175k miles and becoming the Daily Driver - things to consider?

[plumcolr]

Good point about the brake lines. I had one steel line pinhole (trans cooler line) where it went thru a plastic clip. Very worth checking.

 

[1955moose]

Brake lines are an easy replace, especially with all the vendors out there. You can coat the outside of your lines to protect them. I too live near San Fran, and noticed my back passenger side started to bubble. I've already had to repair sections above overhead console. Who puts divets on a roof to let salty water to pool, recipe for disaster. If they would make roof flat/rounded, water would roll off, not pool. I agree with others, maintenance items only, don't go overboard, and no to coils, boots only.

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[rjdelp7]

I purchased my 2000 XLT in 2008, with 78K for $6000. I am guessing, over the years. I put another $5000-5500 in it. It now has 104K and is a second vehicle. Something breaks or wears out, on a regular basis. It has been a battle, keeping up with it. It gets 11mpg and has unimpressive power. Newer vehicles, have improved in that area. However, it is great in snow and I have no car payment. It has been a good vehicle and I have no plans of getting rid of it anytime soon.

 

[Trainmaster]

A very good thread. Inspect the things that will lay you up: Brake lines, trans lines, hoses. The only preventative replacement I'd do are the idler, tension pulleys and belt. They can freeze up at 2 AM on the interstate and send the belt flying off. Or carry a set and tools. Then just stay on top of things.

My 2000 has 220K miles on it without too much trouble. Everything works because I fix it when it breaks. The worst jobs over the years were a steering box with hoses, transmission cooler lines and an exhaust manifold which rotted.

 

[Dan Braithwaite]

Very important but often overlooked until you can’t start it is to change the fuel filter. It always plugs up when you are away from your tools!