Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Filter Changes

[garylmoore]

I dont mean to pop the top on the worm can, but...
I bought my 2001 truck with no rust, and live in central Indiana. I have it treated with "Corrosion Free" mineral oil yearly. The truck has a layer of crud underneath (it is supposed to), but zero underside rust. I highly recommend this if you drive in salt.
I put around 15,000 miles a year on my truck. Current Mileage is 265k.
I change both fuel filters on the Fass right before winter. I run Howes fuel additive year round.
I run T4 Rotella 15w40 and change it between 3000 and 5000 miles. I get maybe a 1/8 cup in the blow by catch per oil change. I am staying with the Dino oil and my current oil change interval because it seems to be working. I doubt the synthetics' advantage vs. the added cost, and realize I could be mistaken.
I serviced the transmission and changed the cooler hoses and coolant in 2023, both diffs were also done. I have not done the transfer case.
Opinions on my maintenance routine?
Thanks. Gary

 

[Ozymandias]

Change the power steering fluid and the TC case as it is overdue. Brake fluid also.
The rest looks good to me and nothing wrong with mineral oil with your frequent changes.

 

[garylmoore]

I replaced the power steering pump 2023 so that is done. The transfer case before winter, also the brake fluid change.
Thanks Oz.

 

[Ozymandias]

Your all set then.

 

[Gearclash]

Do change your transfer case oil. Pay particular attention that the oil in it is not over full or has gear oil in it (manual trans). My manual transmission failed in part because the oil in the trans was making its way into the transfer case.

 

[LorenStrodtman]

I doubt the synthetics' advantage vs. the added cos

I can't comment on the advantages beyond what Ive read, but the cost isn't all that much higher. Chevron's full synthetic DELO XSP IS $20/gallon at Wal-Mart, Rotella T4 is $16. It makes sense to me that at least for winter the synthetic 5W-40 is good for circulating the oil at startup. At -20⁰ in Minnesota I could tell a difference in cranking speed so it lit off faster (no block heater plug at the hotel).

T6 is about $24, though, so 50% higher than T4.

 

[Tuesdak]

run T4 Rotella 15w40 and change it between 3000 and 5000 miles.

You very likely could get by with a 15,000 mile oil change. Do a UOA without changing it at 5,000 miles at see what your oil looks like. Do a UOA again at 10,000 miles on it. These engines are easy on oil, unlike other dirty diesels of the era, and don't require that many oil changes.