97up-list-digest Friday, December 4 1998 Volume 01 : Number 298



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

FTE 97up - Axle ratio
FTE 97up - Illumination
FTE 97up - ADMIN: A note on language
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F350 crew cab 4x4 PSD XLT delivery
Re: FTE 97up - Axle ratio
FTE 97up - Banks power pack with quick spin turbo
FTE 97up - Re: Engine noise
FTE 97up - Re: Online resource for Ford service issues
Re: FTE 97up - 999 miles and uh-oh..Service engine light is on !
Re: FTE 97up - Axle ratio
RE: FTE 97up - FW: Online resource for Ford service issues
FTE 97up - Week #48 Commodity projections
Re: FTE 97up - 999 miles and uh-oh..Service engine light is on !
FTE 97up - Dodge vs. Ford
Re: FTE 97up - FW: Online resource for Ford service issues
FTE 97up - Excess engine noise in '98 2.5L Ranger
Re: FTE 97up - alarm

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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 06:38:26 -0500
From: Lee Haefele
Subject: FTE 97up - Axle ratio

I have a friend that just ordered a F-350 Supercab DRW, chassis-cab. He
intends to install utility body & regularly (daily) tow 10,000#
trailer. He ordered V-10, auto & 3.73 gears. I told him to get the
4.30 gears or order F-450, which will have 4.88. What does everyone
think, it is hilly here, I thinkthis rig will be in 2nd gear 1/2 the
time.
Lee Haefele
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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 07:30:17 -0500
From: "Suarez, William"
Subject: FTE 97up - Illumination

I currently own a 97 F150 4x4 Lariat SC. Great truck, and one of the best
features are the integrated fog lamps. They produce a low wide, pure white,
beam that does exactly what they are designed to do..........get under the
fog and/or drizzle and let you see the road.

When I ordered my new SD F250 4x4 SC Lariat PSD last month I was
disappointed to find out that Ford does not offer the integrated fog lamps
on the SD series. I suppose I can understand them not offering them on a
line of "work" trucks, but I'm still disappointed!

There seems to be a logical opening, next to the tow hooks, on the SD's to
locate fog lamps. Does anyone know of any out there that are designed for
the SD's yet??

Thanks,

Bill Suarez

_____________________________________________________________
mailto:wsuarez netsilicon.com or mailto:wsuarez osicom.com
Osicom Technologies - Director of Corporate MIS
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.osicom.com/ - http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.netsilicon.com/

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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 08:04:57 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: A note on language

This email is not targeted at any individual, rather it
is presented to all list members as a friendly reminder.

Over the past several days, there have been postings on
some of the groups containing inappropriate language.
While my language in my personal life isn't always as
clean as it should be, I maintain (and so does Keith Srb,
admin of several of the lists) a standard on the lists
so that they'll be appropriate for all audiences.

I want to remind everyone that we have people from all
walks of life and all age groups on our lists. Ford
Truck Enthusiasts does not censor content nor moderate
message activity. However, because we are a forum
available to the public, we do have filters in place to
reject emails containing certain words.

Getting around these filters with ***, --- and other
such characters defeats the purpose of the filters.
While saying "I made an *ss of myself" is appropriate,
using the "s" and "f" words is not. Although the TV
networks don't have the highest standards, they do
maintain some standards. So the rule of thumb is if
they don't say it on afternoon TV (ie, when the kids
are watching), then it doesn't belong on FTE.

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

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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 08:07:37 EST
From: MarkS79255 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F350 crew cab 4x4 PSD XLT delivery

>
>Just ordered this truck and have been told by some people that delivery will
be 4 >months (no problem), some have said 7 - 8 months (that's a problem), and
some >people have told me up to a full year (a bigger problem). Any clues what
is a >realistic delivery time? Also when can a person first get the Id. number
for a >vehicle that is going to be produced?
>
I ordered a F250 SD PSD Lariat 4x4 SWB on 6/15/98. No truck, no build date,
no idea if it will ever be built. I think the problem is with the Lariat
package. I have seen a few F250 Lariats on the street - no 4x4 though. Other
correspondents to this mailing list have talked about long delivery times and
some fortunate ones have received Super Dutys in much shorter times - I
believe these were all XLT models though. Good luck.

After hearing about the 99.5 changes from Nathan, I won't mind waiting longer
to get a model with these improvements.
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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 05:46:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Neal Moon
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Axle ratio

He should have ordered the 4.30 gears.




_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?

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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 05:59:40 -0800 (PST)
From: Neal Moon
Subject: FTE 97up - Banks power pack with quick spin turbo

has anybody added any of the Banks line of upgrades to their
powerstrokes. i have a 99 xlt crew cab 4x4 psd on order and was
wondering if the calims that Gale Banks makes on their web site is true.
- -Neal
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?

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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 09:12:47 -0600
From: Dan Prescher
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Engine noise

Nathan, I have a 99SD PSD six-speed manual, and I swear I get that same
chatter, but it sounds like it comes from the rear differential, mostly
in reverse or holding a steady 10-15 mph in second. It's been there
since I took delivery, but it doesn't happen every time under like
conditions. May or may not be the same thing you describe, but I took
delivery the end of October -- could you let us know what that three
week period was so I can tell if I'm in the fix zone?
> >
> > As for the torque converters, I have one or two trucks doing this. It only
> > affected the trucks built for a short period of time (fixed now, I think the
> > period was about 3 weeks long and started a couple of months ago). It is
> > just a rattling "chatter" noise from the transmission. It's only on Diesel
> > automatics. It doesn't seem to affect anything (the one I had the owner
> > thought it was just normal Diesel clatter). As of a week ago Ford hadn't
> > announce the fix (I bet they replace the torque converters), but the did
> > have a message that testing was in progress.
> >
> > Nathan
> >
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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 10:19:40 -0500
From: Dick_Dorff BayNetworks.COM (Dick Dorff)
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Online resource for Ford service issues

Just in case you haven't already seen it (I didn't see your $.02 there),
this issue is being actively discussed in the F150 Online message
boards: www.f150 online. com -> Message Boards -> Engines -> 5.4L Engine
Problems !!!!!!!!!! . Seems like a good central gathering point for
consumers with the issue.

Dick Dorff.

> Wed, 02 Dec 1998 14:20:28 -0700, Jay Murphy
>
> > Can anyone tell me if there is an online source for downloading Ford
> > issued service bulletins (I'm sure there is an official name for
> > them, but I don't know it). Specifically, I'm having a piston slap
> > problem with the 5.4L engine in my 97 f150. Is there somewhere I can
> > look to see what Ford is telling its dealers about servicing the
> > problem?
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Jay
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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 09:49:02 -0600
From: Zach Whitehill
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 999 miles and uh-oh..Service engine light is on !

FISHNG1 aol.com wrote:
>
> Well, why do I always seem to get the bad apple in the batch? In 87' bought
> a brand new Yamaha 115 outboard and the powerhead lasted one month, then in 97
> I bought a new Mercury kicker and it had bad piston slap...again a new
> powerhead.
> Now with 999 miles on my 99' PSD, (supercab,xlt,auto,4x4,srw,etc) I have a
> problem. This morning on the way to the Ford dealer and on the freeway, my
> truck all of a sudden seemed to lose power. I kind of thought for a second
> that I had hit a bad section of road because the truck started to "shudder.'
> I looked down at my gauges and saw the "Service Engine Soon" light was on.
> The reason I was going to the dealer in the first place was to pick up a
> loaner vehicle because the I was having aftermarket wheel flares, running
> boards, etc., installed, and also getting the bottom panels painted.
> I was already planning to call the service dept., because I had been
> compiling a list as follows of things that seemed strange to me. Even though
> some of these may be just brought on by reading to many problem posts. LOL How
> do we spell Hypochondriac?
> 1. A rougher idle in gear at stoplights.
> 2. A burning smell, not a diesel smell, kind of like an old burning cig.
> butt.
> 3. Louder tapping sounds (diesel type)
> 4. That rattling T/C sound (Marbles? in a bowl)
> 5. Very mushy shifting at times, too frequent changing of gears on inclines.
> 6. Annoying whistle sound at about 30 mph (very high pitched)
> 7. I live in Washington State (Rain & more Rain) and I the passenger side
> Quad door
> leaks at the top seal (near the seat-belt harness)
> 8. Seems to have less power than it did at delivery.
> 9. Service Engine soon is on and definite loss of power and shudders. Still
> starts
> though.
>
> Nathan or anyone have any input......I will let you all know what the dealer
> says.
> I was going to go FishNg this weekend but what do I pull my sled with?
> Thanks.....> > > FishNg1 aol.com
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
FISHNG1,
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT I HAVE ALMOST ALL THOSE SAME PROBLEMS, EXEPT THE DOOR
LEAKING. MY DOOR DOESN'T LEAK, BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE SUPER CAB DOOR
ISN'T PAINTED ON THE INSIDE. TO BE HONEST WITH YA I HAVE PROBLEMS
NUMNBER 1, 2 (SMELLS LIKE PAINT THINNER TO ME THE SAME SMELL THAT IS IN
BODY SHOPS)3,4,5 AND 8. I DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT GOING ON. MY TRUCK
(99' F150 EXT. CAB, SHORT BOX, 5.4, 3.73) GOES TO THE SHOP TOMMOROW. I
GOT 2500 MILES ON MINE AND I'VE OWNED IT FOR 3 WEEKS. I'LL ALSO LET YOU
NOW WHAT THE DEALER TELLS ME....
ZACH
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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 11:04:40 -0500
From: "Keith Veren"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Axle ratio

The 3.73 gears with the V-10 should be acceptable for pulling 10, 000 pounds
no problem. First, the V-10 does have 410 foot-pounds of torque, which
although not equal to the PSD, is plenty powerful. Second, the 3.73 gears
will work just fine during the 90% of towing on level ground going 60 -65
mph in high gear (you should not tow 10K pound trailer much faster than
this!). Of course, it will downshift going up a steep grade...but what is
wrong with that!!! Everyone seems to think that you 4.30 gears are required
to tow more than a watermelon with the V-10, it just ain't so. Even Ford
says the total GCWR of the V-10 w/3.73 is (w/automatic) is 17,000 lbs..
[However, to pull more than 10 to 12 K pounds I would recommend the 4.30
gears].



Keith


- -----Original Message-----
From: Neal Moon
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Thursday, December 03, 1998 8:45 AM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Axle ratio


>
>
>He should have ordered the 4.30 gears.
>
>
>
>
>_________________________________________________________
>DO YOU YAHOO!?
> >
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>

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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 09:23:56 -0700
From: "Don Lewoniuk"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - FW: Online resource for Ford service issues

Check out the drivetrain/engines/5.4l engine problems
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.f150 online. com/cgi-bin/f150board/Ultimate.cgi. 'Bassmam' gives a
good and accurate rendition of the situation.

Cheers, Don


> Subject: FTE 97up - FW: Online resource for Ford service issues

> > Can anyone tell me if there is an online source for downloading Ford
> > issued service bulletins (I'm sure there is an official name
> for them, but
> > I don't know it). Specifically, I'm having a piston slap
> problem with the
> > 5.4L engine in my 97 f150. Is there somewhere I can look to see
> what Ford
> > is telling its dealers about servicing the problem?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Jay
>

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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 12:20:07 -0600
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: FTE 97up - Week #48 Commodity projections

The following are the projected commodities for week # 48 (KC region.)

Windstar-
LX quad seats 10%
SE series 13%
SEL series 0%
CD + Cass (58K) 100%
4th door 79%
Expedition-
no controls
Explorer-
4.0L OHV 81%
5.0L 6%
4.0L SOHC 13%
Dual media radio (58K) 97%
Deep dish aluminum wheels 48%
Running boards/side steps 65%
Econoline
6.8L V-10 31%
7.3L 6%
racks and bins 100%
Prem. cassette radio (588) 19%
CD+ cass (58K) 29%
Ranger
2.5L 10%
3.0L 67%
4.0L 23%
Dual media radio (58K) 29%
4 door supercabs 18%
Fixed rear window (non sliding) 27%
Deep dish wheel (64J) 100%
F-150/250 LD
4.2L 51%
4.6L 17%
5.4L 32%
6 disc CD changer 5%
am/fm CD radio 13%
Super Duty F-Series-
5.4L 13%
6.8L V-10 total 22%
6.8L with pick-up 20%
7.3L Total 65%
7.3L automatic 42%
7.3L with pickup 64%
total automatic- 63%
F-350 DRW pickup 58%
F-350 DRW chassis 5%
F-250/350 SRW 4x4 79%
F-550 7%
total crew cab 35%
Total pickups 98%
Lariat trim 23%
Tutone 55%
Cass + CD radio (58K) 28%

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
Union, IA 50258


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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 10:41:29 -0800
From: johny
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 999 miles and uh-oh..Service engine light is on !

I'll take a shot at this. (and apologies in advanced for the length..)
I basically have the same setup. (F350 XLT SC 4x4, auto, SRW, short bed)
My truck was built in June 1998.
I live in the SF bay area, so I don't have colder temps to contend with
on a day - to - day basis.

1. A rougher idle in gear at stoplights.

- - does this correspond with a cold or warm engine?
If cold, I notice this a lot, and would consider this normal.
I'll even notice it at 50 F, but it's not bad.
If warm (normal operating temps), then I might
check.
* air filter
* oil level/type (using the correct stuff?)
* fuel (#2 or winter blend)
* cam sensor
* injectors

2. A burning smell, not a diesel smell, kind of like an old burning cig.
butt.

- do you run the heater a lot? I've noticed when vehicles are new, high
heater temps, tend to "break in" things. Can you indicate where the smell
may be originating from?

I noticed other "burning" smells in the engine bay, as things broke in.
Went away by 500 miles in my case.

3. Louder tapping sounds (diesel type)

- see item #1.

4. That rattling T/C sound (Marbles? in a bowl)

- known issue. I know you are reading Jason's site, so you should
be aware of this. I hear ford is working on this, but does not have
a solution yet. Some folks have had the Torque convert swapped, but
the problem has re-occured. ( I don't have this problem as far as I
can tell.) I think Nathan recently reported this was occuring over
about a 3 week period.


5. Very mushy shifting at times, too frequent changing of gears on inclines.

- Possibly a known complaint with E4OD and 4R100 transmissions.
Examine your driving habits, in towing and non-towing situations.
On the trottle a lot? Might want to consider a Trans Command module
to firm up the shifts.

Or take the trans out of OD, in these situations.

I recall you tow a reasonable sized boat, but don't recall the specifics.

6. Annoying whistle sound at about 30 mph (very high pitched)

- You sure it's not the turbo? Depending on how heavy you foot is,
and sensitive your ears are, you'd easily hear it at 1500 RPM.

If this is your first diesel, i'd bet that's it.

7. I live in Washington State (Rain & more Rain) and I the passenger side
Quad door
leaks at the top seal (near the seat-belt harness)

- get the dealer to adjust it. I had a driver's side quad door that
required to be slammed a bit harder to latch. I had the dealer adjust it
so it was "normal" as adjusted to the other doors. No problems.

8. Seems to have less power than it did at delivery.

- Being in washington, it's a bit colder, so I'd expect they may have
changed fuel blends to a winter blend. If so, you may notice a lack of
power, and mileage decrease. If not, see item #1.


9. Service Engine soon is on and definite loss of power and shudders. Still
starts though.

- well that's a problem. Hopefully your dealer can figure it out. In the event
you're dealer says nothing is wrong, shopping for another repair shop
may be in order.

- - good luck. For the record, I have over 7600 miles on the thing.
and (not to rub it in), it runs like a champ. Unloaded it weighs in
at 7000 lbs, and regularly gets 15.5 around town and 18 on the
open road 1950 or so RPM (about 67 MPH).

- -john

FISHNG1 aol.com wrote:

> Well, why do I always seem to get the bad apple in the batch? In 87' bought
> a brand new Yamaha 115 outboard and the powerhead lasted one month, then in 97
> I bought a new Mercury kicker and it had bad piston slap...again a new
> powerhead.
> Now with 999 miles on my 99' PSD, (supercab,xlt,auto,4x4,srw,etc) I have a
> problem. This morning on the way to the Ford dealer and on the freeway, my
> truck all of a sudden seemed to lose power. I kind of thought for a second
> that I had hit a bad section of road because the truck started to "shudder.'
> I looked down at my gauges and saw the "Service Engine Soon" light was on.
> The reason I was going to the dealer in the first place was to pick up a
> loaner vehicle because the I was having aftermarket wheel flares, running
> boards, etc., installed, and also getting the bottom panels painted.
> I was already planning to call the service dept., because I had been
> compiling a list as follows of things that seemed strange to me. Even though
> some of these may be just brought on by reading to many problem posts. LOL How
> do we spell Hypochondriac?
> 1. A rougher idle in gear at stoplights.
> 2. A burning smell, not a diesel smell, kind of like an old burning cig.
> butt.
> 3. Louder tapping sounds (diesel type)
> 4. That rattling T/C sound (Marbles? in a bowl)
> 5. Very mushy shifting at times, too frequent changing of gears on inclines.
> 6. Annoying whistle sound at about 30 mph (very high pitched)
> 7. I live in Washington State (Rain & more Rain) and I the passenger side
> Quad door
> leaks at the top seal (near the seat-belt harness)
> 8. Seems to have less power than it did at delivery.
> 9. Service Engine soon is on and definite loss of power and shudders. Still
> starts
> though.
>
> Nathan or anyone have any input......I will let you all know what the dealer
> says.
> I was going to go FishNg this weekend but what do I pull my sled with?
> Thanks.....> > > FishNg1 aol.com
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 13:52:42 -0800
From: "Kirk Werner"
Subject: FTE 97up - Dodge vs. Ford

I've been a Dodge owner for several years and currently drive a 96 2500.
But wait- before you lay into me for that, know also that I have a 74 Bronco
in my garage, and my wife drives an Explorer.

I'm wondering if there are any previous Dodge owners who have switched over
to one of the new Super Duties? My Dodge hasn't been without it's share of
problems, and while I like my truck, I'm not blind when it comes to loyalty.
When I look for a new truck within the next year, I'm going to go drive an
F250 SD. I'm also going to drive a new Dodge. Both will be the V10. I
know how the numbers stack up against each other- the Dodge V10 is bigger.
But considering I have the 360 in my Ram, either V-10 would be a significant
jump in power. I've heard some good things about the Triton. Anyone have
personal experiences with either v10?

Thanks for any info.

Kirk
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Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 20:41:02 -0500
From: Mark Lee
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - FW: Online resource for Ford service issues

Technical service bulletins, vehicle recalls and other interesting info
is published by the NHTSA for all vehicles. Make sure when entering the
"manufacturer" you enter "Ford Truck" and not just "Ford". Have fun...

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/


Jay Murphy wrote:
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Jay Murphy
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 1998 2:19 PM
> > To: F150list (E-mail); Fordtrucks97up-Digest (E-mail)
> > Subject: Online resource for Ford service issues
> >
> > Can anyone tell me if there is an online source for downloading Ford
> > issued service bulletins (I'm sure there is an official name for them, ETC,ETC
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Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 22:14:21 -0700
From: "Don Murphree"
Subject: FTE 97up - Excess engine noise in '98 2.5L Ranger

My 98 4 cylinder Ranger (auto) is very noisy in the cab when the rpms are
over 3000. Is it possible to install a different muffler, and or resonator?
also: 1) Will this make a difference? 2) What will it cost? 3) Will it
affect my warranty? Any suggestions are welcome. I had a 91 Ranger for 6
years and I loved it, but this 98 is grating on my last nerve. Thanks Don


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Date: Fri, 04 Dec 1998 00:07:35 -0600
From: Steve
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - alarm

LUBER1 aol.com wrote:
....

---

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