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Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 13:50:41 -0700 (MST)
From: owner-fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net (fordtrucks80up-digest)
To: fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net
Subject: fordtrucks80up-digest V2 #7
Reply-To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
Sender: owner-fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net


fordtrucks80up-digest Monday, January 5 1998 Volume 02 : Number 007



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 And Newer Trucks Digest
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=======================================================================
In this issue:

RE: 1999 f250 invoice question [Randy Rees ]
Rough ride [Randy Rees ]
Re: 1999 f250 invoice questions [Chad Royse ]
re: Salesmen shenanigans.... [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
Re: 1999 f250 invoice question [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
give em a brake - salesman [Daryl.Rue entex.com (daryl rue)]
Re: The Salesperson Debate ["David J. Baldwin" ]
re: Invoice on a 1999 [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
Re: Rough ride [alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)]
re: Salesman debate [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
1999 Front stabalizer bar [Daryl.Rue entex.com (daryl rue)]
re: give em a brake - salesman [KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)]
RE: Rough ride [Randy Rees ]
Re: V8 engines ["David J. Baldwin" ]
Below Invoice [Daryl.Rue entex.com (daryl rue)]
Re: Shocking F-150, AND Ford dealer mishaps. [Midwest96
RE: Rough ride [alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)]
Salesman [CASSIS universal.usa.com (Cassis, John)]
Car Salesman [CASSIS universal.usa.com (Cassis, John)]
RE: Rough ride [Randy Rees ]
RE: Rough ride [alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)]
RE: Rough ride [Randy Rees ]
Re: Salesman [bthomas Kollsman.com]

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

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 09:33:42 -0800
From: Randy Rees
Subject: RE: 1999 f250 invoice question

Yup, even the owners son (who works in finance) was amazed at the deal.
He said that was better than even he could have bought the truck. Here
may be a couple of the reasons. 1. end of the month incentives and
bonuses for total vehicles sold outweighed the loss in profit. 2. truck
was a trade from another dealership and other dealership may have paid
extra for the vehicle they traded for. 3. the truck did have 900 miles
on it, but was sold as new not a demo (which may be false as the
dealership it came from is only 400 miles away and the inside of the bed
was really scratched up). BTW I did not see the scratches until later,
they put in a ford Duraliner in it for me after the fact. (there's
another $300 I didn't account for)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chad Royse [SMTP:chadlyr ix.netcom.com]
> Sent: Sunday, January 04, 1998 6:50 PM
> To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
> Subject: Re: 1999 f250 invoice question
>
> How did you pull off $1500 under invoice? Even the A-Plan for factory
> workers is only $1000 under invoice. Oh, and the Superduty's will be
> '99
> models, however you can order them now. They should be in dealerships
> by
> March (98).
>
> Randy Rees wrote:
>
> > I just bought a 1997 F250HD Powerstroke 4x4 and bought it for $1500
> > under invoice. I also got a $1700 rebate on top of that. the dealer
> made
> > about $500 as the holdback for that particular truck is $2000
> (holdbacks
> > change almost daily, and are only in effect at the time the dealer
> > orders the truck). I actually saw the invoice and compared that to
> what
> > dealer cost should have been according to MS carpoint and Edmunds,
> wich
> > was within a few hundred dollars. And BTW it will be a while before
> you
> > see end of tyhe year incentives on the 1997 HD and F350's since new
> ones
> > won't be around until 1999.
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: rockinghorse webtv.net [SMTP:rockinghorse webtv.net]
> > > Sent: Saturday, January 03, 1998 8:04 AM
> > > To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
> > > Subject: Re: 1999 f250 invoice question
> > >
> > > Spoken like a true car calesman,Josh.In my own experience,there is
> a
> > > difference in making a living and screwing somebody. About a year
> > > ago,shortly after the intro of the Expedition,I went to my
> friendly
> > > neighborhood Ford dealership to drive one and took my 94 Bronco
> > > EB(potential trade- 24,000mi,super clean) with me.After the test
> > > drive,Offered them $34,000 for their Black XLT,4X4-the sticker was
> > > $38,400. They declined and said they would only accept an offer of
> > > $38,000.Then they further insulted me with an offer of $18,000 on
> my
> > > trade,which was clearly low by 2-3,000 bucks.Since then I've seen
> > > similar vehicles selling for a little less than I had offered that
> > > dealer.I left that dealership and went directly to the GMC
> > > dealer,still
> > > stunned and disbelieving of the experience I'd had.He infoemed me
> that
> > > for the same money or a little less,he'd gladly sell me a 4x4
> Suburban
> > > with a big block,simalarly equipped.You tell me where the problem
> > > lies.When you buy a non "big ticket item"you don't have to be
> > > concerned
> > > with the additional cost difference with interest ammortised over
> the
> > > loan duration.Not so with auto purchases.The intent of this post
> is
> > > not
> > > to flame you personally,but dealerships in general.You've heard
> the
> > > horror stories yourself.Oh yeah,lest anybody accuse me of
> traitorous
> > > behavior,we are still driving(and very much enjoying) our 94
> > > Bronco.The
> > > fact that Ford chooses not to produce them anymore,is their loss
> IMHO.
> > > Randy
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer
> > > --------------+
> > > | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net,
> > > |
> > > | List removal instructions on the website.
> > > |
> > > +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com
> > > -----------------+
> > +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer
> --------------+
> > | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net,
> |
> > | List removal instructions on the website.
> |
> > +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com
> -----------------+
>
>
>
> --
> Chad
>
> _________________________________________________________________
>
> Pursuant to US Code Title 47, Ch.5, Sub-ch.II, Sect.227(a)(2)(B), a
> computer/modem meet the definition of a telephone fax machine.
> Pursuant
> to Sect.227(b)(1)(C), it is unlawful to send any unsolicited
> advertisement to such equipment, punishable by action to recover
> actual
> monetary loss or $500, whichever is greater, for each violation. Any
> unsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a fee
> in the amount of $500US per occurance. E-mailing denotes acceptance
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> _________________________________________________________________
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> !! O I would rather be...
> \O/ _O _O #=\ ___ __ _ _
> __#__\#_\#____H_ \ | _ \__ _ / _| |_(_)_ _ __ _
> _ ( : \ \ : )(\ | / _` | _| _| | ' \/ _` |
> //~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|_|_\__,_|_| \__|_|_||_\__, |~~~~~
> || |___/
>
> New River - 1995, 1996, 1997
> Fall Gauley - 1997 x-StRe M!!
>
>
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer
> --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net,
> |
> | List removal instructions on the website.
> |
> +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com
> -----------------+

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 09:40:22 -0800
From: Randy Rees
Subject: Rough ride

OK, now that I have this beautiful new 97 F250HD PSD, it really rides
very harsh. It has the trailer tow package and HD rear suspension
package. What can be done to make this thing more civilized? I was
thinking to at least start with new shocks as the stock ones seem to be
overly stiff. Any other suggestions?

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

Date: Mon, 05 Jan 1998 12:49:06 -0800
From: Chad Royse
Subject: Re: 1999 f250 invoice questions

Here's how it worked for one of my co-workers. He went to Auto-By-Tel's (ABT) site
and did the Fast Trak, Chose Ford, entered his ZIP and finished the process. The
next day the 'authorized ABT Salesperson' from the nearest 'Authorized ABT Ford
Dealership' gave him a call. The salesperson told him that he would sell him
whatever truck he wanted at invoice because he went through ABT. He checked their
invoice and compared it to what he found on the Net and everything seemed in order.

Chad

daryl rue wrote:

> Does auto by Tel guarantee invoice, or do they tell you invoice, on the website
> they just tell you no hassle quote. I have a guy calling me today about it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Daryl
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net, |
> | List removal instructions on the website. |
> +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com -----------------+

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 13:16:43, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: re: Salesmen shenanigans....

Ken,

You should know better than to flame salesmen, especially when one or
more are on this list. Many of the problems you have with salesmen
has to do with the gullibility and blindness of the customer. Any
half-normal customer should be able to see hidden tricks coming from
a mile a way. If you think you are being robbed, go to the next
dealership.

To answer your question about why I am in this business, well I love
cars and trucks. I love to know everything about them and how they
perform. I also like to help people. If you have had problems like
this, why don't ya give me a shot to sell you a car without trying to
screw ya?

Josh Tenney
Lakeland Truck Center

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 13:29:32, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: Re: 1999 f250 invoice question

Randy,

I believe the reason for them not taking the offer was because they
knew they could get $38,000 right when they first came out. Now, I
bet you could make that deal no problem. Tey it once at a different
dealership.

Josh

ps. When certain trucks are hot sellers, dealers know they can make
good money off them, especially when they are rare....like
Expeditions were at first.

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 10:11:22 -0500
From: Daryl.Rue entex.com (daryl rue)
Subject: give em a brake - salesman

I am not a salesman. Give them a break. The are required to work very long
hours, and get paid average pay, especially when figuring hourly rates. Their
income and or success is almost entirely developed on how many sales, and or how
much their gross margin is on a vehicle. Think of it as putting in extra
effort, or volunteering for overtime.

Look at the aggressive salespeople as the hardest worker. Most eager to
succeed. The last time I checked we usually reward people for this. Do not
bash them for it.

Daryl in Omaha

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

Date: Mon, 05 Jan 1998 12:46:17 -0600
From: "David J. Baldwin"
Subject: Re: The Salesperson Debate

Laura Schnur wrote:
>
>
> I am a first grade teacher

My wife was a teacher--but finally gave it up. After the last year,
when a Charles Manson look-alike ran through the halls chasing screaming
children while waving a handgun looking for the "little scumbag that
hurt my kid", I think that was the last straw.

I've heard the stories, like five stolen purses, a turd found on the
floor (yeah, no kidding), bullet holes in the windows, screaming kids,
screaming parents of screaming kids (whoses children are little angels,
of course), screaming teachers and screaming principals. Then the local
drug runner is calling the house about his kid (hey, at least he CARED).

It's too much. The endless paper-grading, record keeping, lesson
planning. Unless you are a teacher (or know one very well), I don't
think that you can really appreciate the work involved. Not to mention
the pay, either! I don't know if you could pay me enough to endure the
abuse that you teachers do. I bet you've heard the one about how "you
ONLY work 9 months of the year, though". I don't know about you, but my
wife put out a year and a half worth of work in that 9 months--and spent
her own money on supplies, too!

> Josh - you are actually a very helpful, and thoughtful
> person when it comes to all of the discussion here on the board. Don't let
> thoughtlessness make you so mad

Personally, I think that Josh has taken too much abuse. I've seen him
provide many members with information on trucks. Certainly he can't be
expecting to benefit financially from his involvement--people aren't
going to drive cross-country to beat his door down for a new truck--he
clearly likes trucks and enjoys dealing with people. I'd say he's been
an asset to the group. Hope we haven't run him off.

Sure, I've encountered my share of shady salespeople, but I have noticed
something: at those dealers where I encounter the worst, I never see the
same salespeople the next time I'm shopping. I'm sure that the dealer
management has the same low opinion of their sales force that the public
does in those cases.

I do know that they aren't all snakes: I recently purchased a vehicle.
I did my homework. I got all of the options, checked out the rebates,
hit Edmund's and the like. I went to the dealer with my bottom line and
worked a deal (without a trade). They quoted me a price LOWER than what
my supposed "invoice" price was. Turns out that they had another rebate
going on that was not listed in Edmund's and they actually passed it
on! That was a surprise. Now if only the vehicle wasn't a piece of
junk, I'd say that I got a good deal!

I agree with those who say not to trade a vehicle in. They like to
shuffle the numbers around to confuse you into what you think is a good
deal--but may not be. On the other hand, I've sold vehicles
independently before, and can say that it sucks that way, too. You
advertise. People call. They say, "I'll be there at 7PM". You put
your plans on hold, and they never show. Then if they do show, they
want to burn a half tank of gas, and then you never hear from them
again.

- --
Best Regards,

Dave Baldwin
Dallas, TX
- --------------------------------------------------------------

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 13:49:27, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: re: Invoice on a 1999

Daryl,

Overall length of a F-250 crew cab long box is 257.6 inches without
the rear bumper. I'd suppose you could add another 4"-6" for a rear
bumper.

Josh

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 11:08:44 -0800
From: alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)
Subject: Re: Rough ride

> OK, now that I have this beautiful new 97 F250HD PSD, it really rides
> very harsh. It has the trailer tow package and HD rear suspension
> package. What can be done to make this thing more civilized? I was
> thinking to at least start with new shocks as the stock ones seem to be
> overly stiff. Any other suggestions?

Why do people brag about buying a TRUCK, the complain that it rides
like a TRUCK? If you want a soft ride, buy a car, or a boulevard
cruiser like an F150, or a toy truck!

Happy New Year All!!

- ---

Alan Hepburn | |
National Semiconductor | DON'T TREAD ON ME |
Santa Clara, Ca | |
alanh galaxy.nsc.com | |

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 14:05:37, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: re: Salesman debate

John,

You are right. It would be a lot easier if the final price was on
the sticker. Some consumers think that way and make sales people
happy. Some customers love to negotiate and see a big discount over
the MSRP price. I think that is the reason for it.

Josh

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 12:17:07 -0500
From: Daryl.Rue entex.com (daryl rue)
Subject: 1999 Front stabalizer bar

What is a front stabilizer bar, and is the $190 MSRP, worth it for that, wiring,
130 amp alternator(what for?) and hd battery.

I think the $150 MSRP for the receiver hitch is a good deal though.

Daryl

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 14:16:35, -0500
From: KNBD87D prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: re: give em a brake - salesman

Daryl,

Thank you for the complement. I'm glad there are some people out
there that see how long and how hard sales people work. For all of
you that question me, I am a full time student at college and a full
time truck sales rep. It amounts for a long day. :-)

Josh

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 11:43:51 -0800
From: Randy Rees
Subject: RE: Rough ride

Because its seems only us Americans can't figure out how to make
a truck that does what a truck is supposed to do but do it in a
civilized manner. If I wanted a rough ride I'd buy a Dozer or a Massey,
or some other godawful non suspension mode of transportation. Why if it
looks like a duck, and sounds like a duck and will do everything else a
duck will do does it have to waddle like a duck also? Besides if we left
it up to the factory to dictate what our trucks look and ride like, then
why is there a whole world of customized truck accessories available?.

> Why do people brag about buying a TRUCK, the complain that it rides
> like a TRUCK? If you want a soft ride, buy a car, or a boulevard
> cruiser like an F150, or a toy truck!
>
> Happy New Year All!!
>
> ---
>
> Alan Hepburn |
> |
> National Semiconductor | DON'T TREAD ON ME
> |
> Santa Clara, Ca |
> |
> alanh galaxy.nsc.com |
> |
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer
> --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net,
> |
> | List removal instructions on the website.
> |
> +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com
> -----------------+

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

Date: Mon, 05 Jan 1998 13:47:13 -0600
From: "David J. Baldwin"
Subject: Re: V8 engines

Duane J. Standaert wrote:
>
> I have a 81 Ford Mustang with the inline 200cubic inch 6 cylinder. I have plans
> on removing the 6 and puting in a V8. I was thinking of a 302 or a 351. I'm not
> sure if the 351 will fit or not. My question is which one should I go for and if
> anyone has one for cheap so I can rebuild it from scratch. Any opinions on how much
> I should pay, what speed goodies I should use, what I should look for and which V8
> I should go for would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah, I know it's not a truck, but what the heck.

Funny you should ask this question, but I was reading the Jan. '98 issue
of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, and someone wrote in asking what
needed to be done to convert to a 302 or 351. The car was a '79 coupe
with a 4 cylinder. The response is on pages 37 and 218 of that issue if
you are interested in picking it up. I would recommend it. They have a
lot of head/intake/stroker info this month that might help you decide
what you want to do.

In summary, they recommend using the 302 motor mounts and Motorsport
crossmember and headers to convert to 351, with a hood cowling likely to
be necessary for clearance. The 302 conversion can be obtained by
getting the appropriate hardware from a junkyard. They recommend an
8.8" rear with 31 spline axles in either case.

- --
Best Regards,

Dave Baldwin
Dallas, TX
- --------------------------------------------------------------

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 12:41:26 -0500
From: Daryl.Rue entex.com (daryl rue)
Subject: Below Invoice

Of all these at invoice stories, makes it seem too easy. How about below
invoice deals? What can we expect? Or should we be happy with invoice?

Thanks,

Daryl In Omaha

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 15:03:50 EST
From: Midwest96
Subject: Re: Shocking F-150, AND Ford dealer mishaps.

In a message dated 98-01-05 12:19:53 EST, you write:


I have the same shocking problem! Same screw, same effect. It comes
from when you slide in (Usually with jeans) or when you slide out.
Natural occurance! If you were to sit right on seat and get right off
seat without the slide part. You would not get a shock. Just thought
you might like to know.
Mike >>

There are two ways to counter this. 1st is to hold on to the door when
changing surfaces. ie: When you get out, hold on to the door until your foot
is on the ground. They other is to spray the seats w/aerosol fabric softener.

Craig {Midwest96 aol.com}

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 12:12:28 -0800
From: alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)
Subject: RE: Rough ride

I said:

>> Why do people brag about buying a TRUCK, the complain that it rides
>> like a TRUCK? If you want a soft ride, buy a car, or a boulevard
>> cruiser like an F150, or a toy truck!

To which Randy Rees replied:

> Because its seems only us Americans can't figure out how to make
> a truck that does what a truck is supposed to do but do it in a
> civilized manner. If I wanted a rough ride I'd buy a Dozer or a Massey,
> or some other godawful non suspension mode of transportation. Why if it
> looks like a duck, and sounds like a duck and will do everything else a
> duck will do does it have to waddle like a duck also? Besides if we left
> it up to the factory to dictate what our trucks look and ride like, then
> why is there a whole world of customized truck accessories available?.


Okay, name a commonly available import truck that has a GCWR over 15,000
lbs, that can comfortably seat at least 4 adults, and rides like a
Cadillac when it's not loaded to capacity? If you can, let me know
who sells it and I'll give them a call (I'm looking for a new tow
vehicle). We have left it up to the factories, and that's why we have
so-called trucks that sag when you put a bag of groceries in the bed.

The reason there'a an aftermarket is because everybody who buys a
vehicle, be it a truck or a car, has his own idea of what it should look
like (and as is evident by the plethora of "interesting" add-ons on
the road, there's no accounting for taste!) and is certainly entitled
to whatever he likes to his vehicle, but don't complain when something
that is designed for a specific purpose does indeed meet the design
specifications.

There are things that can be done to truck suspensions to reduce the
harshness, but you'll never eliminate it without sacrificing the
weight capacity of the suspension. Look into suspension modifiactions
such as "Ride Rite" air bags from Firestone (I believe). Changing
shocks is a short term solution, but shocks aren't designed to smooth
out your ride; they're designed to keep your tires in contact with the
road. It's the springs that determine ride quality, along with wheelbase,
frame stiffness, and other things.

- ---

Alan Hepburn | |
National Semiconductor | DON'T TREAD ON ME |
Santa Clara, Ca | |
alanh galaxy.nsc.com | |

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

Date: Mon, 05 Jan 98 13:17
From: CASSIS universal.usa.com (Cassis, John)
Subject: Salesman

Josh,
Like I said before bud, not trying to bust your chops just making a
point, sometimes I overmake the point but just trying to make a
point......mom always said I should've become a lawyer.

John Cassis

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

Date: Mon, 05 Jan 98 12:43
From: CASSIS universal.usa.com (Cassis, John)
Subject: Car Salesman

So Josh let me get this straight. Your saying that if someone is gullable
enough you will f# k them as hard as possible. That is what we are saying
sucks about buying cars. I just hate to watch people get screwed by a
dealership or salesman because they dont know any better. Why should
someone pay an extra couple of grand or more for a car they could have
bought for a fair price and then go through the just as deceptive and
shady practices of the finance department at dealerships that throw in
all the extra life insurance bull-sh % that tacks even more onto your
note. Yep thats what I loved about buying new cars, the hassel I had to
go through to not get screwed. Now back to what I originally said
would'nt it be a lot better if the price on the window was the real
price. But I know that just would take all the fun out of the whole new
car buying experience. I'm realy not trying to flame you Josh or any
others in the Car Sales buisness. I just hate to see people being taken
advantage of just because they were gullable.

John Cassis
The Danger Ranger
93' STX 4x4 3.0/5-speed

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 12:29:05 -0800
From: Randy Rees
Subject: RE: Rough ride

There are really none, which is exactly why I bought a Ford,
all the imports although more refined, where not big enough. If Ford had
the PSD available in a regular duty truck I would have bought it, I
really don't need the 8800 lbs., my average towing will be around
3000-4000 pounds but I do need a good ride, right now it really jumps
around, You almost need a kidney belt! Hit a section of road the other
day that we normally drive over with the car, and we couldn't even talk
without biting our tongues. I drove two F350's PSD and one 250SC without
the HD rear and trailer package and they all rode very well mannered. So
I'm not complaining about the ride of the HD in general, just mine in
particular. And yes the wheels feel like they are up in the air on one
bump and come smashing down on the next. Maybe the extra wheelbase of
the F350 CC was a major factor. I don't want a Cadillac, just a well
behaved truck that won't cause me extra visits to the dentist every
month, or won't put me on dialysis
>
> Okay, name a commonly available import truck that has a GCWR over
> 15,000
> lbs, that can comfortably seat at least 4 adults, and rides like a
> Cadillac when it's not loaded to capacity? If you can, let me know
> who sells it and I'll give them a call (I'm looking for a new tow
> vehicle). We have left it up to the factories, and that's why we have
> so-called trucks that sag when you put a bag of groceries in the bed.
>
> The reason there'a an aftermarket is because everybody who buys a
> vehicle, be it a truck or a car, has his own idea of what it should
> look
> like (and as is evident by the plethora of "interesting" add-ons on
> the road, there's no accounting for taste!) and is certainly entitled
> to whatever he likes to his vehicle, but don't complain when something
> that is designed for a specific purpose does indeed meet the design
> specifications.
>
> There are things that can be done to truck suspensions to reduce the
> harshness, but you'll never eliminate it without sacrificing the
> weight capacity of the suspension. Look into suspension modifiactions
> such as "Ride Rite" air bags from Firestone (I believe). Changing
> shocks is a short term solution, but shocks aren't designed to smooth
> out your ride; they're designed to keep your tires in contact with the
> road. It's the springs that determine ride quality, along with
> wheelbase,
> frame stiffness, and other things.
>
> ---
>
> Alan Hepburn |
> |
> National Semiconductor | DON'T TREAD ON ME
> |
> Santa Clara, Ca |
> |
> alanh galaxy.nsc.com |
> |
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer
> --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net,
> |
> | List removal instructions on the website.
> |
> +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com
> -----------------+

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 12:42:03 -0800
From: alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)
Subject: RE: Rough ride

> There are really none, which is exactly why I bought a Ford,
> all the imports although more refined, where not big enough. If Ford had
> the PSD available in a regular duty truck I would have bought it, I
> really don't need the 8800 lbs., my average towing will be around
> 3000-4000 pounds but I do need a good ride, right now it really jumps
> around, You almost need a kidney belt! Hit a section of road the other
> day that we normally drive over with the car, and we couldn't even talk
> without biting our tongues. I drove two F350's PSD and one 250SC without
> the HD rear and trailer package and they all rode very well mannered. So
> I'm not complaining about the ride of the HD in general, just mine in
> particular. And yes the wheels feel like they are up in the air on one
> bump and come smashing down on the next. Maybe the extra wheelbase of
> the F350 CC was a major factor. I don't want a Cadillac, just a well
> behaved truck that won't cause me extra visits to the dentist every
> month, or won't put me on dialysis

Your best bet, then, is to add the "Ride Rite" bags. They should be
available for about $500 and are fairly straightforward to install.
THey'll give you a somewhat better ride when empty without sacrificing
anything out of your GVWR. Another option is to throw a few bags of
sand or cement into the bed when you're not carrying anything else.

I drive an F350 Crew Cab duallie, (and I'm looking for something
bigger!) and while the ride is by no means marshmallow-smooth, it's not
really bone-jarring either. I've never had the CD player skip a beat,
even over railroad crossings. And when the rear suspension is loaded
up with the fifth wheel (pin weight about 1700 lbs) it's real smooth.

- ---

Alan Hepburn | |
National Semiconductor | DON'T TREAD ON ME |
Santa Clara, Ca | |
alanh galaxy.nsc.com | |

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

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 12:48:29 -0800
From: Randy Rees
Subject: RE: Rough ride

Thanks, It may actually be the rear that IS causing all my grief.
Anybody know exactly what option 683, heavy duty rear suspension is and
how it differs from the regular F250 HD rear suspension?

> -----Original Message-----
> From: alanh galaxy.nsc.com [SMTP:alanh galaxy.nsc.com]
> Sent: Monday, January 05, 1998 12:42 PM
> To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
> Subject: RE: Rough ride
>
> > There are really none, which is exactly why I bought a Ford,
> > all the imports although more refined, where not big enough. If Ford
> had
> > the PSD available in a regular duty truck I would have bought it, I
> > really don't need the 8800 lbs., my average towing will be around
> > 3000-4000 pounds but I do need a good ride, right now it really
> jumps
> > around, You almost need a kidney belt! Hit a section of road the
> other
> > day that we normally drive over with the car, and we couldn't even
> talk
> > without biting our tongues. I drove two F350's PSD and one 250SC
> without
> > the HD rear and trailer package and they all rode very well
> mannered. So
> > I'm not complaining about the ride of the HD in general, just mine
> in
> > particular. And yes the wheels feel like they are up in the air on
> one
> > bump and come smashing down on the next. Maybe the extra wheelbase
> of
> > the F350 CC was a major factor. I don't want a Cadillac, just a well
> > behaved truck that won't cause me extra visits to the dentist every
> > month, or won't put me on dialysis
>
> Your best bet, then, is to add the "Ride Rite" bags. They should be
> available for about $500 and are fairly straightforward to install.
> THey'll give you a somewhat better ride when empty without sacrificing
> anything out of your GVWR. Another option is to throw a few bags of
> sand or cement into the bed when you're not carrying anything else.
>
> I drive an F350 Crew Cab duallie, (and I'm looking for something
> bigger!) and while the ride is by no means marshmallow-smooth, it's
> not
> really bone-jarring either. I've never had the CD player skip a beat,
>
> even over railroad crossings. And when the rear suspension is loaded
> up with the fifth wheel (pin weight about 1700 lbs) it's real smooth.
>
> ---
>
> Alan Hepburn |
> |
> National Semiconductor | DON'T TREAD ON ME
> |
> Santa Clara, Ca |
> |
> alanh galaxy.nsc.com |
> |
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer
> --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks80up listservice.net,
> |
> | List removal instructions on the website.
> |
....

---

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