Looking for advice on general maintenance and upkeep

[bigjohncs]

Hello everyone. I drive a 1996 Ranger XLT (4.0, 4x4, 4R55E) with 152k. I purchased the truck last year for $2,700 when I replaced my 1982 F-150. I'm a college student, and I don't know much at all about upkeep and the basics I need to do on this truck.

So far I've had the following things done:

1. Total trans rebuild for ~$1,800
2. Ford Dealership cleaned up a bunch of engine codes and a moderate stuttering problem for ~$1,400
3. More trans work - reverse stopped working - for $1,500 (covered by warranty)
4. I change the oil every 3k
5. Changed the plugs and wires at 140k
6. new battery at 135k

I'd like this truck to last me until 2011 if possible. Can someone help me draw up a list of what I should do preventative maintenance wise? The only thing I can think of is regular oil changes, but I'm sure there are more things to be done to keep the truck in good shape.


Also, can someone point me in the right direction to buy a driver's side turn signal cover (just the orange piece)? I ran into a wild boar and smashed my light

 

[daniel3507]

have you had the fuel filter changed ever? dont forget the pcv valve too. freshen up the tranny fluid every 30 or 60 thousand miles and i would go ahead and change the diff fluid if it hasnt been done. i think the manual says every 100k on that one. and i would try ebay for the corner light.

 

[bigjohncs]

have you had the fuel filter changed ever? dont forget the pcv valve too. freshen up the tranny fluid every 30 or 60 thousand miles and i would go ahead and change the diff fluid if it hasnt been done. i think the manual says every 100k on that one. and i would try ebay for the corner light.

I don't remember if the fuel filter has ever been changed. I'm almost positive the PCV valve and diff fluid have never been changed. I just had the trans work done about 20k ago so I'll flush that around Christmas time. I'll check eBay for the light cover. Thanks for your help.

EDIT: Just purchased a turn signal from eBay.

 

[Blueranger99]

i would check the balljoints, when they go bad and loosen up, you will have some weird tire wear because your front end would be slightly out of alignment.

 

[bigjohncs]

i would check the balljoints, when they go bad and loosen up, you will have some weird tire wear because your front end would be slightly out of alignment.

Hmmm that's interesting. I do have a spot on my front driver's side tire with more wear than the rest of the tire. I assumed it was maybe knocked a little of out of line when I smashed a wild boar, but sounds like it could definitely be a balljoint. I get some pretty strong vibrations at 45-50mph and 60-65mph...I wonder if the two are linked? Perhaps I need to get it aligned and have my tires rotated and balanced soon.

 

[Dweano]

Smashed a wild boar? Thats badass! Well...this canadian thinks so at least

 

[bigjohncs]

Hahaha yeah it was pretty bad ass. I was going 65mph on my way home from work on my 18th birthday, too. Damn thing ran out and I went right over top of it. Kill both of my fog lights, smashed a turn signal, and covered my truck in boar blood. Scared me to death haha I had never even seen a boar. I thought it was a damn bear.

 

[Toms01PSD]

How about tie rod ends and steering linkage? You may want to check those along with your ball joints.

 

[Scrambler82]

When/IF you replace the ball joints, tie rod ends, the u-joints, etc, all of the above mechanical devices, get the units with grease fittings and have them checked every time you change the oil.

Changing the oil every 3K mies is good, make sure to change the oil filter too, at the same time that is.

The plugs, I stick in a new set every fall to be ready for the winter, that is an old way of thinking but I think it help my peace of mind.

Going to a Ford Dealership for the computer thing is OK but a lot $$$$, check out a local shop with a computer reader, they will be able to clear codes and tell you what isn't working correct and for a lot less money.

There is no reason, with a little care that the Ranger will not last, great trucks.

good Luck in College,