bammbritt

My mind is telling me to keep the truck until the end, but my heart still wants something newer. I'm the only driver so no issues with a breakdown. The one area that I think would be an improvement with a newer truck would be safety. The airbag systems and crash technology has come a long way since 2002. The only truck I have really been thinking about is a 4runner, or the new models of the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Explorer. I Like the F150 but don't have a need for the pickup aspect. Thanks for all the input everyone.

I have a 2002 in good condition with 48,400 miles on her. I have taken meticulous care of her but am at a crossroads. Do I sell her now when I still can get a good resale value or do I keep her forever? I have had the suspension redone MD front and HD read KYB all around, recall fixed front drivers side was minimal, swirl valves done, new plugs, all fluids changed 500 miles ago, and I mean all, and the tires have about 3000 miles on them. All new sound system, CB, etc. The problem is I really don't know what to get, Im thinking 4 runner 2010 maybe 2009. Other than that I just think it makes sense to get something a little newer before things start to go wrong. Any input would be helpful, especially models to look at. Thanks

That was what it was, I just removed them. Thanks!

Thanks, I will check those heat shields first and see if thats it. If not Ill post a video.

I just had my spark plugs changed and my power valves done at the dealer about 200 miles ago. I just started to hear a rattle on start up that goes away once the truck warms up. The noise will keep increase with the RPMs. It kind of sounds like a heat shield but up in the engine area, are there any shields up that far? I have removed all the ones under the truck. Its just a strange noise and it is louder than I remember compared to the heat shields. Would an exhaust leak go quiet once the truck is warmed up? Thanks

I did not have the PCV valve replaced, I was told the the valve is threaded and that I should just replace the valve cover and the PCV valve at the same time when I start to notice that Im burning oil, if that time comes as Im religious about my oil changes. I was out the door at 335 bucks with the the power valves, changing spark plugs ( I provided the plugs OEM from Amazon) throttle body cleaned, lubed throttle and cruise control cables, and an oil change. I also had the recall for the strut tower done. I need to find my next project for my Pathy now, any ideas??

$400. was with the spark plugs and an oil change.

Thanks Bowtied, I sent your write up to the service manager and talked with the mechanic, we are all set.

I haven't had the work done yet but I was quoted in the 300-400 range with the spark plugs being done as well. It seems like a good deal since I plan on keeping her and it could take me another 10 years to hit 100,000 miles.

Thanks TC, I read your posts about your trials and tribulations with the PCV valve, Ill ask the service manager and see what the extra cost will be. I was also thinking about the valve cover although Im not burning any oil. Im pretty tight with the service manager so Im looking for maintenance items that can be done that might take a little time, but won't really add to the bill.

I bought it new and don't drive that much, Im a merchant mariner so Im away at sea often. I plan to keep her for a long time so Im meticulous about the maintenance.

So have decide to take the Pathy to the dealer to have the power valve screws checked and locktited. At the same time Im going to have them change the spark plugs since its an easy job due to the tear down for the screws. My questions: 1. Is there anything that you would do as pre maintenance before this work, i.e. fuel or oil additives? 2. What the cost should be, taking into account its a combo job? 3. What other items should I add to this punch list to do at the same time? MAF? Throttle body? its an 2002 with 46,000 miles. Thanks

Here is my set up, cb by bammbritt, on Flickr cb2 by bammbritt, on Flickr I use the "Little Wil" Wilson CB Magnet Mount Antenna. I got it from amazon for 35 bucks, it haas the coaxial cable and I just ran it through the back hatch with the antenna on the roof towards the back. I like being able to take it down if I need to. Works really good for such a short antenna. The fun thing is the PA function, I mounted a trumpet speaker in front of the radiator and ran the wire to the CB through the hole in the firewall for my amp power cord.

OK pics PF1 by bammbritt, on Flickr PF3 by bammbritt, on Flickr

Hello everyone, first I want to thank you all for taking the time to and energy to post and provide such a wealth of knowledge and experience for people like myself. I have been a lurker for some time and I hope to repay my lurking ways in the future. I have installed a OME lift, Heavy-Medium rear and Medium Front, KYB all around including mounts. I kind of wish I did HD all the way around or went with the AC 2" but we will see what happens after they settle, I might have them for sale in the future. I also replaced the rear trailing arms, Dorfman from Amazon, like a 100 bucks each with free shipping. The truck rides better than when it was new, I really can't believe the difference, UNREAL. I have ordered the missing link and plan to put it in next week. Im taking a road trip to St Catharine's Canada so it will be interesting top see the difference from an 8 hour road trip without it and then 8 hours back with it, I will be sure to post. I have 44,000 miles and plan to keep her a long time so I will keep doing upgrades, which brings me to my question. With my current setup, with the stock 17x8 rims, what is the max tire size I can go without spacers? The reason I went with the OME lift is that I didn't want t kill my MPG and have to change wheels, brake lines, etc. Im really not wanting to change my rims at this time, unless you think I would be much better off, maybe new wheels and AT tires for the winter? I did search and read everything about tires and sizing but Im still looking to see what has been done with a similar set-up as mine. I have other questions but I think I will start a new post OK Im rambling, again thanks for the info, you guys rock. Oh yea pictures, which hosting service should I use? flicker won't work thanks.