I don't know about you but I always have to spend a long long time having to do the simplest things.

If you don't do a simple turn of the steering wheel you can't get your oil filter off. I've never heard of doing that on other cars I've owned.

Changing spark plugs is another tedious deal especially those way in the back next to the firewall.

Fuel pump was a pita too.

Today I had to replace a blown header gasket and that took me 3 hours because of the cramped quarters.

I can imagine the newer trucks are even worse. I'm sure it's so you pay a premium through the dealer. My mom paid thousands on her Lexus maintenance.

On the other foot it keeps me busy. I'm happy that even though it takes me hours to finish it that I do indeed get er done. I always tell others if you do it and it's not worse off then that's a good thing.

 

Ive never had a harder time removing a starter than I did today getting ready to drop in a new transmission. And I'm definitely not excited about doing my plugs or O2s next

 

yea the o2 sensors are in the worse spot. i'm beginning to think the ford engineers have a secret manual on how to take care of things.

 

Mine is a piece of cake (V-6) compared to my-soon to be gone- S-10 blazer V-6. That was the hardest head gaskets I've ever done.

 

The starter sucks.

My 97 oil filter is in an easy spot but its 2wd.

plugs arent too bad.

the oil pump sucks because you have to take off timing cover and oil pan and all that mess.

the o2's are in a crappy spot.

The heat core is HORRIBLE i did one on a 97 expy with a 5.4 took almost 2 days had the dash in a million pieces.

 

Starter sucks. I've got the 02's down to a science. Can change the uppers in just a matter of minutes... with an open end wrench. I don't have rust issues though and keep a clean engine bay. That helps a lot.

 

I would rather work on a Ford anyday, Merdeces and Bmw don't even give you a dip stick anymore. So even though it isn't as easy as doing in inline 4 still eaiser then alot of other things you could be working on.

 

Yup, this generation started a whole new meaning to cluster fk.

 

I recall the first time trying to change the passenger side forward O2 sensor. I think that's when I made up a few new cus words. That was until I used the correct tool that made it easy. Then after the LT's were installed, it got even easier.

I never had a problem with the starter, top bolt is a little tricky, but that's about it.

 

All my O2's sucked after my LT install! Im rly tall and have rly big hands i barely got them in after trying forever! It was ridiculous!

 

My oil filter is easy as pie, I'm not sure what you're talking about.

When I changed my O2s (215K miles) I went under the truck and had both out in a matter of minutes.

Spark plugs are a BREEZE. (Hint: wheel well).

Fuel filter was hard the first time, second time I got the hang of it.

I will admit, the starter took me two days and the use of a grinder.

 

Yea, the 4.2's are easier. The 02 sensors in the V8's are crammed in there tight on the passenger side. I always take the wheel wells out, since they come out so easy. The easiest oil filters are on the 97-98 V8's, you don't even need a wrench half the time. Plus you don't have to get on your back.

 

x2. Mine goes up on ramps and I jam a piece of cardboard between the oil filter and the chassis. A nice grip of dry hands will get it off no time.

Speaking of which, I just turned over my 5K oil change. I guess I'll be doing something tomorrow

 

Some jobs are harder, some are easier than other vehicles.

I don't need a jack to change the oil, I can just crawl underneath. My wife's Honda needs to be on ramps and even then it's not easy to get the filter.

I'm glad we don't have timing belts to change. The one on the Honda was a real pain, I had to fabricate tools for that job. Then I broke some other tools.

The heater core is hard to get to, but I think all newer cars are like that.

Changing the fuel pump isn't much different than most cars. I'm glad we have bolts and not a lock ring.

 

I think part of the problem is engineers not always having to work on it, so they don't always know what's going to be a pita or require more work than necessary. For example, Pat had shared when he had to do an engine at work, their books said take the entire body off. That's just crazy if you ask me.

They need more mechanics involved in the design process.