Northman

They should offer a "lifted" version right off the bat. Offer it as an option since it appears 80% of new buyers slap on a lift kit and big tires even though most probably don't get off the pavement

Based on this statement I would question EVERYTHING else this guy says. I say BS!

I appears you paid for something they didn't do. There should be some trace of the protectant somewhere. I'm not seeing it.

Well the oil was down about a 1/3 of a quart after this trip. Drove to Fargo this past weekend and checked it. Its was more than a quart low. So apparently the 5W40 slows the oil loss up to about 2000 miles then its back to normal loss levels (quart every 500 to 700 miles) Mileage is now about 104K. I think I'll change it at 3000 miles but this time I'll try conventional 15W 40 oil and see what happens. Anybody know if this is not a good idea? Too thick?

1200 miles. Checked oil this am and it was just a little under the full mark. Oil pressure still strong. Looks like its working. My wife is taking it to MN this weekend to bring my grandson back to his mama. Its about 600 miles round trip. I'll check it when she gets back and let you know what it says.

We'll using 5w40 seems to be helping a lot. I have about 75% less smoke at start up and so far after about 700 miles the oil is still full. Oil pressure is holding about 40 as well. Used to drop to under 30 at highway speeds with 5w30 conventional.

I'm going to try using a synthetic 5w-40 diesel oil this time hoping the high detergent oil will help clean the rings. I have tried the Marvin's Mystery oil in the oil approximately 65 miles before I changed it. It seemed to help for awhile. I had better oil pressure and less smoke afterwards. We'll see how the 5W-40 works. If it helps I'll let you know.

I guess I don't get it. I can do the same with my fob? We have the push button in the car and I find myself always checking to make sure I have the fob in my pocket and I'm never sure if the car is locked etc. Just give me a key. I guess I'm old but I don't see how it improves the experience any?

Exactly! I believe the smoke at start up and the oil burning are related to sludge buildup and the use of synthetic oils (Mobil 1 in my case and yours apparently). Those with smoking 5.3's should try flushing and a few short term oil changes then switch to conventional oil. That seems to help tremendously. Not sure why unless it frees up the stuck rings thus reducing blow by?

Put in a bottle of motor medic and drove it about 70 miles then changed the oil. (I did this a couple of times ) I quit using Mobil 1 and switched to the cheap Walmart brand. I rarely smokes now and burning cut in half. Not sure why. Maybe somebody here has a theory?