Major Preventive Maintenance on 2003

[Transporter]

Greetings

I am moving to Belize January 19, 2017 and have a 2003 Expedition EB 4X4 that I want totally PM'd before I move down. Last week I changed the engine oil, all filters, then replaced all the COPs and spark plugs. The truck is in the shop now having the brakes done, all other fluids changed, serpentine belt replaced. I run Amsoil in the engine and tranny.

Should I have the front and rear CVs and boots replaced?
Should I have all the front end steering and suspension parts replaced (minus actual struts that where recently replaced)?

There is a system in place in the community down there to get items delivered at reasonable prices but these are items like plugs, oil, filters, not major parts.

In other words, is there something major I should have done to a 2003 Expedition before leaving the States? Items that might be hard to get and hard to change like water pump or alternator, should they be done now here in the States. If something major happens, there is a full service Ford Dealership in Belize City but I would rather not go there unless I absolutely have to.

 

[08T1]

Wow this is a what if story!

I used to travel abroad quite frequently. I would suggest looking for a place to be able to work on your vehicle there. A nice tool set is priceless.

There is nothing saying you can predict future part failures. If you can pm me we need to talk!

Start good relationships with people there. Your in there country. Look at how you can help them. Typically they will return the favor. Then in a year or more this will all be one big awesome adventure.

Hope I helped.


PS ball-joints die quickly. Puller too....

CJ

 

[docraymund]

Bring all spares if you can afford: cop's, alternator, elm 327 bluetooth scan tool, spare bulbs, fuel pump and filter, spark plugs, water pump, ac compressor, radiator hose. You can train local mechanics there just bring repair manuals. Good luck!

 

[docraymund]

Lisle tool might come in handy.

 

[GAINMOB]

Upper and lower control arms...ball joints...hub assemblies...alt

Mr. 10K

 

[2004XLT]

Yeah as stated, I would probably bring two of every front end steering and suspension component. Tie rod ends, ball joints, upper control arms, hubs, cv axles, sway bar links. Stick with a good brand like Moog greaseable. For some reason my 2004 goes through sway bar links every 8 thousand miles or less, even the best brands. I've tried them all. No need to replace parts that are not currently worn out IMO. Another idea, buy the Time Sert Triton kit, so if you have a plug blow out you'll be ready. I bet that would be one of the hardest items to buy for your expedition down there. What is your mileage? Water and fuel pumps could be a good idea also.

 

[Transporter]

Lisle tool might come in handy.

Are you referring to their Broken Plug Puller tool? I have one of those. I also only use solid one piece plugs with anti-seize when I change plugs (man I hate those back two plugs!).

 

[Transporter]

Wow this is a what if story!

I used to travel abroad quite frequently. I would suggest looking for a place to be able to work on your vehicle there. A nice tool set is priceless.

There is nothing saying you can predict future part failures. If you can pm me we need to talk!

Start good relationships with people there. Your in there country. Look at how you can help them. Typically they will return the favor. Then in a year or more this will all be one big awesome adventure.

Hope I helped.


PS ball-joints die quickly. Puller too....

CJ

Thanks CJ, I'll PM you later. I have a solid collection of Snap-on and MAC tools. Mainly the special tools that either make a job easier (the actual proper tool for the job) or replace having to have 5 different tools using 4 arms and 5 hands!

My biggest worries are for jobs I can't handle or won't have the facilities for. I can't call Triple AAA when my number two plug blows out to tow me to a dealer to get my head heli-coiled. My research shows that Belize City has a full service dealership but that assumes I am not broken down some place (or on the wrong side of the ferry crossing). Maybe I should add that big brush bumper with wench?!

 

[Transporter]

Don't know why I didn't include the Starter. I have plenty of filters, plugs, COPs, fuses, and relays IE the small stuff. Additionally these small items are fairly easy to get replaced at decent prices, its just that one can no longer get it next day Amazon Prime down there! I have a good set of tools, plus special purpose tools, and a small amount of test equipment (OBD II reader, etc).

Basically looking for anything I should HAVE DONE at the dealer that makes sense prior to heading down that is either hard to do in ones own garage or needs special tools that are very expensive. Also any ideas of things to do that might prevent future problems knowing maintenance intervals are going to be longer and less thorough.

Thanks for the ideas so far!

 

[brick]

Sounds like you are taking a 2nd Expy, piece by piece...
brick

 

[Transporter]

Sounds like you are taking a 2nd Expy, piece by piece...
brick

Just taking along parts I know go bad all the time like, bulbs, COPs, plugs, etc the small stuff. The idea here is NOT to have to take a second one along in parts which is the reason for asking for suggestions on what to have replaced at the dealership that is big, hard to do yourself, will most likely go bad shortly because of number of miles.