I noticed that in the newer specs (2009+) Dodge has a 6 mo./6k mi. oil interval on conventional oil whereas the my 2004 recommends the 3 mo./3k mi. oil interval.

Given that there weren't drastic changes between the 4.7l of 2004 and that of 2009+ I can only assume that Dodge has finally realized that modern conventionals are capable of running a longer OCI due to the new additive packs being used.

So here is my question: can I run 6 month conventional OCIs in my '04 4.7l or should I use synthetic?

Driving conditions-
*25-45 MPH
*Multiple short trips in a day (Nothing longer than 5 mi. at a shot)
*About 15 miles total per day.
*Over 100F every day 9 mo. a year
*Winter temps are lows in the 60s and highs in the mid 80s (Jealous? )
*No towing
*Seldom hauls of no more than a couple hundred pounds (2-3 times a yr.)

 

There were some pretty big changes as far as I remember from 04 to 09. Going from 235 to 310 hp is one of them.

 

Why does your info state you are from IL., but the weather conditions suggest Phoenix Arizona???


Opps. Just noticed GTMO in cuba. I was worried there for a second.

 

I go to school in Illinois but I live in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and that is where the truck is at. When school is not in session I fly back there.

 

No doubt there were alterations and I could very well just be talking out of my *** on this one but I thought the HP increases were achieved by better ignition components, better computer stuff, double spark plugs to increase fuel burn, etc. I thought the main engine components stayed relatively similar. I could be completely wrong on this though so I'm more than happy to be enlightened on the changes.

 

Just my opinion on this so remember it's just an opinion. Since you have an 04 and do such short driving periods I would say you should change your oil more often than every 6mo/6k mi. The only reason being is these 4.7's are known for sludge and since your truck is getting to be 6 years old now, the more maintenance you do to keep her in shape will help you keep the motor strong. Just something to think about. Short trips are harder on a motor than long highway commutes.

 

ditto

 

I absolutely agree and if I was down there year round I would do 3mo/3k mi intervals. Unfortunatly I'm 2500 miles away 8-9 mo. a year and I just can't trust my mom to keep up on the shorter changes, but I've basically been leaning towards the shorter intervals as well and I just may have to hound her about getting it changed at the time gets closer.

None the less, given the advances in both dino and synthetics they can last much longer under most driving conditions. Unfortunatly the constant turn overs that we do down there tear up just about any oil though in a relatively short amount of time imo, this is where the but comes in. But, given that synthetics have better breakdown attributes would they be able to stand up to the harsh driving?

 

i would at least do synthetic considering the driving your talking about is harsher than cruising freeways as mentioned above. changing it more often is the best option but if your gonna leave it in there then yea, go for extra buck and put synthetic in it.

 

I always believe in oil changes. It is cheap, especially if you do it yourself. I have an 87 s10 2.5 and i change oil every 4000 kms and it doesn't even change colors. I use castrol high mileage and it works great for me. It is ok for sure to use synthetic oil, but you have to know that if you drive highway all the time, you can let your oil changes go alot farther, but stop and go driving is alot harder on everthing. I have a friend who had a new corolla, he put over 100000 kms, or about 62000 miles and never changed oil once, not a good idea. I think it is the cheapest maintanance you can do and well worth it.