Hello truckers, I have recently purchased "97 Freightliner FLD 112 with cummins M11 330hp engine, 10spd Rockwell tranny, tandem rear axle and 360,000 miles on it Since maintenance service history is unknown to me, i'd like to perform full lube service on my Truck. I'd like to know what oil/fluids would you recommend for 1. Engine 2. Transmission 3. Rear Axle also, what internet stores do you use (if any) when buying maintenance supplies like filters and oils/fluids. Thanks in advance, Jacob
Rotella T for all drive train componets.Just check with the manufacturer for each componet if they require any small amount of additives along with the basic fluid.If you don't want to use rotella(Shell) try this, Search under Lubrication Engineneers.It's sold in bulk pails and drums.They been around for over 50 years and carry every thing you need for lubrication.Last thing,I don't buy filters on line.I shop local and make sure I get the right filters the same day.
Thanks for advise WITCHWAYWEST I did some of my homework done, as price of Amsoil i was going for originally will force me into bankruptcy. I decided to use conventional oils like Rotella or Delvac for motor and perform oil changes at ~8K miles. I have found local truck store selling all filters that i need, which buying filters online was a bad idea from a very begining. Thanks for you input, i appreciate it - Jacob
There is no need to change the oil at 8,000 miles. Even with Shell Rotella you can safely run out to 12-15,000 miles. If Amsoil is to pricey (which I personally think it is) try Schaeffer's. Just do a search and find a local dealer. I run Schaeffer's 9000 (full synthetic) in my motor and also run their full systheic in my trans and rearends with great results in mpg and lower temps. Don't get me wrong that the other oils are good, but Rotella just doesn't seem to hold up as well as it used to.
Engine oil does not need to be changed every 8,000 mi.. There are a lot of companies that go 15k - 20k beetween changes.. (I personaly do mine # 12-15k) I just use regular oil (Chevron Delo, 15w 40) Most trannies and rears are full synthetic (eaton fuller oil, or shell is what I use. Not using full synthetic will often void the warrenty.) Buy good filters... I have a Cummins so I demand Fleetguard filters... If I was running a Cat... Cat filters is what I'd use.. (I do not use Baldwin or lubefiner <sp?) Don't forget the grease! It's cheap and will help your truck live a longer and healthier life.. I do mine whenever I can!! Every 2 weeks sometimes.. (Just a little pump in the U-joints, Kingpins, balljoints, and spring hangers) I do not do the slack adjusters and S-cam's that often... You can put too much in the S-cams. That'll cause grease to get into the brake shoes / drums.. A royal pain in the ###.. Lucas... I've tried it.. never saw any improvement.. It containes a lot of zink... I don't use it any more just change my oil regularly. (I do use Lucas gear / hub oil though in my trailer hubs and steering axle hubs!) Doing a oil analysis will give you a pretty good idea of when to change your oil... A lot depends on how much you idle, city vs OTR will make a huge difference too.. Gotta run, hope this answeres your questions?
Quite helpul Gonzo, thanks abunch for honest opinion and advise, I got to know my truck a lil bit better now, i forgot to mention that this one will run 22ft dump trailer, so tractor will be under extreme conditions
