my 2001 tundra calls for SJ…is it ok to use oil that exceeds SN or do I need specifically SJ
When you need SJ you can use any oil from SJ-whatever is current (SN I think). You just can’t use an oil older than SJ
Yes.
The rating is the latest improvement in the motor oil formulation agreed to by the American Petroleum Institute, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
This means it meets the specs of today’s vehicles, and those built in prior years.
Going below the SJ rating, ie SI, SH, etc…is not advised.
Tester
For this engine the new oils are probably fine. This doesn’t apply to all engines though.
See: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/ot-modern-oil-bad-old-engines-213669/
A suspect that the offroad motor oils marketed for use in ATVs and motorcycles still contain larger percentages of anti-wear additives that would foul modern emissions systems. I ended up with a couple gallons of these that were given to me in some junk and I just used them in lawn equipment.