Here's what I'd do:
Approve the serpentine belt repair plus pulley and arm. Its likely a
legitimate repair job. Do not approve the stablizer links and tie rod
links based on your distrust.

Take your vehicle to the other dealership next time you're doing a
basic oil change, and ask them to look at the tie rod links. Suggest
the last place you asked for a oil change told you they needed
replacement (imply a 3rd party, not a Ford dealership). If the dealer
agrees with that assessment, its probably legitimate, if not you know
who to trust in future.

Unfortunately until you find an honest mechanic you have to play these
machiavellian mind games. You can also take the down time to do your
own research, confirm what the symptoms of problematic rod links are
and try to diagnose yourself.

Note: suggesting air filter replacements is second nature to most
dealers, it doesn't qualify as a scam but its doubtful he actually
checked.


wrote:
> 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!