I have a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT, 3.0 V-6 and want to do a tuneup. Will someone please give me a list of what parts I should get to accomplish this task?

Appreciate your advice and assistance.

 

On a 1996 3.0l Vulcan engine just replace and gap spark plugs, use regular copper or DOUBLE platinum, never single platinum

You can replace spark plug wires if you want, they usually last 15 years or so, WATCH THE FIRING ORDER!!!!

Unless you have a steady misfire the coil pack is probably OK

Fuel filter should be changed every 5 years or so

Air filter should be checked

 

OK, since posting my earlier thread about doing a tuneup I have went to AAMCO transmissions concerning getting my transmission serviced. I am only considering doing this because when shifting (automatic) I get a small "jerk" when shifting from first to second. Here is what the guy told me:

He asked when the last service was. I couldn't tell him but I did say the fluid is dark, not pink or redish pink. He said that a flush and new fluid "could make things worse" as when the fluid is not changed on a regular basis the fluid becomes like a "glue" inside the tranny that holds things together. A change in fluid could flush all that "glue" away and cause the tranny to fail. BUT, it may not cause any issues, he just could not say but wanted me to know every possibility.

Would I be wise to add one of those additives that says it will smooth shifting and hope for the best as I do not have a clue how long it's been since the tranny was serviced. There doesn't seem to be any other issues with the tranny and shifting, just that little Jerk when it shifts the first time.

 

If putting in new fluid or flushing an automatic causes it to fail, or causes anything bad at all, then your transmission was on borrowed time anyway

If you tighten your old squealing fan belt and it breaks in a few days was tightening the reason it broke, no, while you may want that to be the reason, it ain't, lol, for sure

A lot of times people try to read in a "cause and effect" into things that aren't there
Many times people ignore their automatics until there is a problem, then they take it in for service and maybe a flush, a day or a month later there is a bigger problem, "must have been the service work", lol, "hey it could happen", no, no it can't, there was a problem that servicing couldn't solve
You can't fix a flat tire but just adding more air, you have to fix the leak then more air would help

The trans additives are fine to use, they are all friction modifiers and have a chemical that can swell gaskets and seals a bit to help seal off leaks, they can help but they are not a FIX