Freshen Her Up

[hammerg26]

I had to put about $1000 in the truck (chose to go to shop - time value of money and all) at the end of 2016... but have not had a car payment in three years... I hope I can continue that trend...
1999 with 167k.

 

[Adieu]

I'm not sure about the 3.5 eco boost. I hear problems with carbon building up on the valves. Some people put a catch can on the truck but that will void the warranty.

When you consider the price of the new Expy the $5000 you put in the truck seems like a bargain.

Modern street lebal turbo 6 cylinders with half-decent power ALL get fouled up w/ CBU... it's due to some questionable design choices pretty much mandated by CARB and the EPA (more sensible motor designs aren't compliant anymore)

 

[eluther3]

Don't fell like you need to replace the truck just because of the age. I have a 97 with almost 300K miles on it. Yes, I have had to put some money into the truck, the truck has been reilable and the maintenance costs have not been unreasonable. Even with a chronic CEL issue and I drive it on a regular basis. I am considering replacing the engine because I would have to pay big bucks for a new truck with the same towing features.

BTW - I may be have a different perspective than you because my wife drives a 2011 BMW with about 60K miles on it and it's already been in the shop for multiple major and minor repairs. Had this not been under a CPO warranty, I would have spent considerably more on repairs than I have for my old truck.

 

[John Christopher]

eluther3 I know what your saying about the durability of the truck. I've owned it for 7 years and it has been very good to me. It only left me stuck one time because of a rusted out break line. All the fluid leaked out and I had no breaks. I had to have it towed to my mechanic and repaired.

It happened at a boat launch ramp when retrieving a 21' boat. I called Boat US and they sent a flatbed. The truck was put on the flatbed with the boat towed behind. I was actually lucky that it happened there instead of driving at 65 mph. The tow was $430 but it didn't cost me anything except a tip to the driver. If you tow a boat they are great.

Your 97 with 300,000 miles says a lot. Thanks

 

[grantpa]

I'd agree with most everything said here-"if it ain't broke...."! I also have an '00 EB/4.6 with 177K in almost pristine (for it's age) condition. All power/elec works. I've had to replace COP's and boots, but plugs were in outstanding condition. If I were you, and you were NOT the last person to give it a tune-up, I'd pull the plugs, check their condition, APPLY ANTI-SIEZE, and torque 'em to 20-22lbs/ft. I'd also check those coils for arcing, cracks, the usual. Replace the boots while you're in there and call 'er good. Good luck!

 

[Adieu]

Don't fell like you need to replace the truck just because of the age. I have a 97 with almost 300K miles on it. Yes, I have had to put some money into the truck, the truck has been reilable and the maintenance costs have not been unreasonable. Even with a chronic CEL issue and I drive it on a regular basis. I am considering replacing the engine because I would have to pay big bucks for a new truck with the same towing features.

BTW - I may be have a different perspective than you because my wife drives a 2011 BMW with about 60K miles on it and it's already been in the shop for multiple major and minor repairs. Had this not been under a CPO warranty, I would have spent considerably more on repairs than I have for my old truck.

I got a 2011 bmw too....335d

164k mi on the bimmer
166k mi on the expy (mine's an '09 tho)

Gotta say the Ford seems a LOT more sturdy and reliable with that mileage... annoying little glitches like rear A/C blenders notwithstanding.

Doesn't overheat... doesn't burn oil...doesn't vibrate like a ****....

 

[1955moose]

Overall the first gens are the best as far as issues. The only biggie is the lack of spark plug threads. They have a drain able transmission/torque convertor, and other things the later ones don't. Their not as fast, not as trick, but overall the most reliable. I'd just do the oil/ trans services and other items as needed. The truck is paid for, enjoy it.


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