1996 Explorer XLT 5.0L V8. Been sitting for a while, trying to get her back on the road.

[ofwgktaxjames]

The engine has about 140k miles on it, and has the original motor and transmission that worked perfectly last time I drove it, a year or so ago. The frame is in near perfect condition besides minor surface rust. I live in south Texas so it isnt a problem.

So far,
I had to replace the fuel pump and fuel filter. While I did this, I scrubbed the inside of the fuel tank and removed all the rust that I possibly could. Im not sure if I need a new tank because of the possible presence of rust that I missed.

I have also replaced the air filter, cleaned the intake manifold, replaced spark plugs and wires, and replaced the engine oil and filter twice. It has sat for a year between last oil change. Im going to replace the battery as soon as I can. Can you guys recommend any other parts that may need replacing? She sat for a very long time without any care, and I'd like to restore it to her former beauty.

The suspension squeaks very loudly when driving, and Im not sure where to begin on those issues.

 

[Mbrooks420]

If the tank had rust inside it should have been coated. I’d replace the coolant and brake fluid.

 

[EB4X]

On suspension of course go around with a grease gun to anything that has a zerk fitting on it...and spray some silicone lubricant on bushings....silicone is safe for rubber unlike other lubricants.

 

[MakinJeepsWeep!]

Check your blinker fluid! haha I would also do a hard check for mice and other creatures stuffing stuff in places. I live in south Texas as well and know those field mice love anything that sits long enough along with birds whatever. Oil, Antifreeze, Brake fluid, Trans, Rear end. I would replace it all if you can, sitting that long with temp changes outside things sweat and without being driven they dont get hot enough to burn off that small amount on a daily basis so it builds up to the point it could be a issue. Other than that make sure you go with a motorcraft fuel filter, I have cut them apart and it uses a real paper filter in it some others i ahve cut open literally just have a metal screen in there that would catch a pile of dirt. IF it has not been touched the full year a couple turns of the motor before cranking on it couldnt hurt just to be safe. BEst of luck!

 

[410Fortune]

was there rust in the tank or just varnish?
The new filter should catch any bits that come loose, but that filter might get clogged quickly
If the tank was indeed rusty, keep an eye out for a later gen plastic fuel tank (they can be hard to find without a hole in them) as the rust will just keep breaking off and clogging filters.

Check/smell/wipe the transmission fluid, still pink? smell burnt? The transmission is the most expensive part, the heart of your drivetrain, so take the most care of it. Any fluid issues I would drop the pan, change the filter and 5 quarts of mercon V........ add a drain plug to the pan so you can change the fluid a few more times.

I would consider changing the front and rear diff fluids as well, with 140K it will not hurt.

 

[EB4X]

Check your blinker fluid!

Agreed, I've observed over the years that most people tend to neglect the OEM recommended yearly flushing and refilling of blinker fluid reservoir, and for the few who heed this critical recommendation, it's often observed that even they fail to do a proper air bleeding of aforementioned reservoir after flush/ refilling thus leaving system that functions at a subpar level at best..... which is observed by them having to randomly incorporate hand and arm turn signal procedures in traffic.

 

[MakinJeepsWeep!]

@EB4X Perfection!

 

[MakinJeepsWeep!]

as 410 said add a drain plug. i have one on mine. i change it often just to keep from having issues with 260000 some odd miles i try everything to keep it happy.