97up-list-digest Thursday, September 24 1998 Volume 01 : Number 223



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer Trucks and Vans
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
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=======================================================================
In this issue:

Re: FTE 97up - Re:SD A/C & Brakes
Re: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350
Re: FTE 97up - Dual exhuast systems
FTE 97up - Re: a/c temps
Re: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350
Re: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions
FTE 97up - Upholstery Kit
Re: FTE 97up - Dual exhuast systems
Re: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions
Re: FTE 97up - Trailer light problem
FTE 97up - Aftermarket Chips
FTE 97up - 1999 F-150 Comparison - (some what long)
FTE 97up - Clinton poll
FTE 97up - Re: 97up-list-digest
Re: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions
FTE 97up - Re: FTE 80-96 - Clinton poll
FTE 97up - ADMIN: Translation?
Re: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Translation?
Re: FTE 97up - 98 5.4L Engine Knock at Start Up
FTE 97up - ADMIN: Two more milestones
Re: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350

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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 08:28:26 -0400
From: Chad Royse
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re:SD A/C & Brakes

Actually a/c performance is measured in temperature drop from the incoming
air. A good performer, I believe, is between 20 and 30 degree temperature
drop. So unless the intake air was less then 70 degrees, you shouldn't
expect 40ish air coming out.

My 99 Supercab's A/c works just fine. Not as well as the 94 Ranger I had
(still r134a), but look at the interior size difference and the 99 SD's have
A LOT more glass than previous trucks.

Good luck getting it all figured out though!

Chad

PS For those wondering, moisture still condensates on the evaporator core
and drips on the ground, dew still collects on it in the morning, and it
still gets wet when I wash it. Apparently these are not anomalies. ;)

Lee Haefele wrote:

> My 99 Super Duty has weak A/C also, I advised dealer that my radio shack
> electronic thermometer reads 52 deg F coming from A/C vent W/a/c on max.
> He says should be in low-mid 40s.

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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 08:13:24 -0400
From: Dorn Hetzel
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350

I have a 99 F-350SD, Crew Cab, LWB, SRW, 4x4, PSD and love it.

On Tue, Sep 22, 1998 at 08:38:17PM -0500, David McKnight wrote:
> I am looking to buy a 1999 F-350 Crew Cab, SRW, LWB with the 7.3 L Diesel
> and 4-Speed Automatic. Would anyone who owns a similar truck take a few
> moments to discuss their personal experience with this type of truck? I am
> interested in the good, as well as the bad. Would someone explain what the
> PTO and Idle Control options could be used for?
>
> Thanks,
> David
>
>
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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 08:19:54 -0500
From: Zach Whitehill
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Dual exhuast systems

Kenneth Johnson wrote:
>
> I own a '97 F-150 with a 5.4l V-8. I'm looking to install a dual
> exhuast system, not real loud but loud enough to let the other guy know
> you've got someting under the hood. I'd like to get some feed back on
> what others have tried, what they like about it and approximate cost to
> have installed. Thanks for your help. Ken Johnson
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Kenneth,
I also have a 97' F-150 with the 5.4. I went to a exhaust guy in Des
Moines, IA and told him that I wanted it to sound deep, and a little
loud. He ran 3-inch single exhaust right off the catalytic converter.
I've had more comments on my exhaust than anything else about my truck.
I personally think it sounds better than any dual exhuast that I've
heard. I also out in a K&N air filter that helped a little.

Zach
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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 07:53:16 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: a/c temps

The vent temperature should be in the upper 40 degree range for a R-134A
system (this varies by outside temperature, Its usually in the mid 80's here
and we try for about 45-50 degrees). The R-134A systems are not as
efficient as a R-12 system. They uses bigger condensers and evaporators to
do the same thing (actually a few degrees higher vent temp). If you switch
a R-12 to R-134a plan on loosing about 8 degrees of vent temperature.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Chad Royse
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 1998 7:40 AM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re:SD A/C & Brakes


>Actually a/c performance is measured in temperature drop from the incoming
>air. A good performer, I believe, is between 20 and 30 degree temperature
>drop. So unless the intake air was less then 70 degrees, you shouldn't
>expect 40ish air coming out.
>
>My 99 Supercab's A/c works just fine. Not as well as the 94 Ranger I had
>(still r134a), but look at the interior size difference and the 99 SD's
have
>A LOT more glass than previous trucks.
>
>Good luck getting it all figured out though!
>
>Chad
>
>PS For those wondering, moisture still condensates on the evaporator core
>and drips on the ground, dew still collects on it in the morning, and it
>still gets wet when I wash it. Apparently these are not anomalies. ;)
>
>Lee Haefele wrote:
>
>> My 99 Super Duty has weak A/C also, I advised dealer that my radio shack
>> electronic thermometer reads 52 deg F coming from A/C vent W/a/c on max.
>> He says should be in low-mid 40s.


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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 08:18:51 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350

The auxiliary idle control is for revving the engine for external PTO
devices (wreckers, dump trucks etc..) This is required because the Power
Stroke (this option isn't available on other engines) doesn't use a
traditional throttle cable. It is drive by wire. The PTO (Power Take Off)
is an output on the side of the trans. for the same purpose.

Goods on the truck- Brakes are extremely good, ride is better than any
other comparable truck, Suspension design is extremely simple and should be
much more reliable than complex suspensions from GM and Dodge. Wheels are
made by Alcoa and are good looking and strong, Cab is MUCH bigger than GM
and noticeably bigger than Dodge. Box is bigger than the competition, lots
of small details that make it better (adjustable seat belts, battery saver,
etc..)

Engine- PS Diesel is much more impressive than any other competitive
diesel. GM diesel is still related to 5.7 diesel (it still uses a timing
chain that is prone to wearing out versus the gear drive in the PSD). The
Power Stroke also uses oil pressure to fire the injectors which means that
if you run out of oil the engine will die before it does damage. The HEUI
injection system is from CAT, it makes the truck drive more like a gas
engine, but it still has the power of the diesel. For cold weather this
diesel usually starts when the gas engines on the lot won't (-20 or colder).
For power comparisons GO DRIVE GM, DODGE, and FORD back to back. Dodge
owners will tell you how much more power they have, but after driving you'll
know which one has more. Also the PSD makes about 16 PSI of boost empty but
can make 20PSI with a trailer so you gain power with a load.

Bads- Height of truck can be a pain (on 4x4's) it looks really good though!
The incredible demand for this truck has created a shortage and there can be
an extensive wait to get them. Shipping delays due to the shortage of rail
cars has also been a problem but it seems to be better lately.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
Ford Mercury

- -----Original Message-----
From: David McKnight
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 1998 8:52 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350


>I am looking to buy a 1999 F-350 Crew Cab, SRW, LWB with the 7.3 L Diesel
>and 4-Speed Automatic. Would anyone who owns a similar truck take a few
>moments to discuss their personal experience with this type of truck? I am
>interested in the good, as well as the bad. Would someone explain what the
>PTO and Idle Control options could be used for?
>
>Thanks,
>David


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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 08:53:31 -0500
From: "Jack B"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions

Check out www.carpoint.com it will tell you everything you can get on a
particular model. Very easy to use format.

Jack

- -----Original Message-----
From: Sven Setterdahl
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 1998 22:52
Subject: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions


>
>Hello all,
>
>My latest new vehicle "craving" is a '99 F150 XLT Ext. cab 4x4 w/ the 5.4L.
>From what I've found, the 3.55 and 3.73 axles are both available w/ limited
>slip. Can I get either one w/ the 5.4? Is there enough of a difference to
>matter which axle to go with (mileage or performance)? With the extra
power
>in the new engine, I was thinking the 3.55 would be a nice compromise for a
>couple extra miles per tank of gas. Questions is how many extra mile would
>that be? I'd probably go with the 3.73 unless I could get an extra few
>miles per gallon w/ the 3.55.
>
>The only other thing I'm wondering about is the tonneau cover. Are they
>anything special, or is it a plain black cover that look like all the rest?
>Is $170 a decent price for a soft cover or would I be better off finding a
>good aftermarket one? I've been away from the trucks for a while so I
>haven't watched prices on accessories.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Sven
>
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>



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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 07:34:05 -0700
From: Darren Hallihan
Subject: FTE 97up - Upholstery Kit

Does anyone know of a good upholstery repair kit. I got a cigarette burn
on the rear seat.
Thanks,
Darren
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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 09:34:17 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Dual exhuast systems

We put a Flowmaster exhaust kit (duals out the back, one on each side of the
hitch) It sounds very good. I would compare it to the stock F-150
Lightning (maybe just a hare louder but not much). It isn't annoying but
has a good modern (no cackle) performance sound. The only complaint we had
was clearance is tight, and they don't have polished tips (I guess there
available now)

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.


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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 09:42:26 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions

The 3.73 is only available with the Off Road package (55R). This is due to
the tall 17" tires on the Off Road. I've got one with the tonneau cover. It
is easier to put on than the aftermarket ones I've used (After its been on
once or twice). The vinyl is thinner than the Extang's I'd previously dealt
with so I don't know how it will be about stopping rips. Also the Ford
cover is a dark charcoal to match the caps on the bed. The CD player is
also a nice piece the speakers (or amp, or whatever) is improved with this
radio and sounds much better.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Sven Setterdahl
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 1998 11:03 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions


>
>Hello all,
>
>My latest new vehicle "craving" is a '99 F150 XLT Ext. cab 4x4 w/ the 5.4L.
>From what I've found, the 3.55 and 3.73 axles are both available w/ limited
>slip. Can I get either one w/ the 5.4? Is there enough of a difference to
>matter which axle to go with (mileage or performance)? With the extra
power
>in the new engine, I was thinking the 3.55 would be a nice compromise for a
>couple extra miles per tank of gas. Questions is how many extra mile would
>that be? I'd probably go with the 3.73 unless I could get an extra few
>miles per gallon w/ the 3.55.
>
>The only other thing I'm wondering about is the tonneau cover. Are they
>anything special, or is it a plain black cover that look like all the rest?
>Is $170 a decent price for a soft cover or would I be better off finding a
>good aftermarket one? I've been away from the trucks for a while so I
>haven't watched prices on accessories.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Sven


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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 11:25:11 -0500
From: Glenn See
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Trailer light problem

I too had some problems with the running lights on my 1997 F-150, SC, LXT,
due mainly to a mistake in the owners manual. The brake lights/turn signal
fuse is in the small box as stated by a previous poster. There is no
mention that I can find about this box or the two fuses.

The running lights fuse (the one with which I had a problem) is in location
"1" as denoted by the main fuse box lid (on wheel well cover, left side).
The manual only says "item 34".

Maybe, the repair manual is clearer, but after paying $40-$50 each of the
manuals for all the vehicles I have owned the past 40 years, I hate to pay
the $140-$150 for this truck.

Glenn See

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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 04:38:28 -0700
From: "Jeigh Cee"
Subject: FTE 97up - Aftermarket Chips

Will some knowledgeable reader please list some of the choices available in aftermarket chips, and their respective claims.

Papa
- ---
Happy Trails, Roy!




Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere!
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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 16:43:47 -0500
From: "Jack B"
Subject: FTE 97up - 1999 F-150 Comparison - (some what long)

As promised last friday (9/19/98), I am providing a short comparison or
review of the changes to the 99 F-150 as compared to the 1997/1998. Most of
the comparisions though will be to the 97 model. I will try to address all
requests and questions as best I can. I received about 8 request for
information concerning the "refreshened" or "updated" model. I won't get
into specifics or do a thorough review because we all know that Ford has the
best truck on the road. However, I do plan to provide more detailed
information and pictures on a web site that I have posted over the weekend.
The site is strictly for personal use such as pixs and other information so
don't expect much. I probably won't have any pix's posted until late this
evening at the earliest. I won't even have them from the developer until
late this afternoon. Thanks to all who showed interest and requested
information and if I missed something don't hesitate to email me.

The address is http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://members.aol.com/hjbowell follow the truck links.

Previous Truck:
1997 F-150 XLT 4x2 SC SS 4.2L auto 3.08 axle; Black/graphite with special
apperance pkg


New Truck:
1999 F-150 XLT 4x2 SC FS 4.6L auto 3.55 LSD; Dark Tordeador/med graphite no
special app. pkg

I will provide pricing information (ie stickers vs invoice) on the web site.

LIKES vs DISLIKES

LIKES
*Brakes noticably improved, much better
*Exterior door handles improved (has better grab, hand doesn't slip off when
wet)
*4th door, nuff said!
*XLT 4x2 has pull light switch in case you add fog lights
*Auto lock feature-didn't think I would like this but I do. You don't have
to unlock door everytime you open it like a GM product
*More foam added to captains chairs, not as stiff as before. Haven't tried
the new bench seat though.
*Single CD player; awesome, glad to know Ford added a single for those that
don't like changers (see dislikes)
*Radio now shows both time and station at the same time, you don't have to
switch between the two
*Digital odometer; couldn't care either way but its a nice touch, too bad
they didn't add an hour meter like GM did
*Extended cabs come with one big rear floor mat instead off two separate
ones
*Interior door lower panels are much nicer, no carpet to clean
*Better bracket for trailer light harness

DISLIKES
*No more grab handle on the interior door. This was a mistake, they should
have left this alone!!!
*Don't care for the new green lighting for the instruments and audio. Looks
like Christmas...Not that there is anything wrong with that!
*No 2nd visor on drivers side. It only has the one big one
*Single CD player, buttons are much smaller than before
*Regular unleaded fuel only **No Premium**, that's what the manual says!
*No option for the mesh or honeycomb grill on XLT 4x2's (at the time I
ordered). Shame Shame Shame

Jack
JBowell msn.com
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://members.aol.com/hjbowell








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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 16:43:28 -0600
From: JJ/Rae
Subject: FTE 97up - Clinton poll

Check out this site and vote if you feel so inclined to

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://cgi.pathfinder.com/time/daily/poll/0,2637,clintonnext,00.html

- --
USAF Security Forces ICQ # 14108174
1997 F-250HD XLT Powerstroke Diesel 4x4, SC, SB, 5sp, 4.10,
285/75R16 BFG/MT's, K&N Filter,Detroit Locker the 24th!!!!
http://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1997_f250_1.html
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://home.talkcity.com/GasolineAlley/butwhy/index.html


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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 19:05:04 EDT
From: Sen4546 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: 97up-list-digest

>


I have the 98 F150 Nascar edition w/ the 3.73 rear end. That is the only F150
that is available
with that rear end except the F250. Maybe the 99 is different. But anyway, I
probably average
between 17-18 mpg with the 4.6L

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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 19:27:46 EDT
From: F150DML aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - '99 F150 questions

I had a soft cover on my last '97 F-150 short bed non-flare side and it ran me
$260.00 installed. It was water proof and it looked better, so I think I
heard 170 for a cover? That is awesome, if that is true I will get one for my
'97 F150 4X4 tommorow.
David
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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 22:35:30 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: FTE 80-96 - Clinton poll

At 04:43 PM 9/23/98 -0600, you wrote:
>Check out this site and vote if you feel so inclined to
>
>http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://cgi.pathfinder.com/time/daily/poll/0,2637,clintonnext,00.html
>

Remember that we're here to discuss trucks.

Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com

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Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 22:36:01 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Translation?

Can someone translate this?

Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com

>
>Bonjour,
>Je m'appelle Eric LEROY, j'habite =E0 BRUXELLES (Belgium) et je roule avec=
un
>Ford F-150 (4.9 liters EFI) model 1988.
>C'est un vehicule d'occasion sp=E9cialement import=E9 des USA. Il n'y a=
presque
>pas de voitures comme =E7a en Europe,
>et il n'est pas facile d'avoir des pi=E8ces de rechanges.
>Il existe chez les dealers FORD U.S.A. un livre avec toutes les pi=E8ces de
>rechange, un dessin et le serial number pour les commander.
>Pouvez vous me dire si cela existe sur CD ROM ?
>
>Merci beaucoups
>
>
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 21:16:51 -0600
From: "Matt Adams"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Translation?

yeah, I speak some french, Ill do my best here...

Hello,

My name is Eric Leroy, and I live in Bruxelles (Belgium) and I drive a 1988
Ford F-150.
It is a vehicle specially importanded from the USA. We aren't on a
peninsuila like they are in Europe? (this makes no sense, but thats what it
says to me). It isn't easy to get an alternative. It exists for USA Ford
dealers in a book of alternatives, with designs and serial numbers to
control. Do you have the power to purchase one that is on CD-ROM?

Thanks a lot
- -----Original Message-----
From: Ken Payne
To: pre61-list ford-trucks.com ;
61-79-list ford-trucks.com ;
80-96-list ford-trucks.com ;
97up-list ford-trucks.com ;
small-list ford-trucks.com ;
perf-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 1998 8:52 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Translation?


>Can someone translate this?
>
>Ken Payne
>CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
>http://www.ford-trucks.com
>
>>
>>Bonjour,
>>Je m'appelle Eric LEROY, j'habite BRUXELLES (Belgium) et je roule avec
un
>>Ford F-150 (4.9 liters EFI) model 1988.
>>C'est un vehicule d'occasion spcialement import des USA. Il n'y a
presque
>>pas de voitures comme a en Europe,
>>et il n'est pas facile d'avoir des pices de rechanges.
>>Il existe chez les dealers FORD U.S.A. un livre avec toutes les pices de
>>rechange, un dessin et le serial number pour les commander.
>>Pouvez vous me dire si cela existe sur CD ROM ?
>>
>>Merci beaucoups
>>
>>
>

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

Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 17:02:09 -0500
From: "Parker Brooks"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 98 5.4L Engine Knock at Start Up

has anyone thought of it just being poor oil pressure in and around the
cam/rockers?

this has been the way i have been thinking with our '97 and '98 explorers
(4.0 SOHC). they make this same noise. didn't know if could be piston slap,
or that ford was considering to replace the engine.

please correct me where i'm wrong,
parker

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Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 00:11:24 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Two more milestones

This should have been announced about 10 days ago but I've been
very busy lately....

Ford Truck Enthusiasts surpassed 3000 subscribers! We've been
consistantly growing at a rate of about 160-175 new subscribers
per month since we started.

Additionally, last week we had our 350,000th visitor to the
main page. When using a visitor log analysis tool (which counts
visitors who may not come in via the main page) we show over
500,000 visitors to the site in the last 10 months!

Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com

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

Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1998 10:48:28 -0700
From: geoff campbell
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Looking to buy an F-350

I have a 99 F250 crew cab, SRW, LWB with the powerstroke diesel. So far i am
quite satisfied with the truck. I traded in a 96 dodge (cummins) with 73,000
miles on it for it. The dodge story is actually more interesting than the Fords
so far. The dodge saw the dealer about 15 times for various problems, including
but not limited to premature front pad wear, transmission failure, loss of
braking due to vacum leaks, sticking throttle linkage (full throttle) and and
fuel pump failure. It rode on a flatbed tow truck 6 times.

Let's assume the dodge was a lemon, although brake and transmission problems
seem to be the norm for it. Positive factors on the dodge were:

Slightly better ride than the ford
better gas milelage while towing a 6000lb trailer (12mpg verses 9.3 with ford)
fits bigger tires without a lift
more durable and comfortable upholstry

Negatives on the dodge were as follows:

Problems mentioned above
no cooperation from dodge dealers of factory representatives
Top speed of 58 in 3rd gear (42 in second) - slow up hills
valve adjustments every 24,000 miles

positives on ford:

More rear seat room
same or better milelage unloaded
More power, lots
shifts 20 mph later allowing greater speed on hills when towing.
faster tranmission shifts

negatives on ford (nits)

cupholder located over ashtray (can't use both)
can't fit big tires without a lift

By the way, has anyone tried to fit bfgoodrich 285/75 16s on the ford. The
revolutions per mile are about the same as the stock 235/85 16, but for lists
the 265/75 16s as the biggest tires that will fit? I'd like to buy the tires at
cosco to save a few bucks and they won't test fit.
....

---

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