MADPIRAHNA

Thats what I do. Motorcraft 5W20 blend and 4500 miles, as long as Im not out in any dusty fields. Also cant forget to check the air filter to keep that earl pretty.

Kattumaram

Green'01 has it right in every aspect. Synthetic lubes are superior to natural base lubes in every way and may be used in lieu of any natural stock as long as the recommended viscosities and API ratings are observed.

Mobil 1 is the quintessential synthetic lube, but all the majors have products that perform well.

Green '01

Thanks Kattumaram.
It seems like almost every year the vehicle manufacurers are increasing the reccomended mileage between oil and filter changes. Surely some of this is because of new technologies in engine design and materials used, but I'd bet some of it is to reduce calculated operating expense to make their vehicles more "economical to own" on paper. As long as the engine makes it past factory warranty and the manufacturer is no longer at risk of spending their money to repair your engine, why should the pencil pushers care if it lasts beyond 100,000 miles. Besides, if I make my truck last too long, I won't be back at the dealership looking to buy a new one.
It's just my opinion, but I believe that with "average" use (not laboratory controlled examples) I need to change my oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles because of occasional towing, stop and go in-town driving, 4 to 6 people in the truck most of the time, and my lead foot - even when I have synthetic in it. Even with the good stuff, I don't want to leave it in there so long that I've got to worry about contaminates damaging my engine.
Sorry about the loooong comment.

Bruno82

My owner's manual says a synthetic "blend." Can the oil be fully synthetic?

shotgun

If you want to spend the extra money and as long as it meets the Ford specifications listed in your owner's manual, sure.

jbeatty85

the only difference between synthetic oil is that it holds up to heat better so if no towing is going to be done go with the blend. i would say that 99% of people that use fully synthetic oil are wasting their money because it is not needed and doesnt help the engine

Green '01

Synthetic blends are certainly better than conventional oils at protecting against heat related breakdowns. Fully synthetic oils aren't compromised by blending with an inferior lube, so you'll get the full benefit that synthetics offer.
Synthetic oils are also better at reducing friction, which reduces wear and frees up a few horsepower. Since the engine is operating more efficiently, you'll get better mileage - providing driving habits remain the same. And of course, with less engine wear you'll extend engine life. Even if you don't tow. Yeah, full synthetic can be expensive, but so can engine or vehicle replacement.
Anything I can do to extend engine life AND improve performance is worthwhile to me... even for an extra $24 every 3 months.