97up-list-digest Saturday, October 24 1998 Volume 01 : Number 255



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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 - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions
FTE 97up - Re: Danger Semi-Floating Axles
FTE 97up - Explorer Mailing list
FTE 97up - Re:full floating axels
FTE 97up - RE: camper on F150
Re: FTE 97up - Explorer Mailing list
Re: FTE 97up - squeaky rear end
FTE 97up - Looking for a SRW PSD stock hub cap
Re: FTE 97up - Looking for a SRW PSD stock hub cap
FTE 97up - ADMIN: 61-79 list split vote
FTE 97up - Comparison to '99 Silverado to 99 F-150
FTE 97up - Tachometer Connection
FTE 97up - Re: types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions
Re: FTE 97up - Comparison to '99 Silverado to 99 F-150
Re: FTE 97up - Straight answer on air lift suspension and shocks
Re: FTE 97up - Explorer Mailing list
Re: FTE 97up - Comparison to '99 Silverado to 99 F-150
FTE 97up - ADMIN: Voting
FTE 97up - 1999 F-150 4x4 4.6L Auto trans questions
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F-150 4x4 4.6L Auto trans questions

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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 08:12:25 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions

Make VERY VERY sure that you use the CG-4/SH oil. It has anti-foaming
additives that the HEUI system needs to keep running. Make sure and check
this, Ford makes both kinds (one is labeled super Premium with a car on the
bottle and the CG-4/SH is labeled Super Duty with a semi on the bottle) When
they first came out with the Power Stroke we had one get the wrong oil. It
was hard starting, lacked power and ran rough. The reason for this is the
oil foamed and kept the injectors from getting enough oil pressure. As for
oil weight I recommend 15W40 in the summer or if your down south, and 10W30
in the winter, unless your where it is really cold then 5W30.

Nathan Bernard

- -----Original Message-----
From: Dorn Hetzel
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Thursday, October 22, 1998 10:44 AM
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: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 09:51:42 EDT
From: JDavis1277 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Danger Semi-Floating Axles

Dick,

When the axle sheared the Blazer (1/2 ton) was about 5 years old but had less
than 50K miles. The diesel had, I believe, about 120 hp but good torque for a
6.2 litter. The only towing was a boat and the weights were well within
recommended limits. I drove the thing fairly aggressively, mostly in the DC
burbs. After the accident I heard from several people that the problem was
somewhat widespread.

I feel the axle failure was premature and that the vehicle had not been
abused. My insurance company agreed and decided to go after GM, but the
Blazer had been sold and parted out by the time the decision was made, so it
was too late.

The only lesson in all this is that if you break a semi-floating axle you will
probably lose the wheel. If you are going at any speed at all, you will
probably have an accident.

What I have leaned from this is that if I can afford the small additional cost
I will have a truck with full-floating axles. It cost me a couple of thousand
dollars to reach this conclusion. I hope anyone reading this can reach the
same conclusion at no cost.

Thanks, Butch Davis-
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Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 08:15:16 -0700
From: Keith Srb
Subject: FTE 97up - Explorer Mailing list

Forwarded for "Brad Harris"

In my venture to find an Explorer mailing list like this on the on the web I
found ZILCH! So I started one, If anyone is interested in joining please
drop me a line and I'll tell you how to sub*cribe. So far there are only 3
people on the list, I'm trying to get as many as I can.


Thanks,
Brad
- -bharris monroe.lib.mi.us-


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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 10:35:23 -0400
From: "Haefele TV Inc."
Subject: FTE 97up - Re:full floating axels

The only downside of a full floating axel is you have to watch your
mechanic. The bearings are lubricated by overflow rear axel lube. If
the hubs are disassembled the bearings must be prelubed with grease, the
axel lube is slow to fill & the wheels fall off long before! Next you
must overfill the pumpkin to make the lube move out to the hubs (& still
have proper amount left). Had several of these fall off.
Lee Haefele

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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 08:19:43 -0700
From: "Harald"
Subject: FTE 97up - RE: camper on F150

Don't do it! I'll be the first to admit I'm technically overgross on my 99
F350 with my camper installed, but a F150 with that kind of weight would be
dangerous. For example, my single rear wheel truck is rated for about 3200
lb camper weight with 2 passengers in the truck. A F250 would be rated for
about 2100 lbs because it's GVWR is 8800 lbs (vs 9900 lbs for the F350).
The camper you're considering would actually be pushing it for the F250 once
you add any options to the camper and load it up with gear. I personally
believe there's a good margin for error in those ratings, so you should be
fine with the F250. But the F350 basically doesn't cost any more and would
handle the camper much better. Just my thoughts.

Harald


"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." -Ben Franklin

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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 11:42:45 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Explorer Mailing list

At 08:15 AM 10/20/98 -0700, you wrote:
>Forwarded for "Brad Harris"
>
>In my venture to find an Explorer mailing list like this on the on the web I
>found ZILCH! So I started one, If anyone is interested in joining please
>drop me a line and I'll tell you how to sub*cribe. So far there are only 3
>people on the list, I'm trying to get as many as I can.
>
>
>Thanks,
>Brad
>-bharris monroe.lib.mi.us-
>

What do you mean? We have an Explorer list here on Ford Truck
Enthusiasts!

Ken Payne
CoAdmin


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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 09:27:34 -0700
From: Ken Peterson
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.....

Had the same symptom with my F-250LD off the lot. Cause? Several bolt/nut
combos holding parts of the suspension brackets together were little more
than finger tight! Flexing of the frame caused noises like a dying animal.
The thing wouldn't fall apart -- self-locking nuts prevent that, but the
bozo who hit it with his air wrench forgot to hold the nut on the other
side when he zapped the bolts, I think.

Given the quality control I've learned expect from American car companies,
I think it's a great idea to pick a nice, dry day and scoot under the truck
with the right wrenches. Test everthing in sight. I found *more* loose
bolts that way, and tightened them myself.

On the first visit to the dealership with my squeak complaint, some dodo
hit several bolts with his air wrench -- and forgot to secure the nuts, of
course. "There you are, Mr. Peterson. All better." Result: bolts weren't
tightened at all, just rotated.

I really think that, within limits for your lifestyle, you have to look
after yourself in these matters. As my truck's ATF is being drained and
replaced with synthetic ATF this morning, I can't help wondering if they
*really* will do a good job removing the old stuff, no matter what they
promise at check-in. After all, how can I really tell what *new* fluid
looks like in there if the old wasn't some contrasting color.
- ---------------
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: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 11:17:33 -0700
From: Shawn Utz
Subject: FTE 97up - Looking for a SRW PSD stock hub cap

Lost one on the way to work. Anyone have some take-offs or a better deal
than Ford, OUCH!
Thanks,
Shawn
- --
Shawn R. Utz shawn tera.com
Tera Computer Co. Tel: (206)490-2024
2815 Eastlake Ave E. FAX: (206)325-2433
Seattle WA 98102
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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 13:26:59 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Looking for a SRW PSD stock hub cap

What year Hub cap (Alcoa style not wheel cover right)? Also are you still
in warranty?

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Shawn Utz
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Friday, October 23, 1998 1:35 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Looking for a SRW PSD stock hub cap


>Lost one on the way to work. Anyone have some take-offs or a better deal
>than Ford, OUCH!
>Thanks,
>Shawn
>--
>Shawn R. Utz shawn tera.com
>Tera Computer Co. Tel: (206)490-2024
>2815 Eastlake Ave E. FAX: (206)325-2433
>Seattle WA 98102
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 14:45:49 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: 61-79 list split vote

Two new votes have been added to the web site voting
center.

1. Split the 61-79 list into two lists to reduce
traffic.
2. Add pre48 list.

Voting expires in 14 days.

Here we grow again! If the new lists get approved, we
will ask for volunteers to administer them.

Ken Payne
CoAdmin,
Ford Truck Enthusiasts

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

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 15:44:13 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: FTE 97up - Comparison to '99 Silverado to 99 F-150

Finally got my first side by side comparison (from Ford) of the F-150 to the
new Silverado. The first page has a picture of three Chevys (a Silverado,
and I'd guess a 1988 and 1994) they don't look much different than they used
to.

Chevy is bragging about being "BIGGER"

1. They are talking about in comparison to their old truck, However in
Front and rear shoulder room, Rear hip room, and front leg room the
Silverado is actually smaller than the truck it replaces

2. Cargo Box- Silverado has more cargo volume than C/K did, but Ford has
more volume in any box configuration.

3. Exterior- Ford is slightly longer on Regular cab (4x4 Longbox Silverado
Wheelbase=133 Length=222.2 F-150 Longbox Wheelbase=138.8 length=225.8) and
Chevy is slightly longer on Super cab ( Silverado 4wd SWB wheelbase=143.5
overall length= 227.6 F-150 S/C 4x4 SWB Wheelbase+138.8, Overall length=
225.8")

4. Cab space-Chevy has slight edges over Ford in size in attempt to "best
ball" Ford, most customers won't notice the small difference. (For example
Chevy has .2" more head room, .4" more front hip room, .4" more leg room,
.6" more rear head room)

They also always say "IN THE HALF TON SEGMENT" this is because the Super
Duty F-Series has substancally more room than the Silverado does.

5. Door Opening- Standard third door has the widest opening in the segment.
Yes it is a bit wider, but where is the fourth door?

They also talk about Being "FASTER

1. Horsepower- Ford V-6 has 5 horsepower more than Chevy, 4.8K Chevy has 35
horse over Ford and 5.3L has 10 Horsepower over the 5.4L. The numbers that
are compared are peak horsepower if you put the 5.3L and the 5.4L on a graph
you'll see the 5.4L produces more horsepower from 1600 RPM until 4500 rpm
(me reading the chart so might be a hundred RPM off) which is where most
driving takes place

Torque is the true measure of performance in a truck it tells you how much
you can do and Horsepower tells you how fast you can do it. All F-150 V-8's
have more torque than their Silverado counterparts.

2. Torque- Silverado claims to have a long flat torque curve to provide
better towing and hauling. F-150 hits 90% of its torque at approximately
2500 RPM (5.4L peaks at 2300) so it provide more torque at low RPM so you
have power you can use and feel especially to get a load moving. Chevy has
lower torque numbers than Ford (5.4L has 345 Lb/ft 2300 RPM 5.3L 315 at
4000 RPM). The Chevy has to rev higher to hit torque peak so they have to
work harder (and still produce less torque) and more RPM's mean more wear on
engines.

3. Faster stoping- Standard 4 wheel disc is an advantage for Silverado
(except F-250 LD with 4 wheel ABS and all Super Duty which have 4 wheel
disc). Chevy has standard ABS. Ford has it with XLT and Lariat (excludes
SD) and optional on work series where price is often more important (its
only a $300 option)

"STRONGER" is another term they use

1. They are mainly referring to their frame. They are proud of a 3 piece
frame (F-150 had this when 1997 model was introduced). They also are
talking about their "hydroforming" process which produces a lighter frame.
Do you really want a lighter frame in a Full size pickup?

Chevy says its technical advancements make it "SMARTER" and adds value.

1. Autotrac 4wd allows automatic engagement of 4x4. This is nice but is an
extra cost option. Floor mounted lever is standard.

2. Tow Haul mode on transmission- F-150 has Overdrive lockout feature to
perform this function to prevent shifting "busyness"

4. Coolant loss protection- Triton V-8 engines have had this for several
years and now V-6 does.

5. Fracture Split connecting rods- Ford has had this in the Triton engines
since their introduction in 1995, yet another example of Chevy catching up
to Ford.

6. Things Chevy doesn't offer- FOURTH DOOR, Hood struts (they use old
fashioned spring design), Locking tailgate, Power signal mirrors,etc..

7. The Silverado is only available up to 8600 GVWR so heavier trucks are the
old C/K style (C/K also available in lighter trucks for first few months of
production)which are no match for the Super Duty line.

- ---please note when I say F-150 it refers to F-150 and F-250 LD (under 8500
GVW)

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc
Union, IA 50258


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

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 15:08:40 -0700
From: bklm juno.com (Brian K Moberg)
Subject: FTE 97up - Tachometer Connection

Where's the easiest place to pick up a tachometer connection in a 1998
F-150 (V6, Manual)? My truck obviously didn't come with a tach but do
they bring the wire up under the dash anyway?

___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 17:29:28 -0500
From: "Sven Setterdahl"
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

- ------=_NextPart_000_000D_01BDFEAA.AFB03CA0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

You need to use an oinl that is specifically formulated for a diesel =
engine. You can't use the same stuff you would put in a gasoline =
engine. Shell's Rotella oil is the only one that comes to mind right =
now, but there are others. Check out the following website for a lot of =
good info on the Powerstroke:

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.abol.com/users/jlester/index.htm

>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?
>


- ------=_NextPart_000_000D_01BDFEAA.AFB03CA0
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable






http-equiv=3DContent-Type>



You need to use an oinl that is specifically formulated for a =
diesel=20
engine.  You can't use the same stuff you would put in a gasoline=20
engine.  Shell's Rotella oil is the only one that comes to mind =
right now,=20
but there are others.  Check out the following website for a lot of =
good=20
info on the Powerstroke:
 

href=3D"http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.abol.com/users/jlester/index.htm">http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.abol.com/=
users/jlester/index.htm
>Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 10:29:32 -0400>From: Dorn =
Hetzel=20
<
href=3D"mailto:dorn hetzel.org">dorn hetzel.org>>Subject: =
FTE=20
97up - types of oil for 99 PSD and other questions>>My 99 =
F350 PSD=20
has just over 5000 miles on it now.>>It's had one oil =
change, at=20
around 3000.>>I'd like to switch to synthetics, but am =
having a=20
hard time figuring out>what flavor would be best.  I don't =
want to=20
waste money, but cost is not>a primary consideration, I want =
whatever=20
will be best for the engine.>I tow a 5000lb trailer a fair =
amount, and=20
tend to have a bit of a lead>foot.  I also drive in a good =
bit of=20
stop and go traffic 5 days/wk.>>The owners guide =
supplement for=20
the 7.3 says:>>"For normal or severe service, use =
Motorcraft=20
oil or an equivalent oil>comforming to Ford Specification =
WSS-M2C171-C or=20
API service categories>CG-4/SH.  Do not use oil labeled with =
only=20
one of the following>category designations; SG, SH, CE, CF-4, or =
CG-4, as=20
they could cause>engine damage">>Most =
synthetics seem=20
to be labeled API category SJ.  How does this =
all>relate?  Can=20
I, for example, use Syntec?  Would I want the 5W50 or=20
the>10W30?>>On a related note, I have the =
automatic, and=20
have seen a few notes about>better ATF to run in it. =20
Thoughts?>

- ------=_NextPart_000_000D_01BDFEAA.AFB03CA0--

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

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 18:56:09 EDT
From: RAMWORKER aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Comparison to '99 Silverado to 99 F-150

Hi List,

Just thought I'd add a little to Nathans' comments.

> 4. Cab space-Chevy has slight edges over Ford in size in attempt to "best
> ball" Ford, most customers won't notice the small difference. (For example
> Chevy has .2" more head room, .4" more front hip room, .4" more leg room,
> .6" more rear head room)
>
> They also always say "IN THE HALF TON SEGMENT" this is because the Super
> Duty F-Series has substancally more room than the Silverado does.
>
> 5. Door Opening- Standard third door has the widest opening in the
segment.
> Yes it is a bit wider, but where is the fourth door?

There was a '99 GMC extended cab that showed up at the shop one morning this
week that I got a peek at.
I was very impressed with the length of the extended cab portion, much longer
than any other truck I've seen. This should translate into more rear seat
legroom. And where the heck is the fourth door?

> They also talk about Being "FASTER
>
> 1. Horsepower- Ford V-6 has 5 horsepower more than Chevy, 4.8K Chevy has
35
> horse over Ford and 5.3L has 10 Horsepower over the 5.4L. The numbers that
> are compared are peak horsepower if you put the 5.3L and the 5.4L on a
graph
> you'll see the 5.4L produces more horsepower from 1600 RPM until 4500 rpm
> (me reading the chart so might be a hundred RPM off) which is where most
> driving takes place
>
> Torque is the true measure of performance in a truck it tells you how much
> you can do and Horsepower tells you how fast you can do it. All F-150
V-8's
> have more torque than their Silverado counterparts.
>
> 2. Torque- Silverado claims to have a long flat torque curve to provide
> better towing and hauling. F-150 hits 90% of its torque at approximately
> 2500 RPM (5.4L peaks at 2300) so it provide more torque at low RPM so you
> have power you can use and feel especially to get a load moving. Chevy has
> lower torque numbers than Ford (5.4L has 345 Lb/ft 2300 RPM 5.3L 315 at
> 4000 RPM). The Chevy has to rev higher to hit torque peak so they have to
> work harder (and still produce less torque) and more RPM's mean more wear
on
> engines.

The boss at our sister company next door recently traded his '96 GMC with the
350 Vortec for a '99 GMC with the 5.3 liter engine. Vortec rated at 255 horse
and 335 torque, 5.3 rated at 270 horse, 315 torque. He claims he can confirm
these ratings by "seat of the pants." So torque is down, horsepower up, just
as Nathan mentioned, and common sense should confirm, a smaller engine should
have less torque, all else being equal.

> 1. They are mainly referring to their frame. They are proud of a 3 piece
> frame (F-150 had this when 1997 model was introduced). They also are
> talking about their "hydroforming" process which produces a lighter frame.
> Do you really want a lighter frame in a Full size pickup?

I'm not real impressed with this Hydroforming.

> 2. Tow Haul mode on transmission- F-150 has Overdrive lockout feature to
> perform this function to prevent shifting "busyness"

This is one thing I don't like about Ford or Dodge. Why do we have to have two
different controls for the same component? There's already a shift lever, why
do they think we need an extra button? Chevy, at least up to '98 gave us a
real shift quadrant, like Ford used to do with the older, and maybe current
full size cars.

> 5. Fracture Split connecting rods- Ford has had this in the Triton engines
> since their introduction in 1995, yet another example of Chevy catching up
> to Ford.

Would you please explain this one? It's new to me. It sounds like they're
broken from the factory!

> 6. Things Chevy doesn't offer- FOURTH DOOR, Hood struts (they use old
> fashioned spring design), Locking tailgate, Power signal mirrors,etc..

Hood struts, no I don't like these. They're nice, light, and high tech! LOL.
But they simply don't last long, I much prefer the old springs, they almost
never wear out. It sure doesn't look good when it's cold out, and you're using
an old baseball bat to hold the hood up, and off the top of your head, been
there, done that, got knots on my head to prove it, doesn't take long to learn
when there's pain involved! The springs are still working well on my old cars,
the oldest is a '67.

Best Regards,
Robert
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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 19:41:54 EDT
From: F150DML aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Straight answer on air lift suspension and shocks

Yes, Explorers have rear leaf springs
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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 19:46:51 EDT
From: F150DML aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Explorer Mailing list

I would like very much to be a member of your mailing list.
David
F150dml aol.com
or
fordtrucks1 hotmail.com
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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 19:54:04 EDT
From: F150DML aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Comparison to '99 Silverado to 99 F-150

Nathan,
Brother you hit the nail on the head. My friends and I at Perimeter Ford in
Atlanta, Georgia we laughing when reading how bad the F-Series wippes the "new
Chevy". Bottom line, Ford is superior--best selling Vehicle in America 16
years in a row. Best selling full size pickup 21 years in a row!!!
David
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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 22:02:27 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Voting

Don't send your votes for the list split to either
the lists or to me. Go to the web site and use the
voting center.

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

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Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 23:32:21 -0400
From: Lou Mallia
Subject: FTE 97up - 1999 F-150 4x4 4.6L Auto trans questions

I'm the happy owner of a brand new 1999 F-150 SC SB 4x4 with 4.6L and
auto trans. I've been reading the owner's manual, in the specs and
capacities section, and can't figure out from the manual which auto
trans I have, 4R100 or 4R70W, and consequently whether I would use
Mercon or Mercon V fluid in it. Can anyone help? (In the invoice the
transmission is listed as 44U.)

Also, I've only put 130 miles on the truck, but have already noticed
something that seems really wierd with respect to OD engagement.
Initial engagement of OD is fine upon acceleration, and cruising with
power applied is great. However, once the OD is engaged, if I remove my
foot from the gas to coast for a second or more, when I re-apply power,
the rpm's rise (several hundred for a brief half-second), then the trans
seems to re-engage OD and the rpm's drop back to where they were at
cruise. This sequence can be easily repeated at any speed above about
45mph, even at highway speeds 65 and up. I was expecting the OD to stay
engaged unless the speed drops below a point at which it should be
engaged under acceleration (say 45 or so).

I know this is an apples-to-oranges comparison, but my '95 Windstar van
(my only other auto OD experience) doesn't exhibit this behavior. Once
engaged, OD acts like a manual trans - the revs track with vehicle speed
and don't wander up and down with the removal and re-application of
power, unless of course you really stomp on the gas, and it downshifts
for acceleration.

My question is this: Is what I'm observing normal for the F-150 auto
transmission? I'm concerned because I think this behavior could prove
to be maddening (at least to me!) on a crowded freeway, moving at
moderately high speeds where you remove and reapply power fairly often.
Has anyone else observed this behavior?

Thanks,
Lou

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Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 00:11:08 -0400
From: "Todd E."
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F-150 4x4 4.6L Auto trans questions

Don't know which tranny you have, but the reason for the automatic
downshifting, is the transmissions way of making up for a weak V-6 engine in
case you have a load in the bed.

Lou Mallia wrote:

> I'm the happy owner of a brand new 1999 F-150 SC SB 4x4 with 4.6L and
> auto trans. I've been reading the owner's manual, in the specs and
> capacities section, and can't figure out from the manual which auto
> trans I have, 4R100 or 4R70W, and consequently whether I would use
> Mercon or Mercon V fluid in it. Can anyone help? (In the invoice the
> transmission is listed as 44U.)
>
> Also, I've only put 130 miles on the truck, but have already noticed
> something that seems really wierd with respect to OD engagement.
> Initial engagement of OD is fine upon acceleration, and cruising with
> power applied is great. However, once the OD is engaged, if I remove my
> foot from the gas to coast for a second or more, when I re-apply power,
> the rpm's rise (several hundred for a brief half-second), then the trans
> seems to re-engage OD and the rpm's drop back to where they were at
> cruise. This sequence can be easily repeated at any speed above about
> 45mph, even at highway speeds 65 and up. I was expecting the OD to stay
> engaged unless the speed drops below a point at which it should be....

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