Ford specs 5w20?

[JZ1973]

First off, i want too preface this.

I am not posting this question too start a debate over who uses what oil and for how long and who is the smartest bean picker in the world....

Here goes....

By the owners manual in 1994, my 2.3L Xlt calls for 5w30 or 10w30 weight oil. (i think... will have too dig up manual....pretty sure its 30 weight of one of those.....)

HOWEVER... Upon reading some insightful posts on the internet and using the oil manufacturers "tools" too find whats best for my vehicle, have found that Ford has back specd the weight too 5w20.....

My question too everyone here, does the back specs apply too my vehicle?

I am aware the differences are not enough too destroy my old ranger, but would like too use the weight of oil the maker of my vehicle says is best.

I have used 5w30 or 10w30 for years with no ill effect, dont burn more than 1/2 quart of oil if that between changes, and have no leaks or issues with my oil.

Sorry if this is already answered elsewhere, i was unable too find a clear and concise answer by searching, and know that owners of Rangers would know the details of the back specing and if it applies.

Thanks in advance!

[Maritime Storm]

I would stick with the original recommended oil grade in your 5W30 or 10w30 depending on seasonal temperatures.

[JZ1973]

Thanks. Am well aware of handbook recommendations, was more curious of Ford bar specing most of there vehicles too 5w20 and if it applies too my 2.3L. Dealership closest too me is stuck in the 80s so they are of no help. I had one of there mechanics darn near fist fight me over motocraft oil being a synthetic blend and not pure conventional oil. This was after showing him a five quart jug clearly advertised as synthetic blend.... Pretty worthless when you can't depend on a dealer too keep up with the times.

[Ordinary Biker]

I hadn't heard about them 'back speccing'. I do know that both my Rangers call for 5W30, but I did have a Taurus and a Focus that called for 5W20. Maybe I will call one of our local dealers...

[JZ1973]

Here's one of many TSB's out there.... just trying too find out what Fords calling for nowadays....

TSB 02-1-9

FORD: 1992-2002
1993-1994
1993-1997
1993-2002
1995-2000
1998-2002
2000-2002
1993-1996
1993-1997
1993-2002
1995-2002
1997-1999
1997-2001
1997-2002
1999-2002
2000-2002
2001-2002
CROWN VICTORIA TEMPO THUNDERBIRD ESCORT, MUSTANG,TAURUS CONTOUR ESCORT ZX2 FOCUS BRONCO AEROSTAR E SERIES, F-150, RANGER WINDSTAR F-250 LD EXPLORER EXPEDITION SUPER DUTY F SERIES, SUPER DUTY F-53 STRIPPED CHAS EXCURSION ESCAPE
LINCOLN: 1991-2002 TOWN CAR
1993-1998 MARK VIII
1993-2002 CONTINENTAL
2000-2002 LS
1998-2002 NAVIGATOR MERCURY: 1992-2002 GRAND MARQUIS
1993-1994 TOPAZ
1993-1997 COUGAR
1993-1999 TRACER
1993-2002 SABLE
1995-2000 MYSTIQUE
1999-2002 COUGAR
1997-2001 MOUNTAINEER
This article is being republished in its entirety to update the vehicle models, engines and years affected. NOTE PLEASE REFER TO THE VEHICLE APPLICATION LIST LATER IN THIS TSB FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS TSB

ISSUE
Ford Motor Company now recommends SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade for servicing most gasoline and flexible fueled vehicles.

ACTION
All 2001 and 2002 vehicles where SAE 5W-20 is specified should be serviced at the recommended oil change intervals using SAE 5W-20. This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy.

Testing has validated this viscosity grade can be
used in many previous model year vehicles. It is
recommended ALL vehicles on the following Vehicle
Application Listing be service with SAE 5W-20.
All 2001-2002 vehicles other than those listed in the
"Exception 2001 Vehicles" or "Exception 2002
Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20
motor oil at the factory and should also be serviced
with SAE 5W-20 oil.

Article No. 02-1-9 Cont'd.
Vehicle Application Listing Approved For SAE
5W-20 Motor Oil
• 1993-1996 1.9L Escort/Tracer
• 1995-2000 2.0L Zetec Contour/Mystique
• 1999-2002 2.0L Cougar
• 1997-2002 2.0L Escort/Tracer
• 1998-2002 2.0L Escort ZX2
• 2000-2002 2.0L Focus
• 2001-2002 2.0L Escape
• 1993-1997 2.3L Ranger
• 1993-1994 2.3L Mustang
• 1993-1994 2.3L Tempo/Topaz
• 1998-2001 2.5L Ranger
• 1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
• 1999-2002 2.5L Cougar
• 2001-2002 3.0L 4V Escape
• 1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
• 1993-2002 3.0L (Vulcan) Aerostar/Ranger,
Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
• 1995-2000 3.0L (Vulcan) Windstar
• 1993-1994 3.0L (Vulcan) Tempo/Topaz
• 2000-2002 3.0L 4V Lincoln LS
• 1995-2002 3.8L Windstar
• 1993-1997 3.8L Taurus/Sable,
Thunderbird/Cougar, Continental
• 1994-2002 3.8L Mustang
• 2002-2002 3.9L 4V Lincoln LS
• 1997-2002 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW
only), E-Series
• 1996-2002 4.6L 2V Mustang
• 1992-2002 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
• 1991-2002 4.6L Town Car
• 1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
• 1996-2002 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
• 1995-2002 4.6L 4V Continental
• 1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
• 1997-2002 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500
GVW only), E-Series, Expedition
• 1993-1999 4.9L E-Series, F-Series
• 1993-1995 5.0L Mustang/Mustang Cobra
• 1993-1993 5.0L Thunderbird/Cougar
• 1997-2001 5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
• 1993-1996 5.0L E-Series, F-Series, Bronco
• 2000-2002 5.4L Excursion
• 1998-2002 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
• 1997-2002 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW
only), Expedition, E-Series, E-350
Chassis/RV/Cutaway
• 1993-1997 5.8L F-Series, Bronco
• 1993-1996 5.8L E-Series
• 2000-2002 6.8L Excursion
• 1997-2002 6.8L E-Series, E-350
Chassis/RV/Cutaway
• 1999-2002 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250
HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
• 1993-1998 7.5L All Vehicles
NOTE
FOR 1993 THROUGH 1998 MODEL YEAR FFV
USE XO-10W30-FFV.
NOTE
THE "EXCEPTION 2001-2002 VEHICLES"
SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5W-30
MOTOR OIL.
Exception 2001 Vehicles
NOTE
IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS
APPLICATION, SAE 5W-30 OIL IS
RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TSB 99-8-16.
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