I bought my 2009 2wd 2.3L with about 63,000 miles on it. The previous owner didn't exactly neglect it but during that time he just did regular oil changes, air filters, tires replaced once, battery replaced once, and front brake pads replaced once, kept it clean but no other maintenance at all.

over the past 6 months I've had it and put maybe about 1,000 miles on it I have done the following:
Oil change with Mobil 1 and motorcraft filter, replaced the air filter with a K&N, replaced the fuel filter (the old one was making the fuel pump whine line crazy), replaced the power steering fluid, replaced the differential fluid, did front brakes (rotors, pads, hardware and wheel bearings), did rear brakes (drums, shoes and hardware), flushed and replaced all the brake fluid, I replaced the trans filter and when I had the pan off I welded on a drain plug (after the initial 4 quarts replaced from changing the filter I drained and refilled it twice over about 400 miles using up 12 quarts total), replaced the plugs and wires with autolight iridiums, and finally I cleaned the MAF sensor.

the only things left I had planned to do was flush the coolant, and change the shocks since they are getting squeaky and bouncy.

It has a small "damp" spot around the water pump but its so small I wouldnt even call it a leak so I'm not gonna worry about it yet. Same deal with the transmission output shaft. The tranny has a slight clunk issue but I herd that's a common problem and it's gotten slightly better after all the new fluid. Other than that the truck runs like new. Can anyone think of any things I should check, clean, or replace that I haven't done that should have been done during the previous owners 63,000 miles?

 

If you ever need to pull out transmission change the coolant fitting and line on the back of the head.
The Mazda L 2.3l engine was designed for FWD Cars not RWD trucks so coolant fitting and hose on the back of the head is fine..........in a transverse mounted car setup
In the Ranger's longitudinal mounting its almost impossible to get at IF it ever leaks.

So just keep it in the back of your mind

Yes, change the "lifetime" coolant every 5 years, lol.

 

Olderish thread, but I'm headed in the same direction! My aim is super similar as you. Only small additions I'm adding is a new PCV valve and clean the EGR & Throttle, (new throttle gasket too). I'm also going to do the front differential but just a suck & pump. Likely to just do that every oil change over the next year or so. And maybe add in the transfer case.

As far as the cooling system, I'm definitely swapping the the thermostat but am 50/50 on the hoses too. I have the worst luck/experience doing the bottom radiator line back to the engine block.