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Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:00:35 -0600 (MDT)
From: owner-fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net (fordtrucks80up-digest)
To: fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net
Subject: fordtrucks80up-digest V1 #84
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fordtrucks80up-digest Friday, August 29 1997 Volume 01 : Number 084



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 And Newer Trucks Digest
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe, send email to:
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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:

Re: ford clutch problem ["Philip A. Johnson" ]
Re: abs brakes [Bill Funk ]
Re: wiring (again) [PhilDyson aol.com]
ADMIN: DO NOT QUOTE THE DIGEST!!!! ["Payne, Kenneth"
Re: Manual Transmission Choices [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
Re: F350 brakes [wiandt coastalfcu.org (Larry Wiandt)]
Re:1998 Ranger Tranny [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
Re: F350 brakes [Paul Laughlin ]
Re: Bronco II stuff [PDupont105 aol.com]
Manual Transmission gears ratios [Ken Miller ]
HUH ["DAVID MUMMERY" ]
Re: abs brakes ["C. E. White III" ]
Re: abs brakes [zeb utalk.org (Lamar Zabielski)]

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

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 07:10:47 -0500
From: "Philip A. Johnson"
Subject: Re: ford clutch problem

I have seen where the fire wall has cracks in it where the cluth pedal
mounts to. When you push the clutch down, the fire wall moves. Take a
good look at that first. I have had about 20 of these so
far.fordtrucks80up-digest wrote:

> fordtrucks80up-digest Friday, August 29 1997 Volume 01 :
> Number 083
>
> ==========
> ============================================================
> 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:
>
> Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem ["Mark J. Salvetti"
> ]
> Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem [Chris Kelly
> ]
> Gasoline FAQ [Ken Payne
> ]
> F350 Brakes [Sheila Goodson
> ]
> wiring (again) ["Casey Vandor"
> ]
> Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem ["warren"
> ]
>
> =================
> =====================================================
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 22:24:15 -0400
> From: "Mark J. Salvetti"
> Subject: Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem
>
> A couple of days ago I posted a reply to Bill Street's shifting
> problem. =
> I have a 1986 F-150, 5.0L, 4-spd OD tranny. I was in the middle of
> the =
> clutch replacement that the dealer diagnosed, and said I'd post an =
> update.
>
> Well, the new clutch is in, but I still have the same problem. Damn.
> =
> It's hard to shift into 1st, 2nd, and otherwise has acted like the =
> clutch didn't fully release. With the truck still up on jackstands, I
> =
> can push it into first, and with the clutch out (peddle to the floor)
> =
> the rear wheels spin.
>
> I guess that just leaves the hydraulic system. My Haynes says clutch
> =
> release lever travel is supposed to be 0.53 inches. Mine is about
> 0.6. =
> I pointed this out to the dealer, because that seemed awfully close to
> =
> the minimum, but they said it was OK. =20
>
> I'm going to try to talk them into selling me the parts at cost or
> with =
> very little markup to make up for the misdiagnosis. I think Ford made
> =
> this model truck so that you have to replace the slave and the master
> =
> cylinder together (about $200 at my local aftermarket parts store). =
>
> There sure doesn't seem to be any way to disconnect the line to the =
> slave (I'd like to just try replacing the slave first).
>
> Open to any suggestions or advice.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Mark Salvetti
> 1986 F-150
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 22:36:54 -0400
> From: Chris Kelly
> Subject: Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem
>
> Mark J. Salvetti wrote:
> >
> > A couple of days ago I posted a reply to Bill Street's shifting
> problem. I have a 1986 F-150, 5.0L, 4-spd OD tranny. I was in the
> middle of the clutch replac
> >
> > Well, the new clutch is in, but I still have the same problem.
> Damn. It's hard to shift into 1st, 2nd, and otherwise has acted like
> the
> clutch didn't fully r
> >
> > I guess that just leaves the hydraulic system. My Haynes says
> clutch release lever travel is supposed to be 0.53 inches. Mine is
> about 0.6.
> I pointed this o
> >
> > I'm going to try to talk them into selling me the parts at cost or
> with very little markup to make up for the misdiagnosis. I think Ford
>
> made this model truck
> >
> > Open to any suggestions or advice.
> >
> > Thanks in advance!
> >
> > Mark Salvetti
> > 1986 F-150
> >
> > +-------------- 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/
> --+
>
> Is your engine idling at the correct speed! If its idling fast it will
>
> make it hard to shift into gears....espescially first and
> reverse....Have you checked the tranny fluid? I have a 94 and the only
>
> way I know mine is low is 2cd gear gets hard to shift....Its the
> highest
> gear in the transmission so its the first to become non lubricated!
> Otherwise I would have to believe it is the slave cylinder! Good luck!
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 22:57:18 -0400
> From: Ken Payne
> Subject: Gasoline FAQ
>
> Forgot who is was that asked about it, but **yes**!!!
> There will be a link to the gasoline FAQ added to our
> site. Also, someone sent me some photos of a test version
> of the new F250s, not a "spy" shot as it's sitting in
> a parking lot. Most of the front is covered up with
> what looks like plastic but you do get a sneak peak at
> the grill. This will soon go on the site as an item of
> interest.
>
> Give me time on the questions I ask for input on...
> I am indeed flooded with email!
>
> Ken
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 20:09:46 -0700
> From: Sheila Goodson
> Subject: F350 Brakes
>
> We are experiencing similar problems with our 89 F250; has 460; heavy
> duty set up with tow package.
>
> My husband has completely changed out the brakes, replaced the master
> cylinder and the power assist (doohickey) . Brakes seem great when
> they're bled out, but the minute you turn on the ignition, boom pedal
> hits the floor. Truck stops ok for a while but then it starts to get
> real mushy.
>
> Any help out there?
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 21:24:32 -0800
> From: "Casey Vandor"
> Subject: wiring (again)
>
> I was cleaning out my truck (first time for everything) and when I was
>
> >pulling stuff from under the seat, I found a large grey box with
> about
> >15-20 wires in a big bundle hooked into it. The truck is an 83 F-250
>
> 351W.
> > It has Duraspark ignition, and the brainbox for that is on the
> driver
> side
> >wheelwell. Does anybody know what this box is for? I don't have any
>
> >special options like A/C or anything, so what could this be for?
>
> Even though the truck is an '83 I have a computer? What does
> the computer
> control? The duraspark brainbox is on the drivers side wheelwell, the
>
> engine is carborated, (Motorcraft 7200 Varible Venturi) So I don't
> understand what the computer would be for.
> Any suggestions?
> thanks
> Casey
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 03:10:41 -0500
> From: "warren"
> Subject: Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem
>
> : Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 21:16:45 -0400 (EDT)
> : From: DanHolmes9 aol.com
> : Subject: Re: 90 Ranger Clutch Problem
> : I have the exact same problem with my 88 Ranger
> : 2.3 with the Mazda 5-speed. My truck has 150k on it and dosen't
> want
> to
> : shift to first like you said, and grinds into reverse. I agree with
>
> Andy
> : about the pressure plate. The clutch just dosen't seem to release
> all the
> : way.
> I experienced the same on a 92' 2.3L with the 5-speed, except I did
> not
> have the luxury of contemplating what to do, as mine went away in
> about
> a one week time span at 64k miles. It turned out to be a throw-out
> bearing which pretty much exploded and took out everything in it's
> path. I would check it soon, if it goes like mine did (under full
> acceleration) it won't be cheap.
> - -----------
> Warren Kurtz
> wkurtz sky.net
> Ford Ranger Fans On-Line
> http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.sky.net/~wkurtz
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of fordtrucks80up-digest V1 #83
> ***********************************
>
> ===================================
> ===================================
> Ford Truck Enthusiasts
> Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
>
> ======================================================================

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 06:10:06 -0700
From: Bill Funk
Subject: Re: abs brakes

> Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 12:33:27 -0400
> From: "C. E. White"
> Subject: Re: fordtrucks80up-digest V1 #81
>
> Larry Smeins wrote:
>
> > A comment on your feelings about ABS. First, IMHO a well
> > designed ABS system is worth its weight in gold. I drive a 10 year old
> > German car with Bosch 4 wheel ABS and it has saved my ass more than
> > once.
>
> I have the opposite opinion of ABS. My feeling is that 4 wheel anti-lock
> brakes are not particularly valuable unless you are a skilled driver.
> Most tests I am aware of show that cars with 4WABS actually have
> stopping distance slightly longer than cars without ABS Brakes. 4WABS
> brakes do allow you to steer while braking hard, but most people don't
> have the skill to use this to their advantage. US insurance studies show
> no advantages for cars with 4 wheel anti-lock brakes (i.e., damage and
> injury claims are the same as for cars without anti-lock brakes). I
> think 4 wheel anti-lock brakes are expemsive, complicated and mostly not
> useful. If I had the choice I would not have them on my current
> Expedition. I do think the rear anti-lock brakes on pick-ups are a good
> compromise. They should keep the rear wheels from locking during a panic
> stop. This will keep the rear end from coming around during a panic stop
> while the truck is empty. With only the fronts locked, you will stop
> straight ahead in the shortest possible distance.

I don't know which studies you are reading, but almost all studies show
that, on most road surfaces, ABS systems will stop a vehicle in a
shorter distance than all but the most experienced driver can without
it.
The most probable reason that ABS-equipped vehicles don't show a drop in
accidents is because the drivers simply take the ABS into account, and
push the envelope that much further.
In pickups (or any vehicle), locked brakes make for longer stopping
distances than tires that aren't locked, but are just on the verge of
locking up.
I have a '91 F-250, and a '92 Explorer Sport, both with ABS. I hardly
ever get to use the ABS, because, by long-ingrained habit, I modulate
the brakes when braking hard. With 2-wheel ABS, this will give me a
shorter stopping distance than simply tromping on the brakes, as well as
providing steering control, which is absent with locked front tires.
You're not alone, though. Many drivers don't see any advantage to ABS,
because they never learned how to properly modulate theyr brakes, and
never actually took the time to compare different braking techniques
under controlled (non-emergency) conditions (present company excepted,
of course).

- --
Bill Funk
President, ASCII User Group
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.starlink.com/~ascii

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 10:21:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: PhilDyson aol.com
Subject: Re: wiring (again)

In a message dated 97-08-29 01:48:10 EDT, Casey wrote:


computer
control? The duraspark brainbox is on the drivers side wheelwell, the
engine is carborated, (Motorcraft 7200 Varible Venturi) So I don't
understand what the computer would be for.
Any suggestions? >>

I've seen this before on an 83 F150. I'm no expert and this was a junked
vehicle that I was parting out. I believe your duraspark module does nothing
but kick the coil. If you look at your harmonic ballancer you'll see it has
slugs on the back (looks like teeth) and on the timing chain cover (bottom
left) you will see a pickup coil. This wire goes to your computer to control
spark timing. There are probably others (sensors) but I didn"t look for
them. Your dist. is a hollow shell with nothing but a rotor and your
computer controls everything else. Of course this is my opinion, I may be
wrong, I didn't look it up. I wanted that distributor until I looked inside
it.
It also had the carb you described, looked like junk to me, cant have a
very high CFM rating. I'd put a Holley on it.
Hope this helps,
Phil

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 10:33:59 -0400
From: "Payne, Kenneth"
Subject: ADMIN: DO NOT QUOTE THE DIGEST!!!!

At 07:10 AM 8/29/97 -0500, you wrote:
>I have seen where the fire wall has cracks in it where the cluth pedal
>mounts to. When you push the clutch down, the fire wall moves. Take a
>good look at that first. I have had about 20 of these so
>far.fordtrucks80up-digest wrote:
>
>> fordtrucks80up-digest Friday, August 29 1997 Volume 01 :
>> Number 083
>>

- -snip-

To all digest members:

When replying to the digest, please take the time to trim it
to only the message you're replying to. Why send the entire
digest back out to everyone? This wastes bandwidth, causes
a new digest to get sent before it should and is a general
annoyance. This list member tried this twice. The first time
the service caught it and bounced it with a message saying
it was too long, the second time he try with a smaller digest
and it got through. He has been removed from the subscription
list for this.

Additionally, several people have been posting with MIME
binary attachments (which usually are only mirroring the text
of the message). As these occur, the user will get a warning
to reconfigure their mailer.

Ken,
Admin

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 10:55:26, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: Re: Manual Transmission Choices

Lou,

I'll answer your question easily. For '97, the 5.4L was only
available with an automatic transmission in the F150 or F250 (under
8500 GVWR). The 4.6 with 3.55s and a 5 speed should tow your boat OK,
but you will be much more satisfied with a F250 HD and a 5.8L or 7.
5L and a 5 speed. In an F250 HD, the tranny ratios are (1st thru
5th) 5.72, 2.94, 1.61, 1.00, and .76 OD. For the transfer case
ratios are 1.00:1 (high) and 2.64:1 (low). In the F-150 the tranny
gears are (1st thru 5th) 3.90, 2.24, 1.49, 1.00, and .80 OD. The
transfer case ratios are the same.

The F-250 HD has quite the granny gear that you are looking for, so I
would pick the F-250 HD.
You can get 4.10s with the F-250 HD. In my opinion, if you got the 7.
5L, 5 speed, 4.10s, and on low in the transfer case, you could
probably tear your house off the foundation. We have a '66 F250 with
a 352 and a 4 speed and 4x4. The first gear usually maxes out at 4
mph, so I never use it. We hell, I never drive the truck too much
anyway because it has 9300 original miles on it. Anyway, whatever
you choose, I hope my numbers helped. Write back for further
questions.

p.s. I pulled these numbers out of a 1997 Ford Truck Source Book
that we get as Ford dealers... NOT out of my ass.

Josh
KNBD87D prodigy.com

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 10:58:57 -0400
From: wiandt coastalfcu.org (Larry Wiandt)
Subject: Re: F350 brakes

> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 20:09:46 -0700
> From: Sheila Goodson
> Subject: F350 Brakes
>
> We are experiencing similar problems with our 89 F250; has 460; heavy
> duty set up with tow package.
>
> My husband has completely changed out the brakes, replaced the master
> cylinder and the power assist (doohickey) . Brakes seem great when
> they're bled out, but the minute you turn on the ignition, boom pedal
> hits the floor. Truck stops ok for a while but then it starts to get
> real mushy.
>
> Any help out there?
>
> ------------------------------

It seem that there are a number of problems with the Ford brakes. I
guess what I am experiencing is that under normal driving, they seem to
be fine. But if you get into a "panic" stop situation they just doesn't
seem to be enough, they don't fade, just seems that they should clamp
down harder. One other thing that bothers me is that, and I have tried
a couple of time, I can not get the brakes to lock up the wheels. It
has ABS and maybe that is the reason, never had abs before. Is that the
case? If so I REALLY hate abs and would like to know if I can disable
it and get better braking.
Anyway thanks for the comments, any more info would be really
appreciated

Larry

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 11:02:27, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: Re:1998 Ranger Tranny

Brian,

I am not sure yet if the tranny is different than past few years for
'98, but Ford promises smoother shifts if that helps any. I have a
'98 coming in about a week and a half. Its s reg. cab, 4x2, shortbox,
fully loaded with a 4.0L and a 5 speed manual, and a 3.55 LS axle.
I excited as hell to get the truck and I know it'll go like a raped
ape.
Josh

KNBD87D prodigy.com

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

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 18:11:20 -0700
From: Paul Laughlin
Subject: Re: F350 brakes

Larry Wiandt wrote:
>
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 20:09:46 -0700
> > From: Sheila Goodson
> > Subject: F350 Brakes
> >
> > We are experiencing similar problems with our 89 F250; has 460;
> heavy
> > duty set up with tow package.
> >
> > My husband has completely changed out the brakes, replaced the
> master
> > cylinder and the power assist (doohickey) . Brakes seem great when
> > they're bled out, but the minute you turn on the ignition, boom
> pedal
> > hits the floor. Truck stops ok for a while but then it starts to
> get
> > real mushy.
> >
> > Any help out there?
> >
> > ------------------------------
>
> It seem that there are a number of problems with the Ford brakes. I
> guess what I am experiencing is that under normal driving, they seem
> to
> be fine. But if you get into a "panic" stop situation they just
> doesn't
> seem to be enough, they don't fade, just seems that they should clamp
> down harder. One other thing that bothers me is that, and I have
> tried
> a couple of time, I can not get the brakes to lock up the wheels. It
> has ABS and maybe that is the reason, never had abs before. Is that
> the
> case? If so I REALLY hate abs and would like to know if I can disable
> it and get better braking.
> Anyway thanks for the comments, any more info would be really
> appreciated
>

I believe that the purpose of ABS brakes is to prevent the locking up of
the wheels so that the wheels do not break loose from the pavement and
cause a spin out. This is particularly dangerous on a pickup with no
load in the rear. (Breaking loose from the pavement, I mean)
Paul
'87 E350 Transvan Dually
460

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 15:29:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: PDupont105 aol.com
Subject: Re: Bronco II stuff

205/75/15's don't rub (the 75 doesn't seem to be a problem but I don't know
if the 235's would be any taller or not, shouldn't matter).

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:12:09
From: Ken Miller
Subject: Manual Transmission gears ratios

Josh,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are two different sets of ratios for
the manual transmission. 1 for gas and 1 for the diesel.

>From the Helm service manuual, 1997, there are two gear ratio patterns for
the S5-47ZF manual transmission (pp. 07-03-1)

Close Ratio 1 2 3 4 5 R
Diesel 5.08 2.60 1.53 1.00 0.77 4.66

Wide Ratio
Gas 5.72 2.94 1.61 1.00 0.76 5.24


This would explain why my rpms do not match some others with gas engines.

MK
******************************************************************
Ken Miller &Personal: KRMiller Vegas.Infi.Net
Kim FossWork: KMiller2 ci.Las-Vegas.NV.US
650 Whitney Ranch #3213W (707)229-4709 H(702)458-6529
Henderson, NV 89014Fax (702) 474-7463
******************************************************************

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

Date: Sat, 30 Aug 97 00:49:31 UT
From: "DAVID MUMMERY"
Subject: HUH

Here it goes again.
Ken why am I having such a hard time getting on the list now.
Some info
I am getting both lists
just today 8-29-97 I have started getting info on older trucks?
As far as I know I signed up for only the 80 up list. Granted I do have a 66
F100 w/460ci but it is in storage until I get my finaces in shape.
So what do I need to do? My (my brother's) computer is still saying that my
address is mobiledave msn.com.
I am getting messages but still cannot reply? Help???

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 20:58:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: "C. E. White III"
Subject: Re: abs brakes

>I don't know which studies you are reading, but almost all studies show
>that, on most road surfaces, ABS systems will stop a vehicle in a
>shorter distance than all but the most experienced driver can without
>it.

Well I can't quote a study without doing some research but I can report on
my old roomates experience at a BMW Driver's school. They stopped his BMW
(530i) both ways. It would stop much shorter with the ABS disconnected (on
dry pavement). The instructor could beat either a lock-up (no ABS) or a stop
with ABS on.

Can you quote your "studies".

Regards,

Ed White

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

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:00:32 -0600 (MDT)
From: zeb utalk.org (Lamar Zabielski)
Subject: Re: abs brakes

At 08:58 PM 8/29/97 -0400, fordtrucks80up ListService.net wrote:
>>I don't know which studies you are reading, but almost all studies show
>>that, on most road surfaces, ABS systems will stop a vehicle in a
>>shorter distance than all but the most experienced driver can without
>>it.
>
>Well I can't quote a study without doing some research but I can report on
>my old roomates experience at a BMW Driver's school. They stopped his BMW
>(530i) both ways. It would stop much shorter with the ABS disconnected (on
>dry pavement). The instructor could beat either a lock-up (no ABS) or a stop
>with ABS on.
>
>Can you quote your "studies".
>
>Regards,
>
>Ed White

Hi All,

Road & Track (July 1997) did a test of ABS (Mercedes-Benz [5000-lbs.]) under
ice, hard-packed snow, scarfed snow (uniform medium packed snow), fresh snow
on scarfed snow surface, gravel, sand, wet and dry. They used educated ABS
and educated Lock techniques also but recorded separately.

All these will be abbreviated (why is that such a long word? ) ABS,
Educated ABS = E-ABS, Educated Lock = E-Lock and Lock

Ice 20 MPH (8' window of confidence)

ABS 220'
E-ABS 222'
E-Lock 134'
Lock 136'

Hard pack Snow 30 MPH (12' window)

ABS 100'
E-ABS 120'
E-Lock 135'
Lock 119'

Scarfed snow 30 MPH (4' window)

ABS 94'
E-ABS 102'
E-Lock 108'
Lock 84'

....

---

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