I have a 99 EB with 5.4, 4X4, Air suspension and 150K miles.

My repairs and maintenance include -
4x4 switch and rear wiper motor replaced under warranty
Altenator @ 110K
Upper and lower ball joints (twice).
New plugs @ 100K
New belts and hoses @ 110K
On second battery
IEM ? valve
New brakes twice
New rotors
air filters
alignments, tires
Air suspension failed (Ford said both lines had holes-after reading post here I might have gotten the shaft over a $20 part)
Sway bar links both broke off (replaced self with NAPA parts)
Brake, tranny, power steering fluid flush @ 150K,
coolant fluid flush @ 75K and 100K

I've put Mobil-1 syn oil in it since new at 5K-7K intervals. I get 14.2 every day driving - 15.5 to 16.5 on the trips. I neglected my tranny (no maintenance until 150 K miles - but no problems either

I've had 17" Goodyear RT/S, Michelen Cross Terrains, and yesterday I had Firestone Destination LE's installed (with the fluid exchanges and ball joints)

She's been a good vehicle and I hop to keep it for a long time. Everything inside works - A/C, Mach 1.. Engine is strong no leaks. I've always asked about my shocks, but the techs say they are fine.

I wish I had read this site along time ago. Is this about what others have seen?

 

I have a 99 XLT 4x4 with LLS which I got used @ 87k miles and now nearing 91k.

I changed the plugs @ 90k just to have reference and noticed that aftermarket plugs have been installed prior (Autolite Dbl Plat) and Coil On Plug (COP) #4 is aftermarket (its suprising that you never had any COP problem @150k). I also used Autolite Dbl Plat and replaced four out of eight COP boots (all I could get at the time I was doing it mysef) and took the opportunity to get the COP's resistance and found all of them within specs. I was happy to see all the plugs wearing very normally with no excessive deposit or otherwise fouled plugs.

I started using Mobil 1 and glad to know it could extend up to 7k since I planned to change oil only twice a year (before and after winter - a practice I've been doing for my wife's Volvo V70) and my drive would approximately be 12-14k/year. I plan to start using the new Mobil1 extended life to better accomplish this in the next oil change. I am convinced that synthetic oil do not break down easily unlike conventional oil, thus the longer change interval capability and your post just reinforced that belief - it saves time and money. With recent shift to synth oil, I will initially replace the oil in a shorter interval to get rid of any knocked out gunks/deposits, and I am happy to say that after the shift, there was no oil leak which I heard is sometimes the case for higher-milage vehicle when shifted to synth oil.

Although none is broken, I replaced all the shocks as soon as I got the XP, Belstein rears and Ford OEM specialty front shocks (for lack of available aftermarket part) and noticed improved handling even before I upgraded my wheels/tires. I also replaced the compressor drier as cheap preventive maintenance and fixed the worn compressor floating rubber 'suspension' eliminating the rattling sound whenever the air suspension compressor kicks in.
I was told my lower balljoints have play but still within specs, but I will replace them as soon as I get the chance - will probably have the upper ones replaced too and have camber kit installed while I'm on it (I'll give it a shot myself). There is no indication of problem except for a very mild vibaration when doing right turns at highway speed like when changing lane, but I hope to repair it to prevent any more damage. Based on your post, it sounds like I'm about due at this time for ball-joints.

I did some mod on my XP as well (22 wheels/tires, dropped/lowered by 2", installed captain's chair in place of bench middle row, billet grille, front and rear aftermarket lights) and also plan to keep it for a long time, having to haul four kids on week-ends. Based on your post, it appears that this vehicle is basically reliable and can be easy to maintain.

It's also nice to hear from you that your problem with LLS is relatively minor/preventable considering you have 150k on your EB, (you know, that black evil line connector) since I love the fact that the vehicle is always level plus we love the air suspension ride, very comfy, considering this is a truck. I feel concerned whenever I see posts cursing LLS and people actually getting rid of it thru conversion. I hope I get lucky and my LLS preventive measures work. After all, I was able to lower my XP virtually for free because of LLS.

May I asked what made your alternator quit? Was it worn 'carbon contact'? I'm wondering if I will just replace it when I change the drive belt which I plan to do around summer next year (at about 100-105k) instead of waiting for it to stop working and potentially stall the vehicle.

Also, does your engine use any oil? How much per oil change interval (or say per 1k miles). This early, I notice mine to be using no more than 1/2 qt for every 3k miles which is not bad from what I gather in this forum.

Pardon me for the long post .

Thanks
Orlee

 

Thanks for the feedback. I first noticed an altenator problem when towing my ATV. When I went up hills and acelerated hard, my lights would dim and the battery light would go on. I don't know actual problem, just put a new one in and belts, problem solved.

If I go a long time w/o oil change 6 -7K + I may burn a qt. and 1/2.

I'm heading to West Virginia (Greenbriar State Forest) today - annual family reunion so gotta run.