Originally Posted by lsmalley

I keep a log of what was replaced, when it was replaced, and how many miles is on the odometer when it was replaced. I've owned the car since '05 so nearly 20 years, so I have done pretty much only normal wear items. I did have the transmission replaced in 2013 with a used one and also in 2021 with another used one, both times the reverse was gone. That is the only major repair/replacement I had to do. A/C compressor, water pump, alternator, tensioner were replaced a few times. PS pump was resealed twice, steering gear box resealed twice. Center bearing on driveshaft replaced a few times (Uro parts premature failure). Replaced a rear axle with a good used one, courtesy of W123fanman, because I ended up stripping the end threads on the axle nut end. Pretty much all rubber has been replaced at some point or another, but other than the valve stem seals, I never had to open up the engine at all. The only reason I had to replace it was because a connecting rod bearing was worn due to low oil from a failed dash light. By the time I did the troubleshooting, the oil pressure had already been declining. So instead of fixing it, which would require the engine removal anyways, I just let it go and drove it until it gave up on me.....long stretch of highway doing about 75 in a rural area. I heard the rod knocking sound change and then I decelerated because I knew something bad had happened and then car temp started going up as I was pulling over and I saw steam. When I popped up the hood I could see coolant pouring out of a hole in the freeze plug. Something had went through it and made a small hole in it. That was it. I already had the 3.0L on standby at home. I have 1 other 3.0L and two 2.6L as well. So I can resurrect this car another 2-3 times if I need to.