2002 Explorer 4x4 XLT preventative maintenance

[taxman9]

Hello! I just bought my girlfriend a 2002 Explorer XLT 4x4 with 75k miles for a reasonably good price ($8k). Very nice looking truck. The original owner seemed to have taken good care of it (scheduled oil changes, clean interior, no accidents, no major issues). I've got a Jeep Grand Cherokee and have used this forum for a few years and find it to be incredibly helpful. So I've been reading posts on the Explorers for a couple hours today on some common issues - Fuel filters, transmission, transfer case seem to be the larger ones.

Are there any suggested additional preventative maintenance tasks I should do? Certain areas to keep an eye on (ie radiator, injectors, 4x4 parts, belts, battery, et cetera)? Things to replace even before issues exist? Additives or aftermarket addons?

I'd like to get a minimum 150k miles out of the truck and am willing to put in the effort, just don't have any history on these vehicles and would welcome any suggestions.
Thanks!!!!

[taxman9]

Anything? Buehler?

[shorod]

I'd start with the regular routine maintenance. Flush fluids, replace hoses, replace belt, drain and refill transfer case, front and rear differential, and if you have the 4-speed automatic, the transmission fluid and filter. If you have the 5-speed auto, then you may want to make sure the additive was added to the transmission to prevent the sticking solenoids.

In the process of doing all the routine maintenance, you'll get a feel for areas to keep an eye on if there are filings in the fluid, rust in the coolant, etc.

One area that is often overlooked on any vehicle, not just the Explorer, is the braking system. ABS pumps are expensive and there are some pretty tight tolerances in the pump with valves that corrode, etc. Since brake fluid is hygroscopic, it's a good idea to flush the brake system regularly and get the fresh fluid circulating in the pump to reduce the chances of moisture-rich fluid causing corrosion.

-Rod

[taxman9]

Rod,
Thanks for the feedback, i really appreciate it. I'd rather be proactive then reactive on the common issues. These will be the first things done. Any recommendations on specific fluids (transmission, coolant, differential, brake) to use or additives to add?
Thanks and Happy Holidays

[shorod]

If the Explorer has the 5-speed automatic, there is an additive that should be added based on a recall if it hasn't already been added.

If it has a rear limited slip differential (LSD), you'll want a gear oil for LSD or the LSD additive.

Other than that, just using the appropriate fluids would be sufficient in my opinion.

-Rod