2.5L ('98-'01) New Owner Maintenance Recommendations 93K Miles

[scotts90ranger]

My intention is to do all these stuffs myself. Unless it is a Major engine/ transmission work which I am not anticipating though
I don't see the OEM Motorcraft PCV valve available anymore. Could you please recommend any good aftermarket brand for PCV valves.
For sparkplug as well there are lot of options iridum, platinum, double platinum. Could you please recommend anything for that as well ?

For spark plugs Autolite or Motorcraft as they're usually the same and good quality. For PCV anything is fine, they're nothing fancy on these. For plugs something middle of the road is good enough, most plugs switched from Platinum to Iridium about 10 years ago for whatever reason, a step above copper is likely fine unless you plan on putting mass amounts of miles on this thing... there's two sets, misfires aren't super common unless you don't do anything ever...

 

[sahasranshu]

To expand on the fluid changes, it is generally best to take the stance that the perious owner "never had to do anything to it other than change the oil". Meaning, the axle and transmission fluids have probably never been changed.

It would hurt to change the brake fluid and power steering fluid as well. Check the condition of the coolant, if it doesn't look bad, check the condition with a dropper type tester to make sure the mix is right and the antifreeze isn't worn out.

Inspect the spark plugs, especially the ones on the intake side, they are a real pain in the butt to get at and change. Inspect the belts and hoses for their condition as well. If I remember correctly, the engine has a timing belt. Look at that too. I believe the mileage interval for changing it is 100,000 miles but there is usually a time limit as well.

Like mentioned above, if nothing pops out on a visual inspection, it will show itself over time as you drive it.

Good Morning,
Please take a look at this thread when you get a chance, Thank you

2.5L ('98-'01) - Waterpump and Thermostart Housing

Hi All, I got my first truck a 1998 Ranger XLT 2.5L RWD this month with 93K miles one owner. From 1998 to 2016 the Vehicle was driven 86K miles and then in the last 8 years it wasn't driven much and lying on their yard as the owner passed away. So far I have done these maintenance on the...

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[sahasranshu]

Yep, I agree with the advise above.

Are you planning on doing the work yourself or at a shop? Most should be able to be tackled by someone fairly handy...

If the idle is rough I would start by cleaning the MAF with some MAF cleaner spray

I would throw in spark plugs and wires, especially if you are changing the valve cover gasket (it might just be that the cover bolts are loose but I regret not doing the gasket when I did the spark plugs on my '97)

The PCV valve is behind/under the AC compressor if you have one, it's the part that I believe turns 90 degrees and transitions between 3/4" and 3/8" hose

I did some due diligence and performed maintenance per suggestions received, I have only one concern with regards to transmission shift. Please take a look at this thread

4R44E Bump/Jolt during Upshift 1998 2.5 L

Hi All, I got my first truck a 1998 Ranger XLT 2.5L RWD last month with 93K miles one owner. From 1998 to 2016 the Vehicle was driven 86K miles and then in the last 8 years it wasn't driven much and lying on their yard as the owner passed away. I have once drained and refilled the trans fluid...

www.therangerstation.com