80-96-list-digest Wednesday, August 26 1998 Volume 02 : Number 296



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980-1996 Trucks and Vans
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe, send email to:
majordomo ford-trucks.com
with the words "unsubscribe 80-96-list-digest" in the body of the
message.
=======================================================================
In this issue:

FTE 80-96 - A/C problem
FTE 80-96 - Shocks/replacing the trans fluid
Re: FTE 80-96 - Shocks/replacing the trans fluid
Re: FTE 80-96 - A/C problem
FTE 80-96 - '89 5-Speed Trans
RE: FTE 80-96 - E4OD Computer
FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!
Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!
Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!
Re: FTE 80-96 - E4OD Computer
Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!
FTE 80-96 - '89 5-Speed Trans
Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!
FTE 80-96 - E-150 gas milage

=======================================================================

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 04:56:48 PDT
From: "Jorge Ramirez"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - A/C problem

Hello list...

Problem: My A/C won't go to the MAX position. The switch turns OK, but,
you know how the fan speed/output increases and it cools more when you
switch from NORM to MAX, well mine won't. The A/C doesn't get as cold as
it should because it never goes to MAX cool. Could it be a loose vacuum
connection, electrical, something in the FAN connection, ??? I don't
know much about anything, least about A/C systems.
Any help would be wonderful...

Thanks,


Jorge E. Ramirez


______________________________________________________
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 05:02:06 PDT
From: "Jorge Ramirez"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - Shocks/replacing the trans fluid

Questions: I will be replacing my front and rear shocks soon. What
brands are you guys using? Did you install yourself or did you have a
shop do it?

How easy/difficult is it to change the trans fluid and filter? I want to
also drain the torque converter. Hints,tips watch out fors, would be
very helpfull.

I have the Haynes manual, but it is close to useless.

TIA,

Jorge E. Ramirez


______________________________________________________
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 08:21:50 +0000
From: Garr&Pam
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Shocks/replacing the trans fluid

Questions: I will be replacing my front and rear shocks soon. What
brands are you guys using? Did you install yourself or did you have a
shop do it?

I have not tried them but some of the guys on the Lightning list really
like the new eldebrock shocks...they are pricey though about 75 bucks
each!

How easy/difficult is it to change the trans fluid and filter? I want to
also drain the torque converter. Hints,tips watch out fors, would be
very helpfull.

Dpends on the tranny. Mine has a drain plug on the converter, you have
to remove the dust pan to do this!

Chris 94 Lightning #381
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 06:58:05 -0500
From: John Randall
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - A/C problem

At 04:56 AM 8/25/98 PDT, you wrote:
>Hello list...
>
>Problem: My A/C won't go to the MAX position. The switch turns OK, but,
>you know how the fan speed/output increases and it cools more when you
>switch from NORM to MAX, well mine won't. The A/C doesn't get as cold as
>it should because it never goes to MAX cool. Could it be a loose vacuum
>connection, electrical, something in the FAN connection, ??? I don't
>know much about anything, least about A/C systems.
>Any help would be wonderful...
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>Jorge E. Ramirez


Jorge,

Your problem may be the outside door for the air supply is NOT closing,
(vacuum hose) and there by not allowing the recycling of your inside air. I
don't think that when you switch to MAX air you speed the fan up, instead I
think it's a result of the air staying in the vehicle and sounding like it
is running faster. (when you try to pump outside air, into a closed cab you
pressurize the inside as there is no place for the air to go.)

It could be a hose off, sticky/blocked door.

John in Stoughton

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 12:13:08 -0400
From: puttputt erols.com
Subject: FTE 80-96 - '89 5-Speed Trans

Several weeks ago I asked if this group thought the 5-speed in an '89
F-250 4X4 was a rolling disaster or not. I got a number of replies
suggesting replacement with a different unit, and one wondered if it
had enough oil in it.

That is a good question. Truck belongs to a friend who has declared it
to be a bad design because the output shaft/input shaft mating bearing
destroyed itself around 100K miles, resulting in a home rebuild. He does
mostly hiway miles in 5th gear. It has never been off road. He was
really POed when he found it was made by Mazda. The local cornfield
junkyard said they all went bad.
He could get a rebuilt trans for $1400 but he says it will just go bad
also.

The question remains. Is this a good transmission? Are all the other
F-250 trucks just waiting for it to fail? Were there any service
bulletins on it? Or recalls? Has anyone heard about it being a weak
design?
Thanks. Rich
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 11:31:55 -0600
From: "Giddens, Scott"
Subject: RE: FTE 80-96 - E4OD Computer

David,

In my opinion this is a lot of trouble for little benefit. I was forced
to take an E4OD in my truck, it is a very good automatic trany, the best
I've seen, but I would trade it for a five speed any day if it wasn't so
much trouble to switch out. Even if the 5 speed is shot it will cost you
less than one tenth the price to restore it as it would an E4OD. You
have to mess with the cooling lines, add an additional cooler, change
the fluid and filters (without a drain plug it just falls out onto the
floor, the biggest mess you could imagine), Reduced towing capacity, I
could go on and on, the list is endless. The only benefit is you don't
have to shift a lot or change a clutch every 30 thousand miles.

The E4OD is heavier and sticks out the bottom like a pregnant yak. The
off-road shield sticks down even further and shovels up dirt when
off-road and backing up. I am constantly hearing people complain about
it. They ask, "What the hell is that sticking out the bottom of your
truck?", "Doesn't it hit when you are 4 wheeling?" The answer of course
is yes.

And people don't flame me for this if you have an E4OD, it is just my
personal preference. If you think I am wrong, please tell me how to fix
it, don't call me names. I do not claim to know everything. If anyone
has a fix for the pregnant yak syndrome I would love to hear about it! I
think I read something some where about a kit to rotate the rear housing
or something, but maybe it was wishful thinking.

Later,
Scott

> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Sagers [SMTP:dsagers icarus.ci.west-valley.ut.us]
> Sent: Monday, August 24, 1998 4:59 PM
> To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: FTE 80-96 - E4OD Computer
>
> I want to put an E4OD in my '89 F350 which currently has a 5 spd.
>
> Does anyone make an aftermarket computer to control the transmission?
>
> Or, as a alternative, what's involved in retro fitting a computer for
> the E4OD. Currently, the FI is controlled by a factory computer.
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 12:28:20 -0700
From: "Rick Buchanan"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!

Hi All,

I need help in tracking down a very loud noise in my truck. (No its not =
the wife). It can happen at anytime, not associated with bumps or =
braking.
I'll just be driving along and POP! It seems to come from the right side =
of the cab. Its almost as if the windshield is being broken. Is loud =
enough to make you jump when it happens. I've looked around inside, =
pushed down on the dash and out on the windshield to try to make it happen =
but can't.
Has anyone had a similar problem? I need to get this fixed before the wife =
has a heart attack cause of this noise.

Rick Buchanan
92 F150 4x4 SuperCab


== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:47:13 -0400
From: "C. E. White"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!

This was common with 1992 F150's. Mine does it all the time. It has gotten better with age. There was a TSB on it, but I never really cared.

Rick Buchanan wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I need help in tracking down a very loud noise in my truck. (No its not the wife). It can happen at anytime, not associated with bumps or braking.
> I'll just be driving along and POP! It seems to come from the right side of the cab. Its almost as if the windshield is being broken. Is loud enough to make you jump when it happens. I've looked around inside, pushed down on the dash and out on the windshield to try to make it happen but can't.
> Has anyone had a similar problem? I need to get this fixed before the wife has a heart attack cause of this noise.
>
> Rick Buchanan
> 92 F150 4x4 SuperCab
>
> =FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:06:47 -0500
From: "Rick Wojciechowski"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!

Rick Buchanan wrote:

> Hi All,
> I need help in tracking down a very loud noise in my truck. (No its not the wife). It

Glad you said that. That would of been my first guess. :-)


> can happen at anytime, not associated with bumps or braking.
> I'll just be driving along and POP! It seems to come from the right side of the cab. Its almost as if the windshield is being broken. Is loud enough to make you jump when it happens. I've looked around inside, pushed down on the dash and out on the windshield to try to make it happen but can't.
> Has anyone had a similar problem? I need to get this fixed before the wife has a heart attack cause of this noise.


Rick,
Short term solution - Ear Plugs.

Need some more info. Is it speed related ? What speeds do you get this ?
Does it sound like its in the cab with you ? Does it sound like its under the
floor ? Does it sound like its behind you ? Does it sound like its in the engine
compartment ? Is there a floor vibration associated with this ? Does it always
sound with the same intensity and direction ? How about your 4wd. Does it
ever do it in 4wd ?
Can you describe the pop a little better. Does it sound like a fire cracker ?
A popping piece of wood burning ? Does it sound like a car backfiring ?
Any information would be helpful.

- --
Thanks,
Rick Wojo
'83 Fsize BRONCO,Stock I-6,"The BROWN BULL",33x12.5x15-Mud Blasters
'92 Mstng 5.0L
'95 eclipse-Wife's(For Sale)


== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 17:07:18 +0000
From: Garr&Pam
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - E4OD Computer

In my opinion this is a lot of trouble for little benefit. I was forced
to take an E4OD in my truck, it is a very good automatic trany, the best
I've seen, but I would trade it for a five speed any day if it wasn't so
much trouble to switch out. Even if the 5 speed is shot it will cost you
less than one tenth the price to restore it as it would an E4OD. You
have to mess with the cooling lines, add an additional cooler, change
the fluid and filters (without a drain plug it just falls out onto the
floor, the biggest mess you could imagine), Reduced towing capacity, I
could go on and on, the list is endless. The only benefit is you don't
have to shift a lot or change a clutch every 30 thousand miles.

The E4OD is heavier and sticks out the bottom like a pregnant yak. The
off-road shield sticks down even further and shovels up dirt when
off-road and backing up. I am constantly hearing people complain about
it. They ask, "What the hell is that sticking out the bottom of your
truck?", "Doesn't it hit when you are 4 wheeling?" The answer of course
is yes.

In your case it may not be the optimum tranny but what auto is good for
four wheeling! The E4OD is a great tranny and can be built to handle any
motor you want to build. I have never had problems out of the one in my
Lightning and yeah some do break...when superchargers come into the
equation but they can be bult to handle huge amounts of power, Guys on
the Lightning list are making some tremendous power and still have their
E4OD(some run 9 most 10-12s) might have one guy running an 8!
Chris
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 18:27:27 -0400
From: "Mike S. in FL"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!

Hi Rick: This sounds like the same thing I've got in my older F-350.
For some reason when I go over rocks or curbs or ??? the cab shifts
around a little too much but doesn't settle all the way back into
place. I'll be driving along and all of a sudden CRACK!! (POP?)
whichever, it's enough to scare you off of the road! Maybe that's it or
???

Mike S. in FL
'89 F-350 CC 7.3L 4x2 DRW

Rick Buchanan wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I need help in tracking down a very loud noise in my truck. (No its not the wife). It can happen at anytime, not associated with bumps or braking.
> I'll just be driving along and POP! It seems to come from the right side of the cab. Its almost as if the windshield is being broken. Is loud enough to make you jump when it happens. I've looked around inside, pushed down on the dash and out on the windshield to try to make it happen but can't.
> Has anyone had a similar problem? I need to get this fixed before the wife has a heart attack cause of this noise.
>
> Rick Buchanan
> 92 F150 4x4 SuperCab
>
> ˙FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: 25 Aug 1998 19:14:36 EDT
From: Hawk sktc.net
Subject: FTE 80-96 - '89 5-Speed Trans

80>Several weeks ago I asked if this group thought the 5-speed in an '89
80>F-250 4X4 was a rolling disaster or not. I got a number of replies
80>suggesting replacement with a different unit, and one wondered if it
80>had enough oil in it.
(snip)
80>Thanks. Rich

Hi Rich, I have the Mazda 5-speed in a F-150, bought new in 95 with 41K
miles. I changed the oil in it last week. The oil (Mercon) looked and
smelled like it had been hot. There was plenty of metal fuzz on the
magnetic drain plug. The bottom of the trans had a layer of black sooty
looking material, presumed to be oil additives falling out of
suspension. The oil in the drain pan had a metal flake look to it,
metal in the oil. This one will never see 100K.

Due to these findings, it is my opinion that this is a very light duty
trans, probably more suitable to a Ranger or small car. I can't believe
that Ford would put this in a full size pick up. I've minced words long
enough, I think it is junk.
Buck Shoff







== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 18:49:30 -0700
From: Brant Sawzak
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Tracking Down Pop!!

Possibly a spring bushing worn and slipping which would resonate into the cab. You might also check to see if it does it when the heat is on. The heat could cause plastic to expand and pop. Don't know for sure, just reaching out for answers!

Rick Buchanan wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I need help in tracking down a very loud noise in my truck. (No its not the wife). It can happen at anytime, not associated with bumps or braking.
> I'll just be driving along and POP! It seems to come from the right side of the cab. Its almost as if the windshield is being broken. Is loud enough to make you jump when it happens. I've looked around inside, pushed down on the dash and out on the windshield to try to make it happen but can't.
> Has anyone had a similar problem? I need to get this fixed before the wife has a heart attack cause of this noise.
>
> Rick Buchanan
> 92 F150 4x4 SuperCab
>
> =FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 18:52:22 -0700
From: Brant Sawzak....

---

To access the rest of this feature you must be a logged in Registered User Of Ford Truck Enthusiasts

Registration is free, easy and gives you access to more features.
If you are not registered, click here to register.
If you are already registered, you can login here.

If you are already logged in and are seeing this message, your web browser is blocking session cookies. Change your browser cookie settings to allow session cookies.