Ok fellas, I just emptied my wallet on some quality parts for 'ye ole Bronco. I wanted to be thorough and this is what I came up with that I would feel comfortable doing at home (for now ).

Battery
Distributor Cap/Rotor (BRASS)
Distributor Wires
Spark Plugs
Serpentine Belt
Auto-Tranny Filter (fluid change)
Fuel Filter
Oil Filter (oil change)
PCV Filter
Air Filter

And for good measures I bought a new PCV Valve and because my idle has me backing up while in reverse at around 10mph (which I don't like) I bought a new TPS. Any other inputs before I get in there and tear things up? Any...'while you're in there' things?

 

T-case/diff fluid if needed
Hoses if needed
Check the vaccume lines, since it is an 88 they are probably brittle.

Also may want to check out the front-end components such as bearings, u-joints, ball joints, etc.

 

Accomplished most of my tune-up list today. All I have to change out is the sparkplugs, wires and flush the engine block and change the coolant...I'm burnt out from the rest of the work I did on it today.

One thing however...now my transmission is acting funny - I know I put enough fluid in after changing out the filter and gaskets...I checked it after driving for about 5 minutes and it was within the crosshatched area (at the top of it). When I stop at a stop sign or light and it's time to get on the gas - it almost acts as if my transmission is in NEUTRAL for a moment, so I let off the gas and press it again and I go forward. Any reason I should suspect I did something wrong to cause this slippage?

Also...while changing my distributor cap and rotor - I found out that I have a TFI ignition system...however in the Haynes manual it shows that for a TFI ignition system the rotor should be bolted on...not the push type like I have...those are in a Duraspark III system (which I thought I had until I looked at my start solenoid and ICM on the side of the distributor). Any advice as to what might be going on would help out a lot.

 

*bump* *double bump*

 

I think there must be several different distributors. I've never had a Ford with a bolt on rotor - from TFI to Duraspark, 1980 to 1995. But I know I sold a few when I was a parts counterperson. I wouldn't sweat it. If the trans problem materialized after the fluid change, then it seems like the fluid level might not be right. Just make sure you check it hot, and cycle through all the gears a couple of times before checking it. Also, it's a good idea to adjust the TV cable if you have an AOD. The procedure is not complicated, but it's best to refer to the shop manual if you've never done it.

 

I had an epiphony...maybe the new ATF fluid is too thin after it heats up and because my transmission is so high in mileage it depends on a higher viscosity. So I went to the store and bought some Slick 50 Transmission Restore labeled 'For High Mileage Transmissions'...hmm. While I was out I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy some nice Royal Purple Fuel System Cleaner. Hopefully that Slick 50 stuff fixes my prolonged shifts and slippage, thanks!

 

If you can't get it to quit slipping, try Lucas Transmission stuff. Works fantastic in my opinion.

Good luck,

 

was it hard changing your transmission fluid and filter? I've got 103000 on my truck and i don't know when previous owner changed it. Also, was it a pain in the *** to change the pvc valve in the back of the engine? thanks


Gabe

 

Both procedures were easy...I've never done either before in my life. Changed out my sparkplugs and wires today, serviced my rear differential. I was anticipating a lot more complicated work than it really was. These forums helped me out a lot...just browse through them for any topics pertaining to what you want to do to your truck - hope your tune-up goes as well as mine did!