Just bought a 96 xlt with 200,000 miles

[nickb123]

Hello, I just bought a 1996 explorer V6 xlt 4x4 for $550. It is really nice shape inside and good out. It was in the same family its whole life and has all the original papers. Anyways it has been sitting for a year. I test drive it 2 miles and ran good. The only problems it the power steering does not work (needs pump) and the brakes are worn out. I have a couple questions about it though. What preventive maintenance should be done for 200,000 miles? should I do anything to it before I drive it alot for it has been sitting a year? I bought some iso-heet for it and im going to change the oil and do the fuel filter.

Any help would be great, Thanks!

 

[SFC.Grunt]

Plugs@wires
Fuel filter
Diff fluid front and rear
shocks(if not replaced already)
ball joints(if not reeplaced already)
Trans fluid and filter(if not already done)
air filter
check all the lights in and out
gease all the points on the truck
check the CV boots
check tires
pads and rotors

start there

 

[2TimingTom]

All that plus:

Coolant- including thermostat.
Radiator cap

 

[nickb123]

for some of those things listed (shocks and ball joints mainly), couldn't I just check them to see if there still good? he did plugs and wires before he stopped driving it for a year and did the tranny fluid 2 falls (10,000-15,000?) ago.

 

[nickb123]

Another thing, In winter here it can get to be -15 or so. I am keeping it in the garage and it has a block heater but what weight oils (engine and diffs) should I use? Im not sure because the engine has 200,000 miles and I want to use the best oils i can to make sure it lasts and with out problems.

 

[nickb123]

anyone have any ideas???

 

[bobflood]

Another thing, In winter here it can get to be -15 or so. I am keeping it in the garage and it has a block heater but what weight oils (engine and diffs) should I use? Im not sure because the engine has 200,000 miles and I want to use the best oils i can to make sure it lasts and with out problems.

Even at 250K, I still use 5W30 oil in my 5.0L. Differential calls for 75W145, I believe.

 

[2TimingTom]

Did you get an owner's manual?

 

[nickb123]

I have the original owners manual that came with it new, but im going to buy a repair manual from the store. I just havent had time.

 

[drbenz]

While it is good sense to do all of the service that is needed, things like ball joints and such will get by just fine if they are checked properly and are still good. Spend the money that is needed but don't waste it. Having said that, if you can't be sure that a service has been done you might err on the side of caution. One year of sitting is not an extremely long time on anything execpt the fuel system, brakes and tires.