travelinman31
Full Access Member
As posted a while back, I recently purchased a very low mileage '01F250 Ext. Cab PSD 2wd, auto (36,000) from an older gentleman. I've drove the truck some and began putting my to do list together. I pulled the fifth wheel with it the other day, and WOW what a difference over the IDI, I can actually gain speed going up small inclines. The IDI seems to be more stable pulling the trailer, but the PSD can get the load moving and keep it there with little to no effort. Below is a list of some of the things I'd like to do fairly soon, and any input or other ideas is greatly appreciated. One other question, the truck is only being driven about 10 miles highway speeds left sitting most of the day then 10 miles back. Is there anything you would do differently with the truck, maintenance wise, seeing how it is driven short amounts. I have went over the need to let the truck warm up before starting to drive as well as letting it idle for a bit before killing (had someone who should know tell me it's a good idea to let them idle for a minute before shut off) with the one's in the family that will be driving it (mainly my son to and from school). He has also been told that dad has eyes and ears all over town and if I hear or see any evidence that he is hot rodding a truck not meant to be hot rodded he will be walking. He's 18 and been driving our '03 Dodge gasser that has 260k on the clock, and has always taken good care of it.
1. Change oil and filter: Done, used Chevron Delo 15w40 and Motorcraft Filter
2. Drain coolant flush and replace thermostat: Any suggestions on specific coolant is appreciated. Thinking about Chevron Deolo ELC (Silicate Free)
3. Add some Autometer Gauges: Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Trans Temp, and EGT
The stock temp gauge seems to read low (not in the center a little to the cool side) It reads there everytime and never moves. I could hear the fan engaging when pulling the trailer, but temp gauge never moved to halfway.
4. Still researching the Air Filter box upgrade. I believe the upgrade is a Severe Duty Air Box?
5. Change transmission fluid
Only issues I've found with the truck are: A rattling, knocking sound over bumps (seems to be front left) I'm thinking ball joint or sway bar bushings (maybe sway bar end links). Also when the key is turned over waiting on wait to start light after a few seconds there is a sound (almost like an electric motor) it seems to be coming from the front drivers side, down under air box. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I want the truck to last a long time and realize that maintenance is the key to this.
1. Change oil and filter: Done, used Chevron Delo 15w40 and Motorcraft Filter
2. Drain coolant flush and replace thermostat: Any suggestions on specific coolant is appreciated. Thinking about Chevron Deolo ELC (Silicate Free)
3. Add some Autometer Gauges: Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Trans Temp, and EGT
The stock temp gauge seems to read low (not in the center a little to the cool side) It reads there everytime and never moves. I could hear the fan engaging when pulling the trailer, but temp gauge never moved to halfway.
4. Still researching the Air Filter box upgrade. I believe the upgrade is a Severe Duty Air Box?
5. Change transmission fluid
Only issues I've found with the truck are: A rattling, knocking sound over bumps (seems to be front left) I'm thinking ball joint or sway bar bushings (maybe sway bar end links). Also when the key is turned over waiting on wait to start light after a few seconds there is a sound (almost like an electric motor) it seems to be coming from the front drivers side, down under air box. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I want the truck to last a long time and realize that maintenance is the key to this.