Deathtofishy

Howdy all,

I just purchased a 2004 F150 (new body style), XL 4.6, 4x2 with an 8 foot bed to use for weekend projects. Couldn't be more please with it so far.

I've got a 130k miles on it. The previous owners seemed to be up on the oil changes, and had one receipt for plugs and wires near 100k as far as the records show. However I feel better going through everything now so I have a clear starting point for future maintenance, but had a couple questions.

1. Transmission flush or drain/fill? I know the scheduled maintenance calls for a change fluid at 150k. But not fully knowing the history of how much this truck has towed or hauled, I'm thinking about doing it sooner than later.

I've searched but can't seem to find if ford recommends a drain/fill or flush? I've seen a lot of opinions, but no one has cited the ford service manual in the searches I've conducted. On my other two vehicles (both imports) a flush is not recommended (can do more harm then good) and they suggest a drain/fill, but at sooner intervals then ford does.

Also, after this initial change, should I do another at 50k? 100k?

2. I've done an oil change with mobil 1, swapped the pcv valve, air filter and am planning on doing all the other fluids on the truck. Is there anything else the service manual might not be suggesting, but is known to be something to keep up on?

I'm very surprised to see that my scheduled maintenance guide for the truck doesn't mention any interval to change timing components as my other vehicles have.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

SCORGE

You'll hear a lot on the trans. I personally do a pan drop, filter change, and fluid top off. I do that every 10k-15k miles. Excessive...maybe. 184k trouble free miles though.

screamineagle

X2 ^^^. I also install a drain plug on the pan. Makes life much easier

2008__XL

I'd also do the fuel filter, rear differential fluid and have a look at the fpdm.

Deathtofishy

Thanks for the advice so far.

Yeah, the tranny situation sounds very similar to another vehicle I have. They suggest 100k then every 50k after that. But most guys in the know just do a drain fill every 25k. Most of there vehicles are getting 250k+

definitely consider putting in a drain plug when I do the work in the near future.

Rear diff and fuel filter are both on my to do list as well.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Where did you find plug wires and a PCV ?

Deathtofishy

Wires and plugs were done around 100k from previous owner.

Found a good deal on a Motorcraft PCV (part number EV-269) on ebay. Took literally 2-3 minutes to install.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

oh.. it's a 4.6 thought it was a 5.4..