I did what I said I would NEVER do!!!!

[road_rascal]

I seem to remember the lower intake manifold gasket being a problem on my old 1996 Windstar. I don't think they're much of an issue on the 1999+ models, but I could be wrong. I suppose if you're willing to take the time to replace them just for piece of mind, go for it. I didn't replace the LIM gaskets when I did the isolator bolt job on my '01, but I only have 72K on it.

[phil-l]

I did not change the LIM gaskets. Removing the LIM looked to be a good bit more effort than the UIM - and I simply haven't heard of LIM gaskets being a problem on the '99+ 3.8 engines.

I'll guess your vacuum line was replaced at some point in the past. Mine started leaking at about 50K miles - and I put off replacing it by wrapping wire around the end that seems to stretch out and leak.

[wiswind]

My friends were all over me when I bought my windstar.....but to me a vehicle is a tool.....and you need the right tool for the job.

I would change all the fluids, including a good bleeding of the brake lines as each wheel.
You should get very good service out of your windstar.

Also, I have had very good luck with Michelin Harmony tires.

Motorcraft Brake fluid is very good also, with a dry boil point of 550 degrees F.
The parts that I used for my brake jobs have also done very well for me.

I have included information on many of the parts that I used in my repairs in my picture captions.

I would not worry about the Lower Intake Manifold gaskets unless they start to leak....it is a major job on top of the work you will be doing in the TSB.