Hello all, I am new to the forums.

I previously had a Ford Windstar [177,000] which was running strong when I got hit with the SubFrame dead blow, fortunately Ford manned up and bought the Van back from me for Blue Book Excellent Cond., Trim Level, 12k a Year. In my case 2002 Windstar SEL = 8400$ Buyback.

So I have 8400 bux and needed a 3rd row seat vehicle. Since the recall Windstars where out. Freestars, and Expeditions where in. After an exhausting search of dealers internet sites and their respective lots, looking and test driving vehicles I yanked some savings and snagged a 2004 XLT with 83k in near mint condition. (Freestars seem non-existent in my state)

It has been my custom to replace the engine oil and filter with Royal Purple. With the Expedition I am taking about a 5mpg hit (over my Windstar)and with a 40 mile daily commute I decided to do the a complete Royal Purple Swap. ( I previously did this in my 1988 Jeep Wranger 350 Chevy [I know, I know Chevy! trust me I regret it what a hunk of junk engine. That's a story for another time] this increased my gas mileage as well as smoother shifts and cooler temps.)

All this is what led me to this site. After purchasing my Expedition I purchased the Digital Service Manual from Ford. I tackled the Oil/Filter Change without a hitch.

During my research I noticed that for 2004 the 4R75W was not listed in the service manual, after doing a BING search I found a few posts here that helped me determine what I was dealing with to do a Royal Purple Transmission Fluid Swap.

Check List
Engine Oil - Swapped
Oil Filter - Swapped
Engine Coolant - Additive Added
Transfer Case - Swapped
Power Steering - Swapped
Front Differential - Swapped
Rear Differential - Swapped
U Joints - These are sealed so I wont beable to shoot some Royal Purple in them.
Transmission


Next up is the Transmission. I have not decided if I am going to do this myself or pay for it to be done. I read a few decent write ups and I definately want to drop the pan and replace that filter, im planning on adding a Magnafine filter as well.

Also ill be replacing the coil over plug with Granatelli Motor Sports 25-2001MPG and e3 spark plugs (Glad I don't have the 3 valve).

If anyone has advice on the procedures for the items I am going to be performing I would be most appreciative for some tips to keep things smooth.

Thanks

 

motorcraft plugs and global COPs


whats the dead blow subframe thing with the windstar? We had a 1998 Windstar with around 190 on it when we traded it in. Just curious what that is all about

 

Early this year after the Recall for axle breakage they had a recall on the Front sub frame that holds the steering components together. Apparently it was rusting out so that the steering would separate and you would lose control?! The same substandard steel that made it into the axle made it into the sub frame. Unfortunately they do not manufacture the sub frame anymore so they buy the vehicle back. They are also buying back some of the broken axle recalled Windstars as well since it is a month waiting lists for new axles.

 

wow did not know about that, crazy!

 

Definitely do your research on the plugs. They are not cheap and it can turn into a real nightmare if you break a plug.

 

Just finished the Transfer Case swap to Royal Purple, I decided to go with the Max ATF over the Syncromax. It made an amazing difference.

I run my Epedition in Awd, the difference was significant. The power transfer to the front wheels feels very smooth now. Also when coasting it just rolls much nicer, I had noticed a little sludge in the acceleration and it was considerably reduced.

Front and Rear Differential is next. Any suggestions or tips on doing the Front and Rear differentials is always apreciated.