The Ford F53 is a good chassis, but like any machine, it needs maintenance and may have a quirk or two. Below is a list of things I look at and make sure these items are up to date.
Because of the age of the chassis and the normal lack of service records, I consider replacing inexpensive components as preventative measures, i.e. cam / crank sensors, belts, water pump, thermostat, starter, COPs, plugs, etc. I’ll then keep the old part as a spare in my parts box.
Although this list specifically targets 1998 – 2006 F53s, it can provide guidance on what to look at on almost every model year F53.
- RECALL – SAFETY RECALL – Verify Cruise Control recall complied with – brake switch can cause fire – take VIN # to any Ford dealer to verify
- TSB – Intake TSB complied with (“J” tube added to reduce water ingestion 98-06)
- TSB – Transmission shift TSB complied with (1st and 2nd gear shifting weird 98-01)
- TSB – Wheel balance centering causes vibration (98 -01)
- TSB – Centering Steering wheel (all years)
- Tires – Verify tire size and date codes on all six tires (and spare)
- Get vehicle weighed, front and back axles
- Tire pressure – Check against manufacture table
- Brake pads (inspect / replace front and rear) (READ HERE)
- Brake hoses (inspect / replace five hoses) (READ HERE)
- Brake system Flush with fresh fluid (DOT III) (READ HERE)
- Repack front wheel bearings (READ HERE)
- Shocks front and rear (replace if older than ten years) (READ HERE)
- Power Steering hose Inspect for kinking at firewall. large hose coming out bottom of reservoir and into pump
- Power Steering flush (MERCON, Valvoline ATF Synthetic)
- Transmission fill and flush (MERCON, Valvoline ATF Synthetic) Consider adding external filter (READ HERE)
- Transmission vent hose clear (not plugged)
- Transmission cooler and filter (READ HERE)
- U-joints and center bearings – Inspect and grease
- Rear end fluid (Synthetic 75W-140) (READ HERE)
- Rear end vent hose – clear (not plugged) and end points down between frame rails
- Toe-in measurement – verify (READ HERE)
- Steering wheel alignment – centered
- Cheap Handling Fix (CHF) – complied with, extended links? (READ HERE)
- Sway bar and link bolts and bushings (rear bolts have habit of falling out)
- Serpentine belt – replace (if chirping, replace with Continental belt NOTE – Belt is 110 inches) (READ HERE)
- Serpentine belt bearings, pulley, idlers, etc When belt off, verify bearing condition
- Coolant hoses – inspect
- Change oil and filter (READ HERE)
- Change air filter
- Clean MAF sensor (READ HERE)
- Change fuel filter
- Plugs and COPS – consider change – use torque wrench ( 22-25 ft-lbs) (READ HERE)
- Starter (consider changing) (READ HERE)
- Water pump (consider changing) (READ HERE)
- Thermostat – Use only high flow versions, OEM temperature
- Radiator fan Clutch (READ HERE)
- Exhaust manifold rusted bolts missing and/or broken off (READ HERE)
- Shift Lever Over-Drive button wires frayed internally (READ HERE)
- Front end chassis lube (9 points)
- Radiator clean (oil spilling on passenger side of radiator blocks radiator)
- Parking brake fluid level (MERCON, Valvoline ATF Synthetic) (READ HERE)
- Chassis Battery – inspect fluid level, swelling, etc
- Exhaust system Inspect hangers, holes, clamps, etc
- OBCII readout – any codes set
- Vacuum hoses in front of passenger front tire where they enter square looking accumulator
- Chassis lights – Parking, turn, headlights, four-ways.
- Instrument lights work and can be dimmed (READ HERE)
- Overdrive button on gear shift lever frayed wires (READ HERE)