FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain

97up-list-digest Thursday, May 28 1998 Volume 01 : Number 096

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In this issue:

FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain
Re: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain
RE: FTE 97up - Tire to Wheel size??
Re: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain
FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150
Re: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain
Re: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain
Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150
Re: FTE 97up - Tire to Wheel size??
Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150
FTE 97up - ADMIN: Ranchero list?
Re: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Ranchero list?
Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150
FTE 97up - Static electricty
Re: FTE 97up - Static electricty

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Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 07:36:01 -0400
From: Lou Mallia
Subject: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain

Opinions please!

I'm trying to decide between a 1998 F-150 and 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4,
extended cab, short-bed truck. I will ONLY buy a manual transmission
drivetrain. I plan on doing some towing in the future, a boat up to
3000lbs. This is at the upper limit of the rating of the F-150 manual
drivetrain, but only about 1/2 the rating of the F-250 manual
drivetrain.

I live in a house with a very steep concrete driveway from the street to
the house. I was planning on using the low range (4L) of the 4x4
transfer case to back the boat and trailer up the driveway. With the
F-250 Super Duty with manual locking hubs, I can leave the hubs
disengaged and take full advantage of the low range in effective "2WD"
(w/o hubs locked) and not bind up the front drivetrain. If I go the
F-150 route, I have to figure out a way to disable the center locking
differential when I shift into 4L, so that I don't bind up the front
drivetrain while turning on the concrete driveway. Is it a simple
matter to disconnect the F-150 center differential via a bypass switch
of some sort? I can do this myself, once I know how it is controlled.
Is it electrically or vacuum controlled? (I would opt for the
completely manual transfer case in either the F-150 or F-250 Super
Duty).

Believe it or not, one can get the 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4 with manual
drivetrain for only about $1500 more than a comparably equipped 1998
F-150 4x4!! For that money I get a larger engine, much heavier duty
drivetrain, axle, and braking system! My only concern will be the harsh
ride quality of the unloaded F-250 Super Duty 4x4. Is there any way to
soften up this ride?? My ideal vehicle would be an F-250 Super Duty
engine, transmission, and rear axle, with F-150 suspension!!!

Thanks for any insights.
Lou

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 08:00:48 -0500
From: "Beaman, James"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Tire to Wheel size??

Michael Ruth wrote:

> I have a 99 Super Duty Lariat with the largest tire size available. The
> wheel is the deluxe aluminum wheel. What is the LARGEST possible size
> to go on that wheel? I would like to put BFG Mud-Terrains on them. Can
> anyone help? I am also considering what is safe also. I would like to
> do it right, while going larger than what I have now. Responses may be
> offlist at
>
I don't think you would have a problem going to 285/75R16. That is a size
which is offered in the BFG MTs and would give you a 33" diameter and about
2 inches more section width.

James Beaman
Houston, Texas
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ibm.net
writes:

> Opinions please!
>
> I'm trying to decide between a 1998 F-150 and 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4,
> extended cab, short-bed truck. I will ONLY buy a manual transmission
> drivetrain. I plan on doing some towing in the future, a boat up to
> 3000lbs. This is at the upper limit of the rating of the F-150 manual
> drivetrain, but only about 1/2 the rating of the F-250 manual
> drivetrain.
>
> I live in a house with a very steep concrete driveway from the street to
> the house. I was planning on using the low range (4L) of the 4x4
> transfer case to back the boat and trailer up the driveway. With the
> F-250 Super Duty with manual locking hubs, I can leave the hubs
> disengaged and take full advantage of the low range in effective "2WD"
> (w/o hubs locked) and not bind up the front drivetrain. If I go the
> F-150 route, I have to figure out a way to disable the center locking
> differential when I shift into 4L, so that I don't bind up the front
> drivetrain while turning on the concrete driveway. Is it a simple
> matter to disconnect the F-150 center differential via a bypass switch
> of some sort? I can do this myself, once I know how it is controlled.
> Is it electrically or vacuum controlled? (I would opt for the
> completely manual transfer case in either the F-150 or F-250 Super
> Duty).
>
> Believe it or not, one can get the 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4 with manual
> drivetrain for only about $1500 more than a comparably equipped 1998
> F-150 4x4!! For that money I get a larger engine, much heavier duty
> drivetrain, axle, and braking system! My only concern will be the harsh
> ride quality of the unloaded F-250 Super Duty 4x4. Is there any way to
> soften up this ride?? My ideal vehicle would be an F-250 Super Duty
> engine, transmission, and rear axle, with F-150 suspension!!!
>
> Thanks for any insights.
> Lou
>
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zebra.net (Stephen Magee)
Subject: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

Hi,

I am new to this list so I appologise if this question has been answered
before.

I have a '97 F-150 XLT, 4.6L with P235-70R16 tires. I think that these
tires
look too small for the truck and would like to put the next size up on
the next
time I get tires. I have seen many XLTs and Lariats with P255-70R16
tires from
the factory. I have not been able to get a straight definitive answer
from Ford
or any dealership as to ALL the changes that I have to make on the truck
to make
it "factory spec" when I put on larger tires. I have even been told by
Ford's
800 help line that "You can't do that!". My response was "Why? You do it
on
Lariats." Basically they will not give me the information.

I know that changing the tire size can potentially change:
1) odometer
2) speedometer
3) automatic transmission shift points
4) antilock brake (I have them on rear only)
5) Anything else??????

I have been told that many stories:

1) You just have to change 1 location in the computer's setup
2) you have to change out a speedometer gear
3) Numbers one and two above.
4) antilock brakes are not effected
5) antilock brakes are effected

Please HELP! Does anyone know the REAL truth???

Thanks,

Steve Magee
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=======================================================================

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 14:54:12 -0400
From: Chad Royse
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain

Have you test drove a 250 SD? They ride sooooo much nicer than their Heavy Duty
predecesors.

Chad

Lou Mallia wrote:
>
> Opinions please!
>
> I'm trying to decide between a 1998 F-150 and 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4,
> extended cab, short-bed truck. I will ONLY buy a manual transmission
> drivetrain. I plan on doing some towing in the future, a boat up to
> 3000lbs. This is at the upper limit of the rating of the F-150 manual
> drivetrain, but only about 1/2 the rating of the F-250 manual
> drivetrain.
>
> I live in a house with a very steep concrete driveway from the street to
> the house. I was planning on using the low range (4L) of the 4x4
> transfer case to back the boat and trailer up the driveway. With the
> F-250 Super Duty with manual locking hubs, I can leave the hubs
> disengaged and take full advantage of the low range in effective "2WD"
> (w/o hubs locked) and not bind up the front drivetrain. If I go the
> F-150 route, I have to figure out a way to disable the center locking
> differential when I shift into 4L, so that I don't bind up the front
> drivetrain while turning on the concrete driveway. Is it a simple
> matter to disconnect the F-150 center differential via a bypass switch
> of some sort? I can do this myself, once I know how it is controlled.
> Is it electrically or vacuum controlled? (I would opt for the
> completely manual transfer case in either the F-150 or F-250 Super
> Duty).
>
> Believe it or not, one can get the 1999 F-250 Super Duty 4x4 with manual
> drivetrain for only about $1500 more than a comparably equipped 1998
> F-150 4x4!! For that money I get a larger engine, much heavier duty
> drivetrain, axle, and braking system! My only concern will be the harsh
> ride quality of the unloaded F-250 Super Duty 4x4. Is there any way to
> soften up this ride?? My ideal vehicle would be an F-250 Super Duty
> engine, transmission, and rear axle, with F-150 suspension!!!
>
> Thanks for any insights.
> Lou
>
> = Ford Truck Enthusiasts ==============================================
> Send posts to: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
> Send unsubscribe requests to: majordomo

ford-trucks.com with
> "unsubscribe 97up-list" in the message body.
> =======================================================================
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aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - F-150 vs. F-250 Super Duty Manual Drivetrain

I test drove a F-250 Power Stroke and it has a much better ride than my F-150.
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 16:21:00 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

According to the computer it is just a matter of changing speedometer gear.
I have also heard that this can be done electronically, but I can't find any
information on it in the service bay computer (It doesn't like me). Having
the wrong tires will make the speedometer and odometer read incorrectly.
The ABS should not be affected if all 4 tires are changed. Ford may claim
it is for legal reasons but I have changed the tire size my Ranger (several
times) and the RABS works fine.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Magee
To: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 1998 1:04 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

>Hi,
>
>I am new to this list so I appologise if this question has been answered
>before.
>
>I have a '97 F-150 XLT, 4.6L with P235-70R16 tires. I think that these
>tires
>look too small for the truck and would like to put the next size up on
>the next
>time I get tires. I have seen many XLTs and Lariats with P255-70R16
>tires from
>the factory. I have not been able to get a straight definitive answer
>from Ford
>or any dealership as to ALL the changes that I have to make on the truck
>to make
>it "factory spec" when I put on larger tires. I have even been told by
>Ford's
>800 help line that "You can't do that!". My response was "Why? You do it
>on
>Lariats." Basically they will not give me the information.
>
>I know that changing the tire size can potentially change:
>1) odometer
>2) speedometer
>3) automatic transmission shift points
>4) antilock brake (I have them on rear only)
>5) Anything else??????
>
>I have been told that many stories:
>
>1) You just have to change 1 location in the computer's setup
>2) you have to change out a speedometer gear
>3) Numbers one and two above.
>4) antilock brakes are not effected
>5) antilock brakes are effected
>
>Please HELP! Does anyone know the REAL truth???
>
>Thanks,
>
>Steve Magee

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 16:30:33 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Tire to Wheel size??

I believe that you can go to a 285 on a 7 inch rim. I have seen 305's (They
look incredible!!) but there not approved for the 7" rims. So to be legal
285's would be as big as I would go

Nathan Bernard

- -----Original Message-----
From: Michael Ruth
To: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 1998 10:28 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Tire to Wheel size??

>I have a 99 Super Duty Lariat with the largest tire size available. The
>wheel is the deluxe aluminum wheel. What is the LARGEST possible size
>to go on that wheel? I would like to put BFG Mud-Terrains on them. Can
>anyone help? I am also considering what is safe also. I would like to
>do it right, while going larger than what I have now. Responses may be
>offlist at

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

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 18:58:04 -0400
From: "Ann Mitchell"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

My speedo on my 1998 F150 4x4 is off by 3 mph (slow). I have 16-in wheels
and 245/75/16 tires. I wonder if all the trucks are setup for some standard
wheel size and if you order something different nobody bothers to adjust for
it.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Union Auto
To: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 1998 5:08 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

>According to the computer it is just a matter of changing speedometer gear.
>I have also heard that this can be done electronically, but I can't find
any
>information on it in the service bay computer (It doesn't like me). Having
>the wrong tires will make the speedometer and odometer read incorrectly.
>The ABS should not be affected if all 4 tires are changed. Ford may claim
>it is for legal reasons but I have changed the tire size my Ranger (several
>times) and the RABS works fine.
>
>Nathan Bernard
>Union Auto, Inc.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Stephen Magee
>To: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
>Date: Wednesday, May 27, 1998 1:04 PM
>Subject: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150
>
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>I am new to this list so I appologise if this question has been answered
>>before.
>>
>>I have a '97 F-150 XLT, 4.6L with P235-70R16 tires. I think that these
>>tires
>>look too small for the truck and would like to put the next size up on
>>the next
>>time I get tires. I have seen many XLTs and Lariats with P255-70R16
>>tires from
>>the factory. I have not been able to get a straight definitive answer
>>from Ford
>>or any dealership as to ALL the changes that I have to make on the truck
>>to make
>>it "factory spec" when I put on larger tires. I have even been told by
>>Ford's
>>800 help line that "You can't do that!". My response was "Why? You do it
>>on
>>Lariats." Basically they will not give me the information.
>>
>>I know that changing the tire size can potentially change:
>>1) odometer
>>2) speedometer
>>3) automatic transmission shift points
>>4) antilock brake (I have them on rear only)
>>5) Anything else??????
>>
>>I have been told that many stories:
>>
>>1) You just have to change 1 location in the computer's setup
>>2) you have to change out a speedometer gear
>>3) Numbers one and two above.
>>4) antilock brakes are not effected
>>5) antilock brakes are effected
>>
>>Please HELP! Does anyone know the REAL truth???
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Steve Magee
>
>
>= Ford Truck Enthusiasts ==============================================
>Send posts to: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
>Send unsubscribe requests to: majordomo

ford-trucks.com with
>"unsubscribe 97up-list" in the message body.
>=======================================================================
>

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 21:36:28 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Ranchero list?

Anyone here think a Ranchero list would be a good idea? The
Ranchero folks really are up a creek since they join, find
very little talk about their truck/car and leave. There really
isn't much on the net for Ranchero folks. It shouldn't be a
problem for us to admin it, I don't expect high volume postings.

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

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 18:53:33 -0700
From: WiNk
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Ranchero list?

Ken,

Maybe the list could insert RANCHERO into the subject line allowing us to
either read, delete, or just pass on the messages.

Ken Payne wrote:

> Anyone here think a Ranchero list would be a good idea? The
> Ranchero folks really are up a creek since they join, find
> very little talk about their truck/car and leave. There really
> isn't much on the net for Ranchero folks. It shouldn't be a
> problem for us to admin it, I don't expect high volume postings.
>
> Let me know,
> Ken Payne
> CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
> http://www.ford-trucks.com
>
> = Ford Truck Enthusiasts ==============================================
> Send posts to: 97up-list

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ford-trucks.com with
> "unsubscribe 97up-list" in the message body.
> =======================================================================

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

Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 21:59:24 -0500
From: "Mike Fairleigh"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

I can't answer your specific question, but thought I'd mention that when I
test drove a '98 F-150 for a weekend it had the 235's (Generals). The one I
bought has the 255's (GY Wrangler AP's). I paid extra for them, because I
too felt the 235's just don't look right on the truck. What I found is that
in addition to the looks, the truck rides a little better (to my taste,
anyway). Also, the difference in ride height is more noticeable than I
would have thought, and I really like it at this height. So far, the GY's
have been excellent tires. Very quiet (I'm never off-road), yet they did
well this winter (I got the truck in November).

Let us know what you end up doing!

Mike Fairleigh
mikef

sky.net

- -----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Magee
To: 97up-list

ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 1998 1:00 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Changing Tire size on my F150

>Hi,
>
>I am new to this list so I appologise if this question has been answered
>before.
>
>I have a '97 F-150 XLT, 4.6L with P235-70R16 tires. I think that these
>tires
>look too small for the truck and would like to put the next size up on
>the next
>time I get tires.

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

Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 00:44:41 -0500
From: "rw"
Subject: FTE 97up - Static electricty

Lately I notice, that every time I get out of my 98 Ford Ranger I get a
shock when I close the door. Anyone know how to stop this?

Thankx

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

Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 01:46:24 -0500
From: "Mike Fairleigh"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Static electricty

I get the same thing with my '98 F-150, but I've noticed it depends alot on
what I'm wearing. This winter I wore a 100% nylon Starter jacket, and was
damn nearly electrocuted every time I got out. With natural fiber clothes
(cotton), the shock is either slight, or not at all.

I drove a '97 Dodge Ram for a couple weeks (rental), and had the very same
problem with it.

Mike Fairleigh
mikef

....

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