Getting old SUV ready for a 1300 mile trip?

JC3

JC3

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Oct 6, 2006
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Kentucky
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OK Car guys/gals I need some help. My daughter gets a newly minted PhD very soon and has taken a job 1300 miles away. We bought her an SUV many years ago to get her through her Masters and PhD programs. Her old SUV has over 200,000 miles on it. She does not want a car payment yet as she is saving up for a house. SOOOO I need to get her SUV ready for a long trip and to make it another couple of years. I have started a list to check etc...
1. Ball Joints 2. Tie Rod Ends 3. Sway Bar Links & Bushings 4. Control Arms etc... 5. Rear Control Arms and Track Bar 6. Shocks 7. Carbon Canister 8. Belts/Hoses 9. Transmission Fluid What have I forgot and any suggestions would GREATLY be appreciated. GOD bless, JC
 
Does it have timing chain or belt? Although even with a chain the tensioner often starts going end of life at 200,000 miles. Consider servicing that and put in a new water pump while you are in there.
 
Sorry, I should have stated it is a 2005 Lincoln Aviator 4.6L AWD Model.
 
ZZ13 said:
Does it have timing chain or belt? Although even with a chain the tensioner often starts going end of life at 200,000 miles. Consider servicing that and put in a new water pump while you are in there.
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Thanks ZZ That is a very good suggestion. JC
 
Alternator. You’ll thank me.

I’m doing something similar.
Using my tow rig, 2000 Ford Expedition 4x4 Eddie Bauer with 245,xxx miles to drive from Florida to Wisconsin and back to tow my 1976 Sea Ray 195 back.

Everything on the truck is new including the rear differential. All fluids dropped and fresh. New tires. New starter, alternator, battery. Tranny flushed. Radiator flushed.

This truck has driven back and forth Illinois to Florida many times a year for years.

But then again it is a Ford.
 
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Thanks EL Cap, All of these we will do. I am a little anxious about trans flushing. Had trouble once after doing that although that was many years ago.
 
JC3 said:
Thanks EL Cap, All of these we will do. I am a little anxious about trans flushing. Had trouble once after doing that although that was many years ago.
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Yup. I’ve done it since first 100k every 50k. Probably best to just drain and fill if you’ve never flushed.

Best of luck!
 
I drive Fords and my dad was a tech at a Lincoln dealership for almost 25 years. I've always had good luck with them and I think you about covered it. Yeah something could always break but it can be fixed. Looks like you did due diligence to me. Ford had that engine in the crown vic and was used very reliably in police and taxi service. My highest mileage Ford currently is a 2002 Excursion 7.3l diesel 4x4. Almost 270k on that.
 
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kevin27 said:
I drive Fords and my dad was a tech at a Lincoln dealership for almost 25 years. I've always had good luck with them and I think you about covered it. Yeah something could always break but it can be fixed. Looks like you did due diligence to me. Ford had that engine in the crown vic and was used very reliably in police and taxi service. My highest mileage Ford currently is a 2002 Excursion 7.3l diesel 4x4. Almost 270k on that.
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Hi Kevin. I just looked at your trip to the Dry Tortuga's in your 270DA just the other day. Have been offered a really nice 1984 270DA to play with. I have always liked that boat! Thank you so much for your post! JC
 
Replace fuel pump. Replace water pump. Replace all engine belts and check fan clutch. These may have already been done recently. If so ignore.
 
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I think your initial list is pretty good. You can throw all kinds of parts at an old vehicle, who knows what it really needs?
Buy her a triple A membership for the next two years. Congratulations to her on the phd.
 
my3sons said:
I think your initial list is pretty good. You can throw all kinds of parts at an old vehicle, who knows what it really needs?
Buy her a triple A membership for the next two years. Congratulations to her on the phd.
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Thanks you so much Mark for the kind words! We are really proud of her accomplishments. It kept Mom & Dads money supply tight for about 10 years but its about done and would not change a thing. We already have AAA and consider it a great investment. Thanks for the post. JC
 
kevin27 said:
I drive Fords and my dad was a tech at a Lincoln dealership for almost 25 years. I've always had good luck with them and I think you about covered it. Yeah something could always break but it can be fixed. Looks like you did due diligence to me. Ford had that engine in the crown vic and was used very reliably in police and taxi service. My highest mileage Ford currently is a 2002 Excursion 7.3l diesel 4x4. Almost 270k on that.
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Kevin, Please check your inbox! Thanks, JC
 
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