Fluid & Filter Preferences Explained - Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6

[g2020]

Content: Product preferences, reasons for preferences, key product details, and brand loyalties

Coverage: Brake fluid, cabin air filter, engine air filter, front differential fluid, motor oil, oil filter, power steering fluid, radiator fluid, rear differential fluid, transfer case fluid, transmission fluid, and transmission oil filter

Notice: FRAM websites have been taken down. First Brands, the parent company of FRAM, is bankrupt as of September 2025. In this post, references to the FRAM engine air filter and oil filter, for the Jeep Gladiator, are shown in strike-through font. According to a Reddit post, this has also affected Champion Laboratories.

Fluid & Filter Preferences Explained - 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport
with 3.6L V6 (Gasoline), 8-Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission, Sales Code DRE (obtained from dealer), Trac-Lok Anti-Spin Rear Differential, and Trailer Tow Package
- Fluids & filters are the same, except for rear differential fluid & cabin air filter, for all trim levels and model years with the same type of engine & transmission

Owner profile: Purchased Gladiator new in September 2019. Vehicle rarely taken off-road. Now on second set of tires (BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2, OEM size, 50,000 mi warranty). Keeping vehicle for life.

Owner Preferences and Reasons

Also see Owner Brand Loyalties in the last section before Related Posts

Tips:

1. For your vehicle, confirm part numbers, material standards, industry standards, required tools, torque specifications, and a level work surface
2. Know the code: The Sales Code for your vehicle enables you to determine the correct grade of fluid for the rear differential, as shown on p. 234 of the 2020 Gladiator owner's manual; also see "Notes on trailer towing" in section 9 below
3. Although some mobile devices display UPCs as phone numbers, each 12-digit UPC (universal product code) in this article is not a telephone number
4. The use of a product different from the one listed is fine as long as it meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications (including material standards starting with MS- or MS.) for this vehicle, or for other vehicles with the same specifications, as listed in the 2020 Gladiator User Guide (owner's manual)

Summary of preferences:

See notes on off-road, trailer towing, severe duty, fluid longevity, and other important info in each individual section below this summary

1. Brake fluid: MOPAR 04318080AD DOT 3 SAE J1703 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid 12 fl oz size
2. Cabin air filter: MOPAR 68535621AA Cabin Air Filter; part number varies by model year
3. Engine air filter: FRAM ULTRA AIR Premium Air Filter, SKU XGA12373 (UPC 0 09100 57934 8) WIX Panel Air Filter, part number WA10841
4. Front differential fluid: AMSOIL Severe Gear 100% Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-85 1-qt size, product code SVLPK-EA (UPC 0 97012 58401 7)
5. Motor oil: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 5-qt size, part number 120903 (UPC 0 71924 15005 8)
6. Oil filter: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter, part number M1C-456A (UPC 0 71924 21478 1)
7. Power steering fluid: MOPAR 68088485AB Electric Steering Pump Fluid 1-pint size
8. Radiator fluid: PEAK Original Equipment Technology American Purple OAT 50/50 Prediluted Anti-Freeze + Coolant 1-gallon size, part number NAP5D3 (UPC 0 74804 08015 5)
9. Rear differential fluid: AMSOIL Severe Gear 100% Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-85 1-qt size, product code SVLPK-EA (UPC 0 97012 58401 7); see "Notes on trailer towing" in section 9 for discussion of and product code for SAE 75W-140
10. Transfer case fluid: Valvoline ATF+4 Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1-qt size, part number 822348 (UPC 0 74130 00346 0)
11. Transmission fluid:
Automatic transmission: MOPAR 68218925AB ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid 1-qt size ("ZF" listed on back label)
Manual transmission: Valvoline ATF+4 Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1-qt size, part number 822348 (UPC 0 74130 00346 0)
12. Transmission oil filter: MOPAR 68417054AB Transmission Oil Filter (for automatic transmission)

- Out of scope: Fuel, fuel filter, windshield washer fluid, A/C refrigerant oil, and diesel-only fluids & filters

Details on preferences and reasons by individual fluid or filter:

1. Brake fluid:
Preference: MOPAR 04318080AD DOT 3 SAE J1703 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid 12 fl oz size
Reason: Meets material standard (MS.4574), grade (DOT 3), and industry standard (SAE J1703); confidence that OEM option will work

Note: Prestone DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid was a candidate for an aftermarket option, but guidance from Prestone is inconsistent (see search results for both "Gladiator" and "Gladiator 6 Cylinder 3.6 Liters" in their product finder)​

2. Cabin air filter:
Preference: MOPAR 68535621AA Cabin Air Filter; part number varies by model year
Reason: OEM price is lower than or comparable to many aftermarket disposable options; lack of familiarity with and high price of reusable option; confidence that OEM option will work

Note: Although it is not mentioned in the owner's manual, it is common knowledge that dusty or off-road conditions can make it necessary to replace the cabin air filter more frequently than the recommended interval​

3. Engine air filter:
Preference: FRAM ULTRA AIR Premium Air Filter, SKU XGA12373 (UPC 0 09100 57934 8)
WIX Panel Air Filter, part number WA10841
Reason: Longevity of 40,000 mi or 4 years, whichever comes first, is 1.33 times that of the OEM option; warranty includes coverage of damage to other parts; brand recognition is very strong; no risk of residue from oiled cotton filter affecting the MAF sensor (risk of residue from over-oiling should be mentioned, but this decision was all about the warranty).
With the sidelining/departure of FRAM, WIX has the best published efficiency (99.9%) and price; warranty includes coverage of damage to other parts; brand recognition is strong

Note on Severe Duty: If using in dusty or off-road conditions, the 2020 Gladiator User Guide (owner's manual) recommends inspecting the engine air filter at every oil change​

Note on filter type: Based on the findings of some experienced members of this forum, an oiled reusable engine air filter may not be the right choice for a vehicle that is frequently taken off-road or otherwise exposed to dusty conditions on a regular basis​

4. Front differential fluid:
Preference: AMSOIL Severe Gear 100% Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-85 1-qt size, product code SVLPK-EA (UPC 0 97012 58401 7)
Reason: Backed by a 100,000-mile limited liability warranty; service life is 67% longer than the dealer-recommended service interval for normal driving of 60,000 mi (see notes on AMSOIL Severe Gear longevity below); meets Chrysler GL-5 based specifications as stated on www.amsoil.com; material standard is MS-A0450; grade (SAE 75W-85) matches manufacturer recommendation; as stated in a call to the manufacturer, friction modifiers in this product (not required for front differential) will not harm the front differential; squeeze-bag (EASY-PACK) packaging can make the fill part of the process faster/cleaner/easier

Notes on AMSOIL Severe Gear longevity:​

• For Normal Service use, longevity is 100,00 mi (see AMSOIL data sheet)
• For Severe Service use, including off-road use of a Light Truck, longevity is 50,000 mi (see AMSOIL data sheet); this is 25% higher than the off-road mileage service interval listed in the 2020 Gladiator owner's manual (see p. 200); there is no limit on duration listed on the data sheet
  • In a phone call with the AMSOIL technical team, they assured me, unequivocally, that "Heavy-Duty Off-Road" applies to Class A commercial vehicles used off-road, such as large dump trucks, and does not apply to a Jeep Gladiator
• See AMSOIL product data sheet for additional information on dusty or dirty conditions, and water contamination

5. Motor oil:
Preference: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 5-qt size, part number 120903 (UPC 0 71924 15005 8)
Reason: Longevity of 25,000 mi or 1 yr, whichever comes first; exceeds longevity limit of 10,000 mi (see longevity limit below) for a price slightly above competing aftermarket options; meets material standard (MS-6395); backed by a limited warranty; 5-qt container is convenient; AMSOIL option is also superb, but the price is much higher and the additional warranty miles are irrelevant for an engine covered by a lifetime warranty (Warranty Forever by NWAN, for which oil & filter change is subject to manufacturer limits stated in owner's manual)

Longevity limit: According to page 196 of the 2020 Gladiator User Guide (owner's manual), full synthetic oil change intervals MUST NOT EXCEED 10,000 mi, 12 months, or 350 hrs of engine run time, whichever comes first; oil change intervals for Severe Duty (including OFF-ROAD use) MUST NOT EXCEED 4,000 mi​

6. Oil filter:
Preference: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter, part number M1C-456A (UPC 0 71924 21478 1)
Reason: Longevity of 25,000 mi or 1 yr, whichever comes first; exceeds longevity limit of 10,000 mi (see longevity limit below) for a price slightly above the midpoint of competing aftermarket options; mileage and duration terms of limited warranty match those of preferred motor oil listed above; warranty coverage includes damage to other parts; same brand as preferred motor oil listed above

Longevity limit: According to page 196 of the 2020 Gladiator User Guide (owner's manual), full synthetic oil change intervals MUST NOT EXCEED 10,000 mi, 12 months, or 350 hrs of engine run time, whichever comes first; oil change intervals for Severe Duty (including OFF-ROAD use) MUST NOT EXCEED 4,000 mi​

7. Power steering fluid:
Preference: MOPAR 68088485AB Electric Steering Pump Fluid 1-pint size
Reason: Meets material standard (MS.11655); confidence that OEM option will work

Note: For less than half the price, AMSOIL PSFCN-EA is my top-ranked aftermarket option if your vehicle is out of warranty and, if death wobble occurs, you are comfortable with troubleshooting the issue yourself​

8. Radiator fluid:
Preference: PEAK Original Equipment Technology American Purple OAT 50/50 Prediluted Anti-Freeze + Coolant 1-gallon size, part number NAP5D3 (UPC 0 74804 08015 5)
Reason: Longevity of up to earlier of 15 yrs or 350,000 mi is between 1.5 and 2.33 times that of the OEM option; fully compatible with MOPAR 68163849AC: MS-12106 and "Jeep 2013-PRESENT" written on the label, match to "2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport" on PEAK product finder, and fluid properties match all of those specified on the label of the OEM option (a fluid equivalence grand slam); for the concentrate, see my post on PEAK coolant; this coolant is the go-to option for a specific equivalent to the OEM original when the price is near (less than 10% higher than) that of XEREX G30 and/or MOPAR 68163849AC; a frequently-driven Gladiator will require maintenance, to parts other than the cooling system (e.g., thermostat), that calls for replacing most or all of the coolant; therefore, a coolant warranty period exceeding the five-year, make-it-right warranty on ZEREX G30 may be irrelevant

9. Rear differential fluid:
Preference: AMSOIL Severe Gear 100% Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-85 1-qt size, product code SVLPK-EA (UPC 0 97012 58401 7)
Reason: Backed by a 100,000-mile limited liability warranty; service life is 67% longer than the dealer-recommended service interval for normal driving of 60,000 mi (see notes on AMSOIL Severe Gear longevity below); meets Chrysler GL-5 based specifications as stated on www.amsoil.com; material standards are MS-A0450 and, for friction modifier additive, MS.10111; grade (SAE 75W-85) matches manufacturer recommendation; contains friction modifiers (required for Trac Lok anti-spin rear differential) for limited-slip (LS) applications; squeeze-bag (EASY-PACK) packaging can make the fill part of the process faster/cleaner/easier

Notes on AMSOIL Severe Gear longevity:​

• For Normal Service use, longevity is 100,00 mi (see AMSOIL data sheet)
• For Severe Service use, including off-road use of a Light Truck, longevity is 50,000 mi (see AMSOIL data sheet); this is 25% higher than the off-road mileage service interval listed in the 2020 Gladiator owner's manual (see p. 200); there is no limit on duration listed on the data sheet
  • In a phone call with the AMSOIL technical team, they assured me, unequivocally, that "Heavy-Duty Off-Road" applies to Class A commercial vehicles used off-road, such as large dump trucks, and does not apply to a Jeep Gladiator
• See AMSOIL product data sheet for additional information on dusty or dirty conditions, and water contamination

Notes on trailer towing:​

1. Check the owner's manual, confirm your findings with the dealer, and check other posts on this forum for guidance on whether to use SAE 75W-140 in the rear differential
2. There are two separate references to rear differential fluid on p. 234 of the 2020 Gladiator owner's manual:
   1. SAE 75W-140 (API GL-5) is recommended for "Rear M200 Sales Code DRZ"
   2. SAE 75W-85 (API GL-5) is recommended for "Rear M220 Sales Codes DRE/DRF"
3. Rear differential fluid must be compliant with API GL-5 and should be compliant with material standard MS-A0450 (for lubricant, SAE 75W-85) or MS-8985 (for lubricant, SAE 75W-140)
4. If equipped with a Trac-Lok limited slip (LS) rear differential (see DRE/DRF in owner's manual), a friction modifier additive is required; the fluid for a Trac-Lok limited slip differential should be compliant with not only MS-A0450 or MS-8985, but also MS.10111 (for friction modifier)
5. An internal dealer spec sheet states: "If equipped with a Trailer Tow package use...SAE 75W-140"
6. For a subset of vehicles equipped with a Trailer Tow package, the internal dealer spec sheet is in direct conflict with guidance on Sales Codes DRE/DRF in the owner's manual
7. A related post on rear differential fluid and other drive train fluids does not completely settle the rear differential fluid grade debate, but it does offer evidence for both options:
   1. Use only SAE 75W-85 (for DRE/DRF): Follow the owner's manual as specified
   2. Use SAE 75W-140 for trailer towing or in rebuild: Also consider dealer service data from Dealer Tech Authority (same as internal dealer spec sheet) and OEM supplier rebuild guidelines from DANA

• Conclusion on rear differential fluid grade for trailer towing:
  • With multiple points of documented guidance and expert opinion, SAE 75W-140 may be used during a service interval in which frequent trailer towing occurs
  • Due diligence: Confirm decision with dealer, change fluid on accelerated (heavy-duty/severe use) basis, and inspect metal shavings/debris at each fluid change
  • As the thicker grade, SAE 75W-140 increases protection and decreases fuel economy
  • If little or no trailer towing is expected after next fluid change, switch back to default grade of SAE 75W-85 (see DRE/DRF on p. 234 of 2020 Gladiator owner's manual)
• Product info: AMSOIL Severe Gear 100% Synthetic Gear Lube API GL-5 SAE 75W-140; other details on Severe Gear, including full compliance with material standards, also apply to this grade; product code SVOPK-EA (UPC 0 97012 42701 7) from www.amsoil.com

10. Transfer case fluid:
Preference: Valvoline ATF+4 Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1-qt size, part number 822348 (UPC 0 74130 00346 0)
Reason: Meets material standard (MS-9602) as stated on back label and on manufacturer website; licensed ATF+4; the limited warranty covers damage to other parts; brand recognition is very strong and documentation of fluid equivalence is clear (it would be nice, however, to see "certified by" (on the back label) and "licensed and approved by" (on the website) instead of "certified for" and "licensed and approved for")

Note on Severe Duty: For vehicles used for TRAILER TOWING or subject to long periods of idling or low RPM, change transfer case fluid every 60,000 mi or 6 years, whichever comes first, and inspect transfer case fluid every 30,000 mi or 3 years, whichever comes first (see pp. 198 & 200 in 2020 Gladiator owner's manual)​

11. Transmission fluid:

Automatic Transmission
Preference: MOPAR 68218925AB ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid 1-qt size ("ZF" listed on back label)
Reason: Details on product label match requirements in owner's manual; part number confirmed by more than one dealer; confidence that OEM option will work

Longevity limit: ZF recommends changing the fluid for its automatic transmissions every 93,000 mi, or sooner when 1) operated under high temperatures, 2) subjected to heavy loads, or 3) past vehicle use is unknown, as noted on the first page of this ZF product data sheet (see doc #2 in ATF Equivalents); "OFF-ROAD" is not specified​

Manual Transmission
Preference: Valvoline ATF+4 Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1-qt size, part number 822348 (UPC 0 74130 00346 0)
Reason: Meets material standard (MS-9602) as stated on back label and on manufacturer website; for DIY, the limited warranty covers damage to other parts; brand recognition is very strong and documentation of fluid equivalence is clear (it would be nice, however, to see "certified by" (on the back label) and "licensed and approved by" (on the website) instead of "certified for" and "licensed and approved for")

12. Transmission oil filter:
Preference: MOPAR 68417054AB Transmission Oil Filter
Reason: Part number confirmed by more than one dealer; confidence that OEM option will work; frequency of changing this part is not high enough to investigate aftermarket options

Note: See longevity limit on transmission fluid for automatic transmission, in transmission fluid section, above​

Owner Brand Loyalties

My brand loyalties are to FRAM for the engine air filter, Mobil 1 for motor oil & filter, AMSOIL for front & rear differential fluid, and PEAK for antifreeze + coolant.

1. I switched to a FRAM engine air filter after I looked at warranties more closely. The FRAM warranty is the only engine air filter warranty that I could find with coverage of damage to other parts, for a DIY job. The mileage & duration rating is 33% higher than the OEM filter, FRAM is a reputable brand, and there are no concerns about residue from over-oiling an oiled cotton filter, but the main factor in my decision, by far, was the warranty. For a list of all warranties, on many selected products, that include coverage of damage to other parts, see my post on Warranty Screening.

Note: Based on the findings of some experienced members of this forum, an oiled reusable engine air filter may not be the right choice for a vehicle that is frequently taken off-road or otherwise exposed to dusty conditions on a regular basis​

2. I have also been a loyal Mobil 1 Extended Performance user for many years, but they have recently increased the price of their Advanced Full Synthetic motor oil. Regardless of whether the price increase was simply due to inflation, I will consider other options if the price continues to move upward. This would also affect their oil filter sales because some people still think that the Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil filter (still my first choice) is required for the warranty. AMSOIL Signature Series, with its off-road guarantee of 15K miles or one year (whichever comes first), is a strong contender. However, for a daily driver, the AMSOIL oil and the required filter are pricey.

In late 2025, I bought a FRAM ULTRA SYNTHETIC Oil Filter, SKU XG11665, because the Mobil 1 EP oil filter was sold out at Walmart. What does this mean for my preference? On the surface, the specs on the Mobil 1 filter (99%+ at 30 microns) are not as favorable as those of the FRAM filter (99%+ at 20 microns); however, I believe that the reporting of the Mobil 1 specs is genuine. FRAM uses performance by association, or stating the performance of one product using the test results of a different product, as a marketing tool to publish the specs on the FRAM XG11665 PDS. I have also seen Royal Purple and AMSOIL use performance by association, and have called them out on it. My finding on the FRAM oil filter does not significantly alter my (favorable) opinion, but it does keep the FRAM oil filter from displacing the Mobil 1 oil filter as my preference.​

3. As my top pick for differential fluid, I settled on AMSOIL Severe Gear because, after calling both ExxonMobil and AMSOIL, only AMSOIL confirmed that their Severe Gear synthetic lube meets all three material standards. (Note: RED LINE also meets all three material standards.) Even though their claim is of a general nature in writing ("meets Chrysler GL-5 based specifications"), the technical team representative assured me that Severe Gear synthetic lube meets Jeep specifications. This AMSOIL gear oil is guaranteed to last 100K miles under normal service use (see notes on AMSOIL Sever Gear longevity in sections on differential fluid above). There is no time limit (number of years) on the guarantee. This gear oil, and each of the other gear oils in this review, are recommended for not only the rear (LS) differential, but also the front (open) differential. In general, conventional differential and open differential have the same meaning. The squeeze-bag (EASY-PACK) packaging can make the fill part of the process faster/cleaner/easier.

In terms of compliance, RED LINE gear oil also meets all three material standards. Both grades of lubricant are MS-compliant. Their friction modifier additive, when sold individually, is also MS-compliant (note: friction modifiers are already contained in each gear oil). For RED LINE SYNTHETIC OIL gear oil (the line of consumer products), it is assumed that the warranty is an implied warranty and aligns to the recommended OEM service interval.

The (general) compliance statement for ROYAL PURPLE gear oil (on their online store) does not specify material standards (MS-numbers). The warranty terms for this gear oil align with the recommended OEM service interval.

Valvoline SAE 75W-140 gear oil is compliant with MS-8985, but published compliance for 75W-90 and friction modifier is either inaccurate (wrong MS-number) or missing. This product is backed by a limited warranty. Valvoline Full Synthetic Gear Lube is available at two of my three local major auto parts chain stores. The squeeze-bag (FLEXFILL) packaging can make the fill part of the process faster/cleaner/easier.

When I contacted ExxonMobil, the representative was not able to state that Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS is MS-compliant. However, I will consider using Mobil 1 or a different brand if the price of the AMSOIL option increases. Mobil 1 is a high-quality brand and its Synthetic Gear Lube LS is available at two of my three local major auto parts chain stores. The Mobil 1 warranty aligns with the recommended OEM service interval. Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS is for "both conventional and limited slip applications" making it unnecessary to buy Mobil Delvac 1 Synthetic Gear Oil, without friction modifier, separately.

4. It is not often that an apparently perfect substitute comes along. I cannot say enough about PEAK 50/50 Prediluted North American Purple Antifreeze + Coolant (part number NAP5D3), but I will say this: It is 1) OAT-formulated and 2) MS-compliant, and has 3) "Jeep 2013-PRESENT" written on the label, 4) a match to the Gladiator on their product finder, 5) a warranty that matches that of Prestone, and 6) the same price point as ZEREX (the other OAT-formulated and MS-compliant aftermarket option). As for ZEREX, their warranty is 33% to 43% (years or miles) that of PEAK NAP5D3 and the two Prestone options, and their product finder is broken (as of February 2025). Prestone is not MS-compliant. Simply put, PEAK coolant is tailor-made for the Gladiator, supported by a better-than-Prestone warranty, and competitively priced.

As for the remaining types of fluids and filters, I have almost no brand loyalty; however, I tend to select the OEM product unless an aftermarket option, such as AMSOIL PSF, is too good to pass up. However, as was the case with differential fluid, a ridiculously high price on the OEM option will drive me away forever.

References

Jeep ALL-NEW 2020 GLADIATOR USER GUIDE (owner's manual), back cover: 20_JT_UG_EN_USC All-New Gladiator Second Edition User Guide, pp. 196-198, 200, 234

https://www.amsoil.com/
https://www.amsoilcontent.com/ams/lit/g2043.pdf
https://www.fram.com/fram-ultra-synthetic-oil-filter-cart-xg11665
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ity-fluids-pdf.324505/?force-system-browser=1
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/3-6-fuel-filter-maintenance.66804/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...er-drift-bump-steer.68302/page-9#post-1438712
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ials-transfer-case-manual-transmission.70852/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/fluid-equivalence-ranking-system.88315/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...o-on-fluids-filters-for-jeep-gladiator.89959/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...eze-coolant-equivalent-to-oem-original.90295/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ering-fluid-options-for-jeep-gladiator.89767/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...lents-for-850re-automatic-transmission.90390/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/warranty-coverage-of-damage-to-other-parts.93882/
https://www.mobil.ca/en-ca/lubrican...ants/products/extended-performance-oil-filter
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...l-limited-warranties/mobil-1-limited-warranty
https://media.napaonline.com/is/content/GenuinePartsCompany/157466161pdf?$PDF$
https://media.napaonline.com/is/content/GenuinePartsCompany/1661827pdf?$PDF$
https://www.owi.com/retail/brands/p...ipment-technology-for-north-american-vehicles
https://prestone.com/product/prestone-dot-3-brake-fluid/
https://www.royalpurple.com/limited-warranty-consumer-lubricants/
https://royalpurpledirect.com/royal-purple-gear-oil
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/advanced-full-synthetic-gear-oil/
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/atf-4/
https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedia/master-content/zf-services-portal/oils-data-sheets/pc-1/lifeguardfluid-8/pds-zf-lifeguardfluid-8-it.pdf

Related Posts

Fluid & Filter Series of Posts on Jeep Gladiator
This post is a collection of links to my articles on fluids & filters for a Jeep Gladiator

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

LOL

Blind "brand loyalty" without real research can burn you badly.

Example -
K&N air filter - none of those will ever touch anything I own - not even a lawn mower.

You do know that everything anyone needs to know about these is here in many places, right?

All people need to do is read the freaking OWNERS MANUAL.

Transmission fluid: The original automatic transmission fluid in this vehicle is a lifetime fluid

Uh, well, if you believe that............ then all of the rest needs to be taken with a grain of salt as well. That and the K&N filter tells me - hope people don't put any real faith into all of that.

Preference: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 5-qt size (UPC 0 71924 15005 8)
Reason: Longevity of 20,000 mi or 1 yr, whichever comes first, exceeds longevity limit of 10,000 mi for a price slightly above competing aftermarket options; meets manufacturer specification (MS-6395); backed by a limited warranty when used with the (new) matching Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter;

And that supports my sentences just above this quote.
There's not a chance in the world I'd go 20K miles on oil in an engine in a Jeep.

OK, folks, get the popcorn. (and where's the chairman?)

 

[g2020]

LOL

Blind "brand loyalty" without real research can burn you badly.

Example -
K&N air filter - none of those will ever touch anything I own - not even a lawn mower.

You do know that everything anyone needs to know about these is here in many places, right?

All people need to do is read the freaking OWNERS MANUAL.



Uh, well, if you believe that............ then all of the rest needs to be taken with a grain of salt as well. That and the K&N filter tells me - hope people don't put any real faith into all of that.



And that supports my sentences just above this quote.
There's not a chance in the world I'd go 20K miles on oil in an engine in a Jeep.

OK, folks, get the popcorn. (and where's the chairman?)

For K&N, I will read up and adjust my post if I am convinced. I have not had an issue with a K&N filter since I started using them in the 90s. I will keep an open mind.

For your quote from the section on transmission fluid, this is the full comment (to keep it in context):

BEGIN>>>
Transmission fluid:
Based on guidance from the dealer service department, the original automatic transmission fluid in this vehicle is a lifetime fluid
For discussion of lifetime fluid, see the following post on this forum: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ion-fluid-change-interval-s-on-2021-jt.47662/
For details on the correct fluid for an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, please search for other posts in this forum or check with your dealer
>>>END

I will add the transmission fluid info from page 234 of the owner's manual to the first section on transmission fluid.
I will change the comment on transmission fluid in the Summary section.

The words "automatic transmission" cannot be found on pages 196-200 (Scheduled Servicing) or on page 232 (Fluid Capacities) of the owner's manual. I asked the dealer about automatic transmission fluid service intervals years ago, and they responded by saying that it is a lifetime fluid. I should have been explicit in saying that this is a quote from the dealer and not a claim from the owner. I will adjust this comment.

For your quote from the section on motor oil, this is the full comment (to keep it in context):

BEGIN>>>
Motor oil:
Preference: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 5-qt size (UPC 0 71924 15005 8)
Reason: Longevity of 20,000 mi or 1 yr, whichever comes first, exceeds longevity limit of 10,000 mi for a price slightly above competing aftermarket options....
>>>END

I should have been more explicit in expressing the concept of "longevity limit of 10,000 mi". I will adjust this comment.

 

[g2020]

For K&N, I will read up and adjust my post if I am convinced. I have not had an issue with a K&N filter since I started using them in the 90s. I will keep an open mind.

For your quote from the section on transmission fluid, this is the full comment (to keep it in context):

BEGIN>>>
Transmission fluid:
Based on guidance from the dealer service department, the original automatic transmission fluid in this vehicle is a lifetime fluid
For discussion of lifetime fluid, see the following post on this forum: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ion-fluid-change-interval-s-on-2021-jt.47662/
For details on the correct fluid for an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, please search for other posts in this forum or check with your dealer
>>>END

I will add the transmission fluid info from page 234 of the owner's manual to the first section on transmission fluid.
I will change the comment on transmission fluid in the Summary section.

The words "automatic transmission" cannot be found on pages 196-200 (Scheduled Servicing) or on page 232 (Fluid Capacities) of the owner's manual. I asked the dealer about automatic transmission fluid service intervals years ago, and they responded by saying that it is a lifetime fluid. I should have been explicit in saying that this is a quote from the dealer and not a claim from the owner. I will adjust this comment.

For your quote from the section on motor oil, this is the full comment (to keep it in context):

BEGIN>>>
Motor oil:
Preference: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 5-qt size (UPC 0 71924 15005 8)
Reason: Longevity of 20,000 mi or 1 yr, whichever comes first, exceeds longevity limit of 10,000 mi for a price slightly above competing aftermarket options....
>>>END

I should have been more explicit in expressing the concept of "longevity limit of 10,000 mi". I will adjust this comment.

The following four sections in this post have been updated:

Motor oil
Oil filter
Transmission fluid
Summary of Fluid & Filter Preferences - Transmission fluid

Cross-references to the same content in other posts have also been updated.

No change to engine air filter section. If you prefer to use a different engine air filter, the OEM option is the first option listed in the engine air filter section of the following post:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...lter-lineup-for-jeep-gladiator-3-6l-v6.87085/

I will take a look at what others have to say about K&N engine air filters at a later date.

 

[Minty JL]

OEM Mopar filter and the same oil that the dealer uses Pennzoil Platinum Syn 0w20 (MS-6395 compliant) every 5-6,000 miles

 

[g2020]

OEM Mopar filter and the same oil that the dealer uses Pennzoil Platinum Syn 0w20 (MS-6395 compliant) every 5-6,000 miles

Thanks for the feedback. I have added Pennzoil Platinum (dealer's choice) and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum (even better) to my first post:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...lter-lineup-for-jeep-gladiator-3-6l-v6.87085/

Needless to say, both of these Pennzoil options meet manufacturer specification MS-6395 for motor oil.

My first choice is still Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic, but adding the Pennzoil options was a no-brainer because, as you said, Jeep dealers use Pennzoil Platinum. Also, to state the obvious, the high price of AMSOIL is the only thing keeping me from using their motor oil.

After I reviewed the Pennzoil motor oil options, I took another look at the Mobil 1 Extended Performance warranty. It had been years since I last read their warranty. The requirement to use the branded filter has been removed from the warranty statement. I still prefer the Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil filter, but we have the option to use the OEM filter with Mobil 1 Extended Performance Advanced Full Synthetic motor oil. I have updated all references to motor oil and oil filter to reflect this (favorable) warranty change in all (3) of my posts.

 

[HorsesRear]

I have a K&N air filter in everything I own including my motorcycle and ATV. If they made one for my lawnmower I would have one on it. I have been using them for longer than I can remember and none of the engines have ever suffered any ill effects. Obviously K&N is not for anyone but the idea that the hunk of paper called a filter that is installed from the factory is better is nonsense.

 

[Planerdude]

Pretty sure this is an AI post

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Yea our 2024 Spirt S is coming up on 4,000 miles of mixed 70 city 30 highway in Central Florida heat over this past summer. The oil level has not gone down a drop, when checked cold every morning. Like all my past vehicles I change the original oil no later than 4,000 when synthetic oil was used so I’m getting ready. I’ll need to talk to someone about 0w20 oil? In Florida heat. My oil preference has been Penzoil Platinum full synthetic as per manufacturer specifications. So I’ll need to think about it more, any information will be welcomed. As far as K&N filters are concerned, here’s where I’m lucky enough to know a shop with a dynamometer that does custom tunes, who overwhelmingly prefers them for CAI kits, not necessarily for replacement of original paper, due to the oil contamination in some intakes to the air mass sensor. They have the filters unwrapped to go in so they’re not dripping wet. But they have tested every type they could find and K&N out performs them all but the MOPAR CAI on a Charger R/T, that made a higher tq p Al at lower rpm, but the K&N beat the hp output.

 

[g2020]

The following four sections in this post have been updated:

Motor oil
Oil filter
Transmission fluid
Summary of Fluid & Filter Preferences - Transmission fluid

Cross-references to the same content in other posts have also been updated.

No change to engine air filter section. If you prefer to use a different engine air filter, the OEM option is the first option listed in the engine air filter section of the following post:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...r-sport-3-6l-v6-gasoline-with-trac-lok.87085/

I will take a look at what others have to say about K&N engine air filters at a later date.

My goal with this post was to offer insight, in a single post, into why a fellow Jeep owner selected each fluid or filter. The oiled reusable engine air filter offshoot is important, but it is a tangent.

I saw the charts on ISO testing of multiple single-use and reusable engine air filter brands on a different website. At face value, I could be convinced that I should avoid oiled reusable filters. However, this does not explain the firsthand results displayed in the series of photos, taken yesterday, attached to this reply. Please avert your eyes if you wish not to see.

Attached photos:
01 - Engine Air Filter Housing - Internal - Overhead View
02 - Engine Air Filter Housing - Internal - Flashlight - Angular View
03 - Oiled Reusable Engine Air Filter - Fresh Air Side - Overhead View
04 - Oiled Reusable Engine Air Filter - Fresh Air Side - Angular View
05 - Oiled Reusable Engine Air Filter - Air Intake Side - Overhead View
06 - Oiled Reusable Engine Air Filter - Air Intake Side - Angular View
07 - Air Intake - Natural Light - Angular Inside View
08 - Air Intake - Natural Light - Inside View
09 - Air Intake - Flashlight - Close Inside View
10 - Odometer Reading on 2024-11-14

I rarely take my vehicle off-road. It is not exposed to dusty conditions on a regular basis. The time and mileage stats are shown below.

Duration of and distance traveled during usage period:
2023-05-18 29,469 mi: Date of installation of oiled reusable engine air filter
2024-11-14 45,595 mi: Date on which photos taken (yesterday)
18 months: Approximate number of months elapsed since installation of oiled reusable engine air filter (546 days)
16,126 mi: Miles driven since installation of oiled reusable engine air filter

Disclosures:

Second oiled reusable engine air filter: This is the second K&N oiled reusable engine air filter for this vehicle. I bought the second filter because 1) I slightly bent some of the wire mesh on the first K&N oiled filter when I cleaned it (for practice) last year, 2) the service interval had been increased to "up to 75,000 miles", and 3) the warranty on the second filter had been upgraded from one million miles to lifetime (perhaps just a marketing gimmick, but it's printed on the package and fun to read the first time). The first filter is completely clean and probably fine to use, but it will need to be oiled in the unlikely event that I use it again.

Oil stain: In the last photo of the air intake (with a yellowish hue caused by a flashlight), an hourglass-shaped oil stain (similar in appearance to a hard water stain, with no raised profile) can be seen at the bottom of the intake tube, just beyond the pleats. This was caused by a very small pool, or film, of oil residue that had accumulated when the first K&N filter was in use. I completely removed the oil residue when I installed the second K&N filter 18 months ago. In yesterday's inspection (of the second K&N filter), the oil residue (sheen), where the pleats meet the tube, was so slight that it almost didn't warrant a quick wipe-down. I could have left the sheen as it was.

Removed slight residue: In yesterday's inspection (of the second K&N filter), I wiped down the oil sheen, mentioned above, before I took the last photo of the air intake (photo number 09, with a yellowish hue caused by a flashlight). This does not affect visual analysis of the oil sheen because there are two other photos (numbers 07 and 08), taken before the oil sheen was wiped away, in which the very slight oil sheen can be observed.

Other findings:

Less oil: I was able to observe the amount of oil residue produced by two of the same K&N filter, each out-of-the-box, installed consecutively and about three years apart. One possible conclusion from my observations is that K&N is using less oil today than they did about four years ago.

Personal experience: I have not had any issues with K&N oiled reusable engine air filters since I started using them in the 1990s.

Conclusions:

This issue appears to come down to whether a vehicle is 1) frequently driven off-road / in a dusty environment or 2) almost exclusively driven on-road / as a daily-driver. Because I rarely take my vehicle off-road, I will continue to use an oiled reusable engine air filter.

I will not post my article on how to clean and oil a K&N oiled reusable engine air filter to this forum because such a post could cause confusion and possibly even mayhem and bedlam. If I were the top dog at K&N, I would make a redo of instructional content a top priority.

I have updated all references to engine air filter in my posts with the following statement:

"Note: Based on the findings of some experienced members of this forum, an oiled reusable engine air filter may not be the right choice for a vehicle that is frequently taken off-road or otherwise exposed to dusty conditions on a regular basis"

 

[g2020]

The following four sections in this post have been updated:

Motor oil
Oil filter
Transmission fluid
Summary of Fluid & Filter Preferences - Transmission fluid

Cross-references to the same content in other posts have also been updated.

No change to engine air filter section. If you prefer to use a different engine air filter, the OEM option is the first option listed in the engine air filter section of the following post:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...r-sport-3-6l-v6-gasoline-with-trac-lok.87085/

I will take a look at what others have to say about K&N engine air filters at a later date.

Update on this post from the writer:

1. Content flow: Adjusted format to improve the content flow
2. Presentation order: Placed individual fluid & filter sections in alphabetical order, numbered all sections, and added summaries to make it easier to find a specific fluid, filter, or component
3. Service interval & longevity coverage: Included manufacturer guidance on service intervals and longevity, for severe/heavy-duty/off-road use, for each fluid or filter
4. Experienced member guidance: Added guidance on being wary of an oiled reusable engine air filter, especially for off-road use

 

[smlobx]

Yea our 2024 Spirt S is coming up on 4,000 miles of mixed 70 city 30 highway in Central Florida heat over this past summer. The oil level has not gone down a drop, when checked cold every morning. Like all my past vehicles I change the original oil no later than 4,000 when synthetic oil was used so I’m getting ready. I’ll need to talk to someone about 0w20 oil? In Florida heat. My oil preference has been Penzoil Platinum full synthetic as per manufacturer specifications. So I’ll need to think about it more, any information will be welcomed. As far as K&N filters are concerned, here’s where I’m lucky enough to know a shop with a dynamometer that does custom tunes, who overwhelmingly prefers them for CAI kits, not necessarily for replacement of original paper, due to the oil contamination in some intakes to the air mass sensor. They have the filters unwrapped to go in so they’re not dripping wet. But they have tested every type they could find and K&N out performs them all but the MOPAR CAI on a Charger R/T, that made a higher tq p Al at lower rpm, but the K&N beat the hp output.

DM sent…

 

[jeepzilla]

Yea our 2024 Spirt S is coming up on 4,000 miles of mixed 70 city 30 highway in Central Florida heat over this past summer. The oil level has not gone down a drop, when checked cold every morning. Like all my past vehicles I change the original oil no later than 4,000 when synthetic oil was used so I’m getting ready. I’ll need to talk to someone about 0w20 oil? In Florida heat. My oil preference has been Penzoil Platinum full synthetic as per manufacturer specifications. So I’ll need to think about it more, any information will be welcomed. As far as K&N filters are concerned, here’s where I’m lucky enough to know a shop with a dynamometer that does custom tunes, who overwhelmingly prefers them for CAI kits, not necessarily for replacement of original paper, due to the oil contamination in some intakes to the air mass sensor. They have the filters unwrapped to go in so they’re not dripping wet. But they have tested every type they could find and K&N out performs them all but the MOPAR CAI on a Charger R/T, that made a higher tq p Al at lower rpm, but the K&N beat the hp output.

I live in Palm Coast, Florida, I use 5W 30 all year round. Recommendation from my dealer.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Oil stain: In the last photo of the air intake (with a yellowish hue caused by a flashlight), an hourglass-shaped oil stain (similar in appearance to a hard water stain, with no raised profile) can be seen at the bottom of the intake tube, just beyond the pleats. This was caused by a very small pool, or film, of oil residue that had accumulated when the first K&N filter was in use. I completely removed the oil residue when I installed the second K&N filter 18 months ago. In yesterday's inspection (of the second K&N filter), the oil residue (sheen), where the pleats meet the tube, was so slight that it almost didn't warrant a quick wipe-down. I could have left the sheen as it was.

Just to clarify what I think you’re saying here, and may I raise something you’re not saying, this paragraph is bringing attention to the oil that’s visible in the photo that rubs up next to the “oiled K&N” so are you attributing the intake oil residue being caused by the oil leaching from the K$N?

This understanding would be incorrect as the oil residue seen in the photo is directly related to the “fresh air IN” tube that clips into to intake tube after the air filter. Many others have posted photos with much concern that there are pools of oil at that spot that drip out the “fresh air in” line and has nothing to do with a K&N filter. A simple test that everyone can enjoy doing, including the most seasoned individuals here can be done by unclipping that line and look into the connector, we all will see oil there, including the anti-K&N’ers.

I too use K&N oiled filters and have since the 80’s when I terrorized the streets with my first vehicle and I’ve never had an engine blow up or wear out prematurely because of it. …in fact my sodium/silicon levels in my oil analysis reports would rival the same numbers of the paper filter reports others have shown here. At the end of the day, if the K&N haters ever broke down and decided to try it, or maybe installed one by accident, they would be ok, like the rest of us.

(disclaimer: K&N filter has to be oiled correctly. No dunking of said filter in a pail of oil is allowed and would void my most humble opinion noted above)

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Just to clarify what I think you’re saying here, and may I raise something you’re not saying, this paragraph is bringing attention to the oil that’s visible in the photo that rubs up next to the “oiled K&N” so are you attributing the intake oil residue being caused by the oil leaching from the K$N?

This understanding would be incorrect as the oil residue seen in the photo is directly related to the “fresh air IN” tube that clips into to intake tube after the air filter. Many others have posted photos with much concern that there are pools of oil at that spot that drip out the “fresh air in” line and has nothing to do with a K&N filter. A simple test that everyone can enjoy doing, including the most seasoned individuals here can be done by unclipping that line and look into the connector, we all will see oil there, including the anti-K&N’ers.

I too use K&N oiled filters and have since the 80’s when I terrorized the streets with my first vehicle and I’ve never had an engine blow up or wear out prematurely because of it. …in fact my sodium/silicon levels in my oil analysis reports would rival the same numbers of the paper filter reports others have shown here. At the end of the day, if the K&N haters ever broke down and decided to try it, or maybe installed one by accident, they would be ok, like the rest of us.

(disclaimer: K&N filter has to be oiled correctly. No dunking of said filter in a pail of oil is allowed and would void my most humble opinion noted above)

So scientific ISO testing means nothing?

How do you know that nothing wore prematurely? Maybe you'd have gone a lot farther with proper filtration?

The fact the K&N plug far earlier than any other filter, leading to restricted intake means nothing?

Do I need to post all of the K&N test images again?

fine for racing when you rebuild frequently anyway, or for when you don't mind constantly cleaning just to keep the air flow on par with a paper filter - but nothing I like will run one.

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