service

[bob k 2]

ok i came into a little bit of money and one thing i want to do is have my ST serviced.

i have 68000 miles on it . 4x4

what would you recommend?

tune up?

trans?

all?

i figure i have about $1000 to spend i hope not to spend that much but i need this ride to last for

a few more years.

thanks

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I think I would do the plugs as they are NO FUN.



As far as the tranny goes, either change it about every 30K or never as far as I am concerned. I have seen more transmissions fail after being flushed later in life that there HAS to be something to it.



Fuel filter and Air filter are both important. Many vehicles do not have fuel filters, the Trac does as well as the sock in the tank.



Maybe check out your brakes, if they could use service BEFORE you have a problem it is normally more affordable..

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Congrats on the "windfall" of cash. Plan carefully, the drivetrain is probably the most important, as far as longevity of the vehicle goes. A complete service (tune up) with ALL fluids changed (includes brake, power steering, oils and gear lubes) Filters (as stated above) then you can look at the brakes, shocks and tires (alignment). Last, but not least, is a complete detail job on the truck (clean in/out, under and engine bay) The list can go on and on (battery, bearings, bushings, end links, etc.) if you want. So send in pictures along the way and let us know what you've done. Bob :banana:

 

[Henry Suarez]

PVC valve and belt too.

 

[Bill Koonce]

If you haven't already replaced the original 2-piece spark plugs with improved versions, do that first! Better yet, pay to have a Ford dealership or well-insured repair shop do the work. If a 2-piece plug does break, that means pulling at least one head, so the cost of having someone else do it is cheap insurance.



$1000 isn't much. After taking care of known weak points like the plugs, I'd invest in new fluids. Power flushing the coolant and engine oil is a good place to start. Take samples of the old oil, and have it tested by a lab to see what telltale stuff is in the oil. If you have a spun bearing or other nasty thing, you'll need more money, but it's better to take care of it sooner than later. If not, you have peace of mind.



Next go for the transmission fluid, filter and cooler if there is one. If the trans is slipping, now's the time to fix it. Otherwise a new filter and fresh new ATF will help keep it running strong. Don't forget the transfer case! Treat it to a complete oil change, using the latest synthetic or semi-synthetic oil.



Finally check the differentials, and treat them to fresh gear lube. By this time you should have had plenty of time to find and fix any other problems related to the 4x4 drivetrain, steering etc.



If your brake fluid looks murky, and you still have money left, flush your brake lines and put in new (DOT4 if possible) brake fluid. This probably should be first on the list...

 

[scott degroot]

Mustang Guy,10/9/2010 00:12 MT



If you haven't already replaced the original 2-piece spark plugs with improved versions, do that first! Better yet, pay to have a Ford dealership or well-insured repair shop do the work. If a 2-piece plug does break, that means pulling at least one head, so the cost of having someone else do it is cheap insurance

Wrong year, wrong engine

 

[scott degroot]

Have the vehicle inspected first for any deficiencies that need attention now and get any issues resolved. If all is good then I would have the plugs and wires changed even though they don't call for plugs until 100k, fuel filter, change the transmission filter, flush the cooling, flush the brake system in that order if you don't get it all done at once. The rear diff uses synthetic fluid and is to never be changed, I have had rear ends apart on these that have over 100k on them and never been serviced adn the fluid appears to be in very good condition so I wouldn't worry about it. The front diff uses traditional fluid and is up to you if you want to get it serviced or not. If it were me and I didn't really use the 4x4 except for once in a while adn there were no leaks I would leave it be.