Gone are the days when I could just take my truck down to the local "garage", get my 6 qts. of whatever and get that bright orange fram filter every 3K and think I was taking care of my truck. Now I have to spend countless hours researching the ideal oil and filter combo for my specific vehicle and application.
I have a new 2003 Chevy 2500HD w/ the 6.0L engine. I found this website about 2 years ago when it was nothing like it is now. Back then I spent a ton of time trying to find the best oil and filter for my previous truck. I ended up using Schaffers 700 5W-30 and the Mobil 1 filter.
I had planned on using the same in my new truck (my previous truck had the same engine). However, I made the mistake of visiting this website again just to make sure nothing had changed. Well, it seems everything has. Not much mention of Schaffer's anymore. Is that because they don't sponsor the board anymore or something? I'm just curious if I should keep using the Schaffer's and the Mobil filter. I'll be changing my oil every 3 to 4k anyway. I'm too anal retentive to push that out any longer.
Also, do I have to use 5W-30? Would another weight be preferrable even though GM suggests 5W-30? I've read about the Mobil 1 oil being thinner than others. That was one of the other oils I've been considering. Also, I saw some flack about those expensive Mobil filters. Is there something newer and better out now? Things change so quickly.
My friends make fun of me for stuff like this. They call me the professional consumer. I research stuff too much. Ignorance is bliss, and I torture myself over silly things like what type of oil to use in my truck. Seems ridiculous, but I'm a sucker for this kinda stuff. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.