Originally Posted By: mh2800
Was looking in the 2007 DOdge Dakota owner's manual online and it only lists 5w-20 for the Dakota, not making any note of difference between needs for the 3.7L v-6 and the 4.7L (HO) models.
Since mine is a 2006 3.7L v-6, I asked at the dealership and was given a 'just use what's shown on the cap' and dismissed.
Just wondering here.
There's really not that much difference in a 5w20 vs. most 5w30s based on the VOAs and UOAs I've looked at on here. Most 5w20s turn in *great* UOAs, but they also are at the thick end of the 20wt range, and they tend to be recommended in traditionally long-lived low-wearing engines like Ford Modulars, Chrysler 4.7 and 5.7s, and some Hondas. There's some indication/speculation that at least some of the oil companies use better ingredients, so to speak, in the Xw20s as well as the 0w30s compared to the 10w30s and 5w30s. On the face of it one would certainly think that it would be easier to get to 5w20 with fewer VIIs, for one thing.