GadgetMason
Ram Guru
I also own an H1 Hummer 
and look forward to only needing 7qts oil 
and look forward to only needing 7qts oil 5thGenRams Forums
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Oil change every 12 months
- Thread starter bskubon
- Start date
Mirowpl
Well-Known Member
Once my free oil changes/tire rotations run out, I will consider full synthetic. I have a 70 mile round trip to the dealership so i didn’t use them except for warranty work. Local tire place does a great job and they have done all maintenance on my vehicles for past 7 years. They also report to car fax ect about all work so there is an electronic record. I haven’t changed my own oil in over 40 years so not going to start now lol.
Mirowpl
Well-Known Member
The higher operating temps is the one thing that I see a big difference between my hemi from 2009 and the new one from 2020. So I agree you have a point about running synthetic just for that alone. Appreciate the reminder.
Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
Every 12 months (if full synthetic) or the sticker falls off the windshield, whichever comes first.
Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
It would be nice to know just what % the "synthetic blend" is that I get MOPAR coupons on... Any "blend" can be meaningless unless they specify what amount. The factory filled (mine) with dino and the service advisor at my closest dealer said they primarily use dino so...The higher operating temps is the one thing that I see a big difference between my hemi from 2009 and the new one from 2020. So I agree you have a point about running synthetic just for that alone. Appreciate the reminder.
Of course if I towed, idled alot (like my son does) had mtn passes to deal with, AZ or FL heat etc. then that would be different.
securityguy
Legendary member
Not a fan of "blends". Even the Full Syn that Walmart sells for like $3-$4 a quart would be far better than any blend. Their oil actually gets good reviews and is made by a highly reputable refiner which, I think, is the same one who makes the Costco oil and several others. If you don't keep a vehicle long, and like to go cheap, do a dino or blend. If you plan to keep your vehicle for many years, go Full Syn...not much more at all and far better for your engine. Even though I don't keep vehicles for more than 1.5-2.5 years, I only use Full Syn because it makes me feel better and I know the next owner would be very pleased
Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
Years ago, like 30+ the Army wasn't changing gas/diesel wheeled vehicle oil unless the oil analysis told them to. I'm sure it saved a bazillion gallons as many vehicles as we had running around. Some folks on this forum use a lab but I rarely hear much about it. Of course dealers/shops wouldn't like it as they can't get you in the door to upsell you.Not a fan of "blends". Even the Full Syn that Walmart sells for like $3-$4 a quart would be far better than any blend. Their oil actually gets good reviews and is made by a highly reputable refiner which, I think, is the same one who makes the Costco oil and several others. If you don't keep a vehicle long, and like to go cheap, do a dino or blend. If you plan to keep your vehicle for many years, go Full Syn...not much more at all and far better for your engine. Even though I don't keep vehicles for more than 1.5-2.5 years, I only use Full Syn because it makes me feel better and I know the next owner would be very pleased
c3k
Ram Guru
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I use 100% synthetics in my vehicles, gas and diesel. I change at 10,000 miles or 1 year.
Also, for something that sits, make sure when you drive it that 2 or 3 times a month, that you get the oil temp up to, or over, 212F. You want to get rid of any moisture that may have condensed while it sat.
FWIW.
securityguy
Legendary member
Most all folks use Blackstone Labs. However, for me, I think it's kind of silly to do oil analyses unless there is an issue you are very concerned about or just plain old bored. IMPO, if you choose any high quality fully synthetic oil like Pennzoil, Amsoil, Castrol, Valvoline and Mobil1 you really can't go wrong. Some folks will try one brand, then do an oil analysis and then try another and say like "this OA has far more magnesium blah blah blah...." Just use a solid oil, change it when you're supposed to and never look back! Paralysis by analysis
In most cases, regardless of what you do, your engine will outlive your truck and, if the engine does have issues, it certainly won't be because of your full synthetic oil selection.Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
And really we most all "overmaintain". I know I do. When in doubt I change fluids. My Ford Edge has a problematic center diff (called a PTU, google it sometime) that likes to cook the 75-140 into a sludge and $1,500 later you're rolling again... Unless you change the .5 liter of "lifetime" fluid (and there's no drain plug).Most all folks use Blackstone Labs. However, for me, I think it's kind of silly to do oil analyses unless there is an issue you are very concerned about or just plain old bored. IMPO, if you choose any high quality fully synthetic oil like Pennzoil, Amsoil, Castrol, Valvoline and Mobil1 you really can't go wrong. Some folks will try one brand, then do an oil analysis and then try another and say like "this OA has far more magnesium blah blah blah...." Just use a solid oil, change it when you're supposed to and never look back! Paralysis by analysis
Then the 3.5 liter's water pump is "internal" and driven off the timing chain (now that engineer must have gotten an award for "Most Complex and Costly Design" so if you don't change the coolant every 60K and/or you get a wp seal leak, you've now replaced your engine. Thus I'm always fussin' over fluids...
I just don't look forward to the ZF trans fluid change. Horrendous prices!
Rebelguy2020
Ram Guru
The cost in Northern Ontario Canada at the dealer is $243, taxes included, I bought my own oil and filter and gave it to the dealer for them to do the service, the dealer labour was $30.17, the cost for my oil and filter was $123, so I saved $90.
TangoFoxtrot
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Wow! That is a lot higher than I expected, I figured 100-150ish max. Does that include fuel filters too or is that a separate thing all together if separate what's the recommended interval for fuel. I haven't had a diesel in years, last one I had was 97 f250 with the 7.3 ( sold it in 2017). I was able to do my own oil changes with 15qt for like $50 with filter. Fuel filter was every 10k, but I usually did that every 5k with the oil as the filter was easy to swap and fairly cheap. I know most newer diesels have much longer intervals for fuel filters. Kinda glad I didn't go the eco diesel route, the maintenance sounds expensive for a half ton.
TangoFoxtrot
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That's a good investment!
Its early for me but Ive been debating on going the Amsoil route on my tranny. I read somewhere ZF oil is a semi synthetic blend. Which if true, I'm totally freaken shocked especially for what they charge for it.
Just a little tip, not trying to be picky, just preventing others from making a mistake... 5.7 Hemi is 7 quarts. I usually do 0.5 quarts into the new filter, and 6.5 into the engine. Sorry if someone already commented and I missed it.
The ZF tranny, if you read notes from actual ZF engineers, is supposedly good until around 60k-70k miles. (Obviously less if you tow or really push it hard.) The filter isn't replaceable, its built into the pan, so if you want an OEM filter, you have to replace the entire transmission pan. For the 4th gens' trannies (slightly different than our 5th gens), they now have aftermarket pans with replaceable filters. Not sure if those will fit our newer 5th gens. (4th gens used 8HP70 for the Hemi, 5th gens use 8HP75, if memory serves.)
SD Rebel
Spends too much time on here
That's why those ZF fluid change kits are so pricey, due to a new pan, I think it's just under $200 online for the fluid, gasket, pan/filter and bolts.
mophead
Well-Known Member
Didn't see anyone mention it, but running less than 3000 miles a year it's very likely you have water from condensation in there. It kinda depends on what the interval is in between trips to matter much cause if it fullly heats up it will evaporate, but even that is weather dependent. If it were me and it kinda is with my wife putting less than 4500 on hers I would change it once a year and with synthetic. I do it in the spring so I can go over everything after winter.
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If it is anywhere near $200, that is less than it used to be. I remember back in 2016 or so, you had a hard time finding all the stuff for less than $400, and no options for aftermarket/replaceable filters/pans. So yes, $200 isn't cheap, but I'm just happy its getting better.
Regarding engine oil, as others said, I'd use a decent synthetic and change it yearly or right before with that low of mileage. I'm going to hit 10 months or a bit more myself before I change mine (5k miles) thanks to lack of travel due to COVID.
SD Rebel
Spends too much time on here
Most of the kits I see are under $200, of course this isn't dealership prices. Tons of cars use those trannys these days from so many different makes, prices will come down naturally as you mentioned.
MudSticker19
Active Member
I run AMS OIL and change it every 10k
