Need input on service/maintenance??

[Ramblin Fever]

Bout to send truck in for it's 2nd timing belt, waterpump, in December -

a list of things I'm gonna have them do, currently at 145K -

Spark plugs (you 95.5-97 owners, have a favorite?)

Transmission flush (will be at 30K mark)

New radiator hoses (bottom one has only been changed 1 time ) - thought for sure that one had been changed more, top has been changed every other year. Is this cause for concern?

3 new driving belts - always seem to wear out between 15-20K miles, it's been 19K miles, still look good, but might as well if they're there.

Next question's kind of a mute point, as half the system will get dumped anyway, but I just had the cooling system flushed 19K miles ago, should I go ahead and do it again?

Or will the dumping of antifreeze and just refilling be good enough? (I imagine they'll have to dump quite a bit to get to the timing belt, water pump??)

It looks, per my records, that I've done it sometimes every 1 1/2-2yr intervals, i.e. 26-36k miles.

Anything else y'all can think of?

Fuel filter - 19K ago

Rear differential changed - 27K ago

Wheel bearings - 27K ago

Thermostat - 19K ago

Another ??, I've been running Bosch Laser platinum plugs for 62K now, just going to change them for sake of wanting to - not having issues.

What brand should I use (not many like Bosch plugs)?

Part numbers?

Truck initially averaged 20k/year first 2yrs of ownership, had gone down to 16-17k/year, is now back up to 18-19K/year - I'd say 50/50 lately, highway/city driving.

By the way, I'm still on original O2 sensors - thought these rigs were designed for a light to come on at 90K miles or so?? Honestly though, I'm NOT COMPLAINING!

[anthonyn]

Do you really need to do the timing belt at this point? I kinda regret doing mine at 60k (as per the manual). I think these things can easily go to 100k before replacing. And if I'm wrong, it's not like my engine's gonna blow up or anything (non-interference). My 95.5 is at 90k now and I'll probably let it go to 180k before the next timing belt.

Definitely do the transmission flush. My trans fluid looks like new and all I do is a flush every 30k (though I'll start doing it more often as the truck gets older). I consider the radiator hoses something to replace as needed. Just check it and if you see anything iffy replace it.

While the 1st gens aren't picky about the plugs, I just went ahead and ordered the ngk's from st charles. I think u can get them local at autozone as well. With plugs I believe in going OEM.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by anthonyn

Do you really need to do the timing belt at this point?...

I certainly would not. Many posters have reported the 3.2/3.5 T-belts looked new with 100K+ on them. I wouldn't touch it unless it had 120K+ on it, or 7-8+ yrs. T-belts are not anything like a serpentine or a V-belt. They are very tough. It's your money Ramblin !

G/luck
Joel

[Gizmo42]

As far as spark plugs I have always liked Denso (formerly nippon denso). I have been using them since I was a kid in my dirt bikes and never had a plug "failure". Never had much luck with bosch, and avoid champion like the plague, wouldnt use those in a lawn mower. NGK seems to be ok.

For radiator hoses I rarely change them. Usually only if they seem to be getting soft or I feel its been long enough. Just replaced the ones in my mitsu pickup a couple years ago, has 145k on it. Never have replaced heater hoses on it.

I dont get radiators flushed much either. As long as the coolant is changed every couple years using 50/50 with distilled or well filtered water and not tap water it shouldnt need flushing very often.

[Ramblin Fever]

Actually not too worried about the T-belt, I'm more concerned about the water pump, both have been in for 7yrs & 85K now.

They were done by a Goodyear tire shop, I know, I know, BAD decision - but didn't know who to trust at the time. I was living in Las Vegas, and everyone out there is quick to cut throat and run with your $$$

I know they used an OEM timing belt, but in looking back on the paper work, can't tell what brand/quality of waterpump they put in.

Still have a few months to decide, just wish I knew how to do the work myself, most of the $$$ is nothing but labor.