97up-list-digest Friday, October 23 1998 Volume 01 : Number 254



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

FW: FTE 97up - Running boards or fiberglass steps
Re: FTE 97up - Is this Marketing?
FTE 97up - Danger - Semi-Floating Axle
FTE 97up - Bed covers
FTE 97up - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions
FTE 97up - Straight answer on air lift suspension and shocks
Re: FTE 97up - Danger - Semi-Floating Axle
FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150
Re: FTE 97up - Bed covers
Re: FTE 97up - Bed covers
Re: FTE 97up - RE: Piston slap in 4.6L
FTE 97up - Re: Engine Fault Codes
FTE 97up - S/D Bench Seats
FTE 97up - Leaf Springs
FTE 97up - My truck was built about two weeks after order
Re: FTE 97up - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions
Re: FTE 97up - Straight answer on air lift suspension and shocks
Re: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150
Re: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150
FTE 97up - Re: marketing
Re: FTE 97up - squeaky rear end
Re: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 07:36:58 -0500
From: "Gary Day"
Subject: FW: FTE 97up - Running boards or fiberglass steps

Check out the accessories at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.j-jent.com.


Gary

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com] On Behalf Of FISHNG1 aol.com
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 1998 3:22 AM
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Running boards or fiberglass steps


I have an ETA of 10/02 for my 99 XLT F-350, supercab, srw, 4x4 PSD and I
was
originally considering a full set of one piece flares and running boards
(Ground Effects type) from "Prestigious Industries ." Now I have
reconsidered
that approach. I have looked at many trucks on the road and just don't think
that type looks appropriate on a 4x4. I have now chosen to go with wheel
flares by "EGR" and I am going to have them painted either Prairie tan or
maybe a pearl silver color. I am also having the bottom panels of the truck
painted to match the flares, since ford did not offer the tu-tone paint in
my
XLT (woodland green) . I ordered my truck without the factory steps and was
thinking of a Nerf bar, but I really don't like those either. I have seen
fiberglass steps on older Ford trucks, but have been unable to get a solid
answer on the availability of them for the 99's. I have seen a set of full
fiberglass running boards by "Owens" on a dually 99 at our local Gig Harbor
Ford dealer and will call them soon to find more info. Anyone ever dealt
with
this company and have their address or phone number? Any ideas, out there?
This a great forum, lets all keep up the good work helping each other out.
The FishNg1 in Gig Harbor, Washington State.> FishNg1 aol,com
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 08:44:01 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Is this Marketing?

I don't know why they limit the bucket seats or the fog lights, but it is
that way. If you don't like the "Sport" decals they peel off if you use a
heat gun. As for the Slider I would NOT want one without. It includes the
privacy glass and greatly improves the looks of the truck. The reason it is
currently required is they don't have enough solid windows to go around (and
also non-tinted side windows).

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc

- -----Original Message-----
From: John W. Barron
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 1998 3:13 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Is this Marketing?


>The lease on my 1997 Ford Ranger is expiring, so I went in to the
>dealers to
>put in an order for the truck I want. I love the Ranger, and have been
>very pleased with the 4.0 L engine, the 5 speed auto., etc.
>
>My requirements were simple: Bucket seats, fog lamps, 4.0 L engine, 5
>speed auto. 4X2 , tach., supercab with 4 doors, Power options, and a
>solid rear window (non-opening).
>
>Guess what! It can't be done. First of all, you can't get bucket seats
>unless you buy a 4X4. No explanation - just accept it. Next, if you
>want fog lamps and a tach, you must buy the "Sports" option. O.K., but
>that means I can't get the exterior color I wanted (Harvest Gold).
>Why? No explanation, just accept it.
>Limited Slip axle? V6 only! And last, but certainly not the most
>insulting, the sliding rear window is a "required" option! A what?
>Isn't that an oxymoron?
>
>So, I must accept Oxford White, rather that the color I wanted. I'll
>get a truck with SPORT in six inch letters on the rear fenders, and
>I'll have a sliding rear window which will remain unopened, as the
>current one has.
>
>And the American auto industry can't understand why the offshore
>manufacturers can make such inroads into their customer base.....
>
>Fellows, it's called marketing 101 - give the customer what he wants,
>not
>what some executive in the home office decides he can have.
>
>--
>John W. Barron
>j.w.barron worldnet.att.net
>PCS Mobile Phone: 919-272-2384
>
>Avoyelles Parish (LA) Web Page:
>http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.mindspring.com/~jwbarron/avoyeles.htm
>
>
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 09:51:36 EDT
From: JDavis1277 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Danger - Semi-Floating Axle

I had a shocking mishap when the rear axle sheared at the backing plate on my
old diesel blazer (1985 model).

About 5:30 AM driving to work, on a down hill curve doing about 45 MPH,
suddenly like driving on ice with the rear slewing back and forth, I steer in
the direction of the skid. Finally, the Blazer rolls 450 degrees. I unhook
the belts, climb up out the broken driver window, people whizzing by on both
sides, no one stops to even let me out of the damn Blazer.

Bottom line, caused by the broken axle and the left rear tire going South
while I was going North. Good news, no ticket, no points, no higher insurance
premiums, brand new Ford F-250 diesel as replacement. Bad news, high
deductible, Blazer was in perfect shape but not worth much, blood on new
uniform jacket, late to work, scared my wife (a lot).

Lesson: All other things being equal, get full floating axles.

Butch Davis-
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 10:14:18 EDT
From: Condit aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Bed covers

I just bought a '99 F-150 Super Cab with a short bed. I'd like to have a hard
shell cover for the bed, one that locks. Can anyone recommend a cover that
opens widely and is not so heavy that it would be awkward for my wife and I to
handle. Also, how difficult is the installation? Does it simply bolt to
existing holes or fasteners in the truck?
Thanks for your advice!
Don Condit
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 10:29:32 -0400
From: Dorn Hetzel
Subject: FTE 97up - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions

My 99 F350 PSD has just over 5000 miles on it now.

It's had one oil change, at around 3000.

I'd like to switch to synthetics, but am having a hard time figuring out
what flavor would be best. I don't want to waste money, but cost is not
a primary consideration, I want whatever will be best for the engine.
I tow a 5000lb trailer a fair amount, and tend to have a bit of a lead
foot. I also drive in a good bit of stop and go traffic 5 days/wk.

The owners guide supplement for the 7.3 says:

"For normal or severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
comforming to Ford Specification WSS-M2C171-C or API service categories
CG-4/SH. Do not use oil labeled with only one of the following
category designations; SG, SH, CE, CF-4, or CG-4, as they could cause
engine damage"

Most synthetics seem to be labeled API category SJ. How does this all
relate? Can I, for example, use Syntec? Would I want the 5W50 or the
10W30?

On a related note, I have the automatic, and have seen a few notes about
better ATF to run in it. Thoughts?

Any help appreciated!

-Dorn

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 09:25:04 -0700
From: Andrew Chung
Subject: FTE 97up - Straight answer on air lift suspension and shocks

It's been like pulling teeth trying to get a straight answer out of two
Ford dealerships around my area. I have a 98 Explorer with the air ride
suspension (air compressor in the cargo area over the left wheel well
hooked to the four shocks). I didn't have a choice on the air ride
suspension at the time since I took the vehicle from dealer stock. I've
been feeling that the truck is a little sloppy in the turns and I want to
try improving the handling.
The problem I have is that the air ride suspension shocks seem to be
larger in diameter than standard shocks and they are attached to the air
compressor. Compounded with that problem is that my trip computer will
complain each time I start the car if I turn the air compressor off.
What I had in mind was changing the stock shocks to Edelbrock IAS shocks.
I'm not planning to do too much off road driving, just some light fun
stuff and I'm not going to be towing anything too large so I thought more
"comfortable" shocks would be in order. The air shocks help level the car
(I've heard that Explorers have problems with listing to one side or the
other) and I'd like to keep that functionality. I was thinking of putting
some sort of air bladder in place on all four wheels, 2 on the leaf springs
in the rear and 2 in the springs in front. There is an air lift kit in
Performance Parts made by Air Lift that I looked at that looked like it
might work. I'm pretty new at all this car stuff although I have been
reading the list for a while trying to learn as much as possible. I'm not
sure if this will work at all or if it's possible. I would appreciate
anyone who has any experience or thoughts on this problem.

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 12:58:15 -0400
From: Dick_Dorff baynetworks.com (Dick Dorff)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Danger - Semi-Floating Axle

Butch,

Thanks for the warning. We're sure glad you're alright and have learned from the
experience (buy a Ford above all else :-) ). I know this is just one case, and
can't be generalized into any rules, but a few more details about the truck might
help qualify the reasons for this failure a bit for those of us who are wondering
whether a full-floating axle is advisable for our intended application. How old
was the truck when it happend (years and miles)? How much load had been placed on
the rear axle over that time (ie amount of towing, weight of towed equipment,
payload amounts and frequencies, tendency toward popping wheelies off the line,
etc)? Detail is fine but fuzzy ballpark estimates are OK too.

Thanks,

Dick Dorff.

PS I was recently wondering if I was being overly paranoid about wanting
full-floating for our occasional towing of a small, light 5th wheel (5-7000 lb
loaded), as I decide which truck to order. I hadn't actually heard of any axles
actually braking, but I hadn't been in truck circles until now. This one case is
somewhat of a reality check. I'm leaning even more heavily toward the Super Duty
now.

JDavis1277 aol.com wrote:

> I had a shocking mishap when the rear axle sheared at the backing plate on my
> old diesel blazer (1985 model).
>
> About 5:30 AM driving to work, on a down hill curve doing about 45 MPH,
> suddenly like driving on ice with the rear slewing back and forth, I steer in
> the direction of the skid. Finally, the Blazer rolls 450 degrees. I unhook
> the belts, climb up out the broken driver window, people whizzing by on both
> sides, no one stops to even let me out of the damn Blazer.
>
> Bottom line, caused by the broken axle and the left rear tire going South
> while I was going North. Good news, no ticket, no points, no higher insurance
> premiums, brand new Ford F-250 diesel as replacement. Bad news, high
> deductible, Blazer was in perfect shape but not worth much, blood on new
> uniform jacket, late to work, scared my wife (a lot).
>
> Lesson: All other things being equal, get full floating axles.
>
> Butch Davis-



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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 09:54:14 -0700
From: "Jarchow, Jaye"
Subject: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150

I'm thinking of buying a '99 F-150 Supercab with a 5.4 engine, and I would
occasionally carry a slide-in camper, weighing about 1800 lbs dry weight.
Anyone have any experience with campers, any advice? I know a Super Duty
would be better, but I feel that is overkill since 90% of the time it will
just be a commuter truck. I assume I will need overload springs to increase
the payload capacity. A salesman told me Ford does not recommend using a
slide-in camper on a F-150 or F-250LD, but I know lots of people do it.
What gives? Also, do I need a long bed or can I get by with a short bed?

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 13:47:59 EDT
From: FISHNG1 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Bed covers

I was driving by a one of our ford dealers the other day and saw a
fiberglass cover that was on a 99 SD. It was painted the same color of the
truck(woodland green) and looked great. It was made by "Century". If I did
not have my mind set on a canopy I would buy that cover. I believe that the
effort to lift those things are minimal because they use those lifts that are
found on heavy van tailgates and station wagons.
The FishNg1
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 13:43:40 EDT
From: LegalImag aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Bed covers

I have a snugtop on mine and I think it looks very good. As getting it off
its real easy. You can learn more about them on there web-site
www.snugtop.com

Scott
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 16:30:16 -0400
From: Jean Marc Chartier
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - RE: Piston slap in 4.6L

Ronald R. Palmer wrote:

> Hi All
>
> I looked at the VIN number on my truck and it has neither a W or a 6. The
> 6th digit on the VIN in my 1998 F150 is a 1. What does this mean? I looked
> under the hood and the drivers side valve cover does have a Windsor Label
> on it. This has been an excellent engine so far, runs very smooth. I have
> about 3,000 miles on it. I have heard no signs of piston slap at nay
> operating temp or RPM.
>
> Thanks
>
> Ron
>

Ron,

The 5th # describes the cab F=regular cab, X=Supercab. The 6th & 7th
describe the box 07=Flairside 4x2, 08=Flairside 4x4,17=Styleside 4x2,
18=Styleside 4x4, 27= Styleside 4x2 and 28= Styleside 4x4. The eighth digit
describes the engine 2= 4.2L, W= Romeo 4.6L, 6= Windsor 4.6L, 9=4.6L natural
gas, L = 5.4L and M= 5.4L natural gas.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 13:46:10 -0400
From: Lee Haefele
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Engine Fault Codes

It will still be in the computer. Most likely you need O2 sensor(s)
replaced. I noticed my gas mileage was bad until the light went out
approx 2 days later. Then I got new sensors, as did every other Ford
owner I know.
Lee Haefele
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 18:28:27 -0400
From: Dick_Dorff baynetworks.com (Dick Dorff)
Subject: FTE 97up - S/D Bench Seats

Just noticed yesterday in a test drive of a '99 F250 S/D S/C,
that the front bench seat is 40/20/40, with the 20 fixed in the
"all the way back" position. Anyone know if it's possible to get
the sliding rail for the center section, attach it to the psgr
seat rail system, or remount it farther forward? Dealer says no
other solutions from factory. When I'm driving, we'd have
drivers seat way back, ideally middle & pssgr section somewhat
forward with wife and #1 son (9yo) occupying them, and the two
little ones (2yo and 2mo) in the back, behind the middle & pssgr
sections.

I like the L/D setup in this regard better; 40/60. I know, the
real solution is to go crew cab. I agree, and it would fit in
the garage with
off on being willing to maneuver the extra length truck into and
out of the garage, parking spaces etc. I've already got buy-in
for going from a L/D to a S/D "...if we have to. Yes, for the
payload dear". I don't want to push my luck too much. I might
need it consideration of a V10 or PSD.

I know it's trivial, but thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Dick Dorff

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 19:22:16 -0400
From: "Anne Mitchell"
Subject: FTE 97up - Leaf Springs

I have a 98 F150 SC 4.6L 4WD with the short bed. There is a recall on the
leaf springs on some of these vehicles. If you look at the front half of
the leaf springs there is a metal band around the spring pack with a rubber
"shim" fit under the top of the strap. On the passenger side of my truck
this shim is now out of position and ready to fall off. The one on the
driver side is fine. I'm going to the dealer Monday. My questions are: has
anyone else had a problem with this shim; does the typical truck in my
configuration list a little to the driver side when viewed from the rear;
has anyone received a recall notice for the leaf spring problem; do other
F150 owners hear a lot of leaf spring slap in the rear when going over your
basic bumps at 15 to 40 mph? I'd like to know your experiences so I can
make my visit to the auto doctor more beneficial to the overall health of
the patient. I have 12,300 miles so far (in 8 months) and I'm still having
fun.

Stephen

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 16:36:08 PDT
From: "Jordan Rautiola"
Subject: FTE 97up - My truck was built about two weeks after order

Just wanted to share the stats. '99 F150XLT 4x4 SC long bed, dark red
with 5.4L and automatic. Built 16 days after it was ordered. Probably
so quick because it was a long bed supercab, which is probably less than
5% of 4x4 supercab production. I was told that the "unique" trucks have
shorter lead times, due to lesser demand.



______________________________________________________
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 17:40:23 -0700
From: Ken Peterson
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions

>Most synthetics seem to be labeled API category SJ. How does this all
>relate? Can I, for example, use Syntec? Would I want the 5W50 or the
>10W30?
>
>On a related note, I have the automatic, and have seen a few notes about
>better ATF to run in it. Thoughts?

Dorn,

As far as I can tell by reading all the relevant BS, the products from Red
Line are among the best, probably way overkill for street use -- but then
is hauling a camper over a nasty pass in 2nd gear at 90-degrees street use?

In particular, Red Line's plain 10W30 has *no* viscosity improvers to
compromise it's lubricating-film strength, and the pure base stock is
naturally that viscosity. I use it with pleasure in my 1993 Subaru Legacy
and 1988 Ford F-250 5.4l (after 5000mi break-in).

Tomorrow morning I am having the local Ford dealer switch out the stock ATF
for Red Line ATF. He will (a) drain the pan and change the filter, (b)
remove plug on torque converter, and drain that, and (c) use compressed air
to blow most of the 1/3 qt or so out of the oil cooler. We'll see what the
refill volume is. There are 16 quarts in there, and Red Line is just under
$8 / quart (cheap insurance).

Red Line synthetic ATF *transformed* the behavior of my Subaru's AT; I'm
really looking forward the the truck's chageout. (Hardly any difference
between winter-cold mornings and hot-weather behavior. Solid clutch lockup.
Far-superior film strength and heat resistance.)

Read about it at

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.redlineoil.com/

Nope, I'm not connected to Red Line in any way. I just like their products
and the way the company conducts itself! I know this oil subject can be
nearly a religious/political source of flame. (I expect the Amzoil zealots
will respond!)

- ---------------
Ken Peterson, Portland, OR
1998 F-250LD Lariat, extended cab, short bed, 4X2, 5.4l, class-3 tow options
LT245X16/steel rims, 4W disks + ABS, load-leveling rear suspension.
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 17:49:57 -0700
From: Ken Peterson
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Straight answer on air lift suspension and shocks

> The problem I have is that the air ride suspension shocks seem to be
>larger in diameter than standard shocks and they are attached to the air
>compressor. Compounded with that problem is that my trip computer will
>complain each time I start the car if I turn the air compressor off.

I have the rear load-leveling suspension on my F-250LD and love it! I was
told by a Ford-dealer mechanic that the parts are from the rear suspension
of the Explorer. Maybe BS -- is the Explorer rear leaf-sprung?

If so, the air leveling units are *pistons*, not shocks. The rear srrings
on my truck have only *two* leaves each, plus those air pistons and a
torque-arm on each side to prevent axle windup (a *nice* extra benefit of
the LLS). Test-dropping a 2000-lb camper onto the bed was a big yawn for
the LLS -- snapped it into level within 30 sec. Felt solid as could be on
mountain roads.

The truck has heavier-duty shocks than the stock truck with standard
leaves, according to the specs. The damping's really high.

In spite of that, loaded only with my 250-lb canopy and a passenger, the
truck rides like a dream, and I prefer touring in it over the Subaru --
quieter, for one thing. Pity on the gas mileage!

Maybe all you have to do is upgreade your shocks to adjustable or Fords HD
ones.

- ---------------
Ken Peterson, Portland, OR
1998 F-250LD Lariat, extended cab, short bed, 4X2, 5.4l, class-3 tow options
LT245X16/steel rims, 4W disks + ABS, load-leveling rear suspension.
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 18:00:59 -0700
From: Ken Peterson
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150

>I'm thinking of buying a '99 F-150 Supercab with a 5.4 engine, and I would
>occasionally carry a slide-in camper, weighing about 1800 lbs dry weight.

I had exactly the same questions as you when I went shopping for my '98
F-250. It's that hefty rear axle and superior handling of the F-250 4X2
that sold me over any F-150 (mushy handling) and any 4X4 (rocking-chair
ride and vague handling.

I test drove everything I could, then plunked down the bucks. Result? - I'm
a happy camper. (Well, not literally yet -- I just tested the truck with a
friend's Shadow Cruiser at 2000#, not hooked up but loaded with Stuff. Got
HappiJack tie-downs installed, and shimmed his rig to fit, then tooled
around the nearby mountains with him, including rough roads. Big yawn for
the truck. Rear load-leveling handled the load easily, and the stock HD
shocks were plenty stiff enough. My friend has a tricked-out Dodge 1500
(shocks, airbags, etc), and he was amazed.

You have to choose a camper of reasonable weight, obviously -- a 2350# dry
weight super-Lance is not a good choice! I'm looking at ones from Pastyme,
Bigfoot, Lance, etc that are *made* for short-bed trucks and come in at
1600-1800# dry.

Gotta pay off some of the truck before springing for the camper, heh heh.

- ---------------
Ken Peterson, Portland, OR
1998 F-250LD Lariat, extended cab, short bed, 4X2, 5.4l, class-3 tow options
LT245X16/steel rims, 4W disks + ABS, load-leveling rear suspension.
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 21:07:01 -0400
From: "Todd E."
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150

No dice on the F-150 for this camper. It is not made to take the weight. Which
means that vehicle braking and handling will be unsafe, not to mention excessive
wear on the truck. Get a Super-Duty F-250 or F-350. It costs about the same as
an F-150, and is no more overkill for commuting than any other full-size pickup
truck would be.

Jarchow, Jaye wrote:

> I'm thinking of buying a '99 F-150 Supercab with a 5.4 engine, and I would
> occasionally carry a slide-in camper, weighing about 1800 lbs dry weight.
> Anyone have any experience with campers, any advice? I know a Super Duty
> would be better, but I feel that is overkill since 90% of the time it will
> just be a commuter truck. I assume I will need overload springs to increase
> the payload capacity. A salesman told me Ford does not recommend using a
> slide-in camper on a F-150 or F-250LD, but I know lots of people do it.
> What gives? Also, do I need a long bed or can I get by with a short bed?
>
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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 19:23:37 -0600
From: "Randy Kindler"
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: marketing

>And the American auto industry can't understand why the offshore
>manufacturers can make such inroads into their customer base.....
>
>Fellows, it's called marketing 101 - give the customer what he wants,
>not
>what some executive in the home office decides he can have.
Actually, the Japanese offer far fewer choices. My girlfriend's Mom just
bought a new Toyrota Avalon. It was available as an XL (plain) or an XLS
(fancy). The only options available were a sun roof, and leather seats.
Everything else was part of the "package". It does seem that American
manufacturers are moving in that direction. I remember the available options
when I bought my '91 F150 seemed endless. Many colors, and nearly all were
available as a 2 tone combination. My '98 SC ORP had no optional gear
ratios, no available front LSD, 10 available colors, with 2 available trim
colors, (which weren't available with the ORP unless it was a Lariat). I
guess it is necessary to control manufacturing costs, but I do miss the
choices that the factory once offered. Just my nickels' worth.

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 21:41:56 EDT
From: CNTRYF150 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - squeaky rear end

I have a 98 f150 with 7,000 miles.There is an annoying squeak in the rear
end.the dealer told me that it will go away.EXCUSE ME,,,but it is a new
truck,,it should not sound like the Beverly Hillbillys truck. Does anyone else
have this problem?My father in law also has a 99 f350 super duty crew cab 4x4
that does the same thing.,,,,signed Jed Clampet wanna be.....


P.S..It only does it when hitting bumps or turning a sharp corner
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Date: Fri, 09 Oct 1998 10:07:15 -0700
From: geoff campbell
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Camper on a F-150

Your slide in camper would be 1.5 feet shorter (assuming a flush model) with the
short bed. Would be pretty cramped if more than 2 people. I'd consider something
like a 4 wheel popup (weight 1000lb wet). You would do better with power with
the small block and wouldn't be overloading your truck.

People do overload their pickups with slide in campers. Some do fine, some get
in accidents and some break axles. I think you need to go to an SD with that
kind of weight.

I have had 3 of the 4 wheel popups and the first was on a 1/2 ton chevy (sorry).
It worked fine except i did crack brake pads repeatedly.

Geoff Campbell
99 250SD PSD Crew Cab....

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