SAE vs. "regular" oil?

[MVP9182]

I've deiced to make the switch to full synthetic in my truck but I'm confused what the SAE means and haven't found any good answers online. I know that GM recommends using 5w-30 oil but the royal purple that I've decided to switch to is "SAE 5w-30". Is there any difference between oils that are "SAE" weight vs ones that aren't?

[sdeeter19555]

In short, look for a dexos1 oil and that will meet your needs. That's the simple answer...

 

SAE is a certification, most of them will be SAE somewhere on the bottle. There are other certifications too...I'm not even sure what they are up to these days, maybe SN?

 

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[dewfpo]

He's got a 2002, he doesn't need DEXOS.

 

DEWFPO

[Black02Silverado]

This explains it well.

[MVP9182]

After actually going through the manual it says right in there "SAE 5w-30". Guess I should've looked at that first! lol thanks though!

[sdeeter19555]

He's got a 2002, he doesn't need DEXOS.

 

DEWFPO

If he runs a dexos, it's backwards compatible and likely better than any oil at that time...

 

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[Colossus]

Ditto. SAE = Society of Automotive Engineering

[MVP9182]

If he runs a dexos, it's backwards compatible and likely better than any oil at that time...

 

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Isn't dexos GM's special blend of oil and additives? Royal Purple is on the list of approved dexos oils

[sdeeter19555]

No, it's a specification and certification...

 

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[Formulabruce]

SAE is ALL about Viscosity, NOT Lubricity, air build up in oil, adhesion, cohesion, etc...

only need 5-30w North of Virginia, and I run 10w30 with no issues

Benefits of Royal purple ( Non ash Full syn) is the lubricity level is so high, it reduces heat by reducing friction. That said you need some other things to help the oil ring keep compression and lube with the pistons, therefore Dexos would be my choice.

BUT, as grease or Oil in HUB Bearings, rear axles, Front axles , T case... Royal Purple is hands down proven the best, lowest heat, and most lubricity. Its THE only oil that allows High speed train bearings to stay cool enough to set Extremely high speed Records.

[txab]

No, it's a specification and certification...

 

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^^^ This

[07Softail]

He's got a 2002, he doesn't need DEXOS.

 

DEWFPO

Damn sure won't hurt anything!

 

RT

[dewfpo]

Damn sure won't hurt anything!

 

RT

 

You're right but he has a lot more options that are not DEXOS rated and they'll work just fine.

 

DEWFPO

[MVP9182]

Well I loaded it up with the DEXOS certified Mobil 1 full synthetic. Should be good to go for awhile!

[MVP9182]

Kind of off topic but the next project is to change every fluid in the drive train. Does anyone know how much fluid goes in the transmission, transfer case, and both differentials? I found the weights and what not in the owners manual but I don't see anything about how much to fill them.

 

Also I see that the front differential runs 80w-90 and the rear uses 75w-90. Could I just use 75w-90 synthetic in both? Any suggestions for brands? I was looking at Royal Purple for the gears but am not sure if the ATF that they make would work. And I'm only seeing ACDelco brand transfer case fluid.