Return-Path:
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 03:50:25 -0600 (MDT)
From: owner-fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net (fordtrucks80up-digest)
To: fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net
Subject: fordtrucks80up-digest V1 #137
Reply-To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
Sender: owner-fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net


fordtrucks80up-digest Tuesday, September 30 1997 Volume 01 : Number 137



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 And Newer Trucks Digest
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe, send email to:
fordtrucks80up-digest-request listservice.net
with the word "unsubscribe" in the body of the message. For help, send
email to the same address with the word "help" in the body of the
message.
=======================================================================
In this issue:

Speedo calibration [hunter cyberstreet.com (Michael Kisielewski)]
Powerstroke Starting [Larry Smeins ]
Locked up driveline [Bakend aol.com]
Re: leaf springs ["Dave Resch"]
where's the fuel filter? [Mark Ponsford ]
RE: where's the fuel filter? [Steven McCullough
Got the PowerStroke!! Have a few questions [cfoye BayNetworks.COM (Chris ]
Jeg's Cat-Back [fwise juno.com]
Spark Plug Recommendations [Jim Perkins ]
leaf springs ["Casey Vandor" ]
FW: Oil Filters ?... [Bob Scola ]
Re: FW: Oil Filters ?... [Dan Simoes ]
Ranger Pickup Truck [prsr213 ameritech.net]
Re: where's the fuel filter? ["Ted L" ]
Re: Speedo calibration ["Steve Irving" ]
Re: Oil Filters ?... ["Steve Irving" ]
Re: Speedo calibration [William Smith ]
Re: FW: 5 speed for my truck? [bill gibson ]
Re: Ranger Pickup Truck ["Bradford S. Generous" ]

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

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

Date: Mon, 01 Sep 1997 11:51:40 -0400
From: hunter cyberstreet.com (Michael Kisielewski)
Subject: Speedo calibration

I recently purchased my '97 F-150 and was wondering if anyone could
answer a question I have. The truck has the off road package which comes
with 17" tires. I plan on keeping this truck for quite some time and
didn't want the expense of replacing them as part of the deal I had the
dealer replace the 17's with the 6 spoke 16" wheels and the Good Year
Wrangler RT/S tires. Because of the smaller tire I would venture to
quess that the speedometer would be off and along with that the odometer
also. This wouldn't be a bad thing if I went to a larger tire like most
people seem to be doing however I was wondering if I am able to have
this tested and if need be re-calibrated. I just spoke to a service rep
where I purchased the vehicle and they told me that none of the '97 F
series trucks have the ability to calibrate the speedo. Can anyone
verify this one way or another? Also any info on nerf bars that will
bolt on using existing holes would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for
any feedback.

1997 Prairie Tan F-150 XLT 4x4
Prairie tan interior
Captains Chairs w/ pwr drvrs seat
6 disc CD changer
Off Road Package
Tow Package
Sliding rear window(reachable)
Duraliner Bedliner
*Looking for nerf bars to bolt on using existing holes

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 09:52:59 -0600
From: Larry Smeins
Subject: Powerstroke Starting

>Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 23:31:16 -0700
>From: "peter.arnold.01"
>Subject: Power Stroke Starting

>First cool morning {40 degrees} and my truck didn't want to fire. It's
a '95 F->250.

>I suspect blown fuse or an open heating element.

>Any thoughts? I'd like to troule shoot on Saturday when it's warm
rather than >wait for
>COLD weather.

>Pete

Powerstrokes of the vintage of yours have a history of glow plug relay
failures. This is probably your problem. The Powerstroke will start
without the glow plugs down to about 50 degrees so it is possible the
relay failed sometime back. If you've got any warranty left take it to
the dealer. I don't know if the relay falls under the 100K warranty but
it probably doesn't. It would be worth an inquiry. Good luck on a low
cost fix.

Larry
If you don't care where you are, you ain't lost.

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 13:37:03 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bakend aol.com
Subject: Locked up driveline

Hi
Well, my 87 Ranger is back on the road with a rebuilt Xfer case, new clutch
and etc, motor mounts, tranny mount, carrier bearing, (over $1000 parts).
Transmission and Xfer case all looked good and clean. Still don't know why or
what locked up the transmission but all is like new now! Sure drives out
better now though! Will drive it awhile and let all know if it locks up
again.
Thanks to the list for all the help!
Dennis Baken

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 12:32:11 -0600
From: "Dave Resch"
Subject: Re: leaf springs

>From: "Casey Vandor"
>Subject: leaf springs
>
>I have an '83 3/4 ton 4x4. I am interested in putting 1 ton leaf springs
>on front and rear. DOes anybody know if they are the same size? We don't
>have a great tech dept. at our Ford dealership, they don't have a clue.
>Has anybody done this before? Any help is appreciated.
Leaf springs are the same size on F250 and F350 trucks from 1980 through
1985. In 1986, the F350 switched from the TTB front suspension to a live
axle, and the 1-ton front springs changed then.

On the fronts, there are only two choices for factory springs, on both
F250s and F350s: standard springs and heavy duty springs. The HD springs
were a factory option for snow plow or front mounted winch applications.
Both types are 2-leaf inverse elliptical springs (arched upward). The HD
springs use thicker leafs (about 1/2 inch thicker for the set); lengths and
widths are the same. If your front end is sagging, especially from extra
weight (big block engine, winch, big bumper, etc.), switching to HD springs
will cure it, as long as the springs you use are not tired out themselves.
Stock (unladen) ride height is about 1 inch higher w/ factory HD springs.
Ride quality is noticeably harsher w/ HD front springs.

On the rears, there were at least 4 different spring options, based on
vehicle GVW and package. The only difference is the number of leafs.
Lightest were 5-leaf sets (4 main + 1 overload) and heaviest were 8-leaf
sets (7 main + 1 overload). Lengths and widths are the same for all.
Height varies slightly w/ the heavier sets sitting slightly higher. Again,
heavier springs will produce harsher ride, unless they are appropriately
loaded.

The springs on my 1980 F250 4x4 are pretty tired after 17 years. I had
them re-arched a few years ago, but it proved to be a terrible waste of
money. Within 2 years, one of the rear leafs broke, w/out ever carrying a
heavy load or taking a severe bashing! If I had to do it over again, I'd
go for HD front springs, 7-leaf rears, and the Tuff Country 2.5" front TTB
lift (add-a-leaf for each side and drop brackets to bring the front end up
to level w/ the rear). An alternative, albeit more expensive, would be to
get custom made 3-leaf fronts w/ the appropriate lift arched in. More
leaves will yield a better ride quality because the springs can be more
progressive (i.e., less pressure to start deflection with higher pressure
later). It's not too hard to find custom spring makers to make anything
you want. You may have to search for quality, though.

Good luck,

Dave R. (M-block devotee)
1980 F250 4x4 351M

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 12:59:20 -0800
From: Mark Ponsford
Subject: where's the fuel filter?

I've got an '88 F150 302/5spd thats getting up near the 100K mark. I figure
It should be needing a new fuel filter in it soon. I popped the hood and
took a look around but I don't see anything that resembles a fuel filter.

Where's it hiding? Is there a separate filter for each tank?

TIA


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Ponsford Phone: (250) 721-7397
Email: mponsfor uvic.ca

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 15:29:59 -0500
From: Steven McCullough
Subject: RE: where's the fuel filter?

On my 1990, its mounted on the frame under the cab - about half way between the engine and the front tank
I don't know if the 88's are different - some need a special tool to disconnect the filter from the line
(but I think that is the later year models)

- -----Original Message-----
From: Mark Ponsford [SMTP:mponsfor uvic.ca]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 1997 3:59 PM
To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
Subject: where's the fuel filter?

I've got an '88 F150 302/5spd thats getting up near the 100K mark. I figure
It should be needing a new fuel filter in it soon. I popped the hood and
took a look around but I don't see anything that resembles a fuel filter.

Where's it hiding? Is there a separate filter for each tank?

TIA


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Ponsford Phone: (250) 721-7397
Email: mponsfor uvic.ca





+-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer --------------+
| Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net, |
| Send Unsubscribe requests to fordtrucks80up-request listservice.net |
+-- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ --+

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 14:12:38 -0700
From: cfoye BayNetworks.COM (Chris Foye)
Subject: Got the PowerStroke!! Have a few questions

Hey Guys,

Well, everything worked out and I was able to get an F350 crew with the
PowerStroke. I took it on it's first trip with boat in tow. I was very
pleased with the towing capabilities, hardly knew it was back there, it now
has 450 miles on it. First, fill up indicated about 11-12 miles to the
gallon, is this correct? Or do I have to wait for the motor to break in?
I only tow about 4500 lbs total with gear and I was at 65 most of the time,
the tac was at 2100 rpm. Also, are there any other things about the
PowerStroke I should be aware of?

Thanks,

A happy PowerStroke owner.

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 17:08:00 -0500
From: fwise juno.com
Subject: Jeg's Cat-Back

Greetings,

Jeg's lists a Dynomax cat-back exhaust system for my truck for only $77.
This seems to me like a great price. The blurb says it uses their Super
Turbo muffler and mandrel bent pipes (no diameter listed). Does anyone
have any experience with Dynomax systems and/or Jeg's? Thanks for your
input.

Fred Wise
94 Ranger Supercab 3.0L

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 15:43:00 -0700
From: Jim Perkins
Subject: Spark Plug Recommendations

I am getting ready to change the plugs in my '91 F150 351W and
wondered what the conventional wisdom was on spark plug choice. Should
I stay with stock Motorcrafts? Platinum plugs? Different heat range?
Any comments would be appreciated.

If it matters, the truck runs great and always has. Mileage isn't what
I would like but my sense is that this is true for most 351 owners and I
think I am right in what seems to be the range of normal.

TIA

Jim Perkins

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 16:52:28 -0800
From: "Casey Vandor"
Subject: leaf springs

About the leaf springs. I was told that leafs off a 1 ton will fit as long
as they are the same width. Does anybody out there have an '83 (or close
to 83) F-350? If so, would you please tell me the width of the front and
the rear springs. Thanks again!
Casey

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 18:37:28 -0700
From: Bob Scola
Subject: FW: Oil Filters ?...

> On the Toyota list I s*bscribe to; one topic of religious opinions is
> that of Toyota Oil Filters vs. aftermarket (usually Fram)...
>
> My question to this list is what is the Oil Filter brand of choice for
> gasoline Ford Trucks. Is there any reason why I should pay the extra
> bucks to the Ford parts man instead of using a Fram? Anyone like any
> other aftermarket brands?
>
>
> thanx
> Bob
>
> '97 Explorer XLT

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 22:06:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: Dan Simoes
Subject: Re: FW: Oil Filters ?...

Last time I looked, WalMart had gen-you-wine Motorcraft filters
that look exactly like those used at the dealer for
something like $2.98...
- --
Dan Simoes dans ans.net
ANS Communications http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://coimbra.ans.net/dans.html
100 Manhattanville Road (914) 701-5378 (voice)
Purchase, NY 10577 (914) 701-5310 (fax)

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 21:17:37 -0600
From: prsr213 ameritech.net
Subject: Ranger Pickup Truck

I currently own a Ford F150 regular cab XL, with a 8ft box and 2wd, a
'93 model. Has anyone had any experience with Ford Ranger's? I have
been looking at the new '98's, and one that caught my eye was a reg. cab
4wd with the 4.0 V6 engine. Thinking about downsizing because I just
don't need that big of a truck anymore. Any info. would be appreciated.
Thank You.

Paul

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 22:30:42 -0400
From: "Ted L"
Subject: Re: where's the fuel filter?

Under the drivers side door area on the frame rail. Be careful removing it,
since it's under pressure. You'll get an unhappy splash of gas in the face
if you're not careful. The filter is sorta the size of some modern car oil
filters. Haven't replaced one in years now, but last one I bought cost was
around $9.00 .

In ref to the fuel tank, there's an additional filter inside it, that only a
service mechanic would want to access if he was working on the fuel pump
inside the tank. Another reason they tell new owners not to run their fuel
tank empty.

Later,

Ted
mailto:tlister netcarrier.com

From: Mark Ponsford
Subject: where's the fuel filter?
>I've got an '88 F150 302/5spd thats getting up near the 100K mark. I figure
>It should be needing a new fuel filter in it soon. I popped the hood and
>took a look around but I don't see anything that resembles a fuel filter.
>
>Where's it hiding? Is there a separate filter for each tank?
>TIA
Mark Ponsford

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 19:29:55 -0700
From: "Steve Irving"
Subject: Re: Speedo calibration

Check your owners manual, the book in the glove compartment of my 1996 F-150
says that the speedo is programable (by the dealer, naturally). And that if
I change to a different size tire I need to take it in for a program change.
Bad news is that is can only be re-programmed so many times (5 or 6??).

- -----Original Message-----
From: Michael Kisielewski



>I recently purchased my '97 F-150 and was wondering if anyone could
>answer a question I have. The truck has the off road package which comes
>with 17" tires. I plan on keeping this truck for quite some time and
>didn't want the expense of replacing them as part of the deal I had the
>dealer replace the 17's with the 6 spoke 16" wheels and the Good Year
>Wrangler RT/S tires. Because of the smaller tire I would venture to
>quess that the speedometer would be off and along with that the odometer
>also. This wouldn't be a bad thing if I went to a larger tire like most
>people seem to be doing however I was wondering if I am able to have
>this tested and if need be re-calibrated. I just spoke to a service rep
>where I purchased the vehicle and they told me that none of the '97 F
>series trucks have the ability to calibrate the speedo. Can anyone
>verify this one way or another? Also any info on nerf bars that will
>bolt on using existing holes would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for
>any feedback.
>

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 19:40:15 -0700
From: "Steve Irving"
Subject: Re: Oil Filters ?...

Wellll.........I used Fram filters for years on my Chevy's. never had a
problem. Then I bought a new 1996 F-150......
First Fram filter I used on it leaked, replaced it with another Fram, leaked
again. Replaced it with a Motorcraft....perfecto.
I've used only Motorcraft filters on it ever since.
Ford just pulled a deal with aftermarket distributors (Autozone,
etc..)....Motorcraft parts are no ONLY available through the dealer. Good
news is that Ford is offering much better prices to the dealers, so the cost
should be comparable to what we were seeing aftermarket.

Oh yeah.....my wife's 1997 Mercury Villager has "accepted" Deutsch oil
filters quite well.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Bob Scola



>> On the Toyota list I s*bscribe to; one topic of religious opinions is
>> that of Toyota Oil Filters vs. aftermarket (usually Fram)...
>>
>> My question to this list is what is the Oil Filter brand of choice for
>> gasoline Ford Trucks. Is there any reason why I should pay the extra
>> bucks to the Ford parts man instead of using a Fram? Anyone like any
>> other aftermarket brands?

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 23:00:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: William Smith
Subject: Re: Speedo calibration

I believe you could buy a computer chip for your truck from a company like
Hypertech and you can dial in new tire sizes and gear changes, etc. I
believe they have them for 1997 F-150's. I know they make them for
Chevy's and GMC's.
Willdogg

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 22:13:06 -0700
From: bill gibson
Subject: Re: FW: 5 speed for my truck?

Ron Madurski wrote:
>
> I tried this question on the fordnatics but got 0 responses. Hopefully you
> guys will have some input.
>
> I am going to be replacing the rear main seal (at least it used to be a
> seal) and am wondering if there is a 5 spd manual tranny that will bolt in
> there. It is an 85 F250 Diesel 4x4 Ext. Cab long bed with a 6.9 L Diesel.-
L
Ron I've done a bit of research & this is what seems to work.The
ZF 5spd won't bolt directly in but the mods are not impossible.Here in
Canada the price for the tranny(at a rebuild shop) is around 2400$ .They
say that fitting up the driveline will cost 600 more.
Rebuilding the old 4 spd costs ~2000.
Get a late model ZF if possible since the old ones can't stand
the gaff when hauling loads.
I'd love to hear more about your truck , how many miles , type of
use etc.
Cheers
Bill Gibson
Tees , Ab , Canada
85 F250 6.9

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

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 23:44:22 -0500
From: "Bradford S. Generous"
Subject: Re: Ranger Pickup Truck

Hey Paul, I used to own a 95' with a 4 cyl and absolutely hated it. I
didn't have enough power to get out of its own way. I traded it in for a 95
full size extended cab w/5.8 and love this truck. I talked to some friend
of mine that own rangers and they said that the 4.0L is the only way to go.
I cant say myself because I have never driven one, but if you do get a
ranger, stay away from the 4 cyl.

Hope this helps,

Brad

- ----------
> From: prsr213 ameritech.net
> To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
> Subject: Ranger Pickup Truck
> Date: Monday, September 29, 1997 10:17 PM
>
> I currently own a Ford F150 regular cab XL, with a 8ft box and 2wd, a
> '93 model. Has anyone had any experience with Ford Ranger's? I have
> been looking at the new '98's, and one that caught my eye was a reg. cab....

---

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.