Truck Maint

[JTF]

I purchased a 03 V6 Ford Ranger Edge Supercab in April. since then I have done oil chaNges but no other specific maint. is it worth it to start following the maint schedule in the owners manual, there is no warranty. How reliable are these trucks regarding reapir records.

 

[AgPete139]

The truck, just like any automobile, is reliable as long as you take care of it.

Regarding your maintenance schedule, we don;t know how many miles are on the car to begin with.

Your 3,000 mi/3 month motor oil changes, 100,000 mi transmission flush, and fuel filter once a year is recommended (ahem, do it).

Other things, as a new rule whenever I buy a vehicle, is:

*** Fresh spark plugs
*** Ignition wires
*** Lube job (easy to do the balljoints, suspension, & steering tierods)
*** 1/2 can of Seafoam fuel additive in the fuel tank


With this in mind, it should be worry-free, and very reliable.



Pete

 

[snake]

If it were me I'd do what he said and additionally check the air filter, serp belt, and depending on the miles I might change out the rear end fluid and flush the radiator. That way you kind of start over with everything fresh. It being an '03 the hoses are likely OK but you can swap 'em for cheap insurance when flushing the rad. And those steering components are not greasable as far as I know. And one last thing- that cam sensor that goes bad, you might want to replace it... although I don't know what I'm talking about on that one, only heard about it on here. Someone else comment if it is worthwhile changing that bastard as a maintenance item? My understanding is they come apart and do engine damage on a 3.slo... And final note, if you do the plugs and wires save yourself a lot of trouble and use motorcraft parts. Cheaper in the long run.

 

[exbass94]

If it's an auto trans, change fluid every 30-40k miles. Spark plugs 100k. Coolant, diffs and t-case fluids 50k. Engine oil 5k.

 

[JohnnyO]

An '03 will call for a transmission flush every 30,000 miles, and that is the one weak spot.
If it is a 4x4 the manual says to change the transfer case lube (it's ATF) every 60,000 but it will look like tar by 30,000. Fuel and air filters should be changed every 30,000. On an '03 I would change the coolant simply due to age regardless of miles unless you are sure it has been done already.
I like to change the coolant every 50,000 on all our vehicles and the axles at 50k also, but I'm pickier than most people. The suction machine at the Valvoline Qwicky-Lube is really the only way to do the front axle anyway, and for what they charge it's not worth the hassle of doing the rear myself either (until I got my '08 Trac that has a drain plug in the rear diff).

 

[AgPete139]

Yea, forgot about the new:

*** Air filter !!!
**** Coolant + water (flush if it's currently dirty)
**** Serpentine Belt (especially if it has never been replaced)
**** Diff, X-fer case fluids

Bit either way, check the auto tranny. You don't want that going out on you. Opt for the FULL FLUSH, since the halfass one only replaces ~3-4 quarts and gives you a new transmission pan gasket & filter.

 

[JTF]

Awesome, thanks. truck has 143,000 Km's.