Bought a new truck today

[JFortner5]

I've been looking for a truck for a couple weeks and after driving several Rangers and F150's I decided to get this 2002 Edge. It's a 2wd, 3.0L, 5 speed, with a 4.10 8.8" rear end.

It seems fairly clean and has a pretty straight body. I mostly posted to see if I'm on the right track with my plan.

This weekend I plan to change the engine oil, trans fluid, coolant, and the rear end oil. After that it needs a good clay and wax job and I always like to detail the interior when I buy something.

One issue it has is squeaking brakes. It doesn't sound like regular brake squeaking I believe it's coming from one or both drums. Is there a how-to somewhere on the drum brakes because I haven't messed with any in a long time?

I'll post a couple pics in a few.

 

[JFortner5]

Any tips on how to get these off?

And finally the front, the lower valance paint isn't in the best shape. I tried to clay it but it didn't touch the stuff. It looks like permanent road grime, hard to tell in the pics. Should I just repaint it?

 

[straycat]

Not a bad looking ride, Bro. I only thought the 4 bangers and the 3.0 motors came with the 7.5 rear end? How do you know it is an 8.8? There is a tag on the rear end that say what size rear end and what gears that are in it. As for the sticky gooky stuff…try some odorless turpentine or that Goof Off stuff for removing labels. You can also try plactic razor blades so you won't scratch up the paint. Maybe that will help out. The brakes can squeal for a few reasons.....rotors, brake pads, drum linings. It would be best to take it to a shop and have them check out your brakes for you if you don't know anything about them...just to be safe.

Enjoy your new truck, Bro!!!

 

[black_demon69]

those things in the second pic are there to prevent chips to the paint but can be removed by peeling off just start at corner with fingernail and work off slowly warmer weather would make it easier. then use goo gone to remove remaining adhesive. they are just clear vinyl..

 

[JFortner5]

It's definitely an 8.8". I can tell by looking at it, but it's also axle code 97.

 

[Bronco638]

I used a heat gun to remove those crazed paint protector stick-ons. I'll bet a hair dryer will work, too. Use a plastic putty knife so as not to nick the paint.

My '01 Edge 3.0 4x4 has 4.10 8.8 gears (axle code 97), like yours.

I would also recommend a spark plug change along with spark plug wires and a PCV valve. Couldn't hurt to put on a new serpentine belt and replace the idler pulley while you're at it. My front bumper cover is pretty dingy, too. I think it'll need to be repainted.

Sharp looking truck. Good on you!

 

[JFortner5]

Thanks yeah I should do the plugs and wires. I did buy a new belt but haven't put it on yet. This one squeaks a little when it's damp outside, just like my 99 did.

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

Ever flush the brake fluid and the power steering fluid (one of those that is rarely changed out) not to mention rear diff fluid

That is one nice clean looking truck!

 

[97RangerXLT]

Heat gun, plastic scraper and patience for the door frame and front edge of the bed.

Don't give up on the front valence just yet... take it to a professional detailer and they might be able to buff that out for you for a fraction of the cost of having it repainted.

AJ