100k no maintenance since 60k, what to do.

[birdfalk]

I have a 2000 XLT SOHC that just turned a 100k. I have owned it since new. It has been flawlessly reliable, other than consumables.

Due to the great downturn nothing has been done to this vehicle since 60k other than oil and tire rotations.

It idles quietly, but pings/growls under moderate to heavy acceleration when cold/cool. It sits for days at a time then endures many short trips.

Tranny fluid, sparks, shocks, tires (the 90k LTX M/Ss are hurting) replacement comes to mind.

I would like to put some money in and get another 100k out of it.

What's important and what's not?

 

[Gadget X]

Air filter, fuel filter, clean the MAF, Check/change the diff fluid, maybe flush the cooling system, be sure to check your brake pads and rotors, lube the chassis(ball joints, etc.) and don't forget to check your brake and power steering fluid levels. Also check your timing chain, do you have any of the timing chain rattling sound?

 

[my pos mounty]

Front and rear differential fluid change
Transfercase fluid change
Seafoam application
Transmission fluid change
oil and filter change
fuel filter change
Air filter change
Clean MAF and IAC
Grease every grease fitting you can find on the suspension (if there are any)
Check brakes/rotors
Check/change windsheild wipers
Check alignment (upper lower balljoints, inner and outer tierods)
And your new tires
That should do it

OOPS: change/flush coolant system

 

[birdfalk]

Well it growls under load but idles quietly. Is the timing chain noise mostly apparent at idle?

 

[Gadget X]

not completely sure, I just know that I have heard that a lot of the SOHC engines have problems in this area. I'm sure someone else here knows more about that than I do.

 

[bluestream1]

The chain on these engines rattles the worst around 2500-2800 RPM, under light load. Also it is louder when cold; don't know why...

 

[my pos mounty]

Then, perhaps you should start with changing the chains and tensioners. Then do the rest of that list.

 

[Vargas]

I'd put transmission fluid/filter change at the top of the list, only lower in priority than any immediate safety issue (like failing tires or grinding brakes). If there is no evident timing chain noise then there is no immediate need to focus dollars there. Preventative maintenance on the 5R55E transmission is relatively cheap. I believe the recommended interval is 30K, so it is already 10K past the service due at 90K.

 

[N1265]

Second the tranny fluid and filter change, they are to costly to replace and if you maintain them it will save you a lot of headaches and last a long time...

 

[N1265]

I would not worry about the timing chains unless they are making noise, if the spark plugs have 100k on them I would change them out and take a good look at the wires.

I would also replace oil and filter, air filter, and inspect Brakes, shocks, tires and engine coolant.

 

[my pos mounty]

Well it growls under load but idles quietly. Is the timing chain noise mostly apparent at idle?

Theres an easy way to tell if you have timing chain issues with your truck, remove your oilpan. (Or if it is possible, go fishing inside it with a piece of wire to attempt to pull anything on the bottom of it out towards the drain hole so you can see it) If you find plastic pieces in the oilpan, its time.

I would start at the engine, and work my way back from it. If the engine blows up on you, what good are new tires and fresh transmission fluid?

 

[Xplorer82]

Well it growls under load but idles quietly. Is the timing chain noise mostly apparent at idle?

^^not in all cases.. i have no rattle at idle or cold starts. But, i do have the rattle at 2500-3200rpm. anything above 3200rpm and my flowmaster drowns it out. it all depends on the condition of the parts, how it has been driven, and how it has been maintained.

it is a common read tho about ppl having it at idle/cold starts. i myself have dodged that bullet (for now, *knocking on wood*)

 

[Xplorer82]

I would start at the engine, and work my way back from it. If the engine blows up on you, what good are new tires and fresh transmission fluid?

very wise words.