Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
In 2006 the oil spec was 5W20 for ALL Ram's( 1500, 2500, 3500, Mega Cab )with the 5.7L HEMI. With MDS( 1500 only )and without( 2500, 3500, Mega Cab ).
NOTE - just for those saying they don't know the HEMI oil spec's in the 3rd Generation Ram's w/ 5.7L HEMI( 03-09[HD only] )...
2003-2004 = 5W30 or 10W30
2005 = 5W20 ALL Ram's
2007-2009(HD only) = 5W20 1500's w/ MDS and HD's/Mega's under 14000lbs GVWR & 5W30 in non MDS HEMI's used in HD's over 14000lbs GVWR
Seeing as it is highly doubtful that the OP has any warranty to worry about weight isn't as big of an issue. However, I personally subscribe to the thought process that MDS was designed to run on 5W20 so that is what should be used. I might push it to a 30 weight but I would not run 40 or 50 weights. JMHO.
As far as the HEMI tick. I have had 2 3rd Generation Rams. A 2004 and a 2008. Both had the 5.7L HEMI. I had the tick BAD on the 04 almost right out of the box. Once I swapped to RP 5W30 around 5000 miles( I ususally do it sooner but took longer on that truck )the noise was reduced approx 80-85%. On the 08 I got swapped over to RP sooner and never had the tick at all( not saying the RP prevented it - just saying didn't ever get it ). I ran 5W20 in the 08 due to the MDS.
Back when I had the 04 especially RP was definitelly the oil most favored to stop the tick on the Ram and HEMI forums I visited. Amsoil was probably the 2nd most popular. M1 actually seemed to have a reputation of making it louder? Regardless of brand synthetic was used to quiet it. By 08 you didn't hear as much about the tick in the newer trucks. If I had a Ram w/ the tick my 1st step would be to run some RP in it. Have seen it work personally.
Now, back then it was the old formula RP w/ Synerlec( API SL ). Not so sure the newer API SN formula would do the same job of quieting the tick? I would be more inclined to use their new HPS line that still has synerlec if I had the tick and wanted to try and quiet it.
As was said earlier, the 3rd Gen Ram's are great trucks with few problems. Also, stick with ATF+4 ATF or a compatible universal synthetic like RP MaxATF or Amsoil.
Enjoy the ride. Just make sure you plan your trips so you stay within close proximity to gas stations. Them thar HEMI's love them some gas.
Only bad thing I can say about the HEMI trucks I had was the ABYSMAL MPG.
My truck had a slight tick when i changed to mobil super to dump the factory fill at 2k miles. the next fill was amsoil OE and RP SN after that, tick was non-existent with both oils. the RP is the quietest oil so far in the truck.
I agree that the MDS will work fine with 30wts, but i promise mine was not as smooth with the thicker Amsoil. i love amsoil, but i hated the MDS locking on and stuttering before switching to 8 cylinders again. it just hesitated during operation. i did not have this problem at all with the factory fill, mobil super, or RP. Im not saying some guys arent having good luck with thicker oils in MDS trucks, but mine does do better with a thinner 5w20 oil. i suspect thats why many HEMI guys love PP 5w20.
My truck always gets 17-19 mpg and its crew cab and 4x4 so ive been pleased with it. my old f150 FX4 5.4l could never get above 17mpg ever.