1998 Explorer 4.0 SOHC 4WD (approx 88,000 miles)

Folks:

I've gotten the Tune-Up supplies (after referencing the great replies earlier):

-Puralotor Fuel Filter
-Motorcraft Platinum Plugs w/ no-stick gel for the plugs and plug tips
-PC Value

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Have 4 questions.

I have not changed the plugs yet...but did give one of the wires a "test tug" and it did not budge. Will it take a very, very had pull...and can this damage the wires?

I looked at the plug locations. All are fairly accessible EXCEPT for the Right Back one. It is practically buried...I can barely see the plug wire end. Do I need a special tool to get this one out?

Should the wires be replaced no matter what? If so...should only the stock wires be used?

Are there any other items to replace/check in a general "tune-up" for this model Explorer? AND The manual mentions re-packing the wheel bearings....but the shop that replaced my brakes said that this model Explorer has SEALED bearings...is this TRUE ?

Thanks Very Much for any feedback.

- KEV100

 

Hi again,
When you remove the plug wires pull only on the boot...not on the wire itself or you'll destroy the wire. Sometimes they are very hard to remove. I use my plug wire puller pliers that I have but most people just use their fingers. If they wont come off by hand you can try a small prybar in between the head and the boot. If it comes to that you will probably have to replace the wires. Like I said previously I like Motorcraft wires but any good quality wires are probably ok. Dont go for the cheapest ones you can find.If the wires dont rip apart when you remove them, arent burnt looking or corroded you can probably use them over again.

As for the plugs on the right side, jack up the vehicle and remove the tire and go in from there. The #3 plug is very hard to get at but with a socket and a flex ratchet you can do it. For the other plugs I use a swivel socket, extensions and ratchet.

While you're under the hood it would be a good idea to clean the MAF sensor too.

Did you buy the tool for removing the fuel filter?

The front wheel bearings are sealed and not serviceable.

Clean your battery terminals lately? Having the battery disconnected while you clean them clears the memory out of the vehicles PCM and after a tune up thats not a bad idea. It can then relearn everything again.

 

Thanks very much for that info, Racerguy...

How about the Rear wheel bearings? You mentioned that the front ones are indeed sealed, should I then re-pack the rear? (I guess that brake guy did not know what he was talking about). The vehicle has about 88,000 miles.

Thanks,
Kev100

 

The rear wheel bearings use the same oil as the rear diff does and need no maintenance other than the occasional changing of the diff oil. Lots of people never change the oil in the their diffs, transmission and transfer case but it sure never hurts to do it. Not positive now when Ford recommends they be changed but if yours never have been it's time. To change the oil in the rear diff you have to remove the cover to let the oil drain out then clean it spotlessly clean...or cleaner where the cover seals, apply new silicone sealer then install the cover. Wait for a little while for the sealer to set up then refill the diff. If it has a limited slip diff in it you will also need to add some friction modifier to the oil.
Changing the transfer case oil is easy as it has a drain plug.