Recommended maintenance

[javey]

My exploder is a 1998 4.0L SOHC, and I got it used at around 125,000 miles about a year ago. I've got 150,000 on it now, replaced a few things like plugs and wires, kept all fluids good, changed PCV valve, etc. and I am getting ready to do a few more things since I don't know what the stealership did before I got the rig. I definately want to extend the life of my engine and tranny, since I'm a minimum wage working son of a gun, so what should I do? I am going to flush the radiator, it's time for another oil change, I'm going to replace all diff. fluids, bleed my brakes, check all hoses, and that's really all I can think of mechanically that I want to do right now. I've checked my drivebelt, it's all good to go (must have been replaced not too long ago), wheels and tires are fine, and that's about all I can think of. Can anyone make up a list of stuff to check? I'd appreciate it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161108

 

[javey]

Thanks, but isn't there other important stuff to do at 150,000?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could invest in a new timing chain, and the 00M12 intake TSB kit. Check this link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177975. This link is # 51 in my list of useful threads.

 

[SuperEx91]

i see a lot of these 4.0's coming in with timing chain noise. anything from a tick to what sounds like a wicked rod knock but it is only the timing chain slapping. i have never personally done one cause the job "requires" about a $400 tool set to hold the cams in place. i say "requires" because im sure it can be done without it but i wouldnt want to try it. the chain setup is goofy with one chain on the front of the engine, from the crank to one cam, then there is a chain on the back of the engine on that same cam that goes to an idler then to the other cam or something like that. had one come in last week in a sport trac, 01 i think, heard the knockin before we saw the truck.

 

[drx]

wow quite a number of miles on a 98, i have a 97 and it has 134,000 miles, things i've done so far are spark plugs, the spark plug wires, you might want to check for the starter too, A/C working fine? you may need to fill up the A/C gas if it's not cooling enough. Check for the catalyst, if it hasn't been replaced you need to replace that. check the gaskets, the headers may need some cleaning too, clean the fuel injectors.

yeah flushing the radiator is a good idea, and do check for the chain, cause I have that problem right now, sadly i don't have the proper tools for it.

One more thing you might wanna look out for is the break lines, the break pads, and the line from your pedal. Lastly, the gas tank, after all these years, I think it could use a nice cleaning too, which reminds me i should put that on the to do list as well haha

are the tires rotated? check for the radiator coolant lines, air and oil filter are standard as you're going for an oil change soon. check for the shocks, to check that is to rock the body with your hands while standing outside if it rocks easily it's time that you'd have to change them, else don't worry about it. I would also check for any rusts underneath, if there's a spot where there's a lot of rust you might want to look into that too.

One more problem I had was my exhaust line was loose from the bracket that secures it to the body, be sure to check that out too, if it's secure no need to worry, if not you can go to home hardware purchase one of those for like $0.50 and secure the exhaust pipe back on.

that's all i can think of right now ... if i think of anything else i'll post it here.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Take care of any recalls. You could also check the list of TSB's for other things to do. This is # 13 in my list of useful threads: Dead Link Removed