Ok so I still have a long list of basic upgrades and maintenance I really need to do. I've got a bunch of smaller things that I'm going to be working on over the course of the spring, but that's not my main reason for starting this thread.

My main reason is that I have quite a few reasonably expensive things on this upgrade/maintenance list. I'm trying to set up my spring school/living expenses budget so that I have a little bit of leeway to do at least one or two of these items, but I'm really not sure which ones I should get done first. So I'm just going to list everything out, and roughly what I'm expecting/planning on spending. If y'all could just give me your opinions on which items in my list I should be making my highest priority, I would really appreciate it.

1) tranny flush/new fluid
story here is simply that the truck has 260k on it, all put on by the previous owner, and i don't know anything about the tranny's maintenance schedule. Also, there is a little hesitation between 1st and 2nd, so I want to see if a fluid change will address that.

2) new IPR...I have a little problem with slightly delayed starts, and after seeing how much better our EX and other F250 started with new IPR's, I really want to go ahead and replace mine. I'm considering trying to rebuild it, because I know that would save money, but I've seen people saying that "success varies" and I'm not sure if I want to get involved with that or not.

3) new shocks (I'm almost positive my current ones are factory original and have never been changed....the truck bounces all over the place).

4) before the shocks, I need to do front leveling kit and rear 350 blocks...not sure if I need to go with different shock lengths after I essentially lift the entire truck 2-2.5 inches. This isn't really a very important upgrade item unless i really need to get it done before/at the same time that I get new shocks.

5) coolant flush

6) front and rear diff fluid change, new '08 diff pan

7) redhead steering box to fix steering play...again, this is a pretty expensive upgrade, but I will need to do it at some point. I don't think it is really as necessary as some of the other things I've mentioned but I figured I would throw it in there.

8) LineX spray-in bedliner...this is literally driving me CRAZY. The previous owner somehow managed for 260k with a bare bed...it's not been abused, but it has been worked, and there is surface rust and scratches. Only problem is I don't just want bed liner...I want the entire long bed sprayed AS WELL as my entire toolbox inside and out, and the OEM stepping boards. So, all added up this will probably be well over $800 right there...




OK so I've listed everything here sort of how I'm thinking I need to approach it. One of my biggest concerns is whether or not the coolant flush and diff flushes are more important than the shocks. Personally, my blown shocks and desire for lift bother me a lot more than the fact that I need to do a coolant and diff flush, but I don't want to ignore necessary maintenance. This is the main reason I started this thread, because I want to make sure I don't ignore under the hood maintenance in leu of more fun upgrades. One of my biggest goals right now is to get my truck running as well as my dad's does...and that is going to take quite a bit of preventative maintenance and hidden upgrades.

Tell me what y'all think! Thanks guys...

 

I would do the fluid flushes first Benjamin. Trans power steering etc. The coolant is not 100% needed if you check the SCA levels. This includes the differential fluid too. You dont know if it has ever been changed at all.

Next i would do the shocks that is important for the safe handling and of course ride comfort.

The IPR is a good idea look around on Ebay for a deal though whereas you have the time. Then I would rebuild the one that you have for a spare.

If your steering is really bad and it is a safety issue then you have to do that 1st Can you try to tighten it to bide you a bit more time?

Most leveling kits do not require longer shocks so no worries there
The last thing is the spray on bed liner.

 

I agree with Jim. I did all the flushes and necessary maintenance and did get side tracked on the CAI and TB exhaust, but my priority was the driveability first and then the runability. You will not regret the Redhead steering box. I rebuilt the entire front end and she drives like new, almost, anyway.

I would say, if your not having any cooling issues, the shot shocks are probably contributing to a lot of stress and premature wear and tear on other components.

My .02cents

 

Also add your Brake fluid to the list to be flushed.

 

This is helping...

I know I didn't mention it before, but I have already done a complete brake system overhaul including new fluid, and I've also changed the power steering fluid, all filters, and the oil.


As for the rest of my list, Jim what you and Wayne are saying makes sense. I will go ahead and plan on finishing my fluid replacement regimen before I start with the other items on my list.

I'm thinking I will do everything but the coolant, then go ahead and get new shocks.

I've been thinking about the redhead box for the past couple of days, and I think I just need to hold off for a year or so...money is tight, and my steering is DEFINITELY not a safety issue, it's just not at tight as I would like.


Thanks guys! I appreciate the insight, I really want to make sure I stay on track with my maintenance and rebuilding attempts before I get carried away on the "fun stuff".

 

Son... you don't have the money for FUN STUFF right now!!

 

I am setting aside money in my budget for the truck...the thing is I don't have enough for the fun stuff and the maintenance I need to do. Several hundred dollars doesn't go too far.

Which is why I'm making sure that everything I'm doing is in the correct order, and I'm not going off track by accident.

 

How much do you really drive around Benjamin? I'm all for maintenance. Believe me, with over 350,000 miles, I'm all for maintenance, but you need to change your shocks now before it rattles all the common sense out of you.

You don't need anything fancy like Bilsein's. Wait till you have more money for that. Pick up some cheap Monroe's or something and start there. It will feel like a new truck after that. Then do the fluid changes next. After 260k miles, another couple of hundred miles isn't going to be catastrophic if you don't change the fluid.

At least that's my $0.02

 

Look over parts places for sales. I got shocks from 4wp and a leveling kit when they had a sale. Look all over the internet. Your best advantage is you have time to be cheap.

 

Shocks should be first for safety and to keep from wearing out other suspension parts and tires.

I use two lists to prioritize. One is titled NEED and the other want, and they are not side-by-side. The NEED list is always above the want list.

Leveling kit, 350 blocks, spray in liner and '08 diff cover would be on my want list.