As some of you know I'm fighting a losing battle with my everyday driver 2001 ram 1500. Yesterday I finished replacing the wheel hub (bearings) today I was attempting to check the diff fluid but its raining to hard and muddy. But I check the oil and it was completely empty like not even showing on the dipstick I added a quart and its showing about 1/2 inch on the bottom of the dipstick now. Here is the problem. I just changed the oil less than 2k miles ago. So I'm burning up to 4 quarts in 2k miles. It don't leak anything dramatically. It's got 260k so typical valve covers but nothing excessive. Nothing on the ground where I park etc. So its burning it.
Here is my question. Will a heavier oil help this? I'm gonna start using some Lucas and the thought about going to straight 30w or even 40w I run gtx high mileage 10w30 now. Always have since I have owned this truck. (Eight years now) its always used a little like a quart every oil change. I usually go around 4k every oil change. But this go around I'm only half way thru and went thru at least 4 quarts. Is there anything else I can do short of rebuilding the entire engine? Remember this truck is on life support and do not want to throw a ton of money at it. Thanks
