3.0L Tune up

[Sawbladz]

So I am thinking it's time to do some maintenance to my new truck. I just bought this 2005 Ranger a few weeks ago and I want to do a good round of maintenance to it because I don't know it's history. It is also getting about 16-17 mpg with easy driving so I am hoping to improve the mileage a bit at the same time. The truck has 120000 km on it and is in pretty good shape overall.

My list that I plan to order. Please feel free to comment on it and offer suggestions towards things that I have missed.

air filter
plugs and wires
fuel filter
pcv valve
front wheel bearings (definitely needs these)
MAF cleaner for TB and MAF

Also, what brand of plugs and wires would you guys recommend? The local NAPA has a set of wires that they warranty for life for a good price and about 5 different options for plugs. Wondering if there are brands to stay away from.

 

[Sawbladz]

No input whatsoever? Damn, there must be a lot of neglected trucks around these parts...

 

[stmitch]

Your list looks pretty good. As far as plugs go, most say stick with Motorcraft, or the Auolite equivilants (I think they're 103's if my memory is correct). Fancy platinum plugs usually result in problems, so just stick with a simple copper plug.
I'd also suggest some kind of de-carbonizer, like Sea foam, before you switch your plugs out. the 3.0 has a nasty habit of building up lots of carbon.

 

[Sawbladz]

Ordered all the stuff today. Chose to not get wires until I take it all apart and see the condition of the stockers. Went with Autolite plugs and all other parts are whatever NAPA carries. Also got a quart of POR15 and POR15 Chassis Coat to paint some of the more heavily rusted parts of the frame before I have it oil sprayed.

Not a fan of Seafoam. I don't think it actually does anything and most people who use it base their results on annecdotal evidence. Most of the makeup of Seafoam is just light oil which is what causes the majority of the smoke you see when it is used.

 

[Bennybooster]

So I am thinking it's time to do some maintenance to my new truck. I just bought this 2005 Ranger a few weeks ago and I want to do a good round of maintenance to it because I don't know it's history. It is also getting about 16-17 mpg with easy driving so I am hoping to improve the mileage a bit at the same time. The truck has 120000 km on it and is in pretty good shape overall.

My list that I plan to order. Please feel free to comment on it and offer suggestions towards things that I have missed.

air filter
plugs and wires
fuel filter
pcv valve
front wheel bearings (definitely needs these)
MAF cleaner for TB and MAF

Also, what brand of plugs and wires would you guys recommend? The local NAPA has a set of wires that they warranty for life for a good price and about 5 different options for plugs. Wondering if there are brands to stay away from.

If you email me your engine I'll have it back in 3-5 years

 

[Sawbladz]

This is what is planned for the weekend.

 

[Rearanger]

If the engine oil in it is the previous owners and has several thousand miles on it I'd do an engine oil analysis to give you a base measurement for future information. Then I'd do one more before the next drain to give you a comparison. Cost will be about $20. http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ Nice to know if there are any time bombs in there. I'd also do a hot compression test as base measurement.

 

[Bennybooster]

should be runnin great after that

 

[Sawbladz]

If the engine oil in it is the previous owners and has several thousand miles on it I'd do an engine oil analysis to give you a base measurement for future information. Then I'd do one more before the next drain to give you a comparison. Cost will be about $20. http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ Nice to know if there are any time bombs in there. I'd also do a hot compression test as base measurement.

That's a good idea. Will have to save some of the oil. Haven't done an oil test in a few years. How much oil do they need for an analysis?

 

[TomB1269]

I have found the Seafoam to work quite well when distrubuted well. If you do deside to try it, use the vacuum port just behind the throttle body, strong vacuum and it will provide the most effecient distrubution of material.