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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 10:49 AM
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Tune-up Suggestions

I'm planning on changing plugs & wires on my '98 Explorer XLT V8 with 73k on it. The originals have been on for 7+ years now.

Should I buy OEM parts or do you think I can just get aftermarket stuff at the local Pep Boys?

Also, what else should I change out while doing the tune-up? I will change the air filter but I'm thinking there might be other things like O2 Sensor, PCV Valve, Fuel Filter, Etc.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks,
Eric
 
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 11:56 AM
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PCV valve and fuel filter make sense. I wouldn't touch the O2 sensors unless it's throwing a code for it. Best way to do the plugs is thru the wheel wells. Remember to use anti-seize on the plugs.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 12:12 PM
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Wires and plugs I would get from Ford. The Ford wires are 8mm and are just as good (if not better) than most aftermarket. You can also get a set of Taylor wires from Summit for about $90-100. They are pretty nice.

I would also recommmend staying away from the O2 sensors until needed. They are more pricey for 4 of them to just be swapping out.

Fuel filter, PCV, air filter - get at any parts house. The pcv is fun to get to on the back of the lower intake...

I would also clean the mass air sensor, IAC controller, and maybe look at the antifreeze and radiator for doing a flush. Have you had the tranny serviced lately? The 4r70w will last a long time if you do regular service on it.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by marragtop
PCV valve and fuel filter make sense. I wouldn't touch the O2 sensors unless it's throwing a code for it. Best way to do the plugs is thru the wheel wells. Remember to use anti-seize on the plugs.
It looks like the rear two on the left side can only be accessed through the wheel well. Should I get pull 8 plugs this way?
 
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by CobraXP
Wires and plugs I would get from Ford. The Ford wires are 8mm and are just as good (if not better) than most aftermarket. You can also get a set of Taylor wires from Summit for about $90-100. They are pretty nice.

I would also recommmend staying away from the O2 sensors until needed. They are more pricey for 4 of them to just be swapping out.

Fuel filter, PCV, air filter - get at any parts house. The pcv is fun to get to on the back of the lower intake...

I would also clean the mass air sensor, IAC controller, and maybe look at the antifreeze and radiator for doing a flush. Have you had the tranny serviced lately? The 4r70w will last a long time if you do regular service on it.
I plan on cleaning the throttle body and definitely changing the coolant, it looks awful. I had the tranny fluid changed 8,000 miles ago and I think it helped the hesitation going into overdrive when shifting.

I don't even know where the fuel filter and PCV are located. It sounds like it might be a tough job.

Also, should I bring the truck into Ford to change the rear differential fluid for the AWD?
 
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 09:35 PM
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When you take the tires off, you will see a flap in the fenderwell that is held on by push pins. Take that down, and all the plugs are right there. That is for both sides. It is so much easier than trying to go through the top.

The fuel filter is on the inside on the frame rail right under the driver door. You have to have special tools to take it off from the fuel lines.

The PCV valve is located on the back of the lower intake. It is behind the upper intake. It takes a small hand and knowing where it is to find it. It does not look like a standard PCV valve. If you picture one in your head, remove the top 90 degree elbow. That is what it looks like and the rubber hose just slides onto it. This is a pic of it:
 
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 08:45 AM
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Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Will go parts shopping this weekend and get to the fun stuff the following week. Great photos BTW!
 
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 06:38 PM
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Don't forget the belt.....

Fitter
 
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Old Aug 19, 2005 | 05:37 AM
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I did the serpentine belt back last year at 55k or so. Should be good for awhile I would think?
 
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