The 1987 Dodge RAM 50 Pickup equipped with the 2.6L inline-four engine remains a reliable choice for utility work and off-road adventures, but it requires specific lubrication to maintain longevity. As an older vehicle, the engine components are subject to wear, sludge buildup, and thermal stress that can be mitigated with high-performance synthetic fluids. Using the correct oil viscosity and ensuring every lubricant meets the original equipment specifications is essential for preventing premature failure in this 40-year-old platform.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – This is the top-tier choice, offering 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards, ensuring your 2.6L engine runs smoother and lasts longer.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option for vehicle owners who want 37% more cleaning power to remove sludge and a guaranteed 20,000 miles of protection between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – This formulation fights sludge and deposits effectively with 100% synthetic chemistry, making it a strong value choice for maintaining engine cleanliness.
- AMSOIL 10W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Ideal for this older vehicle, featuring unique chemistry for engines with high miles, boosted detergents, and reduced sludge to help older engines perform better.
- WIX Oil Filter – Provides premium media filtration that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters, ensuring contaminants are captured effectively during oil changes.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses, offering up to 150,000 miles of service life.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option for those who prefer to mix their own coolant, providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years and significantly surpassing standards for metallic corrosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions for a 1987 vehicle that may see varied driving seasons.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against leaks, offering excellent cold-weather performance for the KM-148-4 automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube – Perfect for the GL-4 manual transmission or transfer case, featuring friction modification to protect brass synchronizers and inhibit rust.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, meeting the MS-4574 specification.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Designed for front and rear differentials, this fluid contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and controls thermal runaway to protect gears.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Another excellent choice for the differential, offering advanced protection against wear and helping to reduce operating temperatures in the heavy-duty axles.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides robust protection for the GL-5 limited slip differential, containing friction modifiers to ensure smooth operation of the clutch packs.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower by cleaning fuel injectors and helps prevent carbon buildup, which is particularly beneficial for older engines to maintain peak performance.
Proper lubrication is not just about filling reservoirs; it is about protecting the mechanical integrity of a vehicle that has been on the road for decades. The 2.6L engine, while robust, benefits significantly from the superior thermal stability of AMSOIL synthetics, which resist breakdown under the heat of stop-and-go traffic or long highway runs better than conventional oils.
Engine Oil and Filtration Recommendations
For the 1987 Dodge RAM 50 Pickup with the 2.6L engine, the manufacturer recommends a capacity of 6.4 quarts with a filter change, provided the vehicle is in a standard operating condition. The optimal viscosity for general use is 10W-30. This grade provides a balanced flow for both cold starts and hot operating temperatures typical of the 1987 model year.
When selecting an oil, the AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 stands out as the premier choice. It is designed to offer 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear. For owners looking for extended intervals, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-30 allows for up to 20,000 miles of protection, which is ideal for those who use their pickup for long hauls or daily commuting and prefer fewer oil changes.
For those with vehicles that have accumulated significant mileage, the AMSOIL 10W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is specifically formulated with a unique chemistry for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. It features boosted detergents and dispersants to clean the engine, along with enhanced anti-wear additives. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option that still delivers full synthetic protection, the AMSOIL OE 10W-30 fights sludge and deposits effectively.
A high-quality oil filter is just as critical as the oil itself to trap contaminants. The WIX Oil Filter used in this application offers premium media that outperforms original equipment manufacturer branded filters, ensuring that abrasive particles do not circulate back into the engine block.
Transmission and Differential Lubrication
Keeping the drivetrain of your 1987 RAM 50 smooth is vital for reliable power delivery. The automatic transmission requires 7.2 quarts for a total fill of the KM-148-4 model. For this application, the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended. It withstands the heat and stress of towing, remaining fluid even in sub-zero temperatures.
Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides excellent cold-weather performance and guards against leaks, promoting smooth shifts. For manual transmission owners, the capacity varies slightly between 4WD and RWD models, with the 4WD taking 4.6 pints. The AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube is perfect here, protecting brass synchronizers and offering excellent cold-flow properties.
The differentials and transfer case also require specific attention. The front differential typically requires GL-5 fluid. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 is a top choice for these components, as it controls thermal runaway and protects against rust. If your environment is extremely cold or you require a thinner fluid for winter, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 or the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 are excellent alternatives for limited slip differentials.
Cooling, Brakes, and Additives
The cooling system capacity for this truck is 8.5 quarts. To prevent corrosion and ensure efficient heat exchange, the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an ideal choice. It is a phosphate-free, silicate-free formulation that protects all metals in the cooling system. For those who prefer concentrated coolant, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is a concentrated option that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion protection.
Brake safety is paramount, especially on an older vehicle. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent responsiveness and a stable viscosity range, which is crucial for maintaining braking power in varying temperatures.
To further enhance engine performance and fuel economy, the AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is highly recommended. It cleans fuel injectors, restores horsepower, and helps prevent the carbon buildup that can plague older engines, ensuring your 1987 RAM 50 Pickup runs as efficiently as possible.
Vehicle Background
The 1987 Dodge RAM 50 Pickup holds a unique place in automotive history, representing the culmination of the “Dodge Ramcharger/Dodge Truck” era before the introduction of the iconic “Rams” with the large grilles in 1994. The RAM 50 was actually a rebadged Mitsubishi Forte (known as the D-50 in the United States), sharing its chassis and powertrain with the Ford Ranger of the same period. This collaboration, often referred to as the “Diamond-Star” or “Dodge-Mitsubishi” alliance, was significant for Dodge, who lacked a compact pickup to compete with the rising popularity of the mid-size segment in the 1980s.
The model came equipped with a variety of engines, but the 2.6L inline-four, specifically the “E” engine code, is the focus for this guide. This Mitsubishi-designed engine was renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and surprisingly good fuel economy, making it a favorite for those who needed a workhorse without the excessive fuel consumption of larger V6 or V8 engines. The vehicle was built on a rugged ladder frame, designed to handle heavy payloads and towing, with a suspension system that provided a balance between utility and ride comfort for a small truck.
Owners of the 1987 RAM 50 Pickup often appreciate its durability and the straightforward nature of its mechanical systems. It was a popular vehicle for farming, off-roading, and general utility work, particularly in the rural Midwest and West. Its compact size made it maneuverable in tight spaces, while its four-wheel-drive options offered capable traction in difficult conditions. The “RAM 50” name was eventually retired when Dodge launched the full-size Dodge Ram in 1994, but the legacy of the RAM 50 as a reliable, no-nonsense truck remains strong among enthusiasts who value simplicity and longevity.
Despite its reputation for reliability, like any vehicle of this age, the 1987 RAM 50 Pickup faces specific challenges that can be addressed with proper lubrication and maintenance. One common issue is oil consumption or burning, which can occur as piston rings and valve seals wear over time. Using an oil with enhanced anti-wear additives, such as AMSOIL’s High-Mileage formulation, can help reduce sludge and improve oil control in older engines.
Another frequent problem in these trucks is the degradation of rubber seals and gaskets due to heat and age, leading to oil leaks. High-quality synthetic fluids are less volatile and do not break down as quickly as conventional oils, helping to keep seals pliable and reducing the likelihood of leaks. Additionally, the transfer case and manual transmission in these older 4WD models can develop whining noises or difficult shifting due to worn synchronizers and degraded fluid. Synthetic gear lubes provide superior wear protection and better viscosity retention, smoothing out shifts and protecting the brass components within the transmission.
Finally, corrosion is a persistent enemy for vehicles that have seen decades of service, particularly in the cooling system. The original cooling systems in these trucks can suffer from galvanic corrosion and mineral buildup, which can lead to overheating. High-performance antifreeze formulations, which are free of the additives that can cause corrosion over time, can help clean out the system and protect the aluminum and cast iron components of the engine and radiator for years to come. By addressing these specific issues with the right AMSOIL products, owners can significantly extend the life of their 1987 RAM 50 Pickup.