So I had the ranger back for almost a week. Put 200 miles on in and burned half a tank of gas. I'm not complaining about that.

 

These pieces still have the original paint on them, so I won't have to strip several layers of primer and paint. I'm pretty excited... this will greatly speed up my paint process.

 

I'm not gonna use the new stuff just because Ford doesn't make the original stuff anymore so they recommend what they have now. The original spec stuff is still available.

I change the TF fluid, the trans fluid, and the diff oil every 50K miles.
Transfer case fluid = https://www.valvoline.com/en/multi-v...er-case-fluid/
Trans fluid = https://www.valvoline.com/en/atf-for...-applications/
Diff oil = https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...6-48df3793b338
Engine oil + Filter every 5K = Valvolene or Drydene 5W20 + Motorcraft filter. Grease everything with a fitting also. The manual says use 5W30 but the oil cap says 5W20. I believe the oil cap.

275K on truck now and never had an engine , axle, or transfer case oil related issue.
The trans was rebuilt under warranty when the truck was nearly new. Torque converter failed and mess up trans. Never an issue since.
The rear axle has a pinion seal leak and was replaced (pinion bearing was done concurrently as I was already there). Last time I did the axle fluid I pulled the axles to check the bearing and seals (at the wheel end) and they had very little wear and no leaks. I changed the seals anyway as I had it open.
No engine issues except the lines to the remote filter were replaced due to leaks.

I firmly believe in preventive maint. and using good products will increase the longevity of any machine. My truck is evidence of that. Use the good stuff.

 

Regular maintenance keeps so many issues at bay. It's really underestimated. My truck was very consistently serviced at the same dealer by the PO. I've continued that, but my intervals are further apart timewise. When I change fluids on the Mustangs and F150, it's a time interval rather than mileage. I would guess the antifreeze that I am about to change has less than 25K on it, but it's been 3 years. My 89, also 3 years, but maybe 5K miles.... that's a huge maybe. It's definitely time to do the rear diff on the 89 this summer too.

 

agreed. My ranger only has 57K but it still had the original P/S fluid(smelled horrible), brake fluid, rear diff fluild and trans fluid, coolant was changed once, Needless to say thats all been changed out. And now while that truck still has the wonderful 80s/90s ford P/S pump whine it is much quieter

my grandpa was good about oil changes but nothing else really

 

Curious.... speaking of PS fluid.... what do you guys use? I have ALWAYS used the actual "power steering fluid", but I know many people use ATF.

Looks like BSF came to Utah to visit Rory again. Pretty gnarly terrain!!

 

I use plain ol mercon V. In fact that is what the ranger calls for

 

Power steering fluid = Mercon . That's what is in the manual. And I already usually have some around.

 

Ever notice the odd mechanic look disinterested or turn you away if they see you in their shop too frequently for "regular maintenance". Some would scoff that the work being done is unnecessary. It's like they want stuff to break down, so the paycheck is bigger.

Noticed this on several occasions.

 

mechanics don't make money on regular routine stuff like fluid changes, well that and warranty work...