Lwiddis wrote:
Does Ford mandate all synthetic?
No they do not !
They "recommend" semi-syntheic but even that is NOT mandatory.
I have been changing oil on cars for about 50 years now. It is easy. Motorcraft (Ford brand) semi-synthetic oil and filters can be purchased at most Walmart stores for less than $25. Yes, you need some wrenches, including an oil filter wrench, rags, a drain pan and some funnels to get the oil back into the jugs so you can take it to be recycled.
Some large cardboard on the drive is an EXCELLENT idea.