Synthetics Throughout?

[mteichro]

Its about time to change the oil in my truck (4 liter, 4x4, 5 speed) and I am looking to change everything over to synthetic. Is this possible first off (transmission in mind here)? What fluid would you use here (stick with 5w30 or switch to 0w30 in the engine)? What would be put in the transfer case and differentials? Any oil preferences when it come to synthetics (I've only ever used dino).
Thanks

 

[dp88]

I personally like the 0w30 but some will probably knock it. I cant really help you with the rest. I have been meaning to switch to synthetics all around.

 

[Dweano]

I have synthetic in my motor and tranny. So far so good. Soon my diffs will have it as well and then the transfer case. I personally love Amsoil. Its pricey tho

 

[JohnnyO]

Assuming you mean the tranny is a manual (the auto is a 5 spd too), both the tranny and transfer case use regular Mercon ATF (not Mercon V). The auto tranny takes Mercon V, which is a semi-synthetic by definition although you could put Mobil 1 ATF in it also. I have used Mobil 1 ATF in my transfer cases and the manual tranny in my son's Mustang for years. If your tranny is a manual it will have drain and fill plugs.
The factory axle lube in a 2007 is synthetic anyway, but it wouldn't hurt to change it every 50k. The ONLY way to drain the front diff on a late-model is to take it to the Qwicky-Lube where they use a suction machine. Unless you want to pull out the whole pumpkin. There is not enough room between the front diff cover and the crossmember to remove it. For axle lube I would use Mobil 1 or Red Line or Valvoline Synpower.
I've tried different motor oils and got good Used Oil Analysis with Mobil 1 0w-30 and 5w-30, Valvoline 5w-30 syn, and Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30. I run Mobil 1 0w-30 Fuel Economy Formula in my Sport Trac. Bottom line best UOA's I got were with Pennzoil Platinum, which is cheaper than Mobil 1.
I don't get fancy with the oil filter, just plain ol' Motorcraft.

 

[darkspork]

Stick with Dex/Mercon for the transmission if your transmission is manual. I tried a semi-synthetic fluid and it made it much more difficult to shift. Plain Mercon is the best unless it's colder than -10 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

All of the other fluids I really don't know. I used Mercon in the transfer case (works fine) and am running Mobil 1 5w30 for Trucks/SUVs. I really couldn't say whether or not the oil makes a difference because I've been running that oil in it since I bought it.

 

[LearjetMinako]

I already have gone full synthetics through out the drivetrain. If yours is a 5-speed manual tranny. Stay away from the Mobil 1 ATF synthetic. When I used it in my Ranger's tranny, the shifts felt more harsh and hard. Castrol ATF conventional oil work good thou. Currently I use Royal Purple SyncroMax in it now. I love how the shifts feel now. Softer engagement feel, but soild when going into gear.

As for 0w-30 motor oil. You can use it, if you want. But it is probably best to stick with the recemmonded 5w-30 weight. Unless you live in an extremely cold climate (say below 0*F), then 0w-30 would be good choice.

As for what to get, really, what brand you choose is your choice. But I will say this, it won't be cheap. Synthetics cost 3x~5x more than regular oil.

Since I'm Royal Purple user, this would be my choice:
Motor oil: RP 5w-30
5spd Manual: RP SyncroMax
Transfer case: RP SyncroMax
Diffs: RP MaxGear 75w-90

Changing the fluids out of the rear diff, tranny, transfer case, and engine should be relative easy. The front diff, I don't know. To make adding oil back in easier, get a bottle pump.

 

[strvger]

as my engine is far from new, i use semi-synthetic 10W40 summer, 5W30 for winter. plan on changing all my other fluids to synthetic in the very near future.

 

[daniel3507]

Ive always heard that conventional is best in differentials because its thicker and thus coats the gears better for better protection.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Ive always heard that conventional is best in differentials because its thicker and thus coats the gears better for better protection.

Shouldn't matter. Since the two oils are based on the same tests to get their weights. Thou in cold climates, the conventional oil does thicken more than synthetics. Also, in high speed diffs, the oil is slung everywhere in the diff. In a slow speed diff, like a tractor, the diff oil may not get slung to other parts. Lucas additive helps with that.

 

[adsm08]

both the tranny and transfer case use regular Mercon ATF (not Mercon V).

Ford says that anything that took regular Merc can take Merc V. They don't even make regular old merc anymore.

Ford also has a "transfer case fluid" out now that is supposed to replace Merc in all t-cases from the late 80s on up. It's bascially just ATF with LSD friction modifier in it. Keeps the parts in the t-case from wearing as fast.

 

[NMB2]

PM me with your vehicle specifics and zip code, and I will get back to you on all of the proper lubricants and pricing.

 

[michowski]

I used royal purple full synthetic in everything except my engine and I instantly felt it better after I did the swap. For all I know my 93 had original fluid but it was a very worth while upgrade. My 5 speed has auto mercon v trans fluid in it and is so smooth. I think my t-case has that in it as well. Cant recall offhand what it called for but I know it was royal purple. Same goes for both axles. Got the thickest weight gear oil and havent looked back. Once I get my engine to stop burning oil I will have a quality full synthetic oil in there also. I highly recommend it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pEmStbvHA