Originally Posted By: jsjonz01
I have a brand new 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 with the HEMI engine. What oil has been ran successfully in these motors? I am hoping to change the oil for the first time today. It does require 5W-20. I currently have 3,000 miles on the truck. The owner's manual states to change the oil every 8,000 miles. Is everyone sticking with this interval? Thanks!
Congrat's on the new truck. The new 4th Gen Rams are really nice. I see Dodge changed the mileage limit for 2011 and upped it to 8000( that is the MAXIMUM you may go between OC's and not the recommended schedule just FYI ).Previously it was 6000.
You need...
5W-20
Meets Exceeds Chrysler MS6395
API Certified w/ Starburst
Change by OLM - OR - 6 months/8000 miles( whichever of the 3 comes 1st )
I personally recommend a synthetic. The HEMI does really well on synthetics. You can run conventional oil but IMO a synthetic is a better option. Any of the following will meet your warranty requirements and do a good job( my personal order of preference but ANY of them will do the job )...
Kendall GT1
Penzoil Platinum/Ultra
Valvoline Synpower
Amsoil XL or OE( only lines that are API Certified through Amsoil )
I run Royal Purple in my 08 HEMI Ram and also ran it in my 04 HEMI Ram and it works great. Doesn't meet the API Starburst requirement however but it is at least API Certified( SL ). If that doesn't concern you I highly recommend RP to you.
Just use a quality filter of your choice( RP, K&N, M1, Wix/Napa Gold, Purolator, Bosch, MOPAR, etc... ).