Was just hoping that someone might have an opinion as to whether my
dealer might be trying to take advantage of me. Dropped my 99 Explorer
XLT V-6 SOHC (69,000 miles) off at the dealer this morning for what I
thought was a slipping serpentine belt. Calls me a few hours later and
tells me that it was actually the pulley and arm (???) that controls
the tension in the belt and that it would be about $375 to fix. OK, I
think to myself, seems reasonable and I recall something similar on a
car I owned previously.

Then he tells me he noticed that I need new stabilizer links ($170) and
tie rod links ($200). Not what I was expecting, but it didn't seem
totally unreasonable given the age and mileage on the car. But what
made me start to question his honesty was when he told me I needed a
new air filter, transmission/differential fluid change, coolant flush,
etc. I've been religious about getting major services done at a Ford
dealer every 15K miles, so I know a lot of that was done at the 60K
mile checkup. He backed off on those items in a hurry when I mentioned
that the 60K service had been performed by their sister (same owner)
dealership in another town.

But the fact that he brought it up makes me question his overall
honesty and the need for the stabilizer links and tie rod end links.
Anyone have an opinion about the liklihood of those needing replacement
given the age/mileage of the vehicle? Most of my driving is of the
"short-trip" variety in NYC suburbs rather than highway. Thanks!