Just a few questions:
For those of you who are running all amsoil fluids, how much did it cost/was it worth it?

i'm thinking about pulling the front resonator out tomorrow, but i dont want my truck to sound straight piped. Do you think removing it would make it too loud?

I went to the denver auto show last night, and all I have to say is that the Challenger looks SO damn sexy in person. I really wish they would have started it up for me....

It depends on which oil you get as to what it costs. there are 3 oils, 7,500 mile (XL), 25,000 mile (ASL), and 35,000 mile (SSO). Net oil change I am switching to the SSO and an Amsoil filter due to the ability to not change the oil for a year. I also do Oil Analysis on my truck and have proved that even the XL for me can go over 8,000 miles. On my site there is alot of info about the oils you can read to help explain things to you. www.notnormalmotorsports.com

turbot answered the amsoil question...ill answer the reso question. our trucks have 2 resos and 1 muffler....taking off 1 reso wont make a huge difference but as soon as you take the 2nd off there will be a noticeable difference...do it, youll be happy

ok, thats kinda what i figured. last time i was in the exhaust shop where i got it done, he took off one reso and put a flowmaster on, and said if i wanted to he'd take off the second resonator for free. also, the drivers side exhaust pipe hits the shock every time i go over a large bump, so im gonna see what he can do about that.

back to the amsoil, i stillwant toknow if its worth it to go withit all the way through (diffs, tcase, tranny, and oil).

I think it is, you get much more miles out of it then the stock fluids. Mopar gear oil is good for 15k miles Amsoil severe gear is good for 100k miles. Only thing I have to worry about this year is changing my oil one more time and thats it (and I drive 22k miles a year). It saves you money in the long haul.

I have the Gibson single swept side and installed a Vibrant 3" ultra quiet inline where the factory res would be under the cab. It makes it nice and quiet in the cab with just a nice subtle sound on the highway inside the cab. You can here an agressive sound under full throttle. Outside the truck it has a very nice deep v8 sound. If you want a more aggressive sound in the cab getting rid of that second resonator will help. If I read your post correctly you have already removed the tailpipe resonator.

local://upfiles/57176/E36DF2EC11CB4342A330D89C7E037538.jpg

ORIGINAL: turbot_bird

I think it is, you get much more miles out of it then the stock fluids. Mopar gear oil is good for 15k miles Amsoil severe gear is good for 100k miles. Only thing I have to worry about this year is changing my oil one more time and thats it (and I drive 22k miles a year). It saves you money in the long haul.



A few thoughts on AMSOIL;


#1 Engine oil; yes they tout longer change intervals, but why spend $25 for oil analysis to check it when for maybe $20 more you can just change it and have fresh detergents in it.


#2 ATF, why doesn't AMSOIL go thorough the process to get the ATF+4 certification? If it is as good or better than Mopar or Valvoline ATF+4 it seems to me it would behoove them to get the certification.
Do they have ANY idea how much they would sell? They would make up the cost of the certification and licensing easily, as a lot of people (like me) would be comfortable using it and not worrying about the finger pointing between the dealer and AMSOIL that absolutely WILL happen should there be a problem.


The problem with the finger pointing is you either are out the vehicle while it is resolved, or you pay the bill for a warranty repair while the dispute is resolved between Dodge and AMSOIL . Either way a great big hassle. I would like to see actual cases wt the here AMSOIL was challenged, and the outcome, both winning and losing.


Yes I know about the magnusson-moss act and how AMSOIL will send a letter to the dealer if they give you $hit about AMSOIL voiding the warranty, but I have spoken to 3 local dealers that that say it will void the warranty, so you know you are in for a battle if a problem arises.


Don't get me wrong, I think AMSOIL is probably one of the best (if not THE best oil out there,) but I have a hard time running engine oil past 5-7K, using the ATF in the trans, and running the 75-110 in my dif when it calls for 75-140 (although I want to do all of these).


PS- I have a box of AMSOIL in my garage, 6 qts ASL, w/filter, 75-90 for front dif, 75-140 for rear dif, ATF for transfer case.

If anyone cares to join in please do.

Just my 2 cents,
LB

From Amsoil.com:

APPLICATIONS
AMSOIL Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid is completely compatible with other synthetic and petroleum automatic transmission fluids. AMSOIL ATF is a universal, multi-functional fluid that greatly reduces the need for specialized fluid inventories and the possibilities of misapplication. AMSOIL ATF is recommended for transmission, hydraulic and other applications requiring any of the following specifications: GM DEXRON® II, III & VI Ford MERCON®, MERCON® V & SP
Chrysler ATF+ through ATF+4® Honda Z-1 (Not for use in CVT transmissions) Toyota Type T and T-IV Mitsubishi/Hyundai Diamond SP II & III Allison C-3, C-4 Caterpillar TO-2 Voith G607, G1363 ZF TE-ML 14A, 14B, 14C Mercedes Benz 236.1, 236.2, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9 BMW 7045ENAG 1 & 2
JWS 3309 LT 71141 (ESSO) Nissan Matic D, J & K Vickers I-286S & M-2950S Excellent for power steering units that use ATF. Not for use in CVT transmissions.


I have ran into 1 problem where a dealer blamed something on Amsoil. Amsoil sent out a letter and all was cleared up. That was the only time.


With the Analisis I am finding out how far I can go with it. I do not need to do it every time once I find out the limits on my vehicle. I know that I can run 8k miles on the XL, so I wont test the XL before 8K miles. Might be able to go farther on it still havent got a test back yet telling me to change it. when I do I will know that thats when I need to change it. No more tests needed.

Im a big synthetic oil extended drain fan. I do mine every 15,000 miles, but with mobil 1 extended performance. The only thing I dont like about amsoil is that I simply cant buy it off the shelf. It will be a cold day in hell before I order my oil online lol. It's great to drain my oil every october (i do just shy of 15k a year). I buy 5 quarts a year, I get the 5 qt. jug at walmart for like $27, and a $3 filter. thats $30 a year.

I'm a happy camper.

I trust it completely, me in laws and my family have done it since the 80's and all our trucks/cars have had long healthy lives. Same thing with my spark plugs, I hear ours are shot at like 36k. I'm going to throw in the autolite long life ones, what are they iridium or platinum? the 100k ones. See how long they can last.

Most my customers around here we have a dc in orlando we can pick up from and there are a few scattered around the US. Dealers also find stores to sell to so people dont have to order online, I offer it online and to be shiped. But I also picked up an account at an auto parts store where they will be buying oil form me to sell off the shelf to customers and a big car rental company.

If you are so adverse to ordering your oil online, why not become a distributor? My lieutenant when I was a deputy sheriff was a distributor, and I have seen at least three distributors working in the arera in which I live. It is a great product, and if I had the money, I would be a distributor also. From what I Understand, they make darn good money.
I had a Honda Gold Wing, and if you are familiar with them, they have a rear end much like a car's differential, rather than a chain or belt. I replaced the gear grease in it with AMSOIL, and was so impressed, I replaced the cranckcase oil with AMSOIL as well. When I did, I had to turn my carbs down, as the engine picked up 750 RPM, which I an only attribute to the smaller amount of friction. Our new (to us) 2006 Dakota may get a total AMSOIL makeover, if I can convince my wife that in the long run, it will actually cost less.

Good to hear from another satisfied customer. It only costs $30 to become a dealer with no inventory requirements, No sales requirements, nothing. You dont have to sell at all (although you wont make any money that way lol)

ORIGINAL: MonkeyWrench4000

Im a big synthetic oil extended drain fan. I do mine every 15,000 miles, but with mobil 1 extended performance. The only thing I dont like about amsoil is that I simply cant buy it off the shelf. It will be a cold day in hell before I order my oil online lol. It's great to drain my oil every october (i do just shy of 15k a year). I buy 5 quarts a year, I get the 5 qt. jug at walmart for like $27, and a $3 filter. thats $30 a year.

I'm a happy camper.

I trust it completely, me in laws and my family have done it since the 80's and all our trucks/cars have had long healthy lives. Same thing with my spark plugs, I hear ours are shot at like 36k. I'm going to throw in the autolite long life ones, what are they iridium or platinum? the 100k ones. See how long they can last.





Napa carries Amsoil now, at least in the New England area.

ORIGINAL: Altair

ORIGINAL: MonkeyWrench4000

Im a big synthetic oil extended drain fan. I do mine every 15,000 miles, but with mobil 1 extended performance. The only thing I dont like about amsoil is that I simply cant buy it off the shelf. It will be a cold day in hell before I order my oil online lol. It's great to drain my oil every october (i do just shy of 15k a year). I buy 5 quarts a year, I get the 5 qt. jug at walmart for like $27, and a $3 filter. thats $30 a year.

I'm a happy camper.

I trust it completely, me in laws and my family have done it since the 80's and all our trucks/cars have had long healthy lives. Same thing with my spark plugs, I hear ours are shot at like 36k. I'm going to throw in the autolite long life ones, what are they iridium or platinum? the 100k ones. See how long they can last.





Napa carries Amsoil now, at least in the New England area.



It depends on if a dealer in the area has signed them up. Most the Napa's around here do too but have to be under different dealers

ORIGINAL: SHoffman

Just a few questions:
For those of you who are running all amsoil fluids, how much did it cost/was it worth it?




Umm, yes...don't remember exactly what it cost, but with both truck and car it was close to $400 I think...but that included all fluids for both vehicles, new transmission, oil, and air filters....

I tracked my mileage for several months before and after the change...I gained about 2 mpg after all was said and done...

Next step I think is going to be getting rid of the clutch fan and replace with an e-fan...

so, its time for an oil change and I dont have time or money to order all amsoil. i decided to use bg 109 to clean out the system, and then use mobil 1 for now. hopefully ill have more money next time to go with amsoil

Order well in advance with the AMSIOL, my order took 2 weeks before they shipped it.

LB

ORIGINAL: LB

Order well in advance with the AMSIOL, my order took 2 weeks before they shipped it.

LB


Really? Ive gotten orders to a DF member ups ground in less than a week. I do drop shipments when I need to ship. I place to order at the corporate DC and they ship it out next day as long as its in stock (and with the major facility upgrade just completed I don't see backorder being an issue anymore for a while)

ORIGINAL: LB

Order well in advance with the AMSIOL, my order took 2 weeks before they shipped it.

LB


Wow, what did you order?? A couple of 55 gal drum? :D

I just ordered some stuff on Tueday(I think)and I everything came in yesterday...

6 qts ASL wfilter, 2 Qts ATF,3 Qts 75-140, 2 Qts 75-90, pump.
It came out of Vegas and I live near Salt Lake city. 2 weeks before they shipped it, 4 days to get here once it shipped, and they didnt even send a STICKER!!!??? tight @$$'S.

Looks like I need to get with Turbot next time.I signed up as a preferred customer for 6 months, so I get the same pricing fromyou?

Dak, you did your trans as well? how many qts and how dod you do it?


Thanks,
LB

ORIGINAL: LB

Dak, you did your trans as well? how many qts and how dod you do it?



6 quarts for just the tranny another 8 if you plan on draining the convertor (which you should)...

For the transmission pan, the back four bolts are kinda blocked by the crossbrace. Could you remove them without removing the crossbrace? Possibly, but I went ahead and removed it anyways. The transfer case sagged somewhat, but nothing critical. 4 bolts and some presuasion and it comes out, I had to use the jack to wedge it back up. While you have it off, you may as well replace the filters, there are two, the flat one and a spin on. The kit I got came with a gasket.

For the Torque Convertor hose you need to get a 'quick disconnect tool'. I went to autozone and got the 9.99 quick disconnect set, just a bunch of plastic pieces. If you go http://www.diesel-central.com/News/ford-ac3.htmthat is what they kinda look like, and I needed to use a very small blue one to get it to disconnect. IMO this is not really the 'proper' tool as I had to play with it to get the wire to pop up, but it will work. A metal one would have been much easier, but there were none that were small enough.

The output line from the torque converter is on the bottom of the radiator/passenger side (don't be directly under it when you pull it loose, you get fluid leaking almost immediately). I had 6 empty amsoil quart bottles from the pan, and 8 for the torque converter, had the wife turn the truck on and off, as I filled one quart, I had my son add another quart until I went through all eight bottles.

It took a bit longer, but I know it was done properly...

If you are a preferred customer you have a sponsor that deals with your orders. They might be the reason for the delay.

ok, another change of plans. I was talking with the napa people who work at the dealership i'm at, and they had access to amsoil. i probably should have asked earlier.... so im running 5w30 now with a napa gold filter, and figure ill try and get the ams filter next time. i think ill change it at 10,000 just to be safe this first time.

as for the tranny fluid, would you be able to swap it in using a tranny flush machine? i know most people probably dont have access to it, buti think it would work, right?

Sorry if this is a stupid question but can our dakotas use synthetic or conventional motor oils, or just one or the other? I haven't changed the oil on mine personally as I generally don't have the time to do itbecause I sleep all day and work all nighthowever, I'm pretty sure my truck uses conventional motor oil and I know that I went about 8000 miles between my last oil change and the oil still looked fine and none needed added. I drive about 80 miles a day all interstate driving.

ORIGINAL: SHoffman

as for the tranny fluid, would you be able to swap it in using a tranny flush machine? i know most people probably dont have access to it, buti think it would work, right?


Would it work? I guess... Would I trust some moron to do it? No...

One place royally screwed up the tranny on my old Caravan...took it to a tranny shop and they had to replace most of the seals because the flush is done under pressure...this is what caused the seals to blow...

Changing it yourself is not that hard nor does it take that long...having two extra people is what really helps...one to turn on the truck and get the convertor going, one to catch the fluid as it is pumped out, and third to pour new fluid...

ORIGINAL: Shibby927

Sorry if this is a stupid question but can our dakotas use synthetic or conventional motor oils, or just one or the other? I haven't changed the oil on mine personally as I generally don't have the time to do itbecause I sleep all day and work all nighthowever, I'm pretty sure my truck uses conventional motor oil and I know that I went about 8000 miles between my last oil change and the oil still looked fine and none needed added. I drive about 80 miles a day all interstate driving.



You can run either and it won't make a difference...well it will run better on the synthetic...

There is now way to tell if oil is good or bad based on looks or smell...you have send it off you an lab to have it analyzed and if you are running dino oil, it probabaly isn't worth the cost...

ORIGINAL: SHoffman

ok, another change of plans. I was talking with the napa people who work at the dealership i'm at, and they had access to amsoil. i probably should have asked earlier.... so im running 5w30 now with a napa gold filter, and figure ill try and get the ams filter next time. i think ill change it at 10,000 just to be safe this first time.

as for the tranny fluid, would you be able to swap it in using a tranny flush machine? i know most people probably dont have access to it, buti think it would work, right?


Which oil are you going with? the XL, ASL, Or SSO?


Shibby927- 8000 on conventional oil? thats a lot. I dont know if I would be doing that without testing it to make sure everything is ok. any motor weather it is a car or lawn mower can benefit from synthetic oil.

So I can run synthetic I will probably switch oils then. What do I need to do to do that?

turbo-I'm not sure actually. I think I still have one of the bottles left at work, ill let you know when i go back on monday.
Dak-I probably wouldnt trust any moron to do it either, but i have access to a flush machine. I think when i can ill do it that way

ORIGINAL: Shibby927

So I can run synthetic I will probably switch oils then. What do I need to do to do that?


with running conventional oil that long of change interval I would do an engine flush first to get sludge out. then just change oil and filter with synthetic.

ORIGINAL: SHoffman

turbo-I'm not sure actually. I think I still have one of the bottles left at work, ill let you know when i go back on monday.
Dak-I probably wouldnt trust any moron to do it either, but i have access to a flush machine. I think when i can ill do it that way


Ah, well if you have access to a machine I reckon you are golden!! :D

Does just anyshop do engine flushes or do I need to go somewhere specific for that?

ORIGINAL: turbot_bird

ORIGINAL: SHoffman

ok, another change of plans. I was talking with the napa people who work at the dealership i'm at, and they had access to amsoil. i probably should have asked earlier.... so im running 5w30 now with a napa gold filter, and figure ill try and get the ams filter next time. i think ill change it at 10,000 just to be safe this first time.

as for the tranny fluid, would you be able to swap it in using a tranny flush machine? i know most people probably dont have access to it, buti think it would work, right?


Which oil are you going with? the XL, ASL, Or SSO?






i have the bottle next to me, and it doesnt exactly say XL, ASL, or SSO. on the back it says its good for 25000 miles normal, 15000 under severe operating conditions...

with running conventional oil that long of change interval I would do an engine flush first to get sludge out. then just change oil and filter with synthetic.

You know I just talked to a coworker who used to be a dodge mechanic for the past 25 years and he told me that synthetic is definitely the better way to go be he also told me that I probably won't need to do an engine flush as my truck is pretty new and because I don't do very much city driving. There shouldn't be much if any sludge buildup as I drive 95% highway and 5% city.

I would do an engine flush to be safe. ive seen engines with sludge and have 20k on the clock. ive also seen fords with sludge and have 7k on the clock. if you dont want to thats your choise but its less than $10 and 20 min to do it right.

I changed my oil yesterday and put in Amsoil ASL SAE 5W-30 and a Wix filter. I switched over to Amsoil after 2500 miles and now have about 26k. It's great stuff--too bad it doesn't stop the "knocking" noise at cold startup that these HO motors have. I'll change my filter in six months then not another full oil change for 12 months.