Synthetics??

[kjun]

Ok. Trying to get smart on synthetics. I've been in the Amsoil forums reading and to other websites and got some info. I've always used conventional oils with regular oil/filter changes and haven't had any problems. Given the increased costs of synthetics, I trying to see the benefits which leads to several questions and would like to hear from actual users.

1. Increased MPG: I've read that synthetics can improve your MPG. If true, how significant?

2. Longer oil life: What is the average life you guys go with synthetics. Is a year realistic. For the increased cost, it may be worth it, but I would have a tough time going out to a year with the same oils. Is it really that much better?

3. Synthetic ATF fluid: I've always read Dodge tranny's are very sensitive and you HAVE to use MOPAR fluids. What are noticeable benefits of switching out to synthetic fluid in the AT? Any problems?

4. Switching back and forth: Are their any issues going from regular to synthetic and vice versa?

5. Benefits for changing out diff fluid to synthetics.

I currently have a 2000 Durango (5.9, AT, 4x4, 120K miles) and a 2002 Dak (4.7, AT, 4x4, 85K miles) and want to do whats best for them maintenance wise. Both vehicles are primarily daily drivers although I do some periodic off roading (primarily mountain trails) in the Dak and towing (2000 lb boat) with both. From what I read, the benenfits of synthetics seem worth it, but again, I trust actual users opionions. I'm not looking for a brand debate, just what some of the pros/cons may be. Feel free to add anything beyond just my questions. Thanks.

[viperkota]

well all my words will be with amsiol since it is the only synthetic oil i use.....i use to use castrol but that change just after the dak when i learned about amsoil and decided to give it a shot.

as for the mpg that will depend on mods and your driving habits. i drive hard and i still get better mpg than what the factory states, but that is also with mods. if i drive right or let my wife drive...mpg is even farther up.

longer life...i would say so and i think a year is good...cause i have actually gone 25,000 miles on one oil change....even though amsoil says it can do it, others say it not recomended and you have to do oil test and all that to go that long. well i did judt to see and actually had no problems. when i changed it, the oil still felt the same but was a bit black.

i haven't used the tranny oil but talk to Y2KOTA...he uses the amsoil brand


switching back and forth...i'm sure there is no problem with it, but me personally i won't be switching back to conventional

as for the diff. i think it helps alot...no actual proof but after about 70,000 drive it like you stole it miles i haven't had any issues and the limited slip still works.

i personally like and trust amsoil.....never have tried mobil 1 and probably never will

hope this helps.

but remember only you can make the decision to switch and see if it is actually worth it :biggthump

[AFDakRT]

1) I haven't used anything but synthetics, so I can't comment on this. My guess would be that the increase would be very minimal, if any.

2) Longer oil life? Of course, synthetics last longer. Although, I still change it every 3,000 miles because im anal and insane. I use Amsoil XL 10w30.

3) I wouldn't try it unless it meets or exceeds Mopar's requirements (ex. Amsoil ATF). I use Mopar ATF +4 and change it every 20,000 miles.

4) Switching back and forth? I don't understand why you would do this, and I don't think it's a good idea.

5) My diff is definatley quieter since switching to synthetic. I use Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90. I suppose it could last longer too, although I still change mine every 20,000 miles.

[epmills]

ATF+4 is a synthetic, FYI.

[AFDakRT]

ATF+4 is a synthetic, FYI.

I've heard a few different things about it. Some places say it's synthetic and others say it's only semi-synthetic. :huh: I read about ATF +4 in Mopar Magazine but I forgot what it said.

[Kduce]

Just from my exp... I changed mine over to synth at 107000 and am now on 113000 I have actually felt a little increas in power and noticed an increase in gas milg cant say how much cus I never actualy check. And I know you can switch back and forth without worriing but once you switch over you wont want to. I am actually switching my dif over next time it needs changed. I do not know about the tranny cus i just use mopar cus I am going to need work on my tranny in about 10000 miles or so

[Geoguy]

I use Castrol Syntech in my '03 Quad Cab - started in March '06. I've checked mileage on every single tankful for almost a year (since last Oct.) and I clearly saw an average of between one to two mpg increase; although, I installed a new intake at about the same time so I can't be sure which modification resulted in the increased mpg (could probably see a better increase if I could keep my foot out of the injectors). I've extended my oil change interval to 5,000 miles (not much of an extension but I'm a little conservative). Haven't tried synthetic ATF or diff lube yet but I'm going to change those soon.

I'm a firm believer in the synthetic oil. The 4.7 seems to run a little smoother and quieter on the synthetic.

[WentInsane]

Since I owned the truck last year, I used Castrol Syntec Blend. At the time, I figured it would be a good start to moving to synthetics and see how well it takes to it. I now run Amsoil 5w-30, and it seems to run better. I will be changing my diff fluid to amsoil severe gear. And next year I will switch over my trans. when my trans change interval comes along.

[Amsoil Dealer]

I now run Amsoil 5w-30, and it seems to run better. I will be changing my diff fluid to Amsoil Severe Gear. And next year I will switch over my trans. when my trans change interval comes along.
Thank you WentInsane for the "good words".
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[kjun]

Thanks for all of the insight. Consensus seems to be all good. Bottom line, like viperkota said, pretty much I'm really the only one who can make the call on whether its worth it.

Next engine oil change, I think I'll make the switch.