I've always taken my truck in for an oil change and after paying 38 dollars every 3 months for non-synthetic i thought that its stupid i'm not doing it myself So i'm going fully synthetic and was wondering what brand/weight i should run. 83k miles on my truck and i have a 180 thermostat too if that changes anything, maybe a lesser weight of oil since its a colder running engine? any imput would be much appreciated. Also, what oil filter should i use since i'm going synthetic and need one that will last 6-7k miles before my next change

 

First of all, yeah you need to be changing it yourself. Not just from the cost standpoint, but there are too many horror stories out there about the minimum wage morons letting vehicles go out without oil, no drain plug, etc. Not to mention every time the news does a story on these places they catch about 70% not doing something right from not even really changing the oil to not changing the filter, etc.

Now, everybody is going to tell you use this brand or that brand. Personally I use Royal Purple now after 20+ years of Mobil 1. I can tell a difference, a slight mpg increase and a slightly smoother sounding idle, plus my "hemi tick" seems to be a bit quieter.
I don't think the specific brand is that big a deal, as long as you stick with a 100% full synthetic. Any full synthetic will outperform the best dino oils. To help balance the cost, I go 6,000 miles between oil changes with a full synthetic whereas, I'd change at 3k with conventional oil.

As for the filters, traditionally Wix (NAPA Gold), Mobil 1, Purolator and K&N usually receive the better reviews. The only filter that I consistently see poor test results on is Fram, I know some guys swear by 'em, but they are dead last in every filter test I've ever read.
I usually get a Wix filter when I can, although I've gotten Mobil 1 and Purolators at times (haven't done the K&N one yet), I know the Wix ones hold up well with extended changes intervals because I used them back in my diesel truck days when I changed the oil every 15,000 miles and never had one fail or even look bad on me.

I'm sure you'll also get guys from the Amsoil bandwagon too. I've used it, never had an issue with it, but don't think it's any better than any other true synthetic, personally. Their filters get good reviews whenever I've seen one. I'd not use their oil in an MDS Hemi, as it actually thickens with age (that's how they get it to last so long), which is BAD for the tolerances of the MDS system. But it would be fine for your '03 if you wanted to go that way.

As an '03 owner, like my '04, we are rated for 5w-30, where starting with the '05s, they call for 5w-20. Like you, I run a 180* thermostat and when I switched to it, I switched to 5w-20 as well, basically with the same line of thought you have. Don't know if it really makes a difference, but since the '05 Hemi engine is identical to my '04 and it calls for 5w-20, I know it can't hurt anything...

 

Thanks Hammer

 

I've used Amsoil, Royal Purple, Mobil 1, and now I regularly use quaker state...because it's on sale. Never really noticed a difference with anything. Any true synthetic will do you well.

I've tried the K&N, no complaints.

 

exactly

 

Nice little short paragraph Hammer...lol

5w-30 to 5w-20 was due only because EPA restrictions for emissions and mileage. No real difference other than 5w-20w is slightly thinner at operating temp. I would run 5w-30 with anything over 50kmi. I am running 5w-30 right now in my '08 w/6kmi

 

Picked up the valvoline fully synthetic SYNpower with a K&N oil filter today will be doing it tomorrow...how long should i be able to go without being due for another oil change? usually 6k miles on synthetic?

 

yeah, unless your really workin that truck or it operates in really dirty conditions like off-road or dirt roads all the time or you are constantly in heavy city stop and go traffic then 6k is fine, hell a lot of guys go longer than that with no problems, but I personally wouldn't...

 

I run Amsoil 0w-30 in my truck. The technology in that oil will work for 0w, 5w, and 10w 30 applications. Not to mention, it is a 35,000 mile oil change intervals, with a filter change every 17,500 miles. It cost me, at dealer cost $8 a quart, but when you think about the fact that with conventional oil, i would have gone through almost 12 oil changes, and six with the normal synthetic oil. So not only do you save money, you also are doing the enviornment a favor. Just something to think about. And I use WIX oil filters, for my truck and my dads hot rod. Seems to work the best out of all that we have used.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/sso.aspx

 

AS Hammer said in a post about Fram filters tonight I noticed a burning oil smell in my 04 dodge ram 3500 CTD. The fram filter that is on my truck is leaking I tried tightening it. Its tight But it don't look like its leaking from the seal it looks like its leaking from the top where the filter is clamped together

I myself run 15w40 in truck and Royal purple in my boat
I tried mobil1 but I noticed that when I start the engine and pull the dipstick it was foamy/airated so i went back to Royal purple its ok and at idle its at 45psi now with mobil1 it was at 25psi I ran boat for about 2 hours with mobil1 then looked around seen it was the worst oil out there but It also said AMSOIL was the best with Royal purple not far behind. So next oil change I'm putting in AMSOIL

What weight should i get though?