2018 Max Platinum 4x4 - Maintenance Reccomendations

[Searayboater]

I have an '18 Max Plat with 83k miles. I've religiously kept up on all scheduled maintenance since new. It's had cam phasers, Trans work, and a new water pump done. I take it on one a long (5k in 3 weeks) road trip every summer and want to see if there is anything I should look to do pre-emptively as it approaches 100k miles? I get new tires at every 20k miles... i try and baby it as much as possible. Anything like front bushings/suspension, etc...? Just had brakes done 7k ago... I still have extended warranty for another 6months /17k miles - I've never kept an SUV for this long, and just want to keep it in best condition possible, keeping for another 1-2yrs if she holds up with no major problems. I feel that the trans is the weakest point, even though they did a "re-build" 15k miles ago...

Thanks!

 

[ccssid]

Transfer case and diff fluids.

Thread 'Transfer case, front axle, and rear diff fluid change.' https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/transfer-case-front-axle-and-rear-diff-fluid-change.47423/

 

[Dice Roll]

Change the thermostat to the new design. It helped mine a lot. After seeing the trans temp difference alone, I’m thinking my factory stat didn’t open fully since new. I’m running 190 now once warmed up, down from 205 after not an hour.

You could do the NGK ruthenium plugs as well.

 

[VBreithaupt]

Did I read that right. You get new tires every 20,00 miles? Sounds like you are on top of the other maintenance. Plugs, brake fluid recommendation change?

 

[techdude99]

I have an '18 Max Plat with 83k miles. I've religiously kept up on all scheduled maintenance since new. It's had cam phasers, Trans work, and a new water pump done. I take it on one a long (5k in 3 weeks) road trip every summer and want to see if there is anything I should look to do pre-emptively as it approaches 100k miles? I get new tires at every 20k miles... i try and baby it as much as possible. Anything like front bushings/suspension, etc...? Just had brakes done 7k ago... I still have extended warranty for another 6months /17k miles - I've never kept an SUV for this long, and just want to keep it in best condition possible, keeping for another 1-2yrs if she holds up with no major problems. I feel that the trans is the weakest point, even though they did a "re-build" 15k miles ago...

Thanks!

It sounds like you're doing all the right things...and more...staying with the scheduled service is a sound way to go.

As mentioned by the previous posts, I would include preemptively replacing fluids: brake (if not performed during brake work,) transmission and transfer case.

The spark plugs are a good idea as well.

Have the motor mounts and bushings inspected, if you are unable to check yourself. If you have the time and money, replace or repair the ones that have large cracks or excessive play.

Inspect all the gaskets for leaks.

Good luck!

 

[bobward757]

Ditto on driveline fluids. Every 60K. Fronts rears transfer and tranny.

Search for a thread in 4th gen about plugs. Great reccs there.

Done the serp belt yet? No more than 100K please!

And ditto on the upgraded ford t-stat. 10 deg cooler towing.

Happy summer ‘24!

 

[Searayboater]

Great recs, I will adress all of them - thanks!

Did I read that right. You get new tires every 20,00 miles? Sounds like you are on top of the other maintenance. Plugs, brake fluid recommendation change?

Yeah, we don't get great tread life in FL due to the heat and asphalt eat up tires down here. 20-25K has been normal life for tires

 

[Searayboater]

Ditto on driveline fluids. Every 60K. Fronts rears transfer and tranny.

Search for a thread in 4th gen about plugs. Great reccs there.

Done the serp belt yet? No more than 100K please!

And ditto on the upgraded ford t-stat. 10 deg cooler towing.

Happy summer ‘24!

Many thanks for replies, I'm def going to address all items listed.

 

[Searayboater]

Many thanks for replies, I'm def going to address all items listed.

do you know if Ford dealers carry the NGK ruthenium plugs, or do I need to source myself?

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

do you know if Ford dealers carry the NGK ruthenium plugs, or do I need to source myself?

I purchased mine from summitracing.com

NGK Spark Plugs LTR7BHX NGK Ruthenium HX Spark Plugs | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - NGK Ruthenium HX Spark Plugs with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Spark Plugs at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

@LokiWolf has suggested ZFG Racing as a good source. Don't know about the dealers...