97up-list-digest Saturday, April 24 1999 Volume 02 : Number 106



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

FTE 97up - ReAM/FM amp
RE: FTE 97up - am/fm antenna amplifier
Re: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?
Re: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question
Re: FTE 97up - am/fm antenna amplifier
Re: FTE 97up - am/fm antenna amplifier
RE: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question
FTE 97up - Classifieds
RE: FTE 97up - Classifieds
FTE 97up - Extra Back-Glass for F250SD - Tinted/Sliding Window
FTE 97up - Why would a truck want to know the date?
Re: FTE 97up - Why would a truck want to know the date?
FTE 97up - Y2K voting
Re: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question
FTE 97up - The Y2K Question Again
Re: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question
RE: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question
Re: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?
Re: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?

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Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 06:38:35 -0400
From: Lee Haefele
Subject: FTE 97up - ReAM/FM amp

> Does anyone have a recommendation for an am/fm antenna amplifier. I'm
> trying to reach some stations further out than local ones.
An antenna amp is unlikely to do much. I installed a Pioneer
AM/FM/Tape unit with "SuperTuner" in my daughter's car, it pulled in
many more stations than the factory units.
Lee Haefele
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 04:25:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: Hunter
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - am/fm antenna amplifier

I bought an amplifier from an ad in a magazine. It's shaped like a ball and it fits on
the top of the antenna. I've got 2 of them (1 for the truck & the other for my CB).
They said, this is what the military used to amplify the signal. So far it works fine,
but it does amplify the noise. I really didn't care that much for noise, you really
don't experience it with FM but you do with AM. For the CB I just turn the squelch
button down a little.

Hunter


> > Does anyone have a recommendation for an am/fm antenna amplifier. I'm
> > trying to reach some stations further out than local ones.

> I used to own and run a high end stereo store..
> and amplifiers will amplify the noise and static as well...
> I would get a CD player and forget about fm enitrely.

_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 09:52:11 -0400
From: "Keith Veren"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?

You do not need a new Pitman arm with the 2-1/2 (or even the 3-1/2) lift,
just use the toe-in adjustment to square things up and point the steering
wheel straight ahead.

Keith


- -----Original Message-----
From: FISHNG1 aol.com
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Friday, April 23, 1999 5:00 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?


>Howdy guys, last night my sons and I installed the 2 1/2 inch lift from
>Jack-it. Made by Tuff Country and all turned out well.
>I did not start until 8PM and finished around 3AM, I would have been done
>quicker but realized after I had the right spring off that my small floor
>jack was just that, too small for the job. I jury rigged the jack with wood
>blocks and lowered the axle by slowly letting the air out of the tires. I
did
>have a problem with the track bar bracket as it did not line up with the
>stock holes on my truck and I had to redrill them slightly.
>It looks great now and level.
>I need to straighten out the steering wheel now and need to know if you
>should do it at Pitman arm or at the steering wheel. If you do it at the
>wheel, how do you get the cover off and do you need a puller to pull it?
Also
>is there a danger of the enclosed air bag.
>Probably going to get new tires tomorrow, 285/75R16, even though I know
that
>I should wait until I can afford 35x12.50x16.5.
>
>------------------
>Steve Ng....The FishNg1
>99 F-350 XLT,PSD,SC,Auto,LWB
>4x4,ESOF, used to tow Alumaweld Formula Vee Jetsled
>
>== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 08:50:46 -0500
From: "Charles Abraham"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question

That's not the way it would work, the "clock" would reset itself
off the airwaves whatever that source may be. That's providing
your vehicle had such function on its computer to begin with.

And I think that's the question being asked here, because we
just don't know if it does or doesn't.

My VCR's clock resets automatically after a power outage or
to daylight savings time, from the local PBS TV station, which
besides sound and picture, also transmits time of day.

Karen Wall / Steve Offiler wrote:

> At 10:06 AM 4/22/99 -0700, you wrote:
> >
> > Well there someone opened a can of bugs (uh I mean worms).
> > I'm curious about how many Ford Truck enthusiasts:
> >
> > 1. Absolutely have no doubts that their truck will start Jan 1, 2000.
> > 2. Have some doubts but not enough to worry about.
> > 3. Have some doubts and will not travel around this date.
> > 4. Are absolutely convinced their cars are not going to start.
>
> This one really "bugs" me (sorry). Who, in their right mind, would believe
> that a car/truck computer knows what day it is???? Put me down for a very
> strong #1.
>
> They just simply don't know
> what day it is, period. Want proof? The last time your battery died, did
> you have to reset a day/time function on your car/truck?
>
> I'd love to hear some rational (yeah right) debate from any #4's out there!
>
> Steve O.
> soffiler ici.net
> North Scituate RI
> '97 F-250HD (old-style)
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 10:24:19 -0500
From: "Charles Abraham"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - am/fm antenna amplifier

I would like to see a small ball type roller attachable to the tip of the antenna. Not
as an amplifier, but as a roller to help prevent scribing a line across the under side
of my garage door, going in and out.

Hunter wrote:

> I bought an amplifier from an ad in a magazine. It's shaped like a ball and it fits on
> the top of the antenna. ddress at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://mail.yahoo.com
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 11:38:11 -0500
From: "C. K. Hartline"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - am/fm antenna amplifier

Charles,
Sounds like you've hit on a great idea! Why not affix an attachment
that has either ball bearing or roller bearings in it to the end of the
antenna that can be screwed down tight so that it can't be flipped off when
it snaps back with the antenna. I wonder if this wouldn't be a big seller
with folks who use the cb/antenna's that are always pretty much taller than
the rest of the vehicle. I know the cb antenna on my van is always thumping
in the hospital parking garage when we go there.

C.K.

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 09:47:36 -0700
From: "Bert Brehm"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question

> Why in the world would a vehicle's microprocessor need
> to know what time it is? None of its business. I don't
> see why they would build this capability into a computer
> engine control.
>
> Can anyone answer this?
>
> George

..well, I can't answer the *why*, but I can help out with
the *what*. Microprocessor chips have many different
components etched into the silicon. Naturally, you'd
expect to find a cental processor unit (CPU), some local
high speed memory and a bunch of other stuff including a CLOCK.
Nearly every chip has one. This clock is used by the CPU.
It is not the same clock that you see on your dashboard.

And here-in lies the rub!

This clock always remembers what time it is. It only takes
a few electrons worth of electric charge to change a memory
bit from 1 to 0. Therefore, the clock requires no external
power source to maintain the pattern of 1's and 0's in the
local memory.

It always remembers the time. Even if you turn off the power
switch. *Even* if you disconnect the battery. Doesn't matter.
It is one persistent bugger.

This applies to nearly all microprocessors, not just trucks
and cars. By now, no one should be overly concerned about Y2K
problems in PCs, or laptops, or mainframes down at the bank.
But there may some cause for concern with all of the imbedded
microprocessors in the control systems that run the
machinery that you depend on every day. Like alarm systems,
coolers in the grocery store, elevators, escalators, copy
machines and so on.

- --Bert



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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 12:55:45 -0500
From: "Blanchester Police"
Subject: FTE 97up - Classifieds

Where can I find a classifieds section for Ford trucks? My brother has some
ford parts (rims) he is looking to sell.

Corey A. Pratt
blanpolice in-touch.net

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 12:12:04 -0500
From: "Chris Patrick"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Classifieds

post them here.. whats he got?

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com
> [mailto:owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of
> Blanchester Police
> Sent: Friday, April 23, 1999 12:56 PM
> To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: FTE 97up - Classifieds
>
>
> Where can I find a classifieds section for Ford trucks? My
> brother has some
> ford parts (rims) he is looking to sell.
>
> Corey A. Pratt
> blanpolice in-touch.net
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info
> http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999 00:31:37 -0500
From: "David Moore"
Subject: FTE 97up - Extra Back-Glass for F250SD - Tinted/Sliding Window

I installed a Power Sliding back window for my F250 SD 1999 and I have a
tinted back window with manual sliding window for sale - $100 not including
any shipping. This should pop right in on a standard 1999 SD with no gasket
replacement required. I am located in Houston Tx.

David Moore
Ford dmoore.com


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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 16:18:19 -0500
From: greg_lewis metro.nashville.org
Subject: FTE 97up - Why would a truck want to know the date?

I am no expert, therefore, these are my own (non-substantiated) thoughts.

First of all, with a very small drycell battery the computer could and would
hold the time/date even with the truck battery disconnected. Just like your
computer remembers the CMOS settings of the motherboard when you turn the
power off and disconnect the power cord.

Secondly, could it be possible that the onboard diagnostics use the date and
time to report back to the diagnostic computer when you take the truck in
for service? For example, on April 1, 1999 at 8:00 AM the engine reported a
bad air to fuel ratio coming from the number 2 injector.

Nathan, any thoughts on this?

Greg Lewis
Support Center
880-3812


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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 16:59:48 -0500
From: "C. K. Hartline"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Why would a truck want to know the date?

OK then here's the deal, if that in fact happens on January 1, 2000, then
the manufacturers are gonna have a butt ton of cars to repair! Or someone
is gonna make a butt ton of money on a computer chip to handle the problem.
Either way, I'm not gonna worry about it til the time comes.

C.K.

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 18:43:21 -0400
From: "Pete Elliott"
Subject: FTE 97up - Y2K voting

My vote: 1: No doubt that the beast will start.

And ... if the computer clock problem is pervasive enough to affect my 1999
F150, then I'm staying home anyway!! :)

Re: Dodge Trucks (on a Ford list??)

I've got a Ram Wagon - a SWB full size passenger van, with a 3.9L V6 and an
auto trans. (Disclaimer - My wife's vehicle) Engine is decent, for the
size, but the tranny is junk. The five speed from my old Ford Escort would
handle more work!!!

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 21:25:10 EDT
From: CERESJohnG aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question

Well, ther is a possibility and it's called warranty. Presuming a
ligh/indicator came on that said, take me in for service. If you ignored it
until it was convenient and something went really south as a result it could
be construed as abuse of the vehicle.

GM did some of this awhile back, I think they counted the number of times you
started the vehicle after the flag went up. Really don't know haw much ifo is
stored in the chip but in addition to what turned a check engine light on,
want to bet there is a time hack as well.

John G
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 21:27:49 -0500
From: "Bud Feuless & Miki Magara"
Subject: FTE 97up - The Y2K Question Again

Guys;

Thanks for all your responses... but no one has really addressed the
question yet. Garmin, Magellan, and Industrial Computer Source all sell
both off-the-shelf and custom modules which sense date/time from either the
GPS or U.S. Atomic Clock to OEM's. They tell me that one of their biggest
markets is the Big Three. There are _claims_ (and _only_ claims) from some
that there are some EEC's that use this info. There was a fairly
bogus-looking demo on videotape from a Y2K symposium in which a Bronco II
supposedly had its clock rolled forward and would no longer start, etc... .

Now, I am not really sure why an auto manufacturer would put such a module
in a car, but it certainly would not make sense, unless they intended to use
it somehow. So, my question to those of you out there who engineer,
support, and sell these critters is... what are the _facts_? Are these GPS
and Atomic Clock modules really in any of our trucks? If so, how are they
used? If they are used by the EEC or another system, how do they use the
info they receive (do they process years with 2 or 4 digits) and how would
they react when the date rolls to 2000 or 00 or when the GPS system goes
back to week 0 on August 22?

Anybody out there got the _facts_ on this one?

By the way, I am mostly expecting and very much hoping that the answer will
be that few or none will be impacted, but, from my own experiences with this
issue, must continue to subscribe to O'Malley's Law which, simply stated, is
that Murphy's Law is overly optimistic. Don't be surprised if we found a
few bug-a-boo's out there. Nothing Armageddon-like, but a few really
annoying things...

By the way... my VCR will never program again after 2000. My wife the
Pharmacist is already having trouble processing insurance claims, as the
insurers systems are having trouble verifying identity based on birthdate
and, therefore, having trouble either authorizing claims or even sometimes
finding the patient record. She says this is getting to be a real problem
and that she is manually filling out claims quite often now. We also have
lots of Cisco routers, PBX equipment, etc... where I work that all the
tech's and managers thought could not possibly have Y2K problems. They did
and we had to upgrade. You never know what a nasty little systems
programmer might put in the code when you aren't watching (I used to be
one...)!

Regards, Bud


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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 17:50:51 -0700
From: JJ Thomas
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question

You know, I do not know what this uproar is about with this Y2K problem.
"FORD" does not have a Y in it. Clocks don't have a "Y" in them. Radio,
CD, Cassette do not have Y's in them. All I had to do with my computers
was white out the Y and change it to K. Like wow, what is the big deal???

And folks, it's about that silly.

- -Julian

At 21:28 04/22/99 -0500, you wrote:
>The last time I asked by 97 F150 what day it was, it had no idea it will
>start unless I forget to gas it up. I expect my clock to be correct, my TV
>to work, but the coffee shop will close because the first of Y2K is a
>holiday in our little town. I would hope that my favorite college football
>team is in a bowl game that day so that I can watch them
>
>I would also expect that a lot of folks will make a lot of money off of the
>gullible fools that believe them.
>
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 19:35:17 -0700
From: JJ Thomas
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - RE: Y2K bug question

You missed!

Microprocessors don't have clocks. There are two clocks in a typical PC.
One is a frequency circuit that proved timing *TO* the processor, memory
and all the components. The second clock is the CMOS clock, kept running
by a battery. When the system is started, it reads the CMOS clock to set
the system time.

Memory: With the exception of EPORM, EEPROMS etc., all memory is erased
when power is removed. Even CMOS. However the CMOS is kept alive by a
battery.

- -Julian, Computer Hardware Technician of twenty years.

At 09:47 04/23/99 -0700, you wrote:
>> Why in the world would a vehicle's microprocessor need
>> to know what time it is? None of its business. I don't
>> see why they would build this capability into a computer
>> engine control.
>>
>> Can anyone answer this?
>>
>> George
>
>..well, I can't answer the *why*, but I can help out with
>the *what*. Microprocessor chips have many different
>components etched into the silicon. Naturally, you'd
>expect to find a cental processor unit (CPU), some local
>high speed memory and a bunch of other stuff including a CLOCK.
>Nearly every chip has one. This clock is used by the CPU.
>It is not the same clock that you see on your dashboard.
>
>And here-in lies the rub!
>
>This clock always remembers what time it is. It only takes
>a few electrons worth of electric charge to change a memory
>bit from 1 to 0. Therefore, the clock requires no external
>power source to maintain the pattern of 1's and 0's in the
>local memory.
>
>It always remembers the time. Even if you turn off the power
>switch. *Even* if you disconnect the battery. Doesn't matter.
>It is one persistent bugger.
>
>This applies to nearly all microprocessors, not just trucks
>and cars. By now, no one should be overly concerned about Y2K
>problems in PCs, or laptops, or mainframes down at the bank.
>But there may some cause for concern with all of the imbedded
>microprocessors in the control systems that run the
>machinery that you depend on every day. Like alarm systems,
>coolers in the grocery store, elevators, escalators, copy
>machines and so on.
>
>--Bert
>
>
>
>== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 23:09:47 -0700
From: "Matt Bailey"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?

Steering wheel alignment is adjusted at the draglink. Pitman arms are
usually indexed at 90 degree intervals, so there is no adjustment there.
Don't take the steering wheel apart, I'm sure there is no adjustment there
either. The draglink is the link between the pitman arm and the tie rod
assembly. There should be plenty of adjustment to realign your steering
wheel there.

Mattb


- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Friday, April 23, 1999 1:53 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - Realigning steering wheel after lift?


> Howdy guys, last night my sons and I installed the 2 1/2 inch lift from
> Jack-it. Made by Tuff Country and all turned out well.
> I did not start until 8PM and finished around 3AM, I would have been done
> quicker but realized after I had the right spring off that my small floor
> jack was just that, too small for the job. I jury rigged the jack with
wood
> blocks and lowered the axle by slowly letting the air out of the tires. I
did
> have a problem with the track bar bracket as it did not line up with the
> stock holes on my truck and I had to redrill them slightly.
> It looks great now and level.
> I need to straighten out the steering wheel now and need to know if you
> should do it at Pitman arm or at the steering wheel. If you do it at the
> wheel, how do you get the cover off and do you need a puller to pull it?
Also
> is there a danger of the enclosed air bag.
> Probably going to get new tires tomorrow, 285/75R16, even though I know
that
> I should wait until I can afford 35x12.50x16.5.
>
> ------------------
> Steve Ng....The FishNg1
> 99 F-350 XLT,PSD,SC,Auto,LWB
> 4x4,ESOF, used to tow Alumaweld Formula Vee Jetsled
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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

Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999 03:49:41 EDT
From: FISHNG1 ....

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