Aragorn

So as I posted in the intro thread I bought a 2003 4x4 XLT with 257,000 miles on it. Needs some TLC but seems to run pretty well. Changed the oil yesterday and is running smoother but plan on replacing the plugs, EGR system (sensor has been gone for $diety only knows how long) and probably coils. Interior is relatively clean but the 4x switch on the dash is gone (one on it's way) and the cruise controls work but are in pretty bad shape. Probably going to replace the coils while I'm at it (already ordered them) so that I have a fresh start. Planning on draining the differentials but noticed that the boots for the steering had no grease in them (bloody "lifetime" boots) though the boots themselves seemed ok. Occasionally getting an ABS warning so will need to address that as well.

Not planning on a lot of mods as this is and will be a daily driver.

Jbrew

Must be a V8 ehh... Yea, they are particular about plugs and coils. Motorcraft AT LEAST when it comes to both. Make sure you wrench those plugs down to 28'lbs. If your using dielectric, keep it from getting between the coil spring and plug mount. Yea, there's not enough squeeze pressure to clear the grease from contact points. Go about it that way and at the same time, you'll have that perfect ignition integrity, best you can do. You won't have to play with that again for quite awhile.

Aragorn

It's the 5.4 v8 (built 03/03) and not sure the last time the oil was changed. Figured I'd run it to 2700 miles and maybe seafoam it and change the oil again at 3k but still not sure that would help.

Aragorn

IMG_0114 by mithrandir.rm, on Flickr

IMG_0113 by mithrandir.rm, on Flickr

IMG_0111 by mithrandir.rm, on Flickr

Jbrew

I wouldn't Seafoam, unless you out to trash the thing. Swear off of the snake oil junk and she'll most likley give yuh plenty of good miles. All these trucks need is a good maintenance regimen and they'll return the favor.

Aragorn

Will skip the seafoam then and just do an oil change at 3k then.

Jbrew

Sure is a nice looking truck you got there.

Aragorn

Thanks, just hope it treats me as well as my old ranger did. Got a bit beat up (rear bumper and tailgate) but not too worried about those (ranger had a messed up front bumper before the wreck, !@#!@$!@# deer.) Just hoping the plugs get here before the weekend so I can get those changed out.

Fordfan2006

They took the heritage badges off? That's weird.. Get the my Carfax app and look up the history on it and see if anything comes up

Wolvee

Yep, always skip the snake oil and go for something proven to be the best thing for your engine. Ethanol Free gas. Find an E. free station in your area and run a Full tank through. It'll nearly double your fill up but it will get you 2-4 more MPG and "I think" helps naturally clean up the engine without dumping all that big crap into your Catalytic Converters.

(I recently did it in my wife's old car and it went from 34.7 to 40.2mpg with 92 E. Free on the trip back from Mich. I don't pay attention to the mpg of my truck anymore but it always increases my MPG and purrs like a kitten with clean gas.)