Just bought an 02', What to look for? What to check?

[CommandPresence]

Hello guys, new guy to the forum. Just bought an 02' Explorer Limited, 4.6L V8, black, with 113k on it. I am looking for suggestions and ideas on what to clean/replace/adjust/check when I get it back to my garage. Known issues, preventative options on things that usually go, etc. I know the front end is tight, new ball joints and everything is good. Has new tires, and new E brake cable and complete assembly. All done by the dealer, or his mechanic he knows down the road. Thanks all for your help!

 

[4.6EXPLORERFAN]

I would start a savings account for repairs. Wheel bearings, transmissions, rear-ends, coil springs, etc, etc, etc. I own an 02' as well and love it very much but I tend to baby it because it seems so brittle. If you are unsure of previous maintenance then start changing fluids. Do the rearend first but make sure you know which rearend you have. Then do your transfer case and front diff. Get the tranny done to. Again, I'm not a hater, just wish Ford had done they're homework on engineering first instead of rushing to the market with a piece together product. Best of luck with your new ride and welcome to the forum. It's became my home away from home whenever I have an issue which seems to be pretty regular. The guys on here are great and are usually pretty quick to answer questions and give you sound advice.

 

[daveleeander]

I own an 02 with the 4.0 and have 262K miles on mine. All original and have ran Amsoil all the way through it since 24k - 30k miles. Flush the tranny on a regular basis (I do mine every 50k with filter every 100k) and keep the diifs changed when required by the book. I have had 9 wheel bearings and it doesn't matter who changes them, they will die. I've changed them, the dealer has changed them, and the local garage with a good rep and good mechanics have changed them. They will still die.
But the car has been good, it owes me nothing. I'm driving it every day.

D

 

[therealblinky]

Go easy on the shifter, They have been known to spontaniousely combust in your hands into a million pieces.

Watch your transmission! They work good if you do regular maintenance on them, which i havent done.

rear end may start to howl, so keep good care of that.

My stereo Melted on me too so no rock n roll

flasher relay has issues also, but apparently is not that hard to fix

the heat blender door is known to strip out and not work, so listen for that. as well as the fan might blow up on ya, ask me how i know.

The back panel on your glass for your lift gate will crack eventually if you use it alot.

the door Ajar light will stay on sometimes wich is a PITA!!

Pretty much anything else will blow up eventually, but its totaly worth it to fix on these super sweet units because they are soo stylish

dont be scared! ive fixed everything once on my truck and it is going strong as ever now!

 

[esclamada]

the sticky threads sums up all the major issues. If you haven't checked the transmission do it now.


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[CommandPresence]

Excellent replies, thanks a lot guys!

 

[vipersinu2]

don't forget the bend door for fresh / reticulate air or the fuel guage sending unit converter or the rear ac blend temp motor strips out, I have 03 and had every problem here, plus the v6 engine replacement because of the junk timing chain problem, 2002 to 2005 are JUNK. stay away I have an 07 v8 awsome truck.