I have finally given up the ghost of repairing something for myself. The #3 spark plug failed and blew out of the block leaving only the metal sleeve. the same thing happened with the #8 plug but I was able to get it out with a bolt extractor. no such luck with this one so it is going to the shop. I have decided to also hand over the laundry list to the professionals:
1. replace all spark plugs
2. find fault in ww res wire
3. replace rear bumper
4. replace rear gas tank
5. new rear gas tank strap.
6. new spare tire hanger
7. replace stripped stud in RF hub.

out of shop:
1. new tires
2. new stereo
3. new tool box lock
4. rust spots on top of rear fenders welded and painted.

It's going to be sweet. the question I have is this: I have a 96 F150 XL 302 4x4 e4od auto 110k original miles Since I am paying someone to be under the truck for a good amount of time what else should I consider having checked? Brakes drums rotors pads have all been replaced as well as all 6 shocks, fuel filter.

One other thing: there is a cross member that runs from the left to right frame after the rear tank that is really badly rusted. does anyone know the actual name of this part so I can add that to the list?
Thanks

 

How exactly are you blowing out multiple plugs? Just curious....

 

16 year old truck, original plugs. totally rusted. I was stupid to not have the used dealer replace them.

 

also they didn't blow at the same time, all the rights were replaced when the #8 blew and I couldnt get a the left side, then, of course, the #3 blew.

 

Speaking from recent experience, check the radiator support, at the bottom. I discovered that mine has a lot of rot going on. One of the other forum members here mentioned that it's the first thing that rusts out on these trucks.
Good luck- Jack

95 F350 7.3L PSD 4WD CrewCab

 

Have all of the metal brake lines checked out as well, especially near the rear end. May as well replace all of them now since someone will be under there anyway. Unless they have been replaced recently, and it sounds like they most likely haven't been, they are probably rotted pretty good.

 

@ KevinGnWV; brakes lines are a good call, I forgot to mention that they have all been replaced within the last year. They did fail so you were spot on.
@Slowjack; radiator support is also a good call. I remember noting how crappy it looked when I was under there replacing the front bumper. added to list.
anyone know the name of the name of the last cross member that runs from one frame rail to the other behind the rear gas tank? I need to replace that but I don't know what part to look up.
Thanks.

 

I have an old F Series book that shows crossmembers are numbered, not named. The last crossmember just before the rear bumper is Number 7. See if that works when you look it up. I would think your repair shop would be able to give you that info too.

Don't forget to take some before and after pictures so we can see how you made out later.

Jack

 

Replace or lube every u-joint as required.

 

Good one, and that includes the axle joints as well.

 

P J- Just curious... what bank did you rob to be able to afford all these repairs plus the four new tires? Got a hunch you're not on social security like me. LOL!

Good luck with your project. Jack