Ive got an 05 1500 Hemi Laramie and im about to hit 20k. this being my first Dodge, I thought I would ask you guys if there is anything special I should do at 20 like tune up, plugs, fluids change out and such. I have CAI, and Cat Back, and soon will have my superchip but those are it for my performance mods. Also, in about 2 weeks I will be putting on my Rough Country 6in lift with BFG 35's any precautions I should take now to keep it running smoth? And what about changing fluids to synthetic, is it worth the money? thanks for your help in advance!

 

Well, let's see

1. If you didn't change the diff fluid, perhaps you can do it now. It is specified at 15K mile intervals.
2. Everthing else is at 30K miles: ATF, plugs, etc.
3. If you haven't changed out your air filter, it should be changed.
4. Put in some more gas and cause you're driving a Ram.

That's about it. Just check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. It will have it all listed for you and at what mileage interval.

As far as synthetics go, it is debateable. I have never seen an engine fail because of the oil it was running if it was changed regularly. Having the oil changed more frequently and on a timely basis are the best thing you can do for the motor. By running synthetics you can extend the change interval and possibly get better gas mileage. Some say it makes the engine run smoother, but perhaps we are seeing a little of a placebo effect. I change my own oil and once I hit 15K miles, I'm gonna switch over to Mobil 1 5w/30 and change every 5K miles. I have been waiting for 15K miles to roll around for a couple of reasons. Primarily because of the money and secondarily because it makes the math easier on when to change the oil. Most people also overlook the significance of a good oil filter.

If you want to get really serious, you can change out the brake fluid and the PS fluid, also, every 2 yrs since they can absorb water leading to corrosion and decreased boiling point(brake fluid) and lubricity (PS fluid).

If you need anything specific, just ask and I'm sure that we'll give you a specific answer.

 

Why not 5W20?

 

Doc,
my last oil change was at about 17 and i think im gonna go with synthetic at 20, can you tell me whos the best for synthetic. and i tend to get on it more than i should, i dont know if that would effect the oil i need. and what kinda diff fluid? im about to put in this K&N filter setup from a guy on another site so that covers my filter. other than that the rig runs great, never had a problem with the engine and havnt had "the tick" yet, knock on wood. thanks for you help Doc

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My understanding is that the 5w20 is for the MDS to work properly. My truck doesn't have it and when it was made 5w/30 was what was recommended, so that is what I'll stick with. It is also easier for me to find in Mobil bulk from Wally World.

For SilverBullet0205, as far as which synthetic is best, this is completely subjective. Some don't consider Castol Syntec to be a synthetic, some do. Some say Redline is best or Amsoil is best. I choose Mobil 1 because it is easy to find and the 5qt bulk at Wally World is twenty something bucks. Right now I'm using Castrol Syntec Blend cause it is only 1 dollar more than the regular stuff at WW. I'll switch to Mobil 1 at 15K miles. I've grown up on Castrol for dino oil and Mobil for synthetic, so that is what I stick with. Never had a problem with any oil lubed engine I've ever owned. This goes for 2 cycle outboards, jetskis, mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, vehicles, etc. Well, I take that back. I melted the piston on my jetski cause it was starved for fuel and ran lean[:@]. To me, the bulk Mobil 1 is the best deal going right now as far as synthetics.

As far as the diff fluid, it comes with synthetic from the factory. If I remember right I think it is 75W140 and 4oz friction modifier for the LSD. Again, Mobil 1 in this weight is fairly easy to find. If you look up diff fluid change you'll find directions on how to do it. Basically just some RTV and new fluid and you're good to go.

The K&N setup looks like it is set up for a hood scoop setup. Do you have a functional hood scoop? Interesting looking design.

 

My truck is a 2005, and was never intended to have MDS... So why does my manual say 5W20? In fact, all the Dodge RAM HEMI's here in my town say 5W20... Maybe it's a Canada thing because of the colder temperature?

 

My 06 2500 Hemi non-MDS requires 5-20W. I have Mobil 1 and Amsoil in all of my other toys. My Harley runs cooler with synthetic and my Geman sports car came with synthetic.
I am going to put 5-20 Mobil 1 in the new Ram when I get 5k miles on it.

 

Ummm, how do you know your Harley runs cooler??


As for you question of what syn is the best? Well I am not sure anyone here can truely answer, but M1 is very popular. I put M1 in at 3K. I run it in all three of my cars. Change at 5K intervals. Also cheap (relativly speaking) at Walmart. You can pick up a 5qt jug for $20. The downside, at least at my Walmart, no 5w20 5qt jugs

 

I think the 5w/20 was spec'd from 2005 and onward. 03/04 was 5w/30.

 

I used a inline temp gage and I borrowed a suface temp reader from a friend and took readings before and after the switch. Its not huge but it made a diffrence with hot and cold start-ups. My local Harley mechanic has been doing test with synthetic oil on Harleys since 1998. He has seen a big diffrence with Evo and Twin Cams that have swithed over to synthetics early in their life. Stroked motors have held up longer using synthetic oil after break-ins with crude. I have seen the motor tear downs that were using synth oil and it is huge. Over all less wear & tear.
I could really tell a difference in my boat.