97up-list-digest Thursday, June 18 1998 Volume 01 : Number 122



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer Trucks and Vans
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In this issue:

Re: FTE 97up - Resale of '98 Ranger Extended Cab
FTE 97up - Nathan's Post on 99 SD Lowering Kit
FTE 97up - Ch#vy trucks
FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes
Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions
Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions
Re: FTE 97up - Magic
Re: FTE 97up - Magic
FTE 97up - Re: service manual
Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions
FTE 97up - 1999 Super Duty F 350 Height Concern
Re: FTE 97up - Nathan's Post on 99 SD Lowering Kit
Re: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes
RE: FTE 97up - 97up questions
Re: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes
Re: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes

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Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 07:44:24 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Resale of '98 Ranger Extended Cab

The 4 door Supercab Ranger is already out. I've sold a couple of them. The
option is code 534 and it cost $595. I would suggest getting the 4 door
truck it should pay for itself in resale Vs a 2 door truck. It is a 1998
(not a 1999 like previously expected). This means that you can get the $500
owner loyalty rebate or the 0.9% APR or $1250 rebate. Ford is done taking
orders for 1998's so if you can't find one like you want you should wait for
the '99.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
Union, IA 50258

- -----Original Message-----
From: Sven Setterdahl
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 1998 6:29 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Resale of '98 Ranger Extended Cab


>Just wondering what everyone thought of what the resale value on a '98
Ranger Extended Cab 4x4 will be like in the future? My concern is with the
"quad" cab SCs for '99. Will these take away any value of the two-door
supercab models? BTW, when are the
>'99s due out?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Sven
>
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Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 09:52:13 EDT
From: JDavis1277 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Nathan's Post on 99 SD Lowering Kit

Nathan,
I posted your info on the rec.outdoors.rv-travel and alt.rv newsgroups with no
detail. Then I got a bunch of responses wanting more info. I referred all to
our list but have seen no traffic on the issue. Request you post anything you
have on lowering the 99 SD to those two newsgroups. All these 5th wheel
trailer towers like the new SD but want this fix. TIA, Butch Davis-
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 10:30:23 -0400
From: Chad Royse
Subject: FTE 97up - Ch#vy trucks

I just read an article in the latest TrailerLife mag. that strongly implied that
Chevy was going to copy Ford's idea of splitting it's truck line into 2 designs. The
article was about Chevy's new 1999 line of redesigned trucks. It said that the new
design was only available for the 1500 and 2500 trucks and that certain 2500 and all
3500 trucks wouldn't get redesigned until 2000 or 2001 (I think, I can check later).

I guess they finally acknowledged who's best and decided to follow the LEADER! Of
course their plan doesn't stand a chance until they get their act together and start
building again.

Chad

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Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 22:20:39 -0700
From: "Bill Wilson"
Subject: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes

I've been told that the "99 model (F250 longbed) has had the internal
dimensions of the bed changed such that older campers will no longer fit
into the bed. This would seem to require that if you buy a new truck, you
also must buy a new camper. Can anyone confirm or deny this information?
Thanks, Bill

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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 11:52:11 -0500
From: "Mike Fairleigh"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions

Well, from the other replies I've seen, perhaps I'm in the minority. I have
a '98 F150 SC 4x2 with the 4.6L and 3.55 rear end, and towing package. At
6,500 miles, I don't think I could be much happier.

With the '98's, the only way to get the E40D is to get 4x4 or the 5.4L
engine. I took a realistic look at how much I would actually use 4x4, and
decided it wasn't worth the harsher ride, more maintenance, worse mileage,
higher insurance, and higher initial cost. Of course, for someone who truly
has a use for 4x4, there is no substitute, but I can't comment on anything
relative to that.

My truck averages a solid 15.5 mpg (with nearly all of that being stop/go
city driving). Many call that horrible; I call it a truck. Yes, there are
times when it seems slightly underpowered. It has never seemed to me to be
the "wimp" some make the 4.6L out to be. A couple of weeks ago, I hauled a
load of bagged mulch over to my parents' house. I badly underestimated the
weight of each bag, and eventually determined that I'd had about 1500 lbs.
in the truck (including myself). No problem. Would it have been a problem
going up steep hills? I'll never know, but I think it would have handled
it.

I think if I lived someplace that is *really* hilly, I'd wait for the 5.4L,
otherwise I think you'll like the 4.6L. BTW, the other poster's complaints
about driveline vibration, etc., are a surprise to me. I have had no
problems like that at all.

Mike Fairleigh
mikef sky.net

- -----Original Message-----
From: Randy Kindler
To: 97up-List Ford-Trucks. Com
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 1998 10:48 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - 97up questions


>Hi! I am a long time member of the FTE lists, but new to the 97up list. I
>currently have a '95 F150 XLT 4X4, 351, auto. I have been looking at '98
>F150 extra cab 4X4s. I am very happy with my '95, but I would like the
extra
>cab. The truck I am currently eyeing is a Light Prairie Tan SC, Off Road,
>4.6, auto.

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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 10:18:36 -0700
From: WiNk
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions

Mike,
There are a number of driveline complaints reported in various list, though I
believe that they are mostly in the 97 series F-150 trucks. However, my friend
bought a GMC because the Ford Ranger had the same vibrations that the F-150 had
and that to me was really weird. The mechanics all say that here isn't anything
that they as mechanics can do about the problem. I have had the vehicle to
arbitration three times and they WON'T fix the damn thing even after a BINDIND
arbitration decision that orders Ford to fix the thilng.
I really like the lay out of the truck interior and would like to keep the
foolish thing but I don't want the damn problems of whining and vibrating
components


Mike Fairleigh wrote:

> Well, from the other replies I've seen, perhaps I'm in the minority. I have
> a '98 F150 SC 4x2 with the 4.6L and 3.55 rear end, and towing package. At
> 6,500 miles, I don't think I could be much happier.
>
> With the '98's, the only way to get the E40D is to get 4x4 or the 5.4L
> engine. I took a realistic look at how much I would actually use 4x4, and
> decided it wasn't worth the harsher ride, more maintenance, worse mileage,
> higher insurance, and higher initial cost. Of course, for someone who truly
> has a use for 4x4, there is no substitute, but I can't comment on anything
> relative to that.
>
> My truck averages a solid 15.5 mpg (with nearly all of that being stop/go
> city driving). Many call that horrible; I call it a truck. Yes, there are
> times when it seems slightly underpowered. It has never seemed to me to be
> the "wimp" some make the 4.6L out to be. A couple of weeks ago, I hauled a
> load of bagged mulch over to my parents' house. I badly underestimated the
> weight of each bag, and eventually determined that I'd had about 1500 lbs.
> in the truck (including myself). No problem. Would it have been a problem
> going up steep hills? I'll never know, but I think it would have handled
> it.
>
> I think if I lived someplace that is *really* hilly, I'd wait for the 5.4L,
> otherwise I think you'll like the 4.6L. BTW, the other poster's complaints
> about driveline vibration, etc., are a surprise to me. I have had no
> problems like that at all.
>
> Mike Fairleigh
> mikef sky.net
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Randy Kindler
> To: 97up-List Ford-Trucks. Com
> Date: Tuesday, June 16, 1998 10:48 PM
> Subject: FTE 97up - 97up questions
>
> >Hi! I am a long time member of the FTE lists, but new to the 97up list. I
> >currently have a '95 F150 XLT 4X4, 351, auto. I have been looking at '98
> >F150 extra cab 4X4s. I am very happy with my '95, but I would like the
> extra
> >cab. The truck I am currently eyeing is a Light Prairie Tan SC, Off Road,
> >4.6, auto.
>
> == FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 14:26:03 EDT
From: BigFords1 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Magic

In a message dated 6/17/98 3:52:29 AM Mountain Daylight Time, John941 AOL.COM
writes:

> I ordered my 1999 SD CC SWB PSD Lariet back in February. The dealer computer
> print out from a few weeks ago said it would be delivered on 6/16 and
MAGIC-
> it
> did show up. Unfortuately it did not get to the dealer until late
afternoon
> so I will pick it up this am. At last
> John


Congratulations!!! Sounds like a great truck!
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Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 15:41:45 EDT
From: John941 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Magic

Coulod not be happier with the new cc-I would not have believed the ride could
be so good
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 14:52:11 -0700
From: Russell Trahan
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: service manual

>
> They have a web page at:
>
> http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.helminc.com/
>

Thanks for the help on the service manual question. I e-mailed
Helm and they responded today..... $180.00 for the service manual!
I am not sure if that is a complete set of all the service info or not.

I did not realize they were that expensive.


Russ Trahan


- --
Dr. Russell E. Trahan, Jr., Chevron USA Professor of Electrical
Engineering
University of New Orleans e-mail: retee uno.edu
Office Phone: 504-280-6176 Home Phone: 504-254-5248
FAX: 504-280-3950 Pager: 504-477-8618
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 15:58:39 -0400
From: Chad Royse
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions

Is the problem really that wide spread. I am a two time Ford truck owner (one which
was a late model Ranger), I know several people with the new F150, I have been a part
of the FTE 97+ list since it started (80-86 even longer), and people seem generally
really happy. I'm not disagreeing with you that you have some issues, but you make
it seem that the lightduty F-series and Ranger are plagued. Are you F-150 and Ranger
guys really having all these problems?

Merely curious,
Chad

WiNk wrote:

> Mike,
> There are a number of driveline complaints reported in various list, though I
> believe that they are mostly in the 97 series F-150 trucks. However, my friend
> bought a GMC because the Ford Ranger had the same vibrations that the F-150 had
> and that to me was really weird. The mechanics all say that here isn't anything
> that they as mechanics can do about the problem. I have had the vehicle to
> arbitration three times and they WON'T fix the damn thing even after a BINDIND
> arbitration decision that orders Ford to fix the thilng.
> I really like the lay out of the truck interior and would like to keep the
> foolish thing but I don't want the damn problems of whining and vibrating
> components



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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 17:22:31 -0400
From: Bob Krieger
Subject: FTE 97up - 1999 Super Duty F 350 Height Concern

A question for Nathen Benard - I am brand new to this list and missed any
previous discussion on this topic. I am considering purchasing a 1999 SD F
350 4x4, but I am concerned about the height of the bed rails not providing
enough clearance for the 5th wheel trailer. I understand Ford has a fix
for this problem. Can you please elaborate? What is involved? What is
potential cost, if any. What is the delivery schedule for this fix?
Thanks in advance.

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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 12:24:27 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Nathan's Post on 99 SD Lowering Kit

Still no news from Ford on this, just a notice that a fix was coming. I'll
post the TSB# as soon as its available.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
- -----Original Message-----
From: JDavis1277 aol.com
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 1998 9:06 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - Nathan's Post on 99 SD Lowering Kit


>Nathan,
>I posted your info on the rec.outdoors.rv-travel and alt.rv newsgroups with
no
>detail. Then I got a bunch of responses wanting more info. I referred all
to
>our list but have seen no traffic on the issue. Request you post anything
you
>have on lowering the 99 SD to those two newsgroups. All these 5th wheel
>trailer towers like the new SD but want this fix. TIA, Butch Davis-
>== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 12:28:24 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes

The box dimensions are all different on the Super Duty line. They are
deeper and wider. Some toppers have fit but look bad as the SD is wider at
the front than it is at the back. The tailgate is the same as an F-150
(slightly narrower than the 96 and older) but the box tapers forward at the
so it is wider at the cab than the old truck. So your camper may or may
not fit. I'd measure to find out for sure.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
Ford-Mercury
- -----Original Message-----
From: Bill Wilson
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 1998 11:32 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes


>I've been told that the "99 model (F250 longbed) has had the internal
>dimensions of the bed changed such that older campers will no longer fit
>into the bed. This would seem to require that if you buy a new truck, you
>also must buy a new camper. Can anyone confirm or deny this information?
>Thanks, Bill


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

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 16:07:35 -0600
From: Dave Armbruster
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - 97up questions

I have been very happy with my '97 Ranger XLT S/C 4wd. No complaints
with Ford, just about every problem have been a result of me rather than
manufacturer. The one major warranty issue was dealt with quickly and
to my satisfaction.

The most telling statistic is if I would buy another Ford truck, and I
would without a doubt.

My $.02
Dave
Denver, CO


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chad Royse [SMTP:chadlyr ix.netcom.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 1998 1:59 PM
> To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 97up questions
>
> Is the problem really that wide spread. I am a two time Ford truck
> owner (one which
> was a late model Ranger), I know several people with the new F150, I
> have been a part
> of the FTE 97+ list since it started (80-86 even longer), and people
> seem generally
> really happy. I'm not disagreeing with you that you have some issues,
> but you make
> it seem that the lightduty F-series and Ranger are plagued. Are you
> F-150 and Ranger
> guys really having all these problems?
>
> Merely curious,
> Chad
>
> WiNk wrote:
>
> > Mike,
> > There are a number of driveline complaints reported in various list,
> though I
> > believe that they are mostly in the 97 series F-150 trucks.
> However, my friend
> > bought a GMC because the Ford Ranger had the same vibrations that
> the F-150 had
> > and that to me was really weird. The mechanics all say that here
> isn't anything
> > that they as mechanics can do about the problem. I have had the
> vehicle to
> > arbitration three times and they WON'T fix the damn thing even after
> a BINDIND
> > arbitration decision that orders Ford to fix the thilng.
> > I really like the lay out of the truck interior and would like to
> keep the
> > foolish thing but I don't want the damn problems of whining and
> vibrating
> > components
>
>
>
> == FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 22:02:42 EDT
From: Dirtracr7 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes

In the paper work I received with my 99 Crew Dually they suggest not to put a
camper in the bed.I can't imagine why.You may want to check on this.
Mark K.
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Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 19:19:40 -0700
From: WiNk
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - "99 Model Changes

What in the world is going on with this country? We can't fill our taxes out
because no one knows what the dang tax code says, not even the people that write
the dang thing. We can't have any disputes resolved without a dang lawyer, and
now we won't be able to buy a truck without an engineer around us. Weird :-) Who
in the world would ever expect that one couldn't put a camper on a truck? Weird!
Weird! Weird! is all that I have to say. :-) This one sounds like a job for
SPRINGER!

Dirtracr7....

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