RangerJoey
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2017
- Messages
- 96
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 8
- Location
- BMore
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0L V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- My credo
- Teen Wolf for President!
Hi All,
First, I apologize if this is the wrong section to post. It's "help", but much more general than specifically engine vs brakes vs transmission, etc. That said, it's still a bit of a help post...
So I'm in the midst of getting my "new to me" 1999 4.0 XLT. The truck was originally my Dad's then sold to a family friend so I know both owners. It was thoroughly maintained until it immediately wasn't. Just neglected. Even now, I'm trying to get the brakes working before we talk final exchange.
So that said, I'm asking for some general tune-up advice. I'm not sure what direction I'll go in terms of performance, exterior/interior updates, etc, but my focus right now is having a fresh baseline for this thing. It's coming up on 20 years old and now sits just under 123,000 miles. Based on some Explorers I've had - including a 99 - I'm thinking:
Engine:
Replace Spark Plugs & Spark Plug Wires
Clean Throttle & Idle Air Control Valve
Tighten Throttle Cable
Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor
Replace Air Filter
Replace Oxygen Sensors
Replace EGR Valve
Replace PCV Valve
Replace Serpentine Belt
Replace Fuel Filter
Oils & Cooling:
Change Oil
Change Front Differential
Change Transfer Case
Change Transmission & Filter
Change Rear Differential
Change Power Steering Fluid
Flush Radiator
Flush Brake Fluid, (I guess my current issue is doing this already! )
I know my brakes, tires, & suspension still need to be addressed too and I was told all are bad, but without driving it, I can't tell how bad bad is. But I have two concerns when looking at the ignition, drive train, and cooling. First, is there anything I am missing or should use when doing all this. Like for the oil. A lot of folks swear by Marvel Mystery Oil, etc. Would it be recommended to throw a quart in and, if so, how accessible is a oil pan drop in case it loosens up some sludge? Same for the fuel injectors. Do I just run some Techron or something or should I be removing them and cleaning them by hand? Any concerns with replacing the Intake Manifold Gaskets? And when doing the radiator flush, should I be changing the hoses if I'm not taking out the radiator? Or bite the bullet and actually swap out the radiator for the sake of a "baseline"? And at that point, you know it's going to roll into a water pump replacement too.
And secondly, are there a few simple upgrades I should do while I'm in there fiddling around? With the belt off and intake tubes out of the way, should I consider replacing, (upgrading?), the alternator if I plan on going with a few aftermarket speakers and "smart" head unit? And I've read something before about an underdrive pulley or something for this 4.0 OHV engine. Is now the time to worry about that? And what about an electronic cooling fan? I don't mind revisiting "upgrades" later, but just seeing what makes the most sense based on the list above.
Long term, I don't see this as an offroader. But I want it to be an enjoyable utility truck for the family. Able to run to the dump, haul some patio pavers, and not fear inclement weather. That sort of stuff. So my intention is to change some aesthetics, (convert emblems & front end to 2011?), change some comfort\convenience\technology, (upgrade stock seats, led interior bulbs, and torque-enabled head unit with backup cam?), and smooth out the ride quality, (definitely better tires and brake & suspension swap).
Sorry for the long post. And hopefully this isn't the wrong section. I've been thinking, (read as "obsessing" ), over this truck since I was told the current owner is looking to get rid of it. If there's anything I'm missing or any suggestions based on all this, I'd very much appreciate it.
Happy 4th of July!
First, I apologize if this is the wrong section to post. It's "help", but much more general than specifically engine vs brakes vs transmission, etc. That said, it's still a bit of a help post...
So I'm in the midst of getting my "new to me" 1999 4.0 XLT. The truck was originally my Dad's then sold to a family friend so I know both owners. It was thoroughly maintained until it immediately wasn't. Just neglected. Even now, I'm trying to get the brakes working before we talk final exchange.
So that said, I'm asking for some general tune-up advice. I'm not sure what direction I'll go in terms of performance, exterior/interior updates, etc, but my focus right now is having a fresh baseline for this thing. It's coming up on 20 years old and now sits just under 123,000 miles. Based on some Explorers I've had - including a 99 - I'm thinking:
Engine:
Replace Spark Plugs & Spark Plug Wires
Clean Throttle & Idle Air Control Valve
Tighten Throttle Cable
Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor
Replace Air Filter
Replace Oxygen Sensors
Replace EGR Valve
Replace PCV Valve
Replace Serpentine Belt
Replace Fuel Filter
Oils & Cooling:
Change Oil
Change Front Differential
Change Transfer Case
Change Transmission & Filter
Change Rear Differential
Change Power Steering Fluid
Flush Radiator
Flush Brake Fluid, (I guess my current issue is doing this already! )
I know my brakes, tires, & suspension still need to be addressed too and I was told all are bad, but without driving it, I can't tell how bad bad is. But I have two concerns when looking at the ignition, drive train, and cooling. First, is there anything I am missing or should use when doing all this. Like for the oil. A lot of folks swear by Marvel Mystery Oil, etc. Would it be recommended to throw a quart in and, if so, how accessible is a oil pan drop in case it loosens up some sludge? Same for the fuel injectors. Do I just run some Techron or something or should I be removing them and cleaning them by hand? Any concerns with replacing the Intake Manifold Gaskets? And when doing the radiator flush, should I be changing the hoses if I'm not taking out the radiator? Or bite the bullet and actually swap out the radiator for the sake of a "baseline"? And at that point, you know it's going to roll into a water pump replacement too.
And secondly, are there a few simple upgrades I should do while I'm in there fiddling around? With the belt off and intake tubes out of the way, should I consider replacing, (upgrading?), the alternator if I plan on going with a few aftermarket speakers and "smart" head unit? And I've read something before about an underdrive pulley or something for this 4.0 OHV engine. Is now the time to worry about that? And what about an electronic cooling fan? I don't mind revisiting "upgrades" later, but just seeing what makes the most sense based on the list above.
Long term, I don't see this as an offroader. But I want it to be an enjoyable utility truck for the family. Able to run to the dump, haul some patio pavers, and not fear inclement weather. That sort of stuff. So my intention is to change some aesthetics, (convert emblems & front end to 2011?), change some comfort\convenience\technology, (upgrade stock seats, led interior bulbs, and torque-enabled head unit with backup cam?), and smooth out the ride quality, (definitely better tires and brake & suspension swap).
Sorry for the long post. And hopefully this isn't the wrong section. I've been thinking, (read as "obsessing" ), over this truck since I was told the current owner is looking to get rid of it. If there's anything I'm missing or any suggestions based on all this, I'd very much appreciate it.
Happy 4th of July!