I'm considering changing from All-climate to Dura-Blend. Should I change again to Max Life once our vehicles hit 75,000 miles? Would Dura-Blend be just as good for higher mileage? My preference is to change once to the Dura-Blend and stick with it. I looked around the Valvoline site but couldn't find anywhere to submit my question to them.

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97 150 SC 4x4, 4.6, 3.55, 265/75R16, 1st Ford truck; bought 4-00 with 55500 miles

Added: Ford running boards, Ford molded mud guards (f&r), Class IV receiver, Delta Truk Pockit toolbox, Dupli-Color roll-on liner on bed front & sides, Bed mat, Ventshade Stepshields

 

I'd have no problem swiching to the Durablend and sticking with thereafter. I believe the Maxlife is still pure dino oil with a slightly different additive package. Besides, the price on the max life is more than the durablend. I'm sure someone will pipe in and say that why waste your money on a blend - you could do it your self - but I have had nothing but good luck using durablend. I think that Bent6 also uses durablend and I believe he's over 200,000 miles now on a '97 F150 also. Hope this helps!

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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's (soon to be replaced by Ford), sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, and 125,000 miles and counting!

 

Gopher is correct. I use Durablend 5w30 and have over 200k on the truck. I usually go 5000-6000 miles between oil changes (for most people, 3000 mile intervals are mass paranoia propagated by the oil change industries ). The oil is only slightly dirty at that point. Typically I use 1-2 quarts over those miles ( no leaks, if it idles a long time I smell oil, so I know it is valve guide seals ). So, these trucks are sealed very well. I'm going to stick with the Durablend. I mechanic friend suggested that I stay with 5w30 to get oil to the camshafts quicker on start-up. The only down side to the lighter oil is a slight increase in oil usage vs 10w30 or 10w40.

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97 XLT S/C Long Bed 2wd, 4.6 Romeo, 4R70W trans, 206,000 miles

[This message has been edited by Bent6 (edited 05-24-2001).]

 

I used the Dura-Blend in my last truck, it was a Ranger, and I have used the Synpower in my F-150 ever since I have had it. I would change to the Dura-Blend and stick with it, I wouldn't worry about changing over to Max-Life, I don't think there's that much difference, in my opinion, Dura-Blend would be better for the engine than the Max Life would anyway, providing that you have been running with it for a while before you hit 75,000. Good luck!

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1997 F150 Lariat Three Door Extended Cab Flareside 4x4, Two tone Pacific Green w/ Harvest Gold, Tan Leather Interior, Ford Premium Sound w/ CD Changer, Lund Solar Visor, Leather Tonneau Bedcover, K&N Air Filter, VentVisors
Wish List: Lund Racer Back Cab Spolier, Lund Shadow Winshield Wiper Cover, Lund Steps, RhinoLiner Spray-In Bedliner, Vortech Super Charger, Brush Guard, Hidden Winch, Lighted Ford Logo, I'll list more when I think of it...

 

I've used regular Valveoline for years and had no problems what so ever I haven't tried the dura-blend but if I keep this truck past 75,000 miles I might try the max life to see if it adds to the preformance of the engine.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box