OIL change interval Tacoma 4x4?

[SR.GRINGO]

So I have a 96 Tacoma 4x4 4cyl delivery truck with 80,000 miles with a metal frame work in the back. I have no doubt my employees drive the piss out of it. We use it to haul pretty heavy loads 2x a week about 250 miles...it has a helper leafs in the back. Otherwise it just runs around town in city traffic. How often should I change the oil and filter 3,500 miles or can I go longer?

 

[LukeZero]

If they're "driving the piss out of it"- I'd change oil every 3000 miles. Or switch to synthetic and change every 5000 miles. Oil and filter are dirt cheap in comparison to failed bearings and rings.

 

[SPDSHFT]

I agree...just go with the synthetic and every 5k w/am OEM filter and it will go 200k

 

[Duane]

a serious way would be to have the oil tested and see how long it lasts before it starts to breakdown and then that becomes your time period or mileage interval.

Some considerations are the number of cold starts or runtime hours on the engine perhaps rather than mileage. That 250 mile trip down the highway is likely easier on it than the several days around town to put the same mileage on it.

I agree with the change before 3000 mile but maybe 2000 miles is a better answer. I would change traditional oil often enough to keep it looking very clean. I also imagine a given week is typical of the previous week therefore I would likely pick some interval in days or first of every month or second month to make sure it gets done as well.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I use only AMSOIL Full Synthetics. I use their 5W30XL, and I change every 6K.

 

[rpegan70]

i use my truck, and i mean use it. granted, it's a v6 with 1/2 ton springs all around, but it puts in work. with all my tools or materials i can be carrying 1/2 ton no problem. that plus driving it in heavy, hilly seattle traffic, i will tell you honestly- if you aren't the one driving it (i used to drive the company work truck), and it is under load, and you are at all worried about it, just keep the oiul change intervals at 3000 to 3500. it may cost a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth it. ryan