Hey,

Looking for rec's on fluid and maintenance schedules:

Tranny, Front/Rear Diff/ Transfer Case/ Coolant Etc.

Any help/suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

1999 4.6 Expy 110K

 

I have a 97 Expy, 5.4, auto, 2x4 w/519k on her and I drive around 55k a yr. I replaced the motor at 493k because of #8 blowing out of the head and it only cost another $1000 to replace the whole motor.

But, in any case here is my maintenance and fluid schedule:
Oil: Mobil 1 synthetic only...changed every 10k, filter every 5k and topping off.

Tranny: Done by my mechanic every 25-30k religiously, doing a pan drop and filter the first time and a complete removal the second change.

Differential(s): At tranny change just pull the plug and put in your pinky and if you can touch the fluid your fine, top off as needed. You should only have to change that fluid about never unless you do a lot of 4 wheeling. Its a synthetic from Ford.

Coolant: Depending on your location, up North...checked every Spring and Fall with an anitfreeze guage, change as per the guage. Down South... check each Summer, same guage scenerio.

Hoses and belts: I get about 250k out of my belts and hoses, but they should be checked with the coolant for cracks/chaffing and weak feeling hoses. Change as needed.

 

change brake fluid every 36 months

 

Thank High_Horse - when did you switch to Mobil 1 synthetic? Can I switch now? - I have been using Mobil 1 High Mileage and was not sure if when then recommend switching to synthetic or not. - I am impressed with the 490+K - I picked mine up a year ago and I barely get to drive it - my wife loves it. Great truck!

 

First, don't believe those wannabe's who say you have to do special things to switch to synthetic. You can switch anytime and not do anything special. I've used Mobil 1 from the get go though. Be sure to sure to use a synthetic filter like the M1-210 if you have a 5.4.
You don't have to use that high mileage stuff either unless you have over 200k. I used the 5-30 up to the day I pulled the motor. This new one I put in 5-20 to try to goose the gas mileage a bit.
Glad to here you love your truck, if you take care of it it will take care of you ...good luck.

 

Hey High_Horse,

Just signed the papers on an 01 Expy with almost 125K. Not sure what has really been done to the truck, so where should I start? Hoses, fluids, belts?

The hoses feel and look like they are the orig, but the belt looks to have been replaced. The oil was changed about 1K ago by the orig owner. In about 2K, I was thinking about switching to synthetic. Looking at changing the transmission fluid by end of year. Doesn't seem to show much need, but I would feel better knowing when it was replaced.

Throttle body seems to be sticking a little, so I'll be taking care of that within the next few days.

Anything else I should look at or show extra attention?

Thanks!

 

Plugs, if they haven't been done. You can get about what you have out of a set of plugs.
If the hoses feel soft or mushy, replace them. Don't be afraid to stop by your local auto parts store and ask them to see a hose to feel its rigidity and then check yours.
Check you serpentine for checking, cracks and look at the tensioner (pass. side) and see where the arrow is on the guide. As long as its above 1/2 way on the indicator your fine. I have only put on two belts, one the other day with 519,000+.
Pull the tranny stick out and smell it, if it smells burnt or looks brownish, replace it (do a full change, torque converter and all). It should be pinkish.
As for the throttle body, just use some spray lithium on the cable and work it to see if that loosens it up.
Don't worry about changing your oil until about 5k. Even the owners book tells you you can go to 7500.

Well, for anything else, turn on your lights and do a walk around, blinkers, high/low beam. I have only replaced the headlight bulbs in mine. I don't know how mechanical you want to get, but take a jack and pick up the front end one side at a time and grab the wheel and try to move it left to right and see if you can hear a clunk or looseness. Then pick it up and see if you get the same. Your checking for tie rod end play and bearing wear.

Hope you enjoy your truck and congrats amigo!

 

Great info, High Horse! Some other preventive maintence items to watch:

--battery: Lasts about 5-6 miles. Can get it tested by parts store/repair shop/Sears.

--alternator: Mine just went at 100k miles, unexpectedly stopped charging at the beginning of a road trip. Voltage meter started dropping and the battery light came on. Fortunately, was able to turn around and get home before it died!

--Shocks: Just replaced mine at about 90k but they probably should have gone sooner. LLS suspension means fronts are air shocks (rears are normal, but specific to truck.)

--Wiper blades: Change these every year and you won't have any smearing windshield problems

--PVC valve: book says every 50-60k; cheap insurance

--Tires: 40-60k depending on tire and driving habits; rotate every -10k and check pressures weekly

 

Thanks, High_Horse. Great information. I think I may call the orig owners and ask some of these questions. Hesitant to do that, but I would like to know.

 

Correction on my prior post...batteries usually last 5-6 years not miles!

 

Thanks, johnpvb.

Battery: Looks to be a year or so old. They spent some money in the replacement. Cranks hard even in 25 degree weather, which we had this morning here in SC.

Alternator: Haven't a clue. Seems to be fine, but you never know.

Shocks: Might need to be replaced....I believe I hear a little noise when I pull in the driveway, but nothing serious.....YET!

Wiper blades: Dealership replaced them before I purchased the Expy.

PVC valve: Looking at taking care of that this weekend.

Tires: Orig Owner just put a new set of Michelins on it. Looks to have about 85% life left.....mostly highway miles. They appear to have just been rotated.

 

The battery should have the date on it's tag.

 

Date on battery says Oct '08. Should last a while.

 

Orig Owner returned my call this morning. Nice man and was glad to talk with me about the Expy. He said he had the oil changed every 3K miles and had the transmission fluid changed at 60K miles. Other than that, he hasn't done anything else. Said they only traded it in because they needed something smaller. Getting on up in age and was hard for them to get in and out of.

So, I guess that leaves me a nice laundry list of things I need to check out on it. About 4 days ago, I noticed a little clunking in the rear when I'm turning while accelerating (like leaving a parking lot). I had an explorer that did this, and I change the rear end grease and it took care of it. With 125K miles on her now, I'm sure it needs some new grease back there.

One question I do need to ask. I have noticed that when I pull in and out of my driveway, there is a squeaking noise in the front end. Are there any bushings that I need to lube? If someone could help me out with a pic of what to look for, that would be great. I don't think it is the shocks, as they seem to stop bouncing at the right time....1 and a half bounce from release.

Looks like I'll be starting on the lists that High_Horse and johnpvb gave me.

 

Squeeking??? I'm beting on it being the outer tie-rod ends..