04 Mountaineer V8 AWD 102K-What needs a tune up?

[Kali2024]

So being a chic I read the manual (when I bought it brand new) and it said the transmission fluid is "100K worry free sealed transmission"...Yeah I know...took it to a shop 3 weeks ago, they drained 4 quarts/changed filter, let me drive like that with it shifting badly saying I need to bring it back in cause the tranny is going (riiiight), took it to a specialist he added 5 quarts of fluid. Runs Ok, except as i posted before, the accelerator pedal seems stuck, especially when shifting into the last gear (whatever that is)-have to really push down on it, also has a vaccum suction/hissing noise immediately after shifting up. So far I had this done and:

• transfer case
• front differential
• rear bearings (not sure if that's what they're called)
• Front CV joints (not sure if that's what they're called)
• Blend door replaced

The rear window has a crack near the round logo thingie, should I replace this? what if it rains and then freezes? Won't that expand creating a bigger crack?

Forgot to mentioned-this happened twice only in the last 2 months- was at a red light and it start shaking a bit, i let go of the brakes, moved up a bit and it went away. ??? What is that?

In everyone's opinions, what else should I get replaced? I really love the truck and hope to keep it for a few more years. Thanks in advance!

 

[fusseli]

Kinda sounds like your tranny still isn't right. The whole system is 12 quarts, so it definately sounds like the first place didn't refill it properly. The pan itself should hold 4-5 quarts. Checking to see if it's completely filled is as simple as removing the center (center part only!) of the tranny drain plug. If fluid drips out then it's full. Anyone feel free to correct me on that.

Fluid change on the front diff and t-case is good. You might also have the rear diff done with synthetic 140w stuff, with friction modifier added seperate if it's limited slip (you have the tow package?). I'd be really specific on that if you chose to have it done, I don't think the diff would like it if it didn't get the friction modifier and it's an LS.

Front wheel bearings and ball joints are also another thing to have looked at. If you have any front-end noise or vibration in turns or at varied speeds then it's probably a bearing.

Also, if you never have had the engine tuned up then it's time. I'm pretty sure the factory spark plugs are meant to run about 100k. I don't think coils need to be changed also unless some start going bad, which would probably cause a check engine light.

Not really sure on your other running problems. Could be a simple vacuum leak or the pcv valve is worn out?

 

[Kali2024]

Fusseli: Thanks! Never had an engine tune up...I'll try that. I just had a new transfer case and used front diff. installed this summer, so hopefully the guy didn't rip me off by not adding the correct levels of fluids in those like he did with the tranny fluid. As far as the tranny fluid, the new guy added 5 quarts total to bring it up to level, never had it flushed though. I hate going to mechanics, feel like I'm getting ripped off each time.

Thanks again for the input!

 

[fusseli]

I thought you were talking about fluid in the diff and t-case... any idea what caused both of them to need replaced entirely?? They should last longer than that. Do you rotate your tires regulary?

 

[fedyfedz]

Fluid change on the front diff and t-case is good. You might also have the rear diff done with synthetic 140w stuff, with friction modifier added seperate if it's limited slip (you have the tow package?). I'd be really specific on that if you chose to have it done, I don't think the diff would like it if it didn't get the friction modifier and it's an LS.

what synethic fluid would i use i have 2002 v8 explorer without LS, for front and rear. Im looking to use royal purple.

 

[fusseli]

front: 80W-90
rear: Synthetic 75W-140 (if LS then it needs friction modifier)

Both I think are ~2qts to fill. I haven't done either yet on my mounty but plan to soon, I'm at 118k.