tsualumni

I'm due for my first oil change. Is $60 high for an oil change? This is my first diesel so I'm not used to paying that much. What type of oil is the best to use?

megafast

Diesels cost more. 3 gallons of oil! $60 is right in there pricewise if you want to let someone else do it. You can pretty much cut that cost in half and do it yourself, and get to know your truck a little. Everyone has their own ideas about oil. Personally, I use Rottela T 15-40. If you buy your own oil, just make sure its heavy duty for diesel engines. I buy my filters through Geno's garage. Fleetgaurd filters are what I run. Don't let the place that changes your oil put on a cheapo filter like a Fram.

DBLR

$60.00 is do darn much for a oil change as my Dodge dealer has sent me several flyers for a $39.95 diesel oil change. Never do the first oil change your self as they coat the engine with some clear coat and it glues the filter on the engine and that makes it hard to get off. As for what oil to use you can go with Chevron Delo 400, Valvoline Blue, Mobile Delvac as all 3 make good dino oil.

Arkapigdiesel

I know this doesn't answer your question....BUT go ahead and do it yourself. The oil changes are easy + you don't have to worry about the monkeys forgetting to replace your drain plug/leaving the oil filler cap off/bending your dipstick/getting oil all over your seats.

The monkeys are there to collect a check and could care less about your truck

MoparNut

Just had mine changed at the dealer for $69. I have the dealer do it to cover my "Auto-for-life" warranty but I still check everything when I get home. I even mark the filter with a Sharpie so I know they put a new one on. And like megafast said, make sure who ever changes your oil uses a good Dodge approved oil filter like Fleetguard or at least Mopar so they won't have an excuse if warranty work is needed. Do a search for a TSB on approved filters. I read one somewhere.

Totallyrad

Definitely let them do the first one.

Roger_H

The first one is not bad if you go to the auto parts store and get a strap filter wrench that takes a 1/2 in drive. I just did mine last weekend. The filter was tight, but not bad at all. The most unnerving part was I thought my new high capacity drain pan was going to flow over the sides. It didn't, but I was panicing for a minute. I think I had about $35 worth of stuff for the oil change. That included the grease attachement for the front axle.

twotirefire

AMSOIL is the best I have found with supporting documentation to prove it. Also check this stuff out.

We always over analyze eveything, we look for the proof in the pudding, so to speak, and this stuff is awesome, look at how long you can actually safely go between oil changes. It's well worth the extra cash.
http://www.performanceoiltechnology.com/ame.htm

J&L

my dealer has a notice from STAR about extended drain intervals. Your engine warranty can be voided. See your dealer and have them check with STAR on extended drain intervals for engines still under warranty.
JIM

Danavilla

I feel kind of smug. The dealer who sold me my '06 sent me a notice that they were "concerned" I hadn't changed my oil yet.Truck had been sitting in the garage most of the time. They were so concerned that they offered to change oil, filter and lube for $9.95. I took 'em up on it. I hope they get concerned every 6 months.

Dan

megafast

Thats sweet danavilla. You must have one of the good service departments!