the k&n air filter, with a ford it can be tricky. If you over oil it when cleaning, the excess oil can get on the maf and cause you problems. I've used k&n filters for along time with no problems, but it can happen. There is also a question on how well the k&n filters dirt. I have a k&n intake, but I put a aem oilless hiflow filter on it, just so I wouldn't have to oil it. I'm not afraid of k&n, I've used them for years, but there are others that are. In the end, the choice will be up to you, as you will find people on both sides of the k&n issue here. I do use k&n oil filters, only because of the drain back valve, and it has a nut on the end for easy removal. I don't have a problem with motorcraft products, in my opinion they are the best stock products you can buy, if your not looking for an edge. Even motorcraft oil is a synthetic/dino blend at a good price, you won't go wrong with motorcraft. I am seriously thinking about going back to motorcraft oil filters, 10.00 bucks is too much to pay for a nut. Use the search, and you'll find all kinds of raging debates on this stuff.
I've been using the 5W20 Moto Prem Syn oil, but I do have a devil of a time finding it anywhere. Once in a while find a case at Walmart for maybe $22 or so, the dealer wants about $45 for a case (incl tax), which is kind of hard to justify. Wonder why it's so rare.
I know, I am usually good about my research before posting. I am going to go ahead and get the K&N air filter and keep with what I have always used on my truck and wife's car (95 escort wgn). Which is Penzoil 5W-30 and Motorcraft oil filters. I was originally concerned that I should switch to one of the high mileage oils for my truck. The wife's car has 126,000 miles on it and I have used the high mileage oil in it but I really do not notice any difference. Maybe I am just buying into the hype to much.
Thanks again,
JM
It wouldn't matter if you did use the search, all you would get is a bunch of arguing, and no real answers. But personally, I have noticed a slight bump in power on every vehicle that I have used k&n air filters, the latest is my dads 95 escort wagon. Others will say, there's no increase, that it's all in my head. I'm a big boy now, and I know the difference, but to each his own. Don't ever worry about asking questions on here, thats what were here for, if we agree or not. If you don't ask, someone else will.
I run a K&N, as long as you don't over-oil it you'll be fine. If you do...well you pull the MAF and clean it. It's not like it's gonna kill the engine unless you REALLY screw it up.
I use Motorcraft oil filters, fuel filters, etc. I've heard bad things about Fram, both for air and oil, I stay away from, them, but that's just me.
Good man !! IF I didn't use mobil 1, motorcraft would be my second choice, I use nothing but mototcraft spark plugs, I haven't found a better plug, those splitfires were a joke, I could of given my money to the red cross, it would of been better spent.
Wendell,
Thanks for the input!! I am going to give the Mobil 1 a shot in a few days. I have to change both the wife's car and my truck. Which is always a fun time.
Could get the Amsoil Eaa filter. Flows as good as the k&n filters better than the stocker.. so they say anyways. To clean it take a vacuum cleaner or air hose and it's good for 4yr/100k. I'm planning on running mine to 100k regardless of the age. I'm using it a 06 2.3 and there is a difference.
The only thing to worry about on oil filter is the drain back valve. Finding one that's durable is the problem. Motorcraft, purolater, advanced auto's house brands I find are fairly similiar in construction and i've had no problems with either.
Unless your wanting to switch to 5w20 leave the oil alone. There isn't such a thing as bad oil anymore. Well unless you use the non-detergent stuff. I wouldn't run Mobil 1 even in my mother-in-laws car. Penzoil plantium is alot quieter and in my opinion runs smoother. And unless your planning to do 7500 to 10k extended drains syntethic is a waste of money.
Make sure on any of the blow out ones you blow the stuff back OUT of the filter and not further in lol. I used a silver sharpie to write engine on one side and intake on other side.
I ran Pennzoil Plat before switching and I'm happier with the Mobil 1. No way would I run synthetic though, personal opinion.