Doing long needed maintenance (ideas?)

[wacky92sport]

Well, I got this '92 Sport XLT with 4.0 V6 and 5 speed stick last week and it has been maintained with oil and filters and that's about all. It has 76K on it and it runs very well. This one needs some help but there is alot of potential here.

Here are the things I have done and then the things I need to do. I wanted to catch any gotchas or no-no's from you guys who know these trucks well. I am new to the X so all advice is appreciated.

First, I noticed the engine running cold constantly so I replaced the temp sending unit and the thermostat. Problem fixed. Runs between the N and the O in NORMAL on the gage (I assume this is 160 F as that is where the thermostat was calibrated).

Here are the things I need to tackle (long list and I will try to order as I see importance) but I am on a budget yet I have another vehicle so I am in no hurry. I want to do this right:

-It has Firestone Wilderness AT's 235/75 15's (were recalled). Want to replace with BFG KO's all around inc spare. >>OUCH $600<<

-Major oil leak somewhere under the distributer. Drips on manifold and smokes/smells to high-heaven. I suspect valve cover gasket so I bought some sealer, the valve cover gaskets and oil pan gasket. This will obviously be a big job.

-Whining sound like a power drill under hood. I suspect power steering pump? Stering seems to work OK.

-Water leaks onto rear seat thru roof from luggage rack rivit (no kidding)

-Cracked windshield (bad crack but limited to passenger side)

-4x4 indicator light does not light up when the button is pushed. I have not tested the actual engagement yet but I suspect it's not locking up.

Thanks for any suggestions and I hope to join you all soon on (or off of) the road.

 

[TheRookie]

-Major oil leak somewhere under the distributer.

what distributor? Test the 4x engagement. my light hasnt worked in years. Do a search on shift motor if it doesnt work

 

[wacky92sport]

-what distributor-

Alright, alright...coil. I am still old school thinking.

 

[wacky92sport]

Progress/Need shock advice

Well, I went down and had the front end looked at by Tires Plus. Turns out these tires were not recalls. Good news there. Turns out that the front bearings were totally SHOT. You could wiggle the wheels like 1/2" by hand on both sides! I had the front end completely re-packed and aligned. Drives great now...but now I can see I need new shocks as speed bumps practically will make you sea sick driving this thing. Never done that...any experience out there? I'd like to do it myself and save the $$$ but I don't have any special tools if they are needed.

I tried the 4x4 again and this time it worked just fine. Looks like maybe it was just sticky. I engaged and disengaged a few times to make sure it was ok and it was and I spun the front tires. More good news there.

I spent the entire day replacing the valve cover gaskets and intake gasket. That was a lot of work and my back is screaming at me for it right now. So far there is no fresh oil showing after a 20 mile test drive but it will take weeks for that burning smell to go away so I can know for sure if I got the leak. I did see a lot of wet oil around the lower 4 bolts on both covers when I initially pulled them off so I suppose that was my leak. Time will tell.

Next the windshield and the leaky roof rack. Windshield is gonna cost me $166 locally. Not bad. Any pointers on the roof rack would be greatly appreciated as I don't know were to even start with that one. Pull the head liner I guess?

The project is coming along nicely but I have to slow down and look at the budget now.

Any pointers on any of the above would be great.

 

[natedogco2007]

i think that the roof rack just screws into the rivits in the roof. i would take out the screws and put some sealant around the rivits in the roof and see if that changes anything. also changing out the windshield isn't that hard. you could save some bux if you did it yourself if you have the patients and some people that can help. i did mine with my grandpa in about 3 hours. just make sure that you clean the area very well. as for the 4x4 you should engage it at least once a month to avoid the stickiness. hope this helps good luck

 

[TheRookie]

To avoid back pain from working on your explorer give it a lift dont have to bend over if the truck is high enough

 

[wacky92sport]

True...Hell, I could just walk under it if I had the lift I wanted

I did get the shocks done...that was cake.

I will do the windshield next. I will probably have that done but I found that the AC is dead (probably needs freon) but I'm not sure if this is the old R12 or the new stuff. This compressor was swapped out in 1996 according to records so I think it might be a conversion. I hope so as the R12 is pricey. We shall see.

The leaky roof will be last as it will take a long weekend for sure.


Thanks for the tips guys.

 

[matt97]

Ford's power steering pumps are fairly noisy,changing over to synthetic fluid will make it quieter...I changed my fluid over a period of 3-4 days by swapping 1/2 quart a day, just use a turkey baster to suck it out then refill and repeat for several days.