Almost at 60K miles

[ctrlraven]

Other than the mods in my sig the car is stock and has same fluids (besides oil) from when I bought it back in Dec '05 with 40K miles on it. Just wanted to get an idea of things I should do like flush the tranny, flush the coolant system, change brake fluid, change spark plugs and go to a 180 t-stat? I know I probably answered my own question but what else can I do to help my MM have a long life?

[AnthonyV8]

Blinker fluid and muffler bearings? Haha, j/k. I'd actually really like to know also.

Also, what are the BEST fluids in each of those catagories? Also, does anyone run watter wetter?

[Marauderjack]

Certainly none of what you stated will hurt anything but I have never changed brake fluid??:confused: Is that necessary on these cars??:confused:

Heck, I ran my last CV over 200K miles and only put one set of pads on it...never considered brake fluid but perhaps it is good to do.....someone will fill in the blanks for us!!:help:

Marauderjack:burnout:

[DEFYANT]

It is not a bad idea to change the brake fluid in cars that see heavy duty use. Do you race the car? Or are you heavy with the brakes?

The problem is condensation that builds up in the calipers and lines when the the brake system gets very hot. The water that develops over time will corrode the brake system eventually resulting in failure.

[Bradley G]

what else can I do to help my MM have a long life? (quote)
Don't let any Steeler fans drive it! :nono:

[Merc-O-matic]

One bit of good advice is FLUSH the TRANNY!!!
These electronic transmissions need to be flushed every 30K.

Gotta Love it!::baaa:

[MitchB]

I'm getting ready to service my father's 03. At different intervals, depending on mileage and/or severity of use, I do the following:

1. Flush brake fluid
2. Drain and refill trans fluid
3. Flush power steering fluid
4. Drain and refill differential fluid
5. Flush cooling system

I installed a Ford trans pan with drain plug. About three or four times a year, I drain the pan and refill. I can usually get about four quarts out of it at a time. The fluid looks very good. Some time soon I'll drop the pan and change the filter. I use Mobil I synthetic ATF.

I use this same ATF for the power steering fluid and I use Mobil I 75W/90 gear oil with Ford friction modifier. I am looking for a suitable zinc or magnesium anode to use in the cooling system.

I would suggest you change your air and fuel filters.

Mitch

[RF Overlord]

what else can I do to help my MM have a long life?

Things to do now:

Definitely flush the transmission fluid and change the filter if it hasn't been replaced at least once already. Use Mercon V only. Install a drain plug in the pan and do a fluid-only change every 15-20,000 or so from now on.

Flush the coolant. Replace with Zerex G-05 (same as factory fill) if yours came with the yellow coolant. If green, then just replace with regular green coolant.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs water) so a flush every couple of years is a good thing. See Defyant's reply ^^^.

Change the differential fluid. I use Motorcraft 75W-140 synthetic as that's what Ford supplies in the axle TSB kit.

New PCV valve.

New fuel filter. Replace every 25-30,000 miles from now on.

Use a turkey baster to R&R the fluid in the P/S reservoir. Do this every few days until the fluid being removed looks clear and bright red, then do it once every oil change from now on.

May your MM live long and prosper. :)

[MdnightMarauder]

what else can I do to help my MM have a long life? (quote)
Don't let any Steeler fans drive it! :nono:

Oh thats cold man. Dont hate on the steeler fans. We cant help our team is good. :bows: The Bears will come around someday.

[merc6]

Plugs are inexpensive and fairly easy to change. I have been coherced into changing them annualy. Also pick up the lil packet of anti seize to spread on the threads for "Next Time"


How hard is it to change the rear end fluid?

[SergntMac]

My very big "ditto" goes to MitchB in post #7 and RF Overlord in post #8. who posted ^ there.

I bought my #3 Marauder with 70K plus miles on it, and just today, finished the steps in my list of things to do, which matches the lists I applaud above.

Tranny fluid, engine coolant with lower 180 stat, brake fluid, rear end gear lube, and power steering fluid. All good to go now, as I drive into the '80s on mileage. No problems from multiple fluid changes done a step at a time.

I did not refresh with any "top shelf" synthetics 'cause this stuff will only be around another 20K miles before I flush again. Not really worth it, IMHO. Mostly simple Motorcraft/OEM recommended fluids bought at my dealership parts counter.

Yes...Shopping at my L/M parts counter costs me a few more pennies than shopping at my FLAPS, but that does pay off in the long run.

Today's cooling system flush costs me labor only. I brought my own 180 stat bought from Reinhart, and they paid for the correct anti-freeze. I paid for the flush only, 75 bucks. I also picked up an engine gasket kit for rebuilding the Marauder 4V engine that retails for 305.00, for 251.00.

Nice.

[ctrlraven]

Very good info thanks everyone. I didn't think about changing the power steering or rear end fluid but those will now be added to the list. Looks like I have a fun filled weekend ahead of me.

[Paul T. Casey]

A big yep to all the previous. I'm at nearly 138K miles, and nearly 300 time slips. Trans. flush every 20K miles. New plugs yearly. Diff fluid change every 30K. Coolant yearly. Brake flush 60K. Injector service every 30K. Oil every 5K (normal driving) or 2.5K if I'm "using" the car. PCV spring and fall. Serpentine belt around 50K. Air filter every 12K (I clean and re-oil now, when I had the regular K&N I just tossed the old ones). Also, don't forget the "cosmetics." Keep it washed and waxed. Make sure to get the mud out of the area on the rear fenders in front of the tires where it seems to collect. I walk around the car with my wrenches when I wax it and make sure any fasteners I see are properly snug. I also wax the "non-shiney" area of the wheels to help the brake dust rinse off easier. Use a good quality leather cleaner on the interior leather and keep the rugs/mats clean to prevent premature wear. I'm probably forgetting something, but this should help.

[SergntMac]

In line with my personal schedule, I'm doing spark plugs tomorrow.

Denso IT-20s. Again, a tad more expensive, but I know what I am buying and what the expected life cycle is. I favor Denso spark plugs only, on all 3 Marauders now, with no problems.

[Bradley G]

Just A joke.
You had to be there.
Back on topic;
great advice I did not think of brake fluid or PS fluid.
I'll add that to the list.
Oh thats cold man. Dont hate on the steeler fans. We cant help our team is good. :bows: The Bears will come around someday.

[merc6]

Along with redoing my mazda's suspention (again *sigh*) and motor oil changes, I guess brake and p/s will make it to the list of tomorrows adgenda.

[ctrlraven]

Can't hurt to be proactive rather than being dumbactive. I don't know why but I'm all excited about changing a lot of the fluids I guess it's like another mod to put a smile on my face.

[SergntMac]

Can't hurt to be proactive rather than being dumbactive. I don't know why but I'm all excited about changing a lot of the fluids I guess it's like another mod to put a smile on my face.It's a good feeling indeed. One step closer to frendship with the soul of the car.

[Loco1234]

Water Wetter was mentioned in the first post....

I highly recomend it... Especially if you are using a water to air intercooler...

I would Suggest using Royal Purple water wetter because if you spring a leak somewhere the purple dye in the additive will glow in a UV light to help determine the location and origin of the leak....