I've done the fuel filter, and I plan on draining the rear diff, manual tranny, and possibly more with the fluids. I regularly decarb and clean out the intake & injectors, etc., but I'm not sure how to go about cleaning the sensors, what sensors to clean, where they are at, etc.

I also need advice on doing the rear diff. and manual tranny, including what fluids to put back in them when done. FYI, I have the 4.6 5 speed with 3:55 open rear diff. Thanks!!!

BTW, should I look into getting a grease gun and needle for the front end? Don't I also need a pump for the tranny fluid and a torque wrench for the diff.?

-AR

 

I can answer some of your questions as I just got done this weekend playing, I mean doing maintenance on my truck. I have the 8.8 3.55LS rear-end so I needed to add the friction modifier with the lube oil. I don't believe you need that with an open rear-end. Someone correct me if I am wrong there.

I didn't need to mess with the injectors since I run injector cleaner every 3,000 miles with my oil change. They are in great shape. For the tranny, what a bit*h filling it. I am not sure what you call it, but at Autozone you can get a long (approx. 6 - 8") long clear tube that has a fitting that will go right on any trans fluid or oil container. You can turn on or off the flow so I thought it worked pretty good for putting the tranny fluid in. The book says 3.75qts, I found on mine it was 4qts. Mind you my truck was level and on NO jacks so I filled it like the manual states, to the bottom of the fill hole. To me it would be easier to state, "Fill till fluid just begins to drip out of fill hole".

Same goes for the rear-end you fill it till it just begins to leak-out, IF it is not on jacks of any type.

As far as fluids go I myself went with Royal Purple Max. ATF trans fluid, and Royal Purple 75W-140 gear oil (that's what my manual requires) Some people have said to you can use 75W-90 but I didn't want to do that in case of any problems and then warranty being voided for using the wrong specs.

If your going to do your rear-end it is best to go ahead and pull the cover off so you can have a good look at it and make sure everything is ok, no chipped teeth etc. I called around and for the 8.8 rear-end I could not find any gaskets. When I took mine cover off there was no gasket from the factory just black silicone. I used the high temp (orange) RTV silicone approx a 1/8 - 1/4" bead all the way around and it sealed excellent. You can see just a little bit around the complete outside of the cover and I have no leaks. It wasn't bad at all filling the rear-end up with fluid.

Next I am going to go ahead and change out the plugs, many have recommended here for a few reasons the main one being if you wait till 60,000 or 100,000 you may have a real hard time getting them out, possible seazed on. I also plan on bleeding the brakes so as to have new brake fluid (brake fluid flush) and I am thinking about the same for the power steering but not sure if all I need to do is suction off whats in it now and replace with new or if there is a procedure for it. (any help from someone with HOW-TO) would be great.

You also want to have the coolant flushed and replace with new, and have the system pressured checked, new fuel filter, new air filter. Can't think of much else at the moment, but I am sure someone will come along with more advice.

Good luck and have fun, I love playing, I mean doing maintenance with my truck

 

Although it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and do it now, the manual states the engine coolant should be flushed the first time at 50,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter. With your truck only being a year old, you wouldn't hurt a thing to wait a year...

 

Can't go wrong with Redline D4 Auto/Man. tranny fluid. They also make great rear end diff. grease. Only damn problem is the price.
7.75/qrt.

I'd change the tranny fluid/ filter, drain torque converter, gas filter, oil, flush radiator,in addition to regular maint. The injector as said above, if using a good quality gas, shouldn't be a prob. All you'd have to use is a techron treatment, or Redline SR-1 every 3000-5000mi.

I service my truck like this once a year or 15,000 mi. Haven't had a problem...

Good luck.

 

Sounds good guys, thanks!!!

-AR

 

what i did at 30k:

oil change-full synthetic
oil filter
tranny flush
tranny filter
coolant flush
rear end lube-not flush
plugs checked
new K*N air filter
i didnt have a fuel filter thoguh. That might need to be done now that ive got 51k on it

 

The rear end fluid that I bought at the Ford dealership was $25 a quart. Told me that was the only stuff that works.

 

Dont forget the seals, rod bearings and a re- ring