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May 10, 2012 | 01:19 PM

MurderMode

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From: Decatur

Help needed!

I bought a 2004 XLT 6.0 crew cab short-bed FX4 2 weeks ago. It has 135k miles, a Rancho leveling kit or small lift, not sure yet and a River City Diesel EGR delete kit. It also has a 4" turbo back exhaust without cat. After reading a million things on this forum I am getting paranoid about my truck. I know I should get a Scangauge II and head studs. What I am really concerned about is the coolant and oil and all the filters. The truck had its oil changed right before I bought it, but it was done at a local shop (we're a really small town). I'm worried that they used basic oil or the wrong filter or the wrong coolant. What do I need to do to get back to a place where I feel comfortable for a reasonable price? I'm talking basic maintenance prices, oil change and all that. I can't justify to my wife that I need to spend $500 or so on head studs plus labor to have them put on. I know I am asking a lot and I have tried to research it myself but there are SO many people saying SO many things I'm still not sure where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

May 10, 2012 | 02:22 PM

Flyinstroke

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Joined: Jul 2010

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From: Gulf Coast, TX

go to a Ford dealership and get a new oil filter cap ( about $30) just to make sure thats what you have. you can get the right oil and oil filters at wal mart. You can get either the motorcraft filter of the fram. you can get either the Motorcraft oil or the rotella t6 should be about $75 or so for the oil and filters. that is a good start. a scan gauge is a must have and will pay for itself in the long run.

May 10, 2012 | 03:31 PM

MurderMode

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From: Decatur

What's the deal with the oil filter cap? I keep reading about making sure it's the stock one but I can't find why or how to check if it is.

May 10, 2012 | 04:23 PM

amdriven2liv

I'm hitting easy street

Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Central Oregon

Here is a place with pictures of the OEM cap and an "after market" cap.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...look-like.html

May 11, 2012 | 12:24 AM

MurderMode

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From: Decatur

Holy crap! Now I'm paranoid about my filter cap. I think it's the aftermarket one and I probably won't be able to sleep until I go look at my engine. I guess I'll have to explain to the wife why I am in my shower shoes and a pair of shorts at 0030 on a Friday morning with my Surefire flashlight leaning over the hood of my truck!

May 11, 2012 | 12:53 AM

pmoney1983

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: Eastern Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurderMode

Whoa!!! Calm... Calm.... Dont chicken little on us here. First off, you do NOT have to buy an OEM filter cap from the dealership. Go to your local auto parts store first and ask them to get you one. They will be cheaper, believe me, this is what i did when i found out i had the taller non-OEM oil filter cap. Cost me $17.00, not $30.00 or more if you go through the dealership. Also, what is your reasoning for wanting to do head studs? Towing heavier loads? 10,000 lbs or more consistently? Pushing your boost over 25 psi alot? Just wondering. I have had a great experience with my truck. No repairs so far and i am not studded. And i hit 28 to 31 psi often. Maybe i have good luck, idk. My point is that if the studs are not absoultley needed then you can spend your money on more needed parts for other ways to begin the bulletproofing process for your 6.0L.

May 11, 2012 | 01:14 AM

MurderMode

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From: Decatur

No I don't tow or pull anything heavy. My boat is only a 14' flat bottom on a trailer. Maybe a few hundred pounds. I guess by that estimate I don't need studs. What else would you suggest I get? Like I said I have an EGR delete and 4" turbo back exhaust. What else should I invest in besides the Scangauge II?