Hey everyone. I have 92k on my 98 Jimmy. I will likely be at 100k in a few months. Is there anything special I should be doing? What about stuff like the timing chain, cap, rotor, wires, plugs (they are only 2 years and 30k old), etc. I already know that the fuel gauge sending unit is bad (I just use the fuel used display on the overhead console), so that (including the pump) is on my "List of parts to replace". I also know that the outer tie rod ends and idler arm (which is new, by the way) have dust boots that are ripped (I went to pump them full of grease when I changed the oil last week and noticed that. They had holes in them for a while, but not to this extent. Ball joints, idler arm and wheel hub bearings were replaced over the past 2 years. The rear calipers were replaced a few weeks ago since the left rear one caused 2 near-total brake failures in 2 days only 200 miles apart (the shop wrongfully replaced the master cylinder after the first one and refused to do anything and the manager became argumentative the 2nd time since I had it towed back to the same shop after the 2nd failure) and I am still getting a variable brake pedal, but it doesn't sink to the floor or warning lights or anything like that (I am getting the system flushed this week since I believe air is still in the ABS or the front part of the system. See my thread "Brakes failed on highway"). The truck stops fine. I use Royal Purple oil and Purolator PureONE or Napa Gold filters (I just did my 2nd oil change. I started changing my own oil since I have had nothing but bad experiences with shops since I bought this truck who forget to lube the front end or use cheap oil filters or don't replace the gasket on the oil drain plug and let it leak or try to sell me stuff (engine flush/fuel injection cleaning (I use Lucas and Techron)) I don't need or leave grease all over my seat and steering wheel) and I change the oil and filter often. I only go to a shop if I can't make a repair properly with my very limited automotive experience or if there is a high risk of damage or high risk of causing an accident if it isn't done right (front end components). I want this truck to last as long as possible with minimal (avoidable) repairs if possible and keep it as reliable as possible. Thanks for any advice.

 

I think in your owner's manual it should have a list of what you should check.

 

I wouldn't worry about it too much, don't fix whats not broke, enjoy your truck but if your really serious about doing some maintenance on it you could do a differential fluid change. I did my rear and front axle, total cost of doing it myself was around $40 with new gaskets, gear oil, and a rear axle cover. I'm not saying its necessary, but it might be nice if your coming up on 100k. If your feeling even braver than that, you could change the transfer case fluid. Also what does your coolant look like? Is it a ugly orangish yellow? Does it look like it started to solidify? You could always get the coolant system flushed and put the green stuff in it. My truck is at 140k and it already had problems with Dexcool.

Other than that, why not get it detailed, your Jimmy turns 100k only once in its life.

 

Forgot to mention:

Transmission Fluid and filter was done at 72k, and the fluid only was done again at 87k with a quart of Lucas. I also had a tranny cooler put in just after that.

Rear Diff fluid was done last year and 20k ago, but all they did was suck the fluid out and put new stuff in. They said the old fluid was dark. I took it to a place that had just a bit more experience than JiffyLube, but since I now do my own oil changes so I don't go there anymore.

Transfer case fluid was done at the same time and they said it was low, but looked fine.

Front Diff fluid was changed about a year and a half ago when they replaced the Driver side CV Axle since all the fluid came out.

Coolant was done last month with Prestone All Makes/Models because there was Dexcool mud in the radiator. I was also told to bring it back next year for another flush. The coolant was not even 12k old and I already had the intake gaskets done at 72k. The radiator and hoses were replaced at 58k.

P.S. I dont think detailing is in on the table at this point. I might get a new paint job in a year or 2. The paint was treated poorly by the previous owner and there are alot of scratches, some of which were painted over with touchup paint that was too light for the car. The truck only has a little rust underneath and none on the body, and I keep it washed every couple weeks (I also do the undercarriage when I wash the truck. I get on the ground and use the pressure washer and use the low setting to spray everything under the truck).

 

In that case, sounds like you should be in good shape. Your on top of your maintenance, so I wouldn't worry about it too much so save your money.

 

Thanks.

However when I get the brake fluid flushed, I am going to have them check both diffs and the T/C since we had a very bad winter in NY state and I will also have them check the U-Joints because sometimes I hear a noise when I put it in gear or slam on the gas pedal, even more so when the truck is in 4LO. I really don't want to use the AAA card again because it was almost useless the last 2 times I used it that weekend in Jersey.

 

What about stuff like the timing chain or oxygen sensors or the water pump? Someone I know said I should replace those at or around 100k. Is there any basis for that?

 

O2 sensors being replaced could help with MPG a bit. For the minimal cost and as well as it seems you keep your truck, I would do it.

 

And possibly hang a rabbit's foot from the mirror.

 

Why? Am I in for an unpleasant surprise with a huge repair bill for something?