>From herbie ford-trucks.com Wed Oct 7 13:39:00 1998
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 13:39:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: owner-97up-list-digest ford-trucks.com (97up-list-digest)
To: 97up-list-digest ford-trucks.com
Subject: 97up-list-digest V1 #238
Reply-To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Sender: owner-97up-list-digest ford-trucks.com


97up-list-digest Wednesday, October 7 1998 Volume 01 : Number 238



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

FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
RE: FTE 97up - Bed Liner Quality and Appearance
Re: FTE 97up - Skidplates
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
FTE 97up - Re: 5.4L Cold Start Knock
FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
RE: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
Re: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
Re: FTE 97up - '99 F250 LD Purchase - Thoughts?
RE: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
Re: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
Re: FTE 97up - '99 F250 LD Purchase - Thoughts?

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

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

Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 05:50:23 -0700
From: Greg Bauer
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

First off...I am enjoying the discussion on Bed Liners, since my initial
question started the dialog. I still have not decided what to get for my
new truck so I encourage more of you to speak your views.

My main issue is synthetic oils. After 1500 miles on my truck I have
switched over to Mobil 1 and a magnetic drain plug. One school of
thought says this oil is too slick, that the engine will not "break-in"
properly because of the slickness. The other school (including Mobil
Company) says Mobil 1 can be used immediately. Thoughts?

Any other information on synthetic oil would be appreciated such as oil
change interval.

- -GB

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

Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 08:57:11 -0400
From: Chad Royse
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Mobile has a product to sell. I personally am going to wait until about 6K. I
usually don't see my best mileage until after 5K and definitely don't want to
slow that process down!

Chad

Greg Bauer wrote:

> First off...I am enjoying the discussion on Bed Liners, since my initial
> question started the dialog. I still have not decided what to get for my
> new truck so I encourage more of you to speak your views.
>
> My main issue is synthetic oils. After 1500 miles on my truck I have
> switched over to Mobil 1 and a magnetic drain plug. One school of
> thought says this oil is too slick, that the engine will not "break-in"
> properly because of the slickness. The other school (including Mobil
> Company) says Mobil 1 can be used immediately. Thoughts?
>
> Any other information on synthetic oil would be appreciated such as oil
> change interval.
>
> -GB
>
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 08:37:06 -0500
From: "Jeff Schapker"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Bed Liner Quality and Appearance

There is nothing worse than a smart aleck. I think this is an excuse for
being cheep. Cuts down everyone else because you are too tight too spend
your money.
Jeff

Again for the slow reader(s):

Rhino Linings non slip claims are right, so much so that it makes it
DIFFICULT to slide items into the bed of the truck..... I.E.If you're
gonna put a whole bunch of boxes in your truck, you can't put the first
on in and shove it up to the front easily.......are you with me so far?

Next (listen closely now) I use a piece of rubber mesh which has
similar properties to the rhino liner, but I can CHOOSE WHETHER I USE IT
OR NOT.

My top secret source for my info on the rhino lining as far as
finish....get this.......MY EYES. The stuff is mucho ugly. Now this is
just my opinion now, and doesn't constitute a personal attack on any
individual or bring their masculinity into question. Any "unsolicited
compliments" given to an individual are lovely, and I hope there are
more on the way!!!!! However this is still the good ole' USA and as
such I have the same opportunity to share my view about rhino linings as
all of us.
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 08:31:45 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Skidplates

The skid plate that protects the front axle greatly helps keep debris out of
the fan area. We have a lot of trucks that get corn stalks stuck around the
axle and up in the fan, but adding this skid plate (also available through
parts) keeps the debris from getting in the fan.

Nathan Bernard

- -----Original Message-----
From: Dick Dorff
To: 97up ; f150
Date: Tuesday, October 06, 1998 3:18 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Skidplates


>Thanks to all so far for help received in response to my many
>questions regarding our upcoming order of an '99 F250 L/D, S/C,
>S/B, 4x4, 5.4l, 3.73, towing pkg. We considered all the input
>seriously and it has helped immensly. I'll probably share
>results of findings a little later.
>
>One more question, if I may: I saw some trucks in the dealer's
>lot that had one skid-type plate that protected the radiator. It
>started underneat the front bumber and angled down to the bottom
>of the engine compartment. Seemed like a nice air and slush
>deflector if nothing else, to hopefully reduce the slush and
>spray that reaches up into the engine compartment, and maybe
>improve aerodynamics a bit. On-line pricing info, and '99
>brochure say that the skidplate kit has skidplates for the
>transfer case and the gas tank w/ no mention of that radiator
>plate. Dealer says that that front skidplate is a radiator
>protector and is on all the trucks. I'm not sure if it was on
>all the trucks, or just some. Anyone know if this is on all
>trucks, or comes with the skidplate kit, or comes with some other
>package (ie ORP)? I'd like to get that plate but I don't plan on
>doing any off-roading so I don't think I'd need the skidplate kit
>otherwise (if it doesn't have that front one).
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>-Dick Dorff
>
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 08:35:50 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Every person you talk to will have a different story. I'd wait until 6,000
miles. GM put Mobil 1 in the LT1 V-8 from the factory so who knows whats
right.

Nathan Bernard

- -----Original Message-----
From: Greg Bauer
To: Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Date: Wednesday, October 07, 1998 8:03 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


>First off...I am enjoying the discussion on Bed Liners, since my initial
>question started the dialog. I still have not decided what to get for my
>new truck so I encourage more of you to speak your views.
>
>My main issue is synthetic oils. After 1500 miles on my truck I have
>switched over to Mobil 1 and a magnetic drain plug. One school of
>thought says this oil is too slick, that the engine will not "break-in"
>properly because of the slickness. The other school (including Mobil
>Company) says Mobil 1 can be used immediately. Thoughts?
>
>Any other information on synthetic oil would be appreciated such as oil
>change interval.
>
>-GB


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

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 10:00:51 EDT
From: JDavis1277 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: 5.4L Cold Start Knock

Mark,

Have you had several failures with your truck? Serious problems?

If not, why would you expect Ford to buy-back your truck because the engine
knocks when started if cold? I thought Ford had something going on to
determine the cause of this, AS YET, minor problem. The idea being to fix the
problem when they have developed a well considered fix.

It seems like the worst case scenario, for Ford, would be to replace the
engines, not to buy-back the trucks. It just makes poor economic sense to
spend a lot more money than necessary to fix a problem.

Your frustration is certainly justifiable and Ford should move out very
smartly to satisfy those customers with this problem. For sure, they do not
want to lose your brand loyalty. I betcha they solve the problem pretty soon.

Good luck, Butch Davis-
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 07:54:54 PDT
From: "Jordan Rautiola"
Subject: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list

Has anyone noticed the trend over the past 10 years away from long bed
4x4 supercabs to short beds? In the '70s and most of the '80s I rarely
saw (at least in northern Michigan) short bed supercabs. Now they are
everywhere, as if truck buyers have become "cattle" like the masses that
have moved into minivans and away from the all but forgotten station
wagon. Have garages become smaller in the past 15 years? Do people
haul less now? The most educated guess I would have is that people who
don't NEED a truck are buying them anyway, to be cool, tough, etc. The
SUV fad likely is responsible as well. My own reasons for ordering a
'99 long bed 4x4 SC XLT 5.4L (ARE cap to follow) are because I tow my
2500lb boat/trailer combo almost every weekend during the summer, go
camping with the dog, and during these times I haul quite a bit of stuff
(camping gear, tool boxes, racing fuel, boating accessories, etc), and I
can't imagine not having a full 8 feet of bed space. Could some of you
out there who ordered the short bed (which is likely 98% of 4x4 owners)
describe your reasoning behind that decision? Try to find a 4x4 SC long
bed on a dealer lot (that may have something to do with the short bed's
popularity as well)! I'm looking forward to getting in the new '99. I
really enjoy reading this list and hearing about people's experiences
and ideas.

PS - I get "not deliverable" when sending messages to
f150list hitchhikers.net. Any explanations?

______________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 10:03:59 -0500
From: "Mike Fairleigh"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

This discussion of synthetics comes up in various forums almost continually.
The problem is, there is no objective, empirical evidence that can be used
to make a conclusion about proper change intervals. As a result, all you'll
get is, "I believe..." and "It's a waste of money to..." or "I just feel
better if I...". In following these threads over a long period of time, it
seems most synthetic users believe they should use a change interval of no
less than 5,000 miles when using synthetic.

Personally, I had never used synthetics before I bought my '98 F-150. I was
one of those people who thought they were too expensive, considering the
lack of evidence of improved longevity, etc. However, I did make the leap
and switched my truck to M1 at 4,000 miles. I guess I'm just getting older
and wiser, and it seems clear to me that synthetics are slowly starting to
take over and for good reason. No wonder, considering the performance,
longevity, reliability, styling (i.e., no airflow to the engine compartment)
and emissions demands we've placed on new vehicles. I think its telling
that my truck has synthetic lube in the rear end, and semi-synthetic ATF.

Having said all that, its my opinion (see?) that oil still gets dirty no
matter how its derived. I do a lot of stop and go driving. Therefore, I
freely admit to "squandering" my money by changing my oil every 3,000
miles - even with M1. I just feel better if I do that :). I put just
slightly over 10,000 miles per year on my truck, so spending $27 per oil
change 3 - 4 times a year just doesn't hurt that much.

Mike Fairleigh
mikef sky.net
...Always remembering their sacrifices.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Greg Bauer
To: Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Date: Wednesday, October 07, 1998 7:56 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


>My main issue is synthetic oils.


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

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 11:01:54 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list

The main reason for the Short box is derivability. They are much easier to
park and maneuver than the long boxes. Yes, in the past Long boxes were a
greater % of the S/C than they are now (Except in 3/4 ton where long box is
the norm and SB is unusual) but 10 years ago 70% of sales were Regular cab
and now that's only about 30%, and truck sales are up from what they used to
be (Greatly) and most of these sales are people that used to drive cars, but
with the 3 and 4 door supercabs they are switching to trucks. Most of these
people don't need the extra capacity the long box provides. They may be
hard to find on lots but they don't take a long time to get (I just sold a
F150 S/C LWB and it took 5 weeks to get) so you can order what you want and
get it reasonably quick.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
Ford Mercury
- -----Original Message-----
From: Jordan Rautiola
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, October 07, 1998 10:11 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list


>Has anyone noticed the trend over the past 10 years away from long bed
>4x4 supercabs to short beds? In the '70s and most of the '80s I rarely
>saw (at least in northern Michigan) short bed supercabs. Now they are
>everywhere, as if truck buyers have become "cattle" like the masses that
>have moved into minivans and away from the all but forgotten station
>wagon. Have garages become smaller in the past 15 years? Do people
>haul less now? The most educated guess I would have is that people who
>don't NEED a truck are buying them anyway, to be cool, tough, etc. The
>SUV fad likely is responsible as well. My own reasons for ordering a
>'99 long bed 4x4 SC XLT 5.4L (ARE cap to follow) are because I tow my
>2500lb boat/trailer combo almost every weekend during the summer, go
>camping with the dog, and during these times I haul quite a bit of stuff
>(camping gear, tool boxes, racing fuel, boating accessories, etc), and I
>can't imagine not having a full 8 feet of bed space. Could some of you
>out there who ordered the short bed (which is likely 98% of 4x4 owners)
>describe your reasoning behind that decision? Try to find a 4x4 SC long
>bed on a dealer lot (that may have something to do with the short bed's
>popularity as well)! I'm looking forward to getting in the new '99. I
>really enjoy reading this list and hearing about people's experiences
>and ideas.


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

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 09:53:51 -0700
From: "Johnson, John"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list

Jordan,

I have the short bed because I could not find a long one! It's a 281
c.i. (4.6 for you Europeans out there), automatic, SC. So far it is
fine but I, like you, can't imagine not having a full 8 foot bed so I
kept my old '79 Ford, 460, super cab, 9 foot flat bed for the "dirty
work". It is only worth 3 or 4 thousand anyway so now I can "save" the
new one for a while. It's too pretty and rides too well to be a truck
anyway!

JJ

> ----------
> From: Jordan Rautiola[SMTP:sideskraft hotmail.com]
> Reply To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
> Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 1998 7:54 AM
> To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
>
> Has anyone noticed the trend over the past 10 years away from long bed
>
> 4x4 supercabs to short beds? In the '70s and most of the '80s I
> rarely
> saw (at least in northern Michigan) short bed supercabs. Now they are
>
> everywhere, as if truck buyers have become "cattle" like the masses
> that
> have moved into minivans and away from the all but forgotten station
> wagon. Have garages become smaller in the past 15 years? Do people
> haul less now? The most educated guess I would have is that people
> who
> don't NEED a truck are buying them anyway, to be cool, tough, etc.
> The
> SUV fad likely is responsible as well. My own reasons for ordering a
> '99 long bed 4x4 SC XLT 5.4L (ARE cap to follow) are because I tow my
> 2500lb boat/trailer combo almost every weekend during the summer, go
> camping with the dog, and during these times I haul quite a bit of
> stuff
> (camping gear, tool boxes, racing fuel, boating accessories, etc), and
> I
> can't imagine not having a full 8 feet of bed space. Could some of
> you
> out there who ordered the short bed (which is likely 98% of 4x4
> owners)
> describe your reasoning behind that decision? Try to find a 4x4 SC
> long
> bed on a dealer lot (that may have something to do with the short
> bed's
> popularity as well)! I'm looking forward to getting in the new '99.
> I
> really enjoy reading this list and hearing about people's experiences
> and ideas.
>
> PS - I get "not deliverable" when sending messages to
> f150list hitchhikers.net. Any explanations?
>
> ______________________________________________________
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 12:54:02 -0500
From: kauppij vfc.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list

I agree with you 100%. I cannot imagine buying a full size pickup
without an 8' bed. That's what they were made for. That's why they
are called pickups... One month ago I bought an F350 Regular Cab
longbed and previously drove a 1993 Ranger 4x4 with its 7' longbed. I
think your analysis of the whys is probably pretty accurate. If the
people don't need a long bed and rarely use a short bed, maybe there
is another vehicle type they could be looking at. Of course it
wouldn't be as tough and brute as a pickup though, would it? I don't
want to leave Lowe's with some plywood in the back and then have my
paint rollers and parts fly out because I had to leave the tailgate
open. I do believe that a SC short bed and a Regular Cab long bed
have the same wheelbase and that may play into the mfgs. hand as there
is more in common and less mfg. costs?


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list
Author: at Internet
Date: 10/7/98 7:54 AM


Has anyone noticed the trend over the past 10 years away from long bed
4x4 supercabs to short beds? In the '70s and most of the '80s I rarely
saw (at least in northern Michigan) short bed supercabs. Now they are
everywhere, as if truck buyers have become "cattle" like the masses that
have moved into minivans and away from the all but forgotten station
wagon. Have garages become smaller in the past 15 years? Do people haul
less now? The most educated guess I would have is that people who don't
NEED a truck are buying them anyway, to be cool, tough, etc. The SUV fad
likely is responsible as well. My own reasons for ordering a '99 long
bed 4x4 SC XLT 5.4L (ARE cap to follow) are because I tow my 2500lb
boat/trailer combo almost every weekend during the summer, go camping
with the dog, and during these times I haul quite a bit of stuff (camping
gear, tool boxes, racing fuel, boating accessories, etc), and I can't
imagine not having a full 8 feet of bed space. Could some of you out
there who ordered the short bed (which is likely 98% of 4x4 owners)
describe your reasoning behind that decision? Try to find a 4x4 SC long
bed on a dealer lot (that may have something to do with the short bed's
popularity as well)! I'm looking forward to getting in the new '99. I
really enjoy reading this list and hearing about people's experiences and
ideas.

PS - I get "not deliverable" when sending messages to
f150list hitchhikers.net. Any explanations?

______________________________________________________
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html


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

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 10:13:17 -0700
From: STEPHEN_WITTE hp-sandiego-om2.om.hp.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - '99 F250 LD Purchase - Thoughts?

Hi Nathan

Regarding your recommendation of the automatic, you mentioned a few 5
speeds going bad. Specifically, bad bearings and one bad transmission
in an F150.

I was just curious how many bad manuals you have had in the F350
trucks? Even F350's that are 10 years old with 100,000K miles?

- Stephen Witte

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

Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 12:31:53 -0500
From: "Gary Day"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list

My reasons for going with the shortbed is (1) looks and (2) anything I would
need to haul fits in the bed.

Gary

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Jordan Rautiola
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 1998 9:55 AM
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list


Has anyone noticed the trend over the past 10 years away from long bed
4x4 supercabs to short beds? In the '70s and most of the '80s I rarely
saw (at least in northern Michigan) short bed supercabs. Now they are
everywhere, as if truck buyers have become "cattle" like the masses that
have moved into minivans and away from the all but forgotten station
wagon. Have garages become smaller in the past 15 years? Do people
haul less now? The most educated guess I would have is that people who
don't NEED a truck are buying them anyway, to be cool, tough, etc. The
SUV fad likely is responsible as well. My own reasons for ordering a
'99 long bed 4x4 SC XLT 5.4L (ARE cap to follow) are because I tow my
2500lb boat/trailer combo almost every weekend during the summer, go
camping with the dog, and during these times I haul quite a bit of stuff
(camping gear, tool boxes, racing fuel, boating accessories, etc), and I
can't imagine not having a full 8 feet of bed space. Could some of you
out there who ordered the short bed (which is likely 98% of 4x4 owners)
describe your reasoning behind that decision? Try to find a 4x4 SC long
bed on a dealer lot (that may have something to do with the short bed's
popularity as well)! I'm looking forward to getting in the new '99. I
really enjoy reading this list and hearing about people's experiences
and ideas.

PS - I get "not deliverable" when sending messages to
f150list hitchhikers.net. Any explanations?

______________________________________________________
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 13:38:39 -0400
From: Dick_Dorff baynetworks.com (Dick Dorff)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 4x4 supercabs, other f150 list

Great question by the way, and one I was seriously mulling over while
deciding which truck configuration to purchase. In fact, you've got me
rethinking it. So far we're planning on ordering an F250 L/D, S/C, S/B, 4x4,
XLT, 5.4l, 3.73. Before I embark on my reasonings, I suspect we'll
generally find the deciding factors between L/B and S/B will be on how much,
and to what extent the p/u bed is anticipated to be used. No surprises, but
for the average homeowner, not contractor, they'll probably only
occasionally use it, and prefer the maneuverability of a S/B. As for us...

We'll only tow our 5th wheel once or twice per year, and will only
occasionally haul stuff (firewood, mulch, dirt, lumber) for around the house
use. We want a pickup, not something else, for those uses. The rest of the
time, it's just us humans and our stuff. For most of the year we'll
appreciate the slightly better maneuverability of the S/B, especially
getting in and out of the garage via a curved driveway, and negotiating
parking lots. The garage is 22'4". The S/B leaves ~ 46" to spare, roughly
2' fore and aft. The L/B leaves ~ 23" to spare, roughly 1' fore and aft.

If I decided to eat up some of the remaining space in the garage, it ought
to be with a S/B crew cab, to provide extra interior space for the 3 boys
(6wks, 2yo, 9yo). While a longer bed would be better for 5th wheel towing,
that can be worked around with sliding-type hitches. I think the crux of
the matter is that we won't need the extra bed space except when towing, and
we don't really "need" it for that. The extra space would be handy for
other camping gear, but with a 5th wheel behind you, and a desire to pack
lightly, there should be plenty of storage space. Another factor not to be
overlooked is the desire of the wife to not drive anything "too" long.

Since we'll only have all of us in the truck at the same time occasionally,
we're planning on sacrificing the Crew Cab for the maneuverability and
parking convenience. We'll all be in it only when camping, or when making
Winter trips through up-state NY to the in-laws in Canada for Christmas, or
other odd snow storm trips around town. In 10 yrs, the humans should still
be able to sit comfortably enough in a S/C (9yo and 11yo in back, right
side, with pssgr bench slid up some, and 19 yo and two growed-ups in
front. It'll start to get tight, but then we'll probably be ready for the
next truck anyway, and have a new decision to make.

Dick Dorff (still wondering if it's worth the aggravation to try to
convince the wife of the merits of a Crew Cab, but growing more sure of the
lack of need for a Long Bed).

Jordan Rautiola wrote:

> Has anyone noticed the trend over the past 10 years away from long bed
> 4x4 supercabs to short beds? In the '70s and most of the '80s I rarely
> saw (at least in northern Michigan) short bed supercabs. Now they are
> everywhere, as if truck buyers have become "cattle" like the masses that
> have moved into minivans and away from the all but forgotten station
> wagon. Have garages become smaller in the past 15 years? Do people
> haul less now? The most educated guess I would have is that people who
> don't NEED a truck are buying them anyway, to be cool, tough, etc. The
> SUV fad likely is responsible as well. My own reasons for ordering a
> '99 long bed 4x4 SC XLT 5.4L (ARE cap to follow) are because I tow my
> 2500lb boat/trailer combo almost every weekend during the summer, go
> camping with the dog, and during these times I haul quite a bit of stuff
> (camping gear, tool boxes, racing fuel, boating accessories, etc), and I
> can't imagine not having a full 8 feet of bed space. Could some of you
> out there who ordered the short bed (which is likely 98% of 4x4 owners)
> describe your reasoning behind that decision? Try to find a 4x4 SC long
> bed on a dealer lot (that may have something to do with the short bed's
> popularity as well)! I'm looking forward to getting in the new '99. I
> really enjoy reading this list and hearing about people's experiences
> and ideas.
>
> PS - I get "not deliverable" when sending messages to
> f150list hitchhikers.net. Any explanations?
>
> ______________________________________________________
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 12:34:05 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - '99 F250 LD Purchase - Thoughts?

In the past year (aprox.) I have had two ZF-5 speeds (One diesel, One 460)
that needed work, both about 50-70,000 miles, the only E4OD I've had to mess
with (that was actually a transmission problem, I've had some speedometers
go bad and other things that cause the transmission to not know what to do)
was a 97 PSD Crew cab that had 2,000 miles. Due to the low miles I'd say it
was misbuilt. Ford has put a lot of time in the automatics (huge investment
using the Off Road race teams to develop improvements) and you'll notice
that the manuals have been the same for many years (excluding the new 6
speed) so from what I've seen I'd rather have the automatic in a truck.

Nathan

- -----Original Message-----
From: STEPHEN_WITTE hp-sandiego-om2.om.hp.com

To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Cc: unionaut ....

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