I'm not so good at wording but here goes..
Just in the 1st hour I've already begun studying this form in preparation for the resolutions of all the issues and updating all the general maintenance.
I'm told this was a former corporate car and garage kept , however the last driver was the gentleman's 17 year old daughter who kept it spotless but obviously knew nothing of proper maintenance or gas etc.
I run nothing but premium gas in it (specifically Speedway) because this gas makes it idle UPHILL !
And not just this car but also my 92 Jeep Cherokee 4.0l ! (I have never had this happen before)
I strenuously suggest you all try it !
And as a US Navy shipboard veteran I'm all about preventive maintenance(proper maintenance to me).
So ty so much for all your help and I'll keep you posted !
Since several of my issues have already been answered...sometime today or this week , I'm going to check out the AC and the headlight issues following your instructions.
The information here is awesome !
I'll keep you ladies and gentlemen "posted" as to my progress.
As a new member I understand that I must have 10 posts in 3 days so I don't want to be mistaken for a posting hog(lol)
Also ... feel free to reach out to me with any other suggestions of what to look out for..
Smooth sailing everyone

 

Welcome my brother in arms (retired ETC(N)/SS here). There is a lot to learn about your kitty. But, like you have found out, this place can help you out.

Since you just got the car, do some of the vitals first and then work your way down the list. Start with a new fuel filter, oil change, and general fluid top off. That will get you through the next few months.

From there, I would say to next move on to the suspension and brakes (if you have the go, you need the whoa now). A basic brake inspection/repad (as needed) is a must. Then I would also look at the rear suspension for worn parts Also pay special attention to the rear e-brake. You will find that your e-brake system is either going to be trouble free or something you will be working on atleast once a year. Applying the e-brake will tell you a lot. If you feel like you can take the e-brake handle to the roof, problem. It should only come up a few inches and then stop due to resistance. If you need help with this, let me know. I fought mine and learned all the tricks. The other suspension thing I would tell you to do is to find a long curving onramp (like a cloverleaf). Take it at about 20ish mph and then in the middle of the turn, step on the gas like you would be passing someone (keeping things within reason). If the rear end feels like it is going to come around on you (it won't, but you will think it), then your lower/forward arm on the rear suspension needs replaced. If the tops of the rear tires are leaning in, odds are you need new upper arms (if so, look up "Thermo's adjustable arms", lots of people have upgraded to these).

From there, you can slow down some. If you are contemplating new spark plugs, this would be a good time to do the upper and lower intake gaskets (if buying gaskets, your local auto parts store has them, just ask for the gaskets for the same year Lincoln LS with a 3.0L engine). It is a few more bolts to get to the lowers, but will save you a lot of time later if/when you would have developed a vacuum leak. This would probably be a good time to also replace the IMT valve o-rings. Probably a good time to contemplate the valve cover gaskets too. (f you see any oil in the plug wells at this point, spend the extra money and do it now, otherwise you wlll be back in there shortly. Not a hard job, but will take you a few hours to do.

Stick with this initial list and then go from there. By the way, the "10 post requirement" is only to allow you to start posting private messages to other members and there is no "within XX days" requirement. If anything, you will not be able to send PM's within 3 days of signing up, regardless of the number of posts that you submit. So, sit back, grab a beer, think about the "good ol' salty days" and enjoy your new kitty. Lord knows I am enjoying my 2012 XJ (who says military retirement can't be good).