Hello, I just purchased a 2004 Screw FX4 and have a few questions. The truck has 47000 miles on it. First of all, which type of oil is preferred in these trucks, dino or synthetic? Which brands and change intervals? I am considering an Airaid Jr. intake and filter for the truck also. Suggestions are very welcome. Thanks!

 

I just follow what the manual recommends, 5-20 Motorcraft, it is a blend. There are many good oils out there and I don't think the brand is as important as is using the 5-20 weight and changing it regularly. Good luck with your truck. Do you know what was being used in it? That would have a bearing on me if I were making the decision, I don't like changing.

 

Welcome to the forum...You'll get a wide range of answers on these questions...however, I use 5W-20 Mobil 1 synthetic oil, Motorcraft oil filter, and change oil every 5k miles...this is my preference and what's worked for me for years...however, in the old days, my father used dino oil, change it every 3k miles, and drove his vehicles 250k miles without any problems...

 

Both of the above replys are dead on. Any good oil will work as long as it is changed at the recomended interval. My thoughts are dino is perfect for the average driver. For people who tow, 4x4 and really work the truck I would go with synth. It withstands harsh treatment better than dino would. Also you can extend your drain interval with syth easily to 5k, while I feel safer changing the dino at 3k

 

I am switching to Amsoil at 93,000 mi. ( 5-30wt is $5.70/qt. with member discount, less for gal. size) not only because of the technical info available regarding engine protection, but also to improve mpg (see Amsoil site testimonies and tech-specs). Have installed a Lifetime stainless mesh full-flow oil filter as well **. I will eventually change out all drivetrain fluids - lifetime for differentials, etc. I purchased an Airmax spiral cold air intake and switched out the oil type air filter for an AEM lifetime dry filter, eliminating any possible oil/air mass sernsor interference. Seems to work great and gives a pleasing throaty sound to the engine.

** http://www.hawkinsspeedshop.com/cate...roduct-16.html

 

Having researched this a bit in racing motorcycles, I have found that dino oil now is not as good as it used to be in order to make it environmentally friendly. Just like leaded gas is better for your car, not the air. Sythetic is best. If I wanted a blend I would blend it myself. That way you know what the blend is. Otherwise you could be paying 2x as much or more for 1% synthetic. If you want to buy off the shelf, I recommend Mobil 1 synthetic, and Castrol gtx for dino.

I was thinking about a dual filter set up, 1 permanent 1 regular motocraft.

 

I don't know how much high revving motorcycle engines have in common with truck engines so I'm not going to argue about what I don't know.
I just want to add to the change in dino oils you mention.The newer dino oils don't contain the zinc that old dino oil used to.It isn't really an issue with roller cams or newer overhead cam engines.It's the old flat tappet cam push rod engines that are being affected the most by the lack of zinc.I know several people swapping over to Shell Rotella diesel oil in their old flat tappet cam pushrod engines. I tried it in my old hotrods and it seems to works well except the exhaust stinks, but if it's good for my engine I can live with it.
I have also experimented with making my own synthetic blends in the past.I currently use Motorcraft 5-20 syn blend in my truck cause it's only $2.25 per qt. and recommended by FoMoCo,and costs about the same $$ as dino.
I agree with you, blends probably don't contain much synthetic or they would cost more $$.

 

I really want to thank all of you guys trying to help me out since I'm new to this forum. I do have many years of automotive dabbling with 5.0 liter mustangs, and have even owned a 1995 Lightning, but these new trucks really are cool. I think I will go with the Mobil 1 5w-20 or the Motorcraft Blend. Definetly will be using the Motorcraft filters. Once again, thank all of you and I will creating my gallery this week.

 

Either of those options is a great way to go

 

I have a 97 f150 4.6 l. The truck has 162,000 miles. I bought it at 13,000 and have used Mobil1 5W30 since about 15,000 miles. On SAT. changed oil. The oil had 6000 miles on it. First time I had ever gone that long between changes. Was out of town for the past 2 months and the Boss knows better than let anyone else touch the truck. The truck had used 1/2 quart in 6000 miles.

I use Motorcraft 5W20 synthetic blend in my 2001 Cobra. The biggest reason for the blend is that in 2001 it was about the only 5W20 available.

 

I tend to agree with what everybody is saying. I use John Deere 10W30 and JD filters. I use it because it's really good oil, and my truck doesn't burn it. (almost 200,000 miles) The JD filters are CHEAP!! I change my oil every 5,000 miles and work the truck on the farm. But if I were you, I'd stick with what the previous owner was using if it didn't burn it.(unless it is too expensive)

If you don't know what he was using, just try the cheap stuff first, motorcraft, napa, JD, whatever, and when you come across a brand that your truck doesn't burn, stick with it. There's no need to go buy $10 a quart oil and put it in a truck that doesn't burn the $1.20 a quart oil.

My brother uses JD oil filters on his truck (2003 F-150 4x4) because they're shorter than the motorcraft ones. They're a lot easier to get on and off. You might can get the shorter ones from Ford, but I don't know.