My 2017 just hit 5 years since I purchased it new. I have 36,xxx miles on it (no, I'm not missing a digit), and all I've done is oil changes, filters, wiper blades, tire rotations, and one warranty fix of a leaky rear end. Is there anything that FORD says I should be doing now? I think plugs are good to 100k, supposedly the transmission is "sealed" and doesn't need maintenance (and I don't really tow often, but even so, I have tow package w/ trans cooler). How long should I expect the brakes to last? Belts? I'm still on the original battery, too.

Thanks for any input, particularly input that doesn't involve "just do all the things" on a just-because basis. I want to keep my truck in top shape, but I don't want to throw money down a hole for things that aren't actually needed.

-Z

 

At that low mileage, I wouldn’t do anything.

Some will say to do the trans fluid every 30k. I think that’s unnecessary and so does Ford.

I do however, think 100k for a lot of the stuff is a long time especially for those like you that don’t put on the average amount of miles per year. I’m going to personally do all the 100k items at 60k for my 2017. That’ll be sometime next year.

 

You are past due for a brake fluid exchange. I use to ignore this, had an ugly situation on a motorcycle because I did, no more ignoring that.

 

The only thing I do based on time is replace the battery when it's 5 years old.
I try to change brakes when the sensor is 2 or 3 millimeters from the rotor, then have the rotors machined & replace the pads. How long your brakes last depends on how it's driven.
Change the belt when you see cracks on the grooved side that rides on the pulleys.

 

the transmission is NOT sealed. it actually has a dipstick.

 

A five year old auto battery is probably nearing end of life. Run to failure or change at your convenience.

Probably should get twice the miles out of 36k brake pads. Pads start at 10mm, minimum thickness is 4mm. They’re easy to measure when rotating tires. Brake fluid change was due at three years. Nobody bothers unless planning to keep a vehicle for the long term.

Belts & idler were replaced on my 3.5l at 10 years/153k miles. Could have gone longer. But if your’s has the 5.0, read up on belt pulley failures breaking the front engine cover. I believe internal strengthening webs were added, but don’t know when. Surely should be fine at 36k, but might want to replace pulleys earlier than mine if a 5.0.

3.5l engines are known for turbo coolant jiffy connector leaks. My suspicion is the o-rings get degraded by heat during hot shutdowns. And/or corrosion working it’s way under the o-rings. Jiffy connector seal area may be a low flow region, or may have a higher galvanic potential. It might be smart to replace coolant now vs the recommended six years if a 3.5.

I deviate from Fords lifetime trans oil recommendation. First change at 80k and every 30k following, trans filter change every other trans oil change. 6R80 has electrical controls and I don’t want a bunch of conductive material suspended in the oil and coating the insides. Mine tows fairly light about half the time and shifts very nicely, now at 179k miles.

Following minimum standards isn’t likely to provide maximum results. Maximum results may not be needed nor desired. It’s your truck and decision on how to maintain it. Good luck reaching your goals.

2011 XLT Screw 4x4 3.5l 3:55LS

 

My `15 KR only has 7,600 miles on it & I changed the battery "just because" last summer. I also keep a battery tender on it.

 

Mine is a 2015 with 120K on it. The Maint. that has been done is as follows-
Changed oil & filter along with tire rotations every 5K-- self
Changed air filter 3 times--self
Changed coolant @ 50 & 100K- 1st time dealer, second time local shop
Changed Transmission fluid & filter @100K-- local shop
Changed /flushed/purged brake fluid @ 100K ( cant remember for sure might have been prior though)--self
Changed plugs @ 75K--self
Pulled TB and cleaned around 50-75K I think---self
Changed battery around 100K think (5-6 yrs) no BMS reset--self
Changed cabin air filter twice--self
Replaced all 4 wheels brake pads--self
Replaced tires around 95--100K ? cant remember--local shop

All done as PM-- Not done because of any issues-- in fact I have never had any issues that I had to take somewhere to get fixed-- This has been the most trouble free vehicle that I have ever had

 

With those miles, why do anything? You’re throwing money away.

 

I too, have a 2017 Lariat with the same mileage as you. Mine has always been garaged, so that helps a lot on certain items like batteries. Believe it or not, but I've had 2 garaged vehicles where the batteries lasted 10 years. With the price of AGM batteries what they are, I hope keeping my 2017 garaged will give me good results as well.