My owner's manual says to use synthetic blend 5W-20. Do I HAVE to or can I get by with conventional oil? Yes ideally, I'd like to go full synthetic but $50+ for a full synthetic oil change? Damn!

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1996 B2300 133k bright red Manual trans. NO options, not even power steering!

A while back advance had 5 qts of Mobil-1 & a Mobil-1 filter for 29.99..

But Motorcraft Syn-blend 5w-20 and a MC filter shouldn't be close to $50..

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1993 Ford Tempo 2.3L OHV HSC Auto - D/D Stock.
1988 Ford Ranger - 5.0L AOD Swap.
2002 Dodge Caravan - 3.3L Auto

Used to spend about 30 but now its about 55 per change , I use full synthetic . Newer truck , 2010 . My old ranger ( 2000 ) I put synthetic in too after about 50 K . Best thing I ever did .

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Merlin215

2010 Ford Ranger 4 wheel drive
Black
XLT Power Group package

Yes you're fine with normal dino oil still. I don't think synthetic even existed in 1997 so I don't know how your owners manual can even suggest it. None the less, you can use regular oil without a problem.

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

I use Valvoline full synthetic for high mileage engines, 5w30.

i have castrol synthetic 10w/30 and one quart of castrol 5w/30 to thicken it some so my rockers and lifters got an extra coat of thicker oil instead of useing additives like lucas i was pleased that my 23 year old engine could still run castrol that shizz is like sewing machine oil,thin,clean,and clear as water,took 6 months to turn it to a regular brown color like ford motorcraft,at least my ol'2.9l runs as good as a new 2010 mustang with castrol,and i know my engines clean and tight,and like new running shape dispite it's age,HA just like the castrol mustang tv commercials,now it's back to motorcraft 10w/40 for winter.

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1987 black custom xlt,ext. cab 4x4,military-surplus 2.9L, stock 3"lifted;5 speed auto trans w/ manual 4x4,borg-Warner-turbo transfer case,grinds out progressive aluminum mags w/goodyear wranglers; keyed entry alarm,duel 280w interface deckw/usb n bluetooth,jvc6x8s rear,jvc4"160wfront,crome bed side rails,tuff liner bed liner also blacked out headlights,limo black window tint. called the BULLSNAKE cuz its the best small-n-toughest 4x4 ford built!!

LOL, my Ranger is a 2003, my Taurus is the one that's a 1997, which by the way, I use high mileage oil. Like it says in my sig, both have the OHV 3.0L V6.

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1996 B2300 133k bright red Manual trans. NO options, not even power steering!

I use 10w30 penzoil

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My Build Thread!!!

I used to run nothing but castrol 10w30, now I run what it calls for in the manual, castrol still but 5w20.

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2001 Ford Ranger Supercab (4dr), Oxford White, 4.0 Sohc, 4x4, Manual trans (hurst equipped), 4:10's, 3" body lift.

5w-30 high mileage penzoil but next oil change going full synthetic

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2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 , Stepside,FRF decals, 4.0L SOHC decals, Primus IQ brake controller, curt 2" rec. hitch, custom winch mount,
Tinted glass, Yellow BUGGMAN OVALS a real treat to have. OHC, CB, night vision goggles, 36" periscope,
DiabloAmarillo = The Yellow Devil

i run mobil 1 5W20 and a WIX filter

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2006 ranger XL
VW TYPE 3 project: "LAYLA" 1968 VW VARIANT wagon
2.3 liters of fire breathing fury
PNW crew
XBGT:fomoco007

motor craft 5w-20 i run it because they come from the factory that way.

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Seductive Tx. Chapter President
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I use 5w-30 for winter, and 10w-30 for summer. The reasoning: in winter, you want a lower weight of oil so it doesn't gum up, or get thick for your engine. Then I switch to 10w-30 during the summer because heavier oil stands up against heat better.

The brand I use is Castrol GTX high mileage. Never had a problem with them.

5w30(recommended by ford) Mobil 1 full synthetic(it makes my engine happy, I can tell)

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1999 Ranger, 2.5, 5 speed, Reg Cab, 2WD, no A/C, 145k, RABS, Styleside, BD 11/98.........
If you own a $20 code reader? If you created a detailed signature? If you have C+ English skills? If you can answer questions? If you have a desire to fix your truck? ......Then I can probably help. I am not everyone's cup of tea!..... I am a little obsessed about actually accomplishing things.

Am I the only one that uses motorcraft?

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2010 Ranger Sport Super Cab 4X4
Line X bed liner
United Weld Chrome Tool Box