I'm in the market for a "new to me" truck. I've a 2002 F350 CC LB dually I'll keep. I was in the market for a 2017-2024 F150 V8 or diesel shortbed, but seeing the prices of those used closely approach the prices of a F250 I'm figuring what the heck - Look at 250 shortbed. But I'd like to find a CONCISE short maintenance schedule so when I contact someone I can go through a list. I almost bought an F150 diesel w/ 120K miles. Discarded that idea when I read it could cost $6K for a soon needed timing belt replacement.
Does anyone know where I could find one for the various F250 engines?

 

Maintenance intervals can get controversial rather quickly lol. You could download an owners manual to see what Ford recommends.
https://www.ford.com/support/owner-manuals/

 

I know they can sometimes be fairy tales.
For example my 2019 Escape says to change change tranny fluid like every 140K, General web consensus is more like 40K.
But at least they are a starting point.

 

If you stay away from diesels that have emissions equipment, or gassers that are DI, all you have to do is engine oil changes and transmission fluid changes at regular intervals to have a vehicle that will last hundreds of thousands of miles. Beyond that, it's a good idea to change transfer cases and axle fluid every 100k or better.

 

I would look up the owners manual online for the specific year trucks you are interested in as you shop. The manual will lay out the specific maintenance schedules for regular and severe duty.

 

Owners manuals, including oil change interval recommendations, are written by lawyers who are trying to appease the EPA, not the engineers who designed everything. But, they give a rough outline to start the discussions with.

 

Not sure about the lawyer thing? I believe the longer intervals for maintenance is largely due to advanced fluids, all types, as well as the overall technology of the mechanical parts. Fluids flow better and with there advancements they just don’t break down as quickly. I think most can agree Synthetic oil far outperforms conventional products. Coolants last longer also brake fluid, power steering, gear oils and so on.

Just my 2-cents

Mike

 

Synthetic oil has been the standard for quite a while. Dino is a relic from another time. I have talked to powertrain engineers from Ford during Goodyear tire test days when I worked for a NASCAR team, and they are ashamed at the longer service intervals that the owners manual recommends.

 

Ive been following the severe service schedule since I started operating these trucks and have not run into issue yet. The only fluid I change early is engine oil because I follow engine hours instead of mileage and I usually hit 150 hours before the minimum mileage.

Ive got around 13 Ford trucks right now and one is over 500k with a handful shortly behind. 150k transmission change interval and no failed transmissions. That interval alone gives some people nightmares

 

Here's what I have done for a few decades...............

Engine Management System
• 100,000 Miles Oxygen Sensor Replace

Electronic Fuel Injection System
• Annual Throttle Body & Assembly Inspect, Clean & Lubricate as Necessary
• 6 Months Fuel Injectors Add Redline or BG Brand Fuel Injector Cleaner to Fuel Tank
• 30,000 Miles Fuel Filter Replace

Fuel Lines
• 5 Years Rubber Replace

Cooling System
• Annual Anode/Cathodic Protection Inspect
• 5 Years Radiator Drain & Flush System
• 5 Years Hoses Replace

Power Steering
• 5 Years Hoses Inspect & Replace as Necessary
• 30,000 Miles Fluid Drain & Refill

Belts
• 4 Years V-Drive Replace
• 5 Years Serpentine Replace

Transmission
• 30,000 Miles Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill
• 30,000 Miles Automatic Transmission Filter Replace as Necessary
• 30,000 Miles Stick with Automatic Type Fluid Drain & Refill

Differential
• 30,000 Miles Fluid Drain & Refill

Brakes & Assemblies
• Annual Drums, Rotors & Linings Surface Sand, Degrease, Inspect & Replace as Necessary
• Annual Brake Springs (1965 Mustang) Replace
• Annual Fluid- Silicone Type Bleed System
• 3 Years Fluid- Conventional Type Bleed System
• 30,000 Miles Wheel Bearings Inspect, Clean & Repack

Wheels/Tires
• 6 Months Tires Rotate, Inspect & Adjust Pressure

 

You are correct. Tighter tolerances and better materials/oils have lead to longer maintenance intervals. They HAVE been artificially stretched, however, as companies don't make money if they don't sell new vehicles. So vehicles are spec'd to make it to 100k before major repairs are needed.

 

They better be speced to make it 100k. 200k is my thought. What is considered a major repair?

"If" this wasn't true.... boy there a alot of ding dongs buying vehicle's at a very exorbitant price.

 

Its not just the vehicle manufacturers pushing longer service intervals, Mobil 1 pushes 20,000 miles on their motor oil bottles.

 

if you dont need the torque of a diesel and dont put a lot of miles on the truck...GAS might be a money saver in the long run between preventive activities , bunkus sensors that go kaput, reactive soot infected clean outs or replacements.

 

That is marketing not science. The 20,000 mile oil bottle has a *Disclaimer.