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Yes I have used both and the Triax is definitely better. The first change was Mercon LV, the next was Valvoline and both were dark at the change. The Next two were Triax and it was in much better shape at the drain.

I have changed the fluid on mine (a 2014) 4 times in 130000 miles, the fluid on the first two drains was very dark both times. The next two were done with Triax Global. The fluid was in much better condition. Drain and fill 3 times gets over 90% of the fluid to exchange.

How is the body? When a cam belt goes on a diesel engine the engine get really damaged, so it could cost a lot. The real question is how good is the TC and what is the replacement cost of comparable Van?

If you turn the heater to the off position does the fan shut off? If it does not find the fan relay and pull and test it.

Again Don is correct about the trouble shooting process. Does the fan never shut off ? does it go off and on with the door?

You are correct.

You need to get a scan with either a high end scanner that covers the transmission or get forscan that will also give you the information. You can test drive the car and record all the shifts and converter lock ups. Keep us posted.

Do you feel the shudder off Idle under power? Does it affect the drive-ability? Have your friend scan it again and see if the miss is still no 3 If so a compression test is in order and a good dose of injector cleaner in the next tank of gas. Cleaning the MAF sensor will not hurt. The O2 sensor would affect all the cyl not just no3.

A good scan tool will let you see the boost pressure. If the engine had good power before the head gasket then some part of the pluming is not assembled correctly . Check how the waste gate is hooked up and see if the wiring or the pluming is ok. If the waste gate is stuck or hooked up wrong you will get no boost pressure. Let us know what happens .

-5 C? well If you have access to electrical power then a block heater would be the easiest .As the engine wears there is less cold compression and it takes more time for the glow plugs to heat the cylinders . What is the cycle time of the glow plugs? Cycling the glow plugs several time when it is cold is not a bad thing, do it be for you crank the engine the first time in the morning.

If the bolt circle of the hub cap and the wheel are the same you need this type of lug nut.

If the bolt circle is the same these are the Lug nuts you need Ford crown Vic Lug nuts 1jpg

The factory hitch and the aftermarket hitch are constructed differently . On a factory hitch the tow hook position is no longer usable.

does it shift down, how many miles, a converter back pressure test would be helpful.

The way I lowered mine was put 1500 lbs of stuff in it, fixed the arch space .

Definitely the Hitch. The Tow hook is to get you out of the ditch with limited damage to the vehicle. If the vehicle damage is slight, drive on, if not Ramp Truck.

With the current price of used trucks you will get the truck repaired , just a huge pain in the ass. Too bad You are in California. Did they get both converters? It would be much cheaper here. Keep us posted. Do you have any pictures. Are they going to put on some protection?

It would not be an easy task as the rear of the engine is under the windshield cowl. The best way is to get the car up high enough to access them from underneath . You will need an Oxygen sensor socket to get them to move , use good Never-seize when you put them back.

We don't have diesels here so I have limited info. Have you or your tech put a good scantool on the TC ? There should be a way to cycle the Glow plugs. Do you have a PDF of the owners manual? That might help.

There are lots of wheels with bearing in those doors and a shot of oil once in a while will make a difference. If you live in a state that has snow and as a result salt and sand keep an eye on the bottom track. It is subject to rust and dirt build up.

That is not the best news, I guess that it is another thing that we will have to start worrying about. The California converters are made to a higher standard and are worth more money. You have had that truck for along time do you still have the right insurance to help you cover it?

If it pulls to the right then the Passenger side tire is holding line and is scrubbing. The out side of the front tires will wear more if the cornering is aggressive . If the car is sitting level and evenly loaded you should find a shop that can do an accurate toe in adjustment , one with a good scrub gauge would be the best.

If your TC is a 2.5 the O2 sensors are at both ends of the Converter which is the lowest part of the exhaust manifold.

Just watched a video of a water pump change on the 2.5. The person doing the change broke the water pump while removing it, too much in a hurry, the way it was removed could crack the cover if you are not careful. Where is the crack located hopefully not to near the timing cover. The core support will come out of there . How bad is the leak I might try Barr's block sealer first you might be lucky. It might be time for a different Mechanic.

As an after thought if you install one of these sway controls it will enhance the safety and towing experience alot. All my trailer's have these .