General tune up. Changing t-case, front and rear end fluids. Plugs/wires etc.

[kdoggy]

I'm coming over from an AWD 5 speed Mitsubishi Eclipse. The thing I loved about this car was I could service the transmission, transfer case and rear end myself in the garage with some hand tools!

This XLT 4x4 is all new to me.

Transfer Case, Front and Rear End.

Here is what I know. The owner before me had the trans die at 117k. It was rebuilt by a local shop and now has like 127k on it.

I asked when the last time he had the transfer case or front/rear serviced and he was like huh? Me thinks it may be time to do that given his response.

Is this something I can do myself? If it a simple matter of removing the drain plug, draining it and refilling or no?

Are there any guides to doing this if that is the case?

Also, fluids. What should I be using in this thing? I've got cases of Redline Shock-Proof for my track cars but i don't have a clue what these Explorers need. I would prefer something sync/heavy duty just because it tends to have better protection but maybe they don't make anything like that for these?

Spark Plugs and Wires.

The previous owner informed me he never did the plugs and and wires in the time he owned this. He bought it at 87k, I bought it at 127k. Figured since we have no idea when they were done, I'd just get it out of the way.

What plug wires do you guys recommend for these? I have the 4.0L V6.

Also what plugs do you guys recommend? What gap?

Dealer PCM Update.

I see the newest update was 2008. Previous owner said he did not do anything in 2008, or after that sounded like a PCM update. In fact, he said he didn't take the SUV to the dealer at all.

Worth doing? Trans shifts a lot, sounds like the PCM update addresses this as well as the slightly rough idea I have. I thought I had a slight miss until I read the thread about the PCM update and asked the owner if it was done at all. Sounds like its normal without it though.





Anything else I should be doing maintenance wise? Anything else I need to know in general?

Thanks guys.

 

[jrford]

Transfer Case, Front and Rear End, its all easy except for the front diff. I used Mobile 1 ?75-90w for the front and 75-140w in the rears (if LSD you need to add 4oz of modifier). Front is to tight to pull the front cover, only way is to siphon it out and refill; rear has a drain/fill (don't forget to remove the fill first). Xfr case is as easy as the rear, drain and fill.

Spark Plug/Wires, this isn't very expensive in general, can't go wrong with Motorcaraft stuff. There is very little benefit with the high end Fancy stuff, just keep it stock - imo.

There was a updated flash for ours, under warranty, which did tighten up the shifts. The Dealer PCM update isn't going to be cheap, make sure there is one for your VIN before you drop it off. You'd hate to hear after its on the hoist, "Oh, No PCM update but we found this/these. . . . . .. nightmare.

 

[fedyfedz]

There was a updated flash for ours, under warranty, which did tighten up the shifts. The Dealer PCM update isn't going to be cheap, make sure there is one for your VIN before you drop it off. You'd hate to hear after its on the hoist, "Oh, No PCM update but we found this/these. . . . . .. nightmare.

Is there any other place to get the pcm flash/update?

 

[kdoggy]

Thanks for the info!

As for the PCM update, I was going by this thread:

Latest PCM Upgrade 1U7A-12A650-GMB for the 2002-2005 4.0L SOHC

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228805

The previous owner tells me he never took it in for a PCM update. Called my local dealer and they quoted me $97 dollars.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Spark Plug/Wires, this isn't very expensive in general, can't go wrong with Motorcraft stuff. There is no benefit with the high end Fancy stuff, except that you may notice a drop in performance - imo.

Fixed that for you...



Motorcraft plug wires, Motorcraft or Autolite plugs.

 

[fedyfedz]

is there a pcm update for 2002 4.6l models of any sort?


according to this link its only for the v6

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vd...asp?pageid=calibration_pub&gutsid=calibration

 

[kdoggy]

Oh what are you guys using for the t-case, in terms of fluid?

 

[jrford]

Fixed that for you...

Thanks! So true! i'd hate to burst someones bubble . . .lol.

Dealer is about the only place except if you went with custom tune.

I'd just call a dealer supply your VIN and see if he can tell you if there is an update. Thing is they have to hook up the scanner to find out what version is already there. It might have it?