First Post, First Ford, Advice MUCH appreciated!

[MikeTheMap]

Hey guys!!! I'm stoked about picking up my first Explorer Monday afternoon! It's a 1991 (XL I believe), with 140k miles on it! This will be my first ever real project truck so I am very pumped! I used to have a Wrangler, sold it, got something practical, but the itch to get under the hood of something is now stronger than ever! I look forward to posting pictures of the progress I make and am open for any advice and it would be MUCH appreciated!
My to do list over the next week involves a $700.00 budget for strictly mechanical work.

New Heating Core (the current one leaks ridiculously)
New Brake Pads up front
New Brake Shoes in the rear
Tranny flush (Automatic)
New Air Filter
Oil Change and Oil Filter (I want to move over to synthetic)
4 shocks
CD player and all the wiring (It has the OEM radio)
All new belts/hoses
Battery
Coolant Flush

I think my roof rack is missing a piece? (I'll post pictures Monday!)
Also, there is some rust on the rear rocker panels on driver side. This seems to be somewhat common on first generations?
If anyone recommends one brand over another, or what works better for you, I would LOVE to hear it! One day she will be a 4wheeling fishing hauling beast!!! Thanks everyone and I look forward to my Explorer and being part of the forum!

Mike

 

[Masterd]

Another one to check if you havent is the radius arms.

 

[mikeinri]

Definitely the radius arm bushings, search this site for info.

Before you disconnect or replace the battery, buy a code reader (the correct one for this vintage computer), and learn to use it... You will want to pull any CM codes (don't start chasing things yet, just get an idea if there are any codes to be aware of that may or may not have been fixed). Again, search this site for more info.

Not sure if you're looking for this advice, but if you're not familiar with the maintenance history of this truck, you should also consider doing ALL of the following (none of these are expensive, but each one can ruin your day):

Battery cables (these are notorious for corroding from the inside, you can't see it)
Tranny Filter (in addition to fluid flush)
Transfer case and differentials fluid change
Spark plugs and wires
Clean the MAF sensor (search this site)
Belt tensioner (do this when you replace the belt)
Thermostat (you'll have the hoses off)
Heater hose control valve ($25 part, common source of leaks, you'll have it off anyway)
Front rotors, wheel bearings and seals
Clean and lube the auto hubs with ATF (search this site)
Rear wheel cylinders

When you're done with the hoses, etc. have the cooling system pressure tested to rule out intake, head or radiator issues (leaks).

Good luck, welcome to the party!

Mike

 

[ma96782]

New USED Car Owners….advice:

IMHO.....for those that have just purchased a USED vehicle from someone/some car lot (questionable history) and have noticed some issues...............

IMHO, may I suggest a complete tune up. Include the: air filter, motor flush and re-fill w/oil and new filter, fuel filter, pcv, cooling system flush and re-fill w/ new coolant, plugs and wires, run some sea foam, and don't forget the fuel system cleaner added to the fuel.

Clean the MAF and IAC……it’s a little more involved:

Explorer Maintenance

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144066&page=1&pp=20

Explorer MAF cleaning

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154711&highlight=cleaning+mafs

IAC Cleaning:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220&highlight=iac

And, another IAC Cleaning thread:

http://www.moddedmustangs.com/cleaning-your-iac.html

IF you feel energetic........do the transfer case, frt diff. and rear diff. Expand that to a check of the breaks, bearings, trans mounts, motor mounts, shocks and RAB (for the 1 Gen Explorer). Anything else....feel free to, "just do it."

Check for codes. Get a “base” to work off of.

Aloha, Mark