If you couldn't guess from my signature, I'm in the military. I'm in the Navy, and will be moving to a new duty station within a month or so. With that in mind, I'd like to see what information and opinions everyone has considering my situation.

I recently bought a 2006 SCREW Lariat. Truck has 200K miles, but the engine which was rebuilt by a Ford dealer only has about 40K miles. My question is: what preventative maintenance should I perform before beginning a 2,000+ mile trip. Also, I may be towing a VW Golf - so please include any thoughts on towing a vehicle for long distances.

Here's what I have done:
- Oil and filter change
- Fuel filter change and ran a can of Sea Foam through (with nice results)
- Coolant flush and radiator & thermostat change
- Single hub assembly replacement (other checked good)

Here's what I need to do (in order):
- Transmission fluid flush and filter change
- Change transfer case fluid
- Change differential fluid

Tomorrow I will be changing the serpentine belt, inspecting breaks, suspension, rotating tires, and testing the 4X4 vacuum. I have been wondering about leaving the transmission fluid flush the a pro just considering the tools they have available.. Please let me know what you think.

 

You pretty much got it covered. Trans service isn't that hard to do own your own if you want.

While you're rotating tires, check and make sure the air in them is topped off.

 

I've just heard different things about not changing the trans fluid but rather flushing it. I believe some people said that replacing all of the fluid could damage the transmission.. I'm going to install a new pan with a drain hole so I can change it as needed.

 

With that many miles on it, I wouldn't mess with the transmission fluid. If its working, leave it alone.

 

Why do you suggest that? I've read that before, but I have no idea as to the last time it was serviced. It doesn't give me any problems. Shifts nicely, when i checked recently.

 

Lots of debate for both leave and replace here. What I was told, especially if its never been serviced, you have 200k worth of gunk in there essentially holding the clutches together. The new fluids have detergents in there that clean a lot of the gunk out, and suddenly you start slipping. That was the description against it from the transmission shop I used to rebuild mine, that ironically started slipping shortly after I replaced the fluid (before the rebuild). For piece of mind, I'd consult a transmission shop and explain your situation and ask for their advice.

 

This video that was previously posted made a lot of sense to me. Take from it what you will, but worth watching:

 

Another excellent video from ChrisFix. From checking my fluid levels, I believe mine needs replacing, but isn't damaged/burned. Going to be doing a pan drop and filter change soon. Thanks for the help.

 

Definitely add the drain plug, change the filter and start gradually flushing the Trans for the next few hundred miles..
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/transmi...h-pics-206146/
I use castrol Transmax merc V (good stuff).
For the rest of the truck...
Grease job on every zerk fitting.
Fuel filter.
Possibly air filter.
Clean the TB.
Consider changing the plugs (always worth it).
Oil change with 5w-30 full syn and FL820-S filter. Especially at your milage.
Check the tires, brakes.
Flashlight, batteries, some hand tools (channel locks, screwdrivers, tire iron, and a socket set..
Gas can.
Bottle of Injector cleaner..
Cooler, etc..

I've done a cross country road trip all around the country and back home again in 39 days with the wife, it was awesome. Make sure you bring some protection and cash. Also call your bank and tell them what you will be up too so your cards won't be shut off..
I did it in a 2011 VW TDI golf, and had zero mechanical issues.. I ended up stopping at 2 dealers along the way for oil changes, and fuel filters and an air filter.

 

Especially86 - thanks a bunch! That was some great info and your write up on installing the drain plug was awesome too! I'll update and post some pictures before we leave to update everyone.