Mechanic question

[The Texan]

About a month ago I bought a 2001 f-150 for a ranch ride and it had a couple small things that needed fixing so I took it to the mechanic next-door and had them do a 27 point vehicle inspection at no additional charge. As I expected they came back with a huge list of things they said needed replacing. So my question is what on the list should I actually fix? Its for a ranch truck so not trying to make it a daily driver or anything. I was thinking the suspension parts, tire balance, and engine diagnostic and maybe such extensive work on the breaks isn't totally necessary but then again I'm not a mechanic. Thanks for the help

[bwssr]

does it have rear discs?

[The Texan]

does it have rear discs?

It does. I think all trucks after '97 had them but I could very well be wrong

[Ivanite]

How many Miles are on it? The front does most of the breaking anyway. Sounds to me like they just found a bunch of stuff. The belt would be the only thing but then again if it's a ranch ride i wouldn't change it till it breaks. I've never seen a pit man arm go out. sounds to me like they found some really weird stuff and hoping for ignorance. Also, I had a truck that had the Thermostat go out so I just took it out and ran without it. It's a very easy 15 min fix. Not worth $100 that's for sure.

[hot_rod_eddie]

I would change trans fluid and filter, thermostat. However, you can change all those yourself pretty easy. Buy the belt and change it when it breaks. On ranch truck I wouldn't worry about suspension or brakes unless they were completely shot.

[BrianL]

Ranch ride like it doesn't leave the ranch?

I probably wouldn't do any of it, unless your Idler and pitman are in bad shape. To check, jack up one of the front wheels. Grab tire at the 12:00 and 6:00 and shake to see if it is loose or moves. If it does, rough ranch roads will wear out completely real fast.

[Canoe1]

Look at belt yourself, if needs replaced, it's a 5 min job.
If driving on ranch, I wouldn't worry with alignment, but I would fix the breaks.
Its not hard to replace rotors and pads either.
If you don't know history of the transmission, I would not change out filter/fluid, just make sure it's topped off.
Changing the fluid on a high mileage transmission that hasn't been changed regularly can end up causing more trouble.

[The Texan]

How many Miles are on it? The front does most of the breaking anyway. Sounds to me like they just found a bunch of stuff. The belt would be the only thing but then again if it's a ranch ride i wouldn't change it till it breaks. I've never seen a pit man arm go out. sounds to me like they found some really weird stuff and hoping for ignorance. Also, I had a truck that had the Thermostat go out so I just took it out and ran without it. It's a very easy 15 min fix. Not worth $100 that's for sure.

185k

[hot_rod_eddie]

Forgot to ask, are you going to drive this truck back and forth to the ranch, or just leave it at the ranch?

[bwssr]

It does. I think all trucks after '97 had them but I could very well be wrong

I asked, my boss has 07 Chevy Classic..drums on rear...

[The Texan]

Ranch ride like it doesn't leave the ranch?

I probably wouldn't do any of it, unless your Idler and pitman are in bad shape. To check, jack up one of the front wheels. Grab tire at the 12:00 and 6:00 and shake to see if it is loose or moves. If it does, rough ranch roads will wear out completely real fast.

It will leave the ranch every now and then but won't get allot of miles put on it

[The Texan]

The truck stops fine it just makes a loud noise when you stop which is something I really don't want if I'm trying to stop and look at wildlife on the ranch

[Txjourneyman]

I did the DPFE on my F-150 myself. Took about 1/2 an hour and was very easy. Lots of Youtube videos for a DIY project. Took care of my check engine light.

[hot_rod_eddie]

Ranch trucks normally run slow and crawl up hills, etc. This is tough on the trans, so I recommend the trans work, but do not have it flushed.

[hot_rod_eddie]

Ranch ride like it doesn't leave the ranch?

I probably wouldn't do any of it, unless your Idler and pitman are in bad shape. To check, jack up one of the front wheels. Grab tire at the 12:00 and 6:00 and shake to see if it is loose or moves. If it does, rough ranch roads will wear out completely real fast.

12 and 6 determine bad bearing. 9 and 3 help determine steering. Bad steering plus ranch service does not equal road worthy. If you plan on putting this thing on the road, I would fix all of it.
Get a second opinion, then fix most of it yourself. Farm out suspension if necessary.