Recommended Maint on '05 4x4 6.0L w/55,000 Miles

[tettnanger]

It's official. Loan approved, paperwork set, I just have to drive down to a dealer on Saturday morning and take ownership of an '05 Excursion XLT 4x4 6.0L with 55,000 miles on it. There are no maintenance records on this vehicle, but it checks out clean on CarFax. One owner and the only accident was a minor dent in the bumper which was repaired This is the first diesel I've ever owned and want to be "religious" about maintaining it. As far as I can tell everything on this vehicle is stock. I'd appreciate advice on what you would recommended getting done on this thing without voiding a Ford warranty. I plan to get a Ford extended warranty, although not sure yet if I want to do the 7 yr/200K diesel warranty or the 4 yr cover-everything warranty.

Let me tell you first how I'm going to use it. Eventually, not until next year, I do want to take it out West to the mountains and tow my 32 ft, "lightweight" travel trailer. I live in Michigan and for the remainder of this year I'll probably only take it on 2-3 camping trips over flat land not that far away.

Reading the Ford Diesel operating/maint schedule online (following the "Special" rules as I will tow a camper) and here is what I'm thinking of doing so far:

1) Change oil and filter. Do I really have to use only Motorcraft filters, etc like the manual says?
2) Change fuel filter
3) Change coolant
4) Lube u-joints and front hub needle bearings
5) Change transmission/transaxle fluid

Anything else that sticks out at this mileage?

Also, when I test drove it on the expressway I did notice a bit of the wandering that appears to be normal with a stock X. I assume a rear sway bar is what I need?

Any help would be much appreciated.

thanks!

[purplehorn1977]

check the front end as it may need ball joints at that mileage. have seen them need ball joints with less milage than that. Have them run an oassis on the truck and look for any excessive warrenty jobs (indicationg a turd) tell them that you want to see differential of oil to coolant temps while driving it hard. if more than 15degrees you want oil cooler replaced. this will be under warrenty. othe than that drive it like you stole it and itll love you for it.