Just bought an '01 Edge.. what maintenance should I perform? (and other questions)

[Jayhovah]

First Post!

I just bought a white '01 Ranger Edge... 107k miles and automatic. Everything seems to work except the tach seems to get stuck in different positions.

Can you guys give me an idea of what maintenance I should perform right off the bat... oil change, transmission fluid, brake fluid, flush radiator, etc?

The truck came with a spray-in bedliner applied.. It is kind of ratted out looking. Anything I can do to freshen it up? Could I put a drop-in liner on top of it?

I also noticed after it rained that water was collecting in the bed... is there supposed to be a pathway for the water to drain or is that normal?

My headlights are pretty oxidized - I noticed replacements were pretty cheap on ebay or amazon. Are those replacements any good?

I have manual windows and locks... Is it super difficult to upgrade those items to power? Can I integrate the factory switches in to my stock door panels or are the panels different on power models?

A bit about me:
It's my first pickup and I am pretty excited. My DD is a 2013 370z with an aftermarket twin turbo kit. LOVE that car but it is completely impractical for anything besides going really fast.. and now that I've gotten deep enough into modifying it just needs work here and there so I figured I'd pick up a second vehicle. Now I just need to keep from getting bit by the mod bug for the truck too.

Thanks guys! Hope it wasn't too TL;DR'ish.

 

[Ranger4x4.0]

Whenever i buy a new vehicle. ill change oil, transmission fluid, etc. if you have a volt meter, put the negative on the battery and positive in the anifreeze (radiator) if it shows anything, you could have a leak, and when those electrons mix with the antifreeze, it corrodes things, and you'll be replacing thermostat, all kinds of crap, just something i always check that before i buy Just a small tip i learned lol. don't know how accurate that method is though.

Just do the regular maintenance if you think it needs it. Check the oil, if its black or almost, id change it. Check the tranny fluid, if its black and burnt smelling, change it. if the radiator fluid is dirty, flush it although I've never 'flushed' a radiator and never had problems.

Im pretty sure its normal for the bed o fill with water lol. at least mine does overtime it rains a lot, because of where i park. I think you can go over the top with a regular bedlinen, maybe someone else can answer that lol.

Im sure the eBay lights are good, but if i was to get new headlights, id get projector halo headlights, expensive but they look cool.

Im not sure on the power windows, i know you can get the door piece that has the buttons already but idk about the motor in the door.

Yeah, im wanting to mod my truck, can't find parts for the dang thing! i don't guess anyone makes grill guards, nerf bars, superchargers, nothing for the 98s!

 

[hoosier1104]

Maintenance: It primarily depends on when the PO did the maintenance. Like it was said above; oil change, check/clean your MAF, plugs, wires, air filter, sea foam through the fuel system, check your brakes.

Drop-in liners are garbage IMO. They tend to trap water and which causes rust. Get some roll in liner and touch it up.

I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. I tend to go with LMC Trucks for OEM replacement parts. They are a little on the high side but it is piece of mind for me.

 

[adsm08]

There are two things I will never tell anyone they should do with lights.

1) Halo projectors. Contrary to what has been said in this thread they don't "look cool" so much as advertise that the person who bought them is an ass hat.

2) Buy new lights from ebay. The materials used in the ones on ebay are sub-standard and they don't last very long. Most don't last a year until they start to get water in them. LMC truck of OEM style replacement parts has always been my go-to. It can be more expensive than other places on-line, but the parts are quality.

 

[Ranger4x4.0]

There are two things I will never tell anyone they should do with lights.

1) Halo projectors. Contrary to what has been said in this thread they don't "look cool" so much as advertise that the person who bought them is an ass hat.

2) Buy new lights from ebay. The materials used in the ones on ebay are sub-standard and they don't last very long. Most don't last a year until they start to get water in them. LMC truck of OEM style replacement parts has always been my go-to. It can be more expensive than other places on-line, but the parts are quality.

It was a suggestion, i think they look cool, everyones different. But yeah, i was looking at halo lights for my truck but i ended up buying oem lights. no need to call anyone an ass hat XD

 

[adsm08]

I hate halos. I think they are possibly one of the dumbest vehicle accessories after spinners and those things that make a waste-gate sound when you don't have a turbo.

And I call everyone an ass hat. People who actually know me will tell you, if I haven't insulted you at least once then I have never talked to or about you.

 

[hoosier1104]

I knew what you meant adsm08. I hate the fact you have to be PC because everyone gets so damn butt now-a-days.

 

[Ranger4x4.0]

I hate halos. I think they are possibly one of the dumbest vehicle accessories after spinners and those things that make a waste-gate sound when you don't have a turbo.

And I call everyone an ass hat. People who actually know me will tell you, if I haven't insulted you at least once then I have never talked to or about you.

I didn't take it as an insult lol. i thought it was rather funny

 

[Doofy]

A complete and thorough inspection from the tires up. Pick up some repair manuals and study them and get familiar with your truck. Spend the time reading the posts on this website and others to gain valuable insights to these trucks. Tons of good info out there and you can wear your Ass-hat, too! Win! Win!

 

[1qaz]

If you 'ass hat' the hell out of it, post pics. We love pics!

 

[Jayhovah]

Thanks for all the info, ass-hats! Looks like I have some work ahead of me!

 

[Doofy]

Nah, You have a chance to learn some things and save a ton of money by doing things yourself. You are not a total Noob, just a guy with a different type of vehicle to explore and understand. Have fun.