So Ive had my truck for almost 3 years, and the only real maintenence ive ever done to it is change the oil. So, what else should I be looking at? My dad was 2000 miles away growing up so I never really had anyone to teach me this kind of stuff.

I know for sure I need to replace my shocks. The discs and pads are brand new. Any help/ideas would be appreciated.

And before I forget, its a 01 Screw 4x4. 185,000 miles.

 

Do you know if the transmission fluid was flushed or changed before you got it and how many miles have you put on it?

 

tranny/transfer case fluid
plugs and COPs
differential fluid
radiator flush
belts/hoses

do you know how much maintenance was done before you got it?

this is a big one, ive only had my truck for about a year so i have a feeling this is what contributed to shredding my planetary gears at 72k miles. good news is though i get the truck back in a day or two. havent had it for almost 10 days.

 

My transmission and engine are both around a year old. Tranny was brand new after something in mine broke and shot through the old one.

The engine was replaced with a donor from a wrecked F150 with 30,000 miles on it.

 

I dont know how well it was maintained before I owned it, but it wouldnt be hard to find out since it was my GF's dads truck before, and he bought it brand new.

How often should the above you listed be done? I really need to get into a routine with this truck as I need her to last me a few more years.

 

On the transmission, you will get differing opinions, I'm sure, but if it has not been serviced or flushed before, I would leave it alone at this point. Hopefully it was done before and If so, you need to get it flushed every 60,000 or so. The cooling system needs to be flushed about every 100,000. The 4x4 guys can tell you on the transfer cases.

 

Bluejay, he stated it was replaced in the last year. Also if it is an 01 trannie, it has a drain in the torque convertor. Personally, I would rather do a drain of trannie and TC than a flush, if you have a TC drain. Otherwise a flush.

As far as other fluids, I would have them done so you know their condition. For schedule, you can download the maintenance schedule from www.motorcraftservice.com, in the owners section.

 

I missed where it had been done, and yes, you are correct. That model can be drained. I would never do a flush if it can all be effectively drained and replaced.

 

whats the difference between a flush and a drain?

Also, I want to make some suspension upgrades/changes. What all does a lift replace on a stock suspension? And what other compenents would need to be replaced for a total overhaul? I can feel some catches in my steering and everyonce in awhile it makes an odd squeek or something. Sorry for the noob questions. I appreciate the help.

 

Flushing the transmission involves hooking it to a machine a flushing out the old fluid with new fluid. Nothing else is done. Draining means dropping the transmission pan, draining all fluid there out, opening the TC drain plug and draining it, replacing the filter, buttoning everything back up and filling with new fluid.

As far as lifts, it depends on what you have done. Body lift, suspension lift, leveling kit, cranking the torsion bars, etc.

PS- have the shocks ever been replaced. If the ones on are black, the answer is no. If you replace them, you will be amazed at the difference in ride.

 

The shocks on the truck are white...im pretty sure their the factory ones (the original window sticker mentioned something about upgraded suspension package...Ill have to find it).

I want to do suspension, specifically the 6 inch Fabtech. Other then shocks, what exactly gets replaced front end wise? If im gonna spend a lot of money to overhaul the front end, which I think it needs, I might as will go bigger for a lil bit more money.

Thanks again for all the help guys