Considerations for long term use

[TM89]

Hello again, it's been a while since my last post. Anyway, I'm coming to a cross road and I've gotta figure out which vehicle comes with me and which gets sold. One of which is my 05 XLT with 4.0 SOHC and 4x4. Just hit 131,000 and other than a somewhat common "bump stop" its really never given me an issue since I got it back in November. Replaced the rear blend actuator door but that wasn't a big deal.

I've been told the bump stop can be fixed by either lubing the slip yoke or buying a new driveshaft, either way, not horrible. Shifts fine.

If I were to want to keep this one long term as a daily, I want to get it looked over real good. What are some tell tale signs that it's time to ditch it? I planned on having the tranny and timing chains assessed. Anything else to be weary of? Thanks!

 

[koda2000]

Beware of having a mechanic "assess" your vehicle (in this case timing chains and transmission). Even if he's familiar with the 4.0L SOHC engine and trans, he's probably going to take it for a ride and if he doesn't hear any t/c noise and if the transmission shifts as it's supposed to, he'll say everything is fine and charge you $75.

The engines and transmissions in these vehicles are their Achilles heal. Some go a lot of miles (upwards of 300K) w/out any problem, some so not so far. As far as I'm concerned the SOHC engine is a ticking time bomb. 131K is not a terribly lot of miles, but it doesn't mean that trouble isn't in your near future. As log as there's no timing chain noise at start-up you're still okay. Roll the dice I guess.

 

[TM89]

Yea as of now, nothing like that. Just the bump stop at times when I brake not so easy to a stop. I'm gonna pull the vehicle history and see what's already been done too.

 

[ptf18]

We bought our (wife's) S/T new in 2002. Its got 220k on it now.The gal loved it when she bought it and still does. For the majority of the S/T life I've done the maintenance by the book in addition to changing out other items on a regular bases (shocks, brake fluids, P/S fluids, on and on) Lost the engine (timing chain) at 134K. Had a FORD reman engine installed at the Dealer. About $5300. Did the body mount fix when the OEMs rotted away. Have replaced the front rotors (Motorcraft) along with new brakes (2x). Relced the Upper and Lower B.J...not because of wear but rather rotted rubber boots and installed the camber adjusting kit the same time.

Recently replaced the Radiator (Motorcraft) due to tiny cracks, Radiator Fan due to hub cracks and yesterday replaced the leaking OEM thermo housing with the SA aluminum unit along with new hoses and thermostat (Motorcraft). Also had a oil filter adapter oil leak that was somewhat of a project to fix.

Its been a good vehicle all and all. BUT sometimes you have to wonder what the heck Ford was thinking when they put stuff together the way they did.

I wish they had used a "stronger" engine. Not HP wise but one w/o the chain issues. Its something I "listen" to EVERY time I start the S/T up. Haven't had transmission issues but with 220k on it I'm "concerned". Dont know it I should find a "spare" and rebuild it myself.

Parts are starting to get hard to locate. Little stuff like buttons. knobs, weatherstrip seals, etc.

I've been looking at '10s with the thought that it would be a bit newer but I know we wouldn't get anything as a trade for the '02.

IMHO, if your happy with your '05 and its payed off you can put a couple thousand into it and it should last as long as you want it to. That said, Koda2000 is spot on about the powertrain system. If you intend to keep it you might search out and acquire parts you might want to replace at at later year ie door panels, interior trim parts, weather seals, wiring harnesses, etc.

Good luck

ptf18

 

[TM89]

I'm gonna pull the Carfax, see what's already been done. It may have already been done, i know the engine is very clean as Is the rest of the vehicle, it seems like it was driven very modest and never ridden hard off-road, so that's a good indicator that perhaps they also we're good about maintenance, but I'll check and report my findings. Thanks guys!

 

[ptf18]

Give it a good look under neath. Body mount bushings. See it the fuel filters been changed out. Oil leaks from the dif and trans. Shocks. Etc. Good luck

 

[TM89]

No leaks, no weird noises or smoke, no grinding or whining. That much I knocked. Gotta check the rest and see what the report says. Thanks for the heads up

 

[ptf18]

I'ld be curious to see if the engine/transmission is the originals? Brakes?

 

[TM89]

Brakes are solid. Not sure about engine and tranny. Not yet.

 

[TM89]

I think its all original. Only non routine maintenance listed was a drive belt tensioner pulley. Hm. All original at 132,000

 

[ptf18]

Youl'd have to pull the wheels to look at the brakes. Front rotor thickness and the pads. Ford dealer "supposedly" replaced the front pads when the wifel brought the S/T in around 45k for a oil change (couldn't beat the price at the time). I replaced the front pads at 90k ish. I was real leary that she had only got 45k out of Ford pads. Started to think that nothing was done at 45k....

 

[TM89]

Oh I can do brakes. I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about the transmission and the 17 timing chains it has for some reason.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Timing chains are the biggest. Myself, I would never consider anything with the 4.0l SOHC for long term reliability. Its not a question of if the cassettes will fail, but a gamble on when.

 

[TM89]

Although it sends very well maintained, y'all are making me a bit concerned. I may not end up keeping it. As of now, it runs great. Good time to sell it if I do. That being said, what Gen/engine and tranny set up would be best for a moderate off road/overland rig that's still reliable?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Second Gen V8, or a V6 OHV with a 5 speed.

 

[TM89]

I had a second Gen V8. Absolutely loved it.

 

[sr139fox]

Got a 2001 sport with a 4.0. 202000 miles on it. Transmission went out at 180000. I have the chain noise at start up. I just take it easy until it warms up. Hoping to get 250000 out of the engine. Cheaper to keep her then a new vehicle.

 

[TM89]

I'm looking to get a 1st or 2nd gen I think. Cheap, reliable, good potential. Seen them from $1200-$2500 in good shape.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Got a 2001 sport with a 4.0. 202000 miles on it. Transmission went out at 180000. I have the chain noise at start up. I just take it easy until it warms up. Hoping to get 250000 out of the engine. Cheaper to keep her then a new vehicle.

Without replacing the guides hoping to get another 50k out of a rattling engine is highly unlikely. I’d certainly have a plan for getting another car when, not if, the guides fail and jump time, leaving you stranded and without a car.

 

[TM89]

My main issue is I'm switching duty stations soon, and need to get rid of one of my cars. I've got a Maxima that has been good to me but maybe need a $1500 repair for the nav and stereo screen...and I've got the 05 XLT. Which, if the chain or tranny needs work, will easily be the more expensive repair.

Kinda just wish I had gotten another 2nd gen