I just bought a 2008 XLT from my dad. He is extremely meticulous about his vehicles and this one looks brand new. It has 102K and all he has done is changed the oil/filter regularly and I think the tranny fluid was changed at 65K. We need to get the absolute MOST out of this truck and plan on keeping it until it simply won't drive any longer. What are some of the maintenance things that I should do to the truck right now? I'm assuming plugs since it's at 100K and I've always heard that's about the life of most plugs. But I don't know what else I need to replace/change. Any help would be hugely appreciated.

 

You could change brake fluid and Power steering fuid.

Replace struts and rear shocks.

Fan Belt

 

Don't know the schedule on a 2008, but the new ones want a radiator coolant change at 100K. Ford is real persnickety about coolant and getting the percentages right on the coolant these days, too. I don't think it would be a bad thing to replace the hoses at that point. You might as well change the fan belt then too, I suppose.

I'm of two minds about gratuitously changing fluids and lubricants that don't officially require a change. On the one hand you think it can't hurt. But on the other, you can mess up and maybe introduce a contaminant into the system that wasn't there before. I think I would leave well enough alone.

 

What are the recommended plugs?

 

plugs aren't a problem on the '08's and up I think for changing, right?

I would also flush the brake fluid, coolant, and even ask for a deal on doing the tranny at the same time.

the suspension is probably worn, but check the struts, springs before you replace - you may be able to get another 30-40k out of them if your dad drove it gently.

what do the tires look like? inspect the front and rear brake system, have the rotors turned (machined) if you have any pulsing.

shampoo the engine or power wash it at home, there's nothing in wrong with taking pride in your meticulously maintained 100k engine bay!

 

Plugs are easy on the 08's. They arent the crappy 2 piece ones us 04-07 guys have to deal with...Did mine myself and it was worth the 500 bucks i saved (what i tell myself to make me feel better).

Looks like for a 2008 you need Motorcraft SP-413 plugs. Double check to be sure though.

 

Also the rear differential oil, front too if its 4x4 and you feel like it, but definitely have the rear oil changed. Also if its 4x4 change the transfer case fluid which is just mercron auto transmission fluid. Clean the mass air flow sensor, and throttle body using the correct cleaner made for each of them. Battery? That's more of an age thing though. Also fuel filter, and maybe the transmission flushed again.