The spark plugs certainly are not in good shape. The #6 plug:




And the #7 boot doesn't want to come out. I hit it with some PB blaster, going to go back in a bit with needle nose pliers and get it out.

 

Fixed some of my problems.

Replaced coil 7, and the misfire is gone.

All the plugs have been replaced, as well as the fuel filter.

Took it to get an alignment Monday, and they didn't do it because they said it needs new ball joints, tie rod ends, front brakes, and repack the wheel bearings. To the tune of $1600. I politely declined the estimate.

Did replace the front brake pads today though. The driver's side was about to grind on the inside, while the pass side was still decent. Seems like maybe the calipers are not releasing properly. Both sides were more worn on the inside.

 

That is about the going rate for a full front end rebuild. I paid $1400 for same, without the brakes. Brakes were good.

Rebuilding these front ends is not too hard, but aligning them can be a bear. Get good word-of-mouth to find an alignment shop...and pay the extra $20 for a guaranty in case it comes out of alignment (but it probably won't if the rebuild was done right).

 

I can do it all myself after my shoulder heals. I have access to a full shop. Less the alignment.

 

What do you think about my idea of getting coilovers for the front? Nobody makes a mild lift kit for the front (I could use 2wd Super Duty kit if they made it - actually FabTech makes one but it's 4" and drops the whole subframe, looks very nice indeed, but I am NOT building a prerunner here) and I only want an inch or two of lift for better ground clearance and attitude. I figure I'll find some coilover maker and order up adjustable setups for both rigs in my sig.

 

As it turns out, the transmission is fine. It has a leak, so as long as I keep it filled it shifts fine. It actually seems to be performing better as the fluid is slowly exchanged. There is a rattle in the pan though, and it seems that the leak is the gasket, so that needs to be done soon.

Got new front end parts on except ball joints. It drives fairly well now.

 

hopefully, all it is is the filter being loose or perhaps one bolt came loose

 

That's my hope. The rattle stops with some pressure in the middle of the pan

 

Then I'm thinking filter.