NEW RIG: 2012 F-150 FX4

[mizedog]

Yes, another spark plug swap and oil change today, to get ready for winter

$31 for synthetic oil/filter and $24 for SP534s

I bought some brackets for $10, so I can mount a "hidden" 30"-32" LED bar behind the grill

Are the plugs easy to get to, and did new plugs make any difference in power or mpg?

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[D45]

Plugs are extremely easy to get to

30 min tops for all 6 to be swapped

The plugs definitely helps MPGs and power

 

[D45]

Finally re-wired the cap, the LED lights inside, the third brake light, and ran a 12G power wire for the 3 hole outlet......which will supply power for two Streamlight flashlights

12.0-12.2 Volts when the truck is off and the gauge jumps to 14.3 at idle

While I was under the driver side frame rail, running the power line.........I noticed this bracket:

Almost like a slide in camper tie down, but there isn't one on the passenger side. Any idea?

Thankfully I will now have lights in the bed, which will come in handy for changing clothes during this hunting season

 

[mizedog]

Plugs are extremely easy to get to

30 min tops for all 6 to be swapped

The plugs definitely helps MPGs and power

Thank you!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[D45]

Well today I decided to finally inspect the undercarriage to try to locate a "thud" noise that I have been hearing for the last 3-4 months

It really only happens on acceleration and seems to be on the driver side floorboards areas

I know there are numerous complaints about the rear driveshaft slip yoke, but the only real way to tell this is to take off the driveshaft, pull the boot and see if its dry.......something I will let the dealership do under warranty

I checked the rear axle u-bolts, and they are tight

I jacked each from tire up off the ground and checked the ball joints, tie rod ends, and the sway bar end links..........all were tight

Any other ideas ?

 

[D45]

Any idea what this bracket is for?

 

[D45]

I took the AFE Charge Pipe and AFE TB off my truck, simpler the better.......they are for sale if anyone is looking

For now, I will just stick with the Pedal Commander and VMAX throttle body

 

[D45]

I removed the AFE Charge Pipe and AFE TB Spacer.....

The truck is definitely lost a slight tad amount of power, but I did not like the fit of the charge pipe where it connects to the intercooler

 

[D45]

Some fashion over function...........I picked up some Recons for $70 shipped

I looked quick at Advanced Auto, Autozone and Oreilly's

Autozone was the only place that stocked some 912 LED bulbs

Stopped by a picked up some Sylvannia for $12 and some Meguire's PlasticX to clean the Recon taillights

I will see how the bulbs do, otherwise I will return them and these......great specs for the price

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/921-t15-morimoto-xb-led.html

 

[D45]

Swapped the stock tail lights out today some used Recons

They fit and work great.....easy swap

The plastic lenses on the Recons polished up very nicely

The 912 LED reverse bulbs I bought are rated under 2w, so I will see how they do

If need be, I will upgrade to more powerful bulbs

 

[Ironhide Fx4]

Looking good. I need to look into so better back up lighting.

 

[D45]

So, after taking a 400 mile round trip, I came back home and parked the truck in the shop

The next morning I noticed 4-5 small spots of oil under the truck

The skid plate was soaked with oil in some spots, obvious oil leak

So I popped the hood and the oil level was decent, not full but definitely not low.......lucked out

I took off the skid plates and started looking around.....I wiped everything down

I started the truck up and the oil filter got wet pretty fast

I was not sure if the oil filter gasket was leaking or the oil filter canister was leaking

I bought a new filter and some oil.........the old filter was on TIGHT, almost could not get it off

I installed the new filter and topped off the oil

Bone dry...........Did I install the filter too tight? I have been changing my own oil for over 20 years. Never had an issue!

Or, did the gasket fail?

Here is gasket, which appears to have a slice in it..........I cannot figure out anywhere else it was leaking from

 

[D45]

Does anyone know the part number for these clips?

 

[bal4130]

How old is that oil filter? Could the canister have been dropped and the sealing surface warped?

 

[p nut]

Sometimes gaskets fail, especially on sub-par parts like Purolator. I'd get OEM or Wix (Napa Gold) next go around.