Just bought 01 5.4 EB

[oldpaddy]

Hi all, I loved my 5.4 97 so much that I just bought a 5.4 01 as a replacement. I had a mechanic check it out and write up a report, but it didn't have much info other than bald tires and the power steering pump was whining.
I just got home after driving 100 miles from where I purchased it. I think I'm having a slight rough idle issue, but no codes are popping up. The steering feels a little funny to me, like there's a hair of play when turning. But both issues could be in my head since I just bought it and I was used to driving my 97. My father in law has a shop and I'll have him check it out next week. In the mean time, does anyone have any suggestions?
Also, it came with a vcr (!) And TV. Neither powers up and my kids are demanding I get it working. Are there any dvd units and repacement tvs that will fit this model like a glove, and/or how can I test the system that's in there?

Thanks for any help!

 

[docraymund]

Congrats on your purchase! Change all fluids and wait and see if problems will arise. Hope none will. Take care of her and she'll take care of you.

 

[oldpaddy]

Thanks!
I fixed the vcr. The 4a online fuse under the center console was blown. I replaced it and it worked! I'm partying like it's 1999 with the little rascals vhs tape that was still in it lol
I wonder how hard it will be to take out the vcr and add some sort of SD card/USB media player.

I've noticed it shifts hard around 50-55mph. Add that to my occasional rough idle and no codes, from what I've read it sounds like it's most likely a bad coil pack. That'll be a big relief if that's what it is. That leaves the steering and newly noticed ac problem. The ac occasionally starts to make a clicking type noise. The ac is cold and nothing seems to change when it starts making the noise.

 

[oldpaddy]

Ugh there aren't as many problems as I feared, but there's a big one and a smaller big one. I'm no mechanic, but it doesn't sound good. The body crossmembers are rotted away and the body would have to be lifted to fix them. The manifolds need to be replaced, and the radiator and a upper ball joint. The radiator and ball joint aren't that bad to have fixed. I can probably do the radiator, but not the ball joint and definitely not the manifolds.
I wish they still had shop when I was in school. I can do small things on a vehicle, but major work is from out of my ability. Especially when taking the body off is involved. I wonder how much the Crossmembers would cost to replace. It can't be cheap.