New owner with questions

Hi guys, I recently bought what I believe is a excellent truck for the money. The truck is a 2004 ext cab 6cyl with a 5 speed transmission. It only has 87k so it runs good, yet I am not sure of the maintenance history. What do you guys think I should replace first, as far as fluids?
It seems the truck has a brand new battery, brakes and Tires.
Any suggestions will be appreciated

 

I'd replace every drop of fluid in it. Well, at least that's what I did when I bought mine with 67K miles. I'm glad I did too. The rear diff fluid came out like tar, literally. I kept a bucket under it for hours; it didn't pour or drip out but rather oozed out. The transfer case oil was perfect and was a waste to drain, but it was piece of mind knowing that it had 0 miles on it (front diff was slightly milky, tranny wasn't the cleanest, motor oil wasn't the best, radiator wasn't too bad). I also flushed the brake lines since the fluid was brownish-green and flushed the power steering fluid. I guess the only fluid I didn't drain was the washer fluid which did require topping off.

 

^^^^^^
Agreed...BTW welcome to the world

 

At 87K you're 3000 miles away from the timing belt/water pump replacement.

Check to see if there's a tag on it saying if it was already replaced. I doubt it though.

 

X2, Change all the fluids for peace of mind.

 

Aha maybe that could be a reason why it is a bit hard to get it into second gear during the first few mins of driving. Any ideas on what should I use for diff fluid? And transmission fluid?

 

Thank you, I always wanted one of these trucks, and I finally found one at a decent price with low mileage

 

Welcome!

 

Maybe this is the reason they had it for sale as it is a major maintenance item. Although I hear some people tell me these timing belts would last past 150k with no problems.

 

Not worth the risk. It's a couple hundred in preventative maintenance. Worth it.

 

My original timing belt lasted 158,000 before it started to shred and you heard a flapping noise coming from behind the timing belt cover. It ended up wrapping around the crankshaft and stopping the engine while sitting at a stop light. This was right after my cousin sold the truck back to me for $1. Thank god for these 1st gens coming with non-interference engines! I'm keeping mine forever.

You made a great investment and welcome.

 

Absolutely not worth the risk.. Will look into replacing it soon.. Thank you

 

I have no idea what fluid to use. Mine's an automatic, however my diff's and transfer case take

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 and I used full synthetic. I'd pretty sure the manual tranny's take the same weight gear oil but I'm not sure. Verify in the owner's manual.

 

Got happy this morning, i noticed under the hood, timing belt was replaced 5k ago. which means i am probably good for another 80k. All i believe i have to do now is the differentials oil and manual transmission fluid. it feels a little rough switching from 1st to 2nd when its cold. So maybe looking to switch it to the amsoil or redline i hear are good.

 

Could i use the redline stuff for all areas? differentials and transmission?

 

I don't see why not.

 

Great! thank you guys, i am going to do the differentials by next week, i am dying to buy a bull bar and a cap.