I have a 97 V6 2 RWD auto, 60k miles, not a daily driver. Can we share age related vehicle repair experiences, excluding engine/transmission issues?

Corrosion: Sheet metal screws connecting the plastic bumper to the metal bumper. The screws and U-nuts were all corroded out. I replaced them all. Fuel tank had corrosion on the underside. I scraped the rust and sprayed cold galvanizing paint. Removed bed liner and repainted the bed.

Wiring: Engine block temperature sensor (?) on the passenger side. The insulation deteriorated and exposed copper wires. 2-3" of insulation was gone. Apparently heat shield tubing was removed during previous repair, exposing the insulation to heat from exhaust manifold. Lesson learned: replace missing heat shield tubing.

A single wire connected to the mega fuse block under the plastic cover, on passenger side fire wall, leaving the mega fuse to the driver side and down. Insulation was damaged and copper exposed right at the connector. I wonder if the connector was twisted one more turn during previous repair. No way to cut it out. I put a glob of liquid electrical tape on the wire. I am not sure if it has any strength and can hold the wire weight/vibration. Any suggestion?

Brake tubing: Sprayed cold galvanizing paint. But a long section is hidden behind the frame. I can see rust. Anyone removed brake tubings just to paint them before failure?

Some one here had vacuum tubing deterioration. I wish he had been a little more specific.

 

Have you had the head gaskets changed?

 

You better go get the recall done on the tank straps.

 

Head gaskets: Not sure. The pickup had a Ford rebuilt engine (stamped 1998) when bought in 2005.

Fuel tank straps: No corrosion. VIN not in Ford recall list.

 

Probably because it's not in one of the affected states. It's still got the crappy straps, keep a close eye on them.

 

Coolant, I would change that atleast every 2-3 yrs. Flush the system out with water too.

 

I have a 97 XLT SCab Flareside, 4.6L, 2WD. I bought it in 2000 with 36K miles. It was apparently a leased vehicle from the dealer I bought it from. Here is what I have replaced since 2000;

The heater core 2 years ago.
The A/C compressor about 4 years ago.
The heater hose that leaked onto the # 3 and 4 spark plugs. (Twice)
The odometer gear.
Replaced the sliding rear window that leaked with a solid rear window.
And last week the 3 instrument panels for deteriorated and broken screw attach points.
Upper and lower ball joints.
I know I replaced some engine tubing, but pretty minor stuff overall.
New shocks are next.

The odometer quit at 160K miles 5-6 years ago and it was my daily driver until 2 years ago, so I figure it is well over 200K miles. Engine is still strong, tranny (4R70W) is good and I have no paint or clear coat peeling. It has been the best vehicle I've ever owned, until the 09 Mustang GT.
Since the new car came into the picture, I kind of slacked off keeping up with the truck, but I'm catching up.

 

How did you correct the problem? Do they sell new panels? From another vehicle?

 

[VIN not in Ford recall list.[/QUOTE]

I would try bringing it in anyway. Don't tell them it is not on the VIN list. They may just do it anyway. Worth a shot if you have some time to try.

 

I purchased new instrument/dash panels from Tousley Ford. I didn't want to fool with junkyard parts. Of course, the only color you can get is the light gray. I used Dupli-Color Vinyl paint, which is easy to use and dries quickly.

 

Thanks for the info. My 3-piece instrument trim is relying more on 3M velcros (pretty strong) than metal fasteners. Most plastic tabs for U-nuts are gone.

My fuel tank straps are healthy. My underbody is coated with spray zinc. I'm not in the rust belt.

Coolant: I also remove engine block plug.