I have 97 F150 2wd 4.6L with 133K. It's running fine, no problems. Although I figure something is bound to break sooner or later. I'd like to be proactive and replace the things that I figure will most likely will die. The alternator, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat were things that first came to mind, As well as jobs I figure I could tackle over the weekend with relative ease. I've read several posts of "If it's not broke, don't bother". I'm Interested in any other thoughts you all may have.

Is the water pump hard to replace? I've read something about needing a "puller" or something.

 

I worked in the computer industry and we call it preventive maintenance. If you really depend on your vehicle then do scheduled maintenence. You can extend the life of other components if you replace weak components in a system so you can get some of that money you spend on parts back.

Lets say I ignore maintenance on the brakes and the brake shoes become so worn that they eat into the rotors. I would also have to spend money for new rotors if the rotors are damaged so badly that they cannot be turned.

There is an old saying, "You can pay me now or you can pay me later". Try to use common sense and find the truth about this preventive maintenance as there are folks that are pushed by their bosses to sell merchandise even though you don't need it.