Ok, so I have a 1997 F-150 Lariat X/C 4.6l Triton V8, tow package, and brand spankin' new BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires put on about 7k miles ago. The truck now has 108,362 miles on it. I was wondering if there is anything I can do for the truck to keep it going strong, even though as of right now, it seems to be running pretty much the same as the day I bought it. Anything I should worry about specifically? Anything I should upgrade on it now that it's over the 100k mark? I already have a K&N filter in, which I clean and "re-charge" regularly. Just curious. Latah.

~FG18

 

Just keep the fluids good and maybe you would want to switch over to differernt engine oil like valvoline Maxlife or some other oil for engines over 100K if you havent already.

 

The MOST important thing is REGULAR and FREQUENT oil and filter changes. That does not mean ignore everything else, but oil changes are very important if you are looking for extra long life from any vehicle.

If your truck has an automatic transmission, be just as religious about changing ATF and filter, most especially if you tow or haul heavy loads. Heat kills automatic transmissions. Loading the truck or driving in stop and go traffic raises the fluid temperature drastically. For every 10 degrees above normal temperature that the fluid reaches, the fluid life is cut in HALF.

I'm not personally a big fan of the max life type oils. I believe that it is only marketing that came up with such a gimmick to create themselves a new market. I believe that in a few years you will no longer see such products. That said, if you choose to use such an oil, I'm sure it will be good oil. Again the most important thing is to keep it changed regardless of what oil you use.

Some years ago 100,000 miles was kind of considered the goal for vehicle life. Now most vehicles, if properly cared for, are just getting broken in at this mileage. It's a good thing too, given how expensive they are now days.

Hope this helps,
Doc
ASE Master

 

same as stated above. be religious about your fluids. my 97 just turned 175000 and is still running like new.

 

Ok, sounds like I should be able to handle those things. I already primp my vehicle so much, I guess it's love, hehehe. My uncle had the same truck as me, only he bought his new in 96 when the 97 models first came out, and put 267,000 miles on it. Before he sold it I had borrowed it for a weekend to haul some car parts for my dad, and it ran and drove like a brand new truck. I was simply amazed, and he drives all over dirt roads, and in heavy traffic (well he DID with that truck anyway) all the time. So I wasn't discouraged at all about buying a 1997 F-150 in 2000 for my first truck. I'm glad I did, and I knew the reputation before ever stepping on a lot. Thanks for the tips guys. Latah.

~FG18

 

Yea, with good regular matinance, they will last 200K atleast

 

My 97 Lariat, 4.6 auto has 145k miles on it and it runs great. I use the same oil as you would in a new engine....I just keep it changed every 3k miles.
I would have to wonder what the difference in high mileage and low mileage oil would be anyway.

 

I would add that for real long and dependable life, you should consider changing ALL the fluids and most "soft" parts as time permits. For example, brake fluid and brake hoses. With the cost of ABS parts, you really want to be sure the fluid is fresh and pure. And, you don't want to be driving that loaded truck when a brake hose springs a leak!

PS: Some will disagree, but in my opinion and experience, your K&N filter is shortening your engine's life, and I would get rid of it and go back to paper. Its not a difference that will be noticeable to most people, because they don't keep their vehicles that long, but apparently you intend to. In any event, cleaning it frequently will NOT allow it to do better.

 

112,000 on my 98. What they said plus. I went to synthetics in the trans and need to do the diff. Regular maintenece is a lot of looking/checking. Like to do mine when fueling and washing the truck. Should consider changing the brake fluid. Check all the vacuum lines also. They tend to either get brittle or gummy with age and miles.

 

Another good one is to get your power steering flushed. I have found that after a while you get that ford whine and just by taking it and having it flushed it frees up the rack some and makes the steering smoother and quieter.

 

Good one FPM351w. MY 85 continental is in definet need of a ps flush.
whine whine whine

 

I would also like to comment on the synthetic and/or high-mileage oils. If you've just got to have "something better" for your truck and have plenty of money, go for 'em. But they are unlikely to be worth the additional cost over the manufacturer specified product.

 

Yeah, I have forgotten about the whine in the steering. It's been doing it for a while now, when I am not going higher than 30mph and I turn the wheel, there is this whine, in both directions. I was wondering how I get rid of that. So I guess just flush the power steering then? Latah.

~FG18

 

Yeah, Ford also has a special cap which apparently slightly pressurizes the system and lowers the whine level. Its expensive though (~$ 65, as I remember). Mine wasn't bad, but I did it because I want everything as good as possible (others would say I'm ****), and it did help. I think Ford will supply it for trucks under warranty if you complain enough!