Jack Stands & 30K Service

[Black Mammoth]

Sorry for the newbie question. I did a search, but I didn't find what I was looking for. Maybe I didn't look far enough back. Anyway, I hope someone can help me out. I know that they are probably stupid...but here it goes.





I have a 2001 Eddie Bauer (V8 & AWD). ....





Question 1: I wanted to rotate the tires on this thing. However, I ran in to a problem trying to get the car on 4 jack stands. It says in the owner manual to NOT jack the rear on the differential. I can jack a rear wheel up, but where can I put my jack stand? My jack isn't tall enough to jack it on the frame. I thought about bulding a wood base for my jack so I can get the extra height. What's the best way of getting the car on all 4 jack stands?





Question 2: It's due for it's 30k service. I looked in the book and everything seemed pretty simple. I guess that the main things I should be concerned about is getting the tranny fluid changed and take care of the AWD system. Is there any thing else I should be really concerned about? The dealer wants $390 for the 30k service! That didn't even include new spark plugs. I can do all of what the book lists....I'll just have the dealer do the Tranny and the AWD system to make sure I don't screw it up Anything I should MAKE sure that I get done while I'm doing the 30k service?





Thanks

 

[rvitek]

I'm not sure about the jackstands, but about your 30K service, this is what's recommended (from the www.fordvehicles.com owner's site).


Present Service: 30,000 Miles
Inspect and lubricate ball joints
Inspect brake system & rotate tires
Inspect complete exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and driveshaft
Perform multi-point inspection
Replace air cleaner filter
Replace engine oil and filter
Replace fuel filter

So, are you just doing the tranny fluid/AWD system for your personal insurance? Or, is the site wrong?

Ry.

 

[JDraper]

Jackstands can go under the Spring U-Bolt plates or on the axle tube next to the u-bolt plates. I usually jack my truck up on the u-bolt plates and then put the jackstands under the axle tubes.

 

[Black Mammoth]

Thanks for the replies....

That website is correct. I was going to have the dealer do the tranny and AWD system to make sure it's done right. So if it busts I can point fingers at them and not myself Typically, it's easy to do, but since it's still under warranty and they can do it faster than I can, why not? I'm doing everything else on that list myself. I didn't think it was worth paying the dealership $400 to do that list since I can do all of it myself except for the tranny and AWD...which should be $100 at most.

For the jack stands, I'll take a look underneath and see about doing what you said.

Thanks

 

[rvitek]

Thanks Mr. Mammoth - I'm due for a 30K service too so I may be asking more!

Oh yea - do you have grease fittings for your ball joints? I haven't looked yet, but was wondering if you did (we have the same truck).

Oh yea, welcome to the site!

 

[Robb]

(we have the same truck).

Who gets it on the weekends?

Robb

 

[rvitek]

Oh heck, my wife does!



LOL!

 

[jimbo74]

you CAN jack it up from the center of the diff and put the jacks under the axle tubes towards the wheels....... htey recomend not to becuase it is ather unstable until the jackstands are under it.... and they say the diff case isnt strong enough... that part is crap..... the 8.8 diff case is strong enough.... heck, at thaven i had my diffs sitting on rocks wit hall the tires in the air and they both held up fine (ask rick )

 

[Shagnasty]

Anyone know where the grease fittings are for the ball joints on the 4x2???????????

 

[Robert]

From at least '95 on up, there are no grease fittings anywhere on the Explorer unless someone added an aftermarket item.