109 K miles -

New PCV and Fuel Filter $17 and $46

4 x 4 change transfer case oil $47

Replace IAC - Idle Air Control Valve - No idle at times $172

Air Suspension - Secure air lines - Check Light was coming on. This is the one I'm pissed at. Not at Ford, but at Goodyear, where I had new front lower ball joints installed and ever since that install my chksup light would come on from time to time. No noticable problems, but annoying. Ford traced lines and secured in the front.... $69 -[ basically just the diag fee.

 

IAC replacement can't take more than 20 mins unless the tech has his hands in casts. Part cost is +/- $80 if you bought over the counter at Ford.

They did not lose money on this job.

Spark plugs are meant to be changed at 100K. Have yours been done? If not, and you go to the dealer, brace yourself. Labor-intensive job, especially if they deign to change all eight for you.

 

Yep - had plugs done. Major $$$$


IAC Job
$65 diag
$34.50 Labor
$72.36 parts

 

Just did my own plugs over the w/e, major PITA but worth it. I called Ford and ask what they would charge, they said $325.00. I then called Autozone and asked what they sell the MC double plats, they said $3.99 plus tax. So for around $35.00 plus close to 3 hours, I ended up saving $290.00. I only suffered one broken knuckle!

 

For someone who has never changed spark plugs on an Expy, how long would the average weekend backyard self-proclaimed mechanic need to spend under the hood? 3 hours seams awful fast!

 

First plug change for me on a 5.4 took me about 2 hrs and 45 min! Pretty easy procedure once you get the hang of removing the coils! Just have the tools that you will need on hand. A 3/8 ratchet, 1/4 ratchet, numerous extensions for both ratchets, 10mm socket, 5/8 spark plug socket, a case of beer (just for nerves) and PLENTY OF PATIENCE!!!!!!!!. Oh by the way, a telescoping magnet won't hurt either! Hope this helps!

 

Just checked the Ford manual, they list the IAC at $60.30, and 1/2 hour of labor.
Fuel filter at $19.11, with 1/2 hour of labor.
PCV valve: 1/2 hour of labor, but no list price (about $15 or so)
No pricing on the transger case fluid.
I rounded off the labor times, some of them were like .4 or .6 of an hour. They made their money on the diagnosis fees.

 

Looks like I will change my plugs myself. Heck, I will have $290 left over for beer!

 

Before you bring you Expy to the dealer, wait till BigMatt and the rest of those involved gets the Expy guide out. It should be chocked full of awesome info. Unless you are in dire need to replace them now. Having done it before I can say without hesitation IT IS A PAIN! Like they say the first time always hurts the most............... But cruise thru hear and you will find helpful info on the plug change scenario.

 

Deanjet- This past w/e WAS my first time. I'm no longer a plug virgin! I thought 3 hours was a long time, especially since I ran out of beer!

Be careful with the coil bolts, I forced the #7 bolt and broke it (I was getting tired and I should've taken a break) now I'm trying to figure out a way of getting it out. Any ideas...

-4x4freak- You are so right about the telescoping magnet...

1999XLT- I posted an address that explains step-by-step plug changes on BigMatts Expy Guide topic. That's what I used as a guide.

I also posted an address on porting for a larger TB. I'll be doing that this coming w/e.

 

Well, I hope you have good access to the broken bolt. Drill a hole slightly smaller then the bolt right down the center of the bolt. Then stick a bolt/screw extracor down the drilled hole, tap the extractor in the get a good bite, then slowly turn that bugger out. Sometimes you get lucky if you use a reverse fluted drill bit and cut into the bolt backwards (Snap-On sells these just for this reason). Using this type of drill bit might spin the bolt out since there is no load on it. Either way, good luck and take your time.

 

Shop manual says 3 hours, but that's assuming a semi-qualified mechanic is performing the procedure. I usually do everything myself, but my local shop quoted me $150 labor + parts for the job. Sounds too good to be true.