The previous owner was using 10w-40, should I switch back to 5w-30 or stick with 10w-40 what do you use? edit 95 5.8l 4x4 automatic

 

I can only say my Dad bought the truck I have 'new'. He always used 10W40 oil in it. He died 8 years ago and I now own it. I still use 10W40

 

Not sure whether the 5w- oils were recommended for this vintage, unless ambient temperatures were expected to be cold...? Been a big believer in not messing with stuff that's working out fine, so would agree with the previous user on continuing the use of 10W40.

 

Older engines...say pre-1995...were built with much looser tolerances than modern engines...and these engines were often spec'd to use 10W-40. Newer engines often run on 5W-20 or even 0W-20. You simply can't run higher weight oil in those engines, not without asking for bearing (and other) problems.

 

The handbook in the glovebox said 5w-30, That's why I came here! The previous owner only owned it for a few months. Supposedly his wife made him get rid of it, but it works for me I wanted a running project so here I am.

 

I always default to the OEM who spent millions of $$$$ figuring this stuff out, lol!
Cool truck by the way, a friend of mine had one similar that we used to raise hell in! That 5.8 is a good engine.

 

I remember pouring 10 40 and 20 50 and 0 30 in my 1993 5.0.
If the motor has semi-high miles I'd probably stick with 10-40 for sure.
Not saying it isn't true, I don't remember that being the soil spec for that motor, 5 30 I mean. Or I was young and super smart and knew Ford was a liar and I went ahead and used my own genius oil. haha

 

Which part of the country in regards to climate and how many miles?

 

Northern Utah, winter temps usually low 20s doesn't get under that too often. 200,000 miles.

 

Hey anyone here happen to know the size and thread pitch of the oil pan bolts, it was leaking oil and I got under there finally to see if I could see where she is coming from and it's missing one of the oil pan bolts. Hoping to replace that fixes it.If not guess I'll do the pan gasket. but will still need that bolt.