Well, since I bought the truck used, I am not sure when the last time the oil was changed. I took it to Ford today and the service department advised me since I didnt have any documentation on what maintenance had been done I should let them check it out. I think when he was naming stuff off, he said something about an oil change, check fuel filters, check coolant, check transmission fluid. He said all of this would run me about $550. Do I need all of this done? Let me know what you all think. Thanks.

Anthony

 

Year, model, trim?? How many miles on the clock?

$550 for fluid changes sounds pretty steep. Most of that you could do yourself. If you're not a DIY'er, get yourself a local mechanic.

 

Never skimp on maintence, but $550 sounds a little much. You can have all the fluid levels checked at your local Jiffy Lube for under $100. Do you have an itemized list of charges and maintence items?

 

Do it all yourself and give the dealer the finger

 

My truck is a 2008 F250 Lariat with 43,000 miles.

 

Man, if I lived closer to you, I would give you a great deal and check all the levels for 450.00. . Like said already, you can do all the changing of the fluid yourself for a whole lot less.

 

HA!! I'll bid $350!

The others are right. Take it to another local shop. $550 is steep. Or you cando it yourself. Nothing major about it.

 

Ok, I know I could change the oil, but what else needs to be done? What does it take to change the fuel filters? What else do I need to check?

 

I would change the oil and oil filter, change fuel filter(s), possibly flush transmission (dealer) and check the rest of the fluids. The tranny flush is really the only thing you might have the dealer do, they can check service records though and see when it was last done.

 

Coolant should be fine. Just make sure it is up to date with its flashes and have the Venturi T installed if it hasnt been already. Like mentioned above, an oil and filter change along with new fuel filters would be a must and are really easy to do. There are two fuel filters. The 6.4L filters are different from the 6.0L filters in that the one on top of the motor is larger so you cant grab them up for cheap at the International dealership. There is a filter on the frame rail under the drivers seat that will require a 36mm socket to get off. Cant remember what the fuel filter on top of the motor takes

 

...only if it was done at a FORD dealer and it was put into the VIN record!!
What engine do you have? what tranny? Auto/manual?

 

It is the 6.4L with an auto transmission. I am not sure on the tranny, maybe someone else will know based on motor and auto transmission.

 

Change oil and filter, You can take this to Walmart, or a "lube" place. Just watch them and make sure they are installing the proper oil.

While at lube place have them check both differentials and the trainsfer case if 4X4
Coolant should be fine, If you need to top it off remember to use ford "gold"

There are a few writeups on the fuel filters, it is not a hard job, about 30 minutes total.

Have the dealer flush the tranny, about 120-150, while there have them check Flashes and recalls.,

I have my tranny done every 50K or so.

 

I'd do it for $200!!! I wouldn't sweat stuff like the trans and diff. fluids too bad, but check things over closely before you decide to/not to change the fluid out. If you aren't worried about the cost, it's cheap insurance and you will know next time when it was changed.

 

I'd check the maintenance schedule in your owners manual and do everything as stated, going forward. There is probably a number of things at 15k, 30k, 45/50k, or some such mileage. I'd just do the scheduled maintenance recommended after this time, just oil and filter at this time, and next time in see if there is a 45k/50k maintenance due.