I have used the search feature but I could not seem to find answers to my questions.

I just bought a 97 4runner limited. It is in pretty good shape minus the drivers seat. (poor patch job on large hole, broken metal bracket that holds plastic molding to seat frame, missing lumbar control, cracks in leather)

It has 152K on it, I do not plan on taking it off roading. I drive 2.5 miles to work 2.5 miles from work, other than that mostly short trips around town. Should I switch to synthetic oil? Should I use 0w30 since its a super short trip to work (one way takes 5-7 minutes, unless traffic is really bad then maybe 8-9 minutes). I live in Kansas, winters get really cold, and summers get fairly steamy.

I have read several lengthy debates about the synthetic/dino oil and I am under the impression that I can just switch and pay attention to the oil level, if I have problems then switch back.

 

I'd stick with dino oil if its been running that for this long. Oil usually causes problems when its dirty, and syn and dino both get dirty after the same period of time. I'll continue to save my money and use dino oil thats been shown to work the last 100 years.

My last argument is that I developed 2-3 oil leaks when I switched to synthetic.

 

Ived never had a oil leak when swapping over, the 4runner i have now had 197k on it and a valve cover leak, i snugged the bolts down when i changed it over still no leaks anywhere. It is a frequently asked question on my website:
Is it true that installing AMSOIL or other synthetic oils will cause my engine to leak oil?
Answer: In modern vehicles, there is no risk of AMSOIL motor oil leaking. In fact, AMSOIL motor oil is fully compatible with modern seal materials. It is properly formulated to condition seals, keeping them pliable to prevent leakage.

The only way you will know how your oil is working is to have a UOA done on it periodically (used oil analysis) Short trips can be harder on oil rather than longer trips. You may be fine with dino,or better with synthetic, but you have to test it to find out.

 

So what about the weight? With the super short trips should I try 0w or just stick with 5w ?

 

You can go with a 0wt. The difference is the 0-30 will be thinner at start up, the 5-30 will be a little thicker.Start up is the most crutial wear time on your engine ,but It usually comes down to user preference.You will be fine with either one. Once they get hot they will flow pretty much the same.
Here is some good reading ...It s a litle long tho:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/faq...=haas_articles

 

Personally, I'd just stick to dino. In one year, you're driving less than 2,000 miles to and from work. I'd imagine you're probably at less than 10,000 miles per year. That's just 2-3 dino oil changes. Amsoil says that you can leave the oil in there for 1 year (or 25k miles), but I would just feel better changing out the oil 2-3 times per year. BTW, I have Amsoil in my Tacoma and it's great. But I do drive 25k+ miles per year, so it makes sense for me.

As far as weight, just stick to 5w-30.

 

Thanks.
So after reading that link it seems that if I choose to switch to synthetic 0w would be the way to go for my short trips.

I just need to keep an eye out for leaking oil after making the switch. If I get leaks switch back to dino.

 

So I did switch to synthetic Mobile1 5w30, couldnt find the 0w at the time. Found some since the change, will be switching to 0w before it gets cold.
Boy even with the skid plate off I sure have a hard time contorting my arm up to get the oil filter off. Considering and oil filter relocation that so many have talked about. There looks to be room under the battery. Any thoughts on that?
Ive seen people talking about AN fittings? Im no car guy and this was my first oil change but the relocation mod looks like it would make my life easier. I suppose I should do the oil pressure gage mod first.

 

Just reach through the driver's side wheel well. I've never had problems getting the filter off.

 

that mileage i would look at maxlife synthetic. by far better than M1 plus it helps the seals. M1 EP is a better choice if you decided on using M1 instead of anything else.