97up-list-digest Tuesday, January 19 1999 Volume 02 : Number 014



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

FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?
Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?
FTE 97up - Re: Oil change
Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change
Re: FTE 97up - SD 250 V10 Arrived! First impressions.
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
FTE 97up - Re: 98 Ford Explorer - Front end squeal
Re: FTE 97up - SD 250 V10 Arrived! First impressions.
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change
Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?
RE: FTE 97up - Re: 98 Ford Explorer - Front end squeal
Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change
Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change
FTE 97up - FTE T-shirts are ready!
FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny
Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
FTE 97up - first oil change
Re: FTE 97up - non SOF?
FTE 97up - Re: Re:First oil change
FTE 97up - Re: Re: Ford Explorer Gas Mileage

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

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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 06:46:30 -0800
From: Gene Ball
Subject: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?

It's my understanding that my rearseat on my Super Duty Crew Cab,
should lift up or fold foward? If it does, I can't figure it out?
Anyone know how? Where is the lever?
I can't seem to find it in my owners guide?
Thanks Gene

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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 07:36:16 -0600
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny

The 4R100 is not available in the F-150. I've been told the case is to
large. The lightning uses a special E4OD with some of the 4R100 parts in
it. Horsepower isn't an important factor in transmissions. Torque is what
causes the need for a bigger transmission. The E40D should more than handle
the power, and the 4R70w with some common sense should do fine, also. If
you want the E4OD you can get it with California emissions (I've also heard
that Flareside Supercabs might get the E40D).

Nathan

- -----Original Message-----
From: Rick Heis
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Sunday, January 17, 1999 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny


>At 08:04 AM 1/16/99 -0600, you wrote:
>
>Nathan,
>
>My next questions, (1) Can you when you order a new 1999 F150 5.4 SC SB
>XLT order the 4R100 tranny? I eventually plan on upgrading the 5.4
>engine, after about 10,000 miles, to about 350 horsepower and 'think' the
>beefier tranny would be better with the increase in HP and torque. (2)
>What other items would have to be upgraded/changed with other components
>(axles, drivetrain, etc) to make this 4R100 happen? (3) Or is it a simple
>swap to 'special order' the 4R100? (4) What Ford trucks have the 4R100
>either as standard or available as an option. (5) What would you
>reccommend, is the 4R70w adequate OR should I opt for the stronger 4R100
>tranny?
>
>
>Thanks a million,
>
>Rick Heis
>
>>The F-150 with the 5.4L comes with the 4R70W (except with California
>>Emissions, then E4OD). The 4R100 is basically an E4OD on steroids. I
think
>>the case is slightly bigger and all the internal parts are stronger to
>>handle the extra torque of the Diesel this year. The E4OD is a stout
>>transmission and can handle lots of torque itself. The 4R70W is a good
>>transmission (haven't had to change any yet), but is different than the
>>E4OD. It is slightly smaller and seems to "eat" less power than the E4OD
>>making trucks with this tranny seem more responsive. It doesn't have the
>>ability to handle as much torque as the E40D but can still handle quite a
>>bit. The owner of the local transmission shop prefers this transmission
in
>>his truck due to snow plowing use. He says it can handle repeated
>>forward-reverse shifts better.
>>
>>Nathan Bernard
>>
>>
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 08:27:45 -0600 (CST)
From: "Douglas R. Floyd"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny

Just curious... what is the best way to squeeze 350 horses out of the
5.4?
- --
Douglas R. Floyd
"Cannot tell if this is true, or a dream." -- Die Krupps
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 10:22:34 -0500
From: "Todd E."
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?

The SuperCab rear seat folds forward. I don't think the Crew Cab seat folds
forward. In the SuperCab, all you do is lift up on the rear of the bottom
seat, and pull a little strap to release the back of the seat for folding
down.



>It's my understanding that my rearseat on my Super Duty Crew Cab,
>should lift up or fold foward? If it does, I can't figure it out?
>Anyone know how? Where is the lever?
>I can't seem to find it in my owners guide?
>Thanks Gene
>
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>

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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 10:40:31 -0500
From: Dorn Hetzel
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?

In my SD F-350 Crew Cab, the rear seat folks forward, which is a good
thing, because the jack is stored behind it :) I forget where the level is
but I'll look later today.

-Dorn

On Mon, Jan 18, 1999 at 10:22:34AM -0500, Todd E. wrote:
> The SuperCab rear seat folds forward. I don't think the Crew Cab seat folds
> forward. In the SuperCab, all you do is lift up on the rear of the bottom
> seat, and pull a little strap to release the back of the seat for folding
> down.
>
>
>
> >It's my understanding that my rearseat on my Super Duty Crew Cab,
> >should lift up or fold foward? If it does, I can't figure it out?
> >Anyone know how? Where is the lever?
> >I can't seem to find it in my owners guide?
> >Thanks Gene
> >
> >== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> >
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 09:48:23 -0600
From: "Dan Prescher"
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Oil change

Rick, the owner's manual for my F-350 PSD recommends first oil change at
5,000 unless you're on a tough duty schedule such as off-roading, city
delivery or extreme dust, in which case the recommendation is 3,000.

>I ordered my F-250 SC SD PSD on September 2 and picked it up on Jan. 7.
>So far I have no complaints. When talking to my salesman the other day,
>he reminded me to bring it in at 5000 miles for my free first oil
>change. I said that would be my second or third change. He told me
>that Ford issued a bulletin saying that the oil shouldn't be changed
>before 5000 miles to allow everything to "seat". I've never run a new
>vehicle for more that 1500 miles before the first change.
>Has anyone else heard of this bulletin? When are you folks changing
>your oil for the first time? Any answers will be greatly appreciated.
>
>Rick Kane



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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 11:21:34 EST
From: BFunk33 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change

While most of this is right, I *have* seen people ruin engines by using
synthetic oil too soon.
Synthetic oils (the 100% stuff, not the blends) is too slippery, and won't
allow the rings to seat properly. What happens then is, the engine will start
to smoke at about 20-30k miles, and this will be attributed to a "bad engine
> from the factory; after all, the best oil was used." 100% synthetic shouldn't
be used for the first 6k miles, at least, to give the rings a chance to seat.
Bill

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:


From: dhmccla ibm.net
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change

Alan,

I personally think its all BS and agree with Union Auto. Every service
department will tell you something different. That factory installed
oil is no different than any other major brand oil you can buy at any
major auto store.
I changed my first oil at 1700 miles (after 3 months) with 10w-30 Mobil
1 and specifically asked if there was a problem with using Mobil 1 and
the answer was absolutely no problem. Those days of a "break-in" oil
are long over. Never knew anyone to void a warranty or ruin an engine
> changing the oil more often than recommended either.
You are on a good schedule now for oil changes, keep it up. Dave >>
====================================================
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 10:20:54 -0600
From: "Charles Abraham"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - SD 250 V10 Arrived! First impressions.

That's great news Dick, glad to here you got your truck and it's a keeper!
Your right about Lariat's taking longer, I just checked with my dealer and
still no VIN number on mine (ordered Sept. 30th, '98).

Did you end up getting the ESOP or not? I been surprised by some recent
posts indicating that the ESOP failed at temps below zero.

On the limited-slip in two wheel drive, when the right rear drive wheel
> began
to spin (or vice-a-versa), power transferred to the other wheel and kept the

truck going in the snow? If your get a chance to test it on ice, let me know

how it behaves.

Very good letter; you covered most of the issues on the minds of us still
waiting.
However, you didn't say if you got the elusive rubber gaskets on the bottom,
inside
edges of the doors, or only the holes? And don't forget to report your gas
mileage.

Thanks,

Charles.

Dick Dorff wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> Our SD F250 CC SB XLT 4x4 V10 Auto TTP Hitch (& Chrome Step Bumper,
> Privacy Glass, Deep Wedgewood Blue over Silver, Denim Int.) arrived at
> the dealer last Friday, Jan 8, 1999. Order was placed Oct. 27 and order
> was pulled Nov. 24, 1998, so that makes 10.5 weeks. Dealer said Lariats
> are still taking longer. Test drove it on Saturday, and paid for and
> took delivery on Monday. It's been parked there since until I can get
> the factory mud flaps installed (now "List"ing for $20/pr at the
> dealer), and perhaps do some undercoating. It's snowed or rained every
> day here in Mass since we've got it so I want to do any rust prevention
> stuff before it gets caked with salt and sand. Oh the pain; it looks
> so nice, and drives great, and wants to be driven.
>
> In case anyone's interested...
>
> Test drove it last Saturday and it seemed great; no vibrations at any
> speed (yet), accelerates and cruises down the highway like a dream, even
> at 80mph or so. The ride is slightly smoother than I remember from test
> drives. I suspect that might be the difference of the extra weight of
> the Crew Cab, hitch, and perhaps the front stablizer bar, while the test
> drives were of SuperCabs. Could entirely be imagination, or just being
> slightly more used to it by now though.
>
> Fortunately there some snow the night before the acceptance test drive.
> So I found an unplowed parking lot with 4-5" of snow still, and the
> limited slip 3.73 seems to have a marked affect in rear wheel-only
> traction. 4 wheel drive, well, what's there to say, even with the
> default General Grabber All Seasons (235/85) traction is great. I'm
> hoping they'll get us through the first Winter, and I'll then look for
> some Winter tires and rims, and keep the originals as 3-seasons.
> Braking seemed fine in the snow, using non-ABS braking methods, since it
> has the rear ABS only. Probably would prefer the 4WABS; maybe next
> time.
>
> Best of all, though not a complete surprise, it fits in the garage! If
> driveway approach was level, there'd be about 1-2" of height clearance
> in our 9x7'doors. Since driveway slopes up to the garage quite a bit,
> the entire crew cab roof is in the door before the back wheels get even
> close to garage level. Leaves about 6" of clearance at the closest.
> Yessssss! There's about 2' total clearance in length. Can just walk
> around both sides if the difference is split. Folded both TT mirrors in
> so width isn't a problem. Should be able to get away with just folding
> one in. With both out, truck width about exactly matches door opening
> width. That's actually one major reason I opted for the TT mirrors:
> the truck is skinnier with one TT mirror folded in than with both std.
> mirrors out. The TT mirrors fold in with surprisingly little effort,
> the bigges hassle is just lowering the window. A retracting/telescoping
> kit would be ideal.
>
> It looks awesome; though I'd have preferred the more distinguished
> truck look provided by the all Lt. Prarie Tan, the wife's choice of Dp
> W. Blue over Silver gives it a longer, less tall appearance. Has a bit
> of a 'b*rb*an look, though on steroids, more tastefully done, and a bed
> instead of the cover. The colors still look sharp though.
>
> More to come, though also not necessarily fascinating. Thanks for all
> the help everyone.
>
> Dick Dorff
> 99 F250 SD CC SB XLT V10 4x4 3.73ls TT Hitch Privacy.
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 12:32:26 -0500
From: Dick Dorff
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny

You can't order the E40D/4R100 on an F150; the 4R70W is the only
automatic offered.

Consider a '99 F250 Light Duty; it also has the new 5.4l, but has the
E40D, which internally is the same as the 4R100.

Dick Dorff
99 F250 SD CC SB XLT 4x4 V10 3.73ls TT

> ------------------------------
> Sun, 17 Jan 1999 15:24:12 -0500, from Rick Heis:
>
> Nathan,
>
> My next questions, (1) Can you when you order a new 1999 F150 5.4 SC
> SB XLT order the 4R100 tranny? I eventually plan on upgrading the
> 5.4 engine, after about 10,000 miles, to about 350 horsepower and
> 'think' thebeefier tranny would be better with the increase in HP and
> torque. (2) What other items would have to be upgraded/changed with
> other components (axles, drivetrain, etc) to make this 4R100 happen?
> (3) Or is it a simple swap to 'special order' the 4R100? (4) What
> Ford trucks have the 4R100 either as standard or available as an
> option. (5) What would you reccommend, is the 4R70w adequate OR should
> I opt for the stronger 4R100 tranny?
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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 12:35:32 -0500
From: Dick Dorff
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: 98 Ford Explorer - Front end squeal

A friend at work has a similar problem with his 98 Explorer and finally
the dealer diagnosed it as a seal in the front hubs, or something to
that effect (the technicals lost a little something on their way to my
ear). Dealer said Ford knows of the problem and is still searching for
a proper replacement seal. I think the FTE site maintains a "Small Ford
Trucks" email list (Rangers, Explorers etc). There might be some more
info in those archives, or available from some of those listmembers.

Dick Dorff.

> Sat, 16 Jan 1999 00:05:51 EST, TSTorres aol.com asked:
>
> I live in the Chicago area, not a mechanic, and have a 98 Ford
> Explorer XLT. Since it has gotten cold, around 25-35 degrees, I'm
> hearing an occasional high pitched squeal in front driver side wheel
> > area.


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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 12:48:03 -0500
From: Dick Dorff
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - SD 250 V10 Arrived! First impressions.

Hi Keith,

I can understand your desire to raise the front, and I suspect it'll
look quite sharp. For us, the only height mod we'll be doing would be
to lower the rear a bit to fit a fifth wheel trailer. I'll wait until
we purchase one to know exactly what the best height would be. Since
the truck fits in the garage, there's one less reason to lower the
back. Slightly improved access by the wife and kids to the cabin and
bed remain a bit of a reason. The height required by the trailer will
be the main factor (although they can be raised and lowered a bit too).
It was really neat to see ours tower what seemed close to a foot over my
brother's *b*rb*n when parked side by side this Sunday though .

I've done some 4WD already, but haven't noticed the whine yet. I was
sort of concentrating on everything, including just driving such a big
vehicle, so whether or not I noticed it has little bearing on whether or
not it's actually there. I expect some audible noise; the Bronco II
has some. Not a valid comparison I'm sure, so I'll keep a more accutely
tuned ear out next time.

Keep me or the list apprised of the K&N and exhaust mods. I'll probably
go those routes also. Most likely will do the K&N. I don't know if
I'll be able to bring myself to remove a perfectly good condition
section of exhaust though. Is the stock stainless? Is there hope of it
ever rusting out?

I live in Groton, work in Acton, drive through Sudbury every Sunday on
the way to church in Framingham, and grew up in Ashland.

- -Dick

- ------------------------------
Fri, 15 Jan 1999 21:16:49 -0500, "Keith Veren":

...
> Everything about the truck so far is perfect, however,
> 1. I am planning to install the 3 inch lift kit from Tuff Country
> (www.tuffcountry.com) in the Front (new springs w/positive arch, new
> "U" bolts, etc.) to even it up a bit, and
> 2. I am going to have the dealer check out what I think is a tad
> excessive whine from the front differential when I am in 4- wheel drive
> (high or low) and I go into "coast" or "float" mode (taking your foot
> off the gas). That is the only issue I have with the truck as of
> today. Does anyone with a similar set-up notice this kind of a
> whine??

> Also, I will eventually want to install a K&N kit (when developed for
> the V-10), a Borla Cat-back exhaust (I installed one on my '98
> Expedition XLT / 4X4 / 5.4L / 3.73LS / etc.) because it is a vast
> improvement over stock.

> Keith

> PS, where in Mass are you?
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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 12:46:25 EST
From: KWkM3 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny


automatic offered.

Consider a '99 F250 Light Duty; it also has the new 5.4l, but has the
E40D, which internally is the same as the 4R100.

Dick Dorff
99 F250 SD CC SB XLT 4x4 V10 3.73ls TT >>

The E4OD comes on 150's with California emissions. The 4R100 is not completely
the same internally as the E4OD. It has stronger clutches and a different
torque converter.

Harry
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 12:51:05 -0500
From: "Keith Veren"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny

Dick,

Why don't you just order a F-250 or 350 SuperDuty with the 5.4L or the V-10.
It seems to me you want heavy-duty. That's what I did, and I love my F-350
4X4 SuperDuty V-10.

Keith


- -----Original Message-----
From: Dick Dorff
To: 97up
Date: Monday, January 18, 1999 12:30 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 F150 Tranny


>You can't order the E40D/4R100 on an F150; the 4R70W is the only
>automatic offered.
>
>Consider a '99 F250 Light Duty; it also has the new 5.4l, but has the
>E40D, which internally is the same as the 4R100.
>
>Dick Dorff
>99 F250 SD CC SB XLT 4x4 V10 3.73ls TT
>
>> ------------------------------
>> Sun, 17 Jan 1999 15:24:12 -0500, from Rick Heis:
>>
>> Nathan,
>>
>> My next questions, (1) Can you when you order a new 1999 F150 5.4 SC
>> SB XLT order the 4R100 tranny? I eventually plan on upgrading the
>> 5.4 engine, after about 10,000 miles, to about 350 horsepower and
>> 'think' thebeefier tranny would be better with the increase in HP and
>> torque. (2) What other items would have to be upgraded/changed with
>> other components (axles, drivetrain, etc) to make this 4R100 happen?
>> (3) Or is it a simple swap to 'special order' the 4R100? (4) What
>> Ford trucks have the 4R100 either as standard or available as an
>> option. (5) What would you reccommend, is the 4R70w adequate OR should
>> I opt for the stronger 4R100 tranny?
>== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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

Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 17:53:56 GMT
From: alannorthstar mindspring.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change

This goes 'round and 'round.

Some new cars, high performance ones like Audis and StingRays
come from the factory with synthetic oil in them.

This tends to fly in the face of the concept of synthetic oil
preventing the "seating" of the rings.

It's probably something that was true back in the 50s and 60s,
but isn't true with modern engines and modern metallurgy.

Later,
Alan

On Mon, 18 Jan 1999 11:21:34 EST, you wrote:

:While most of this is right, I *have* seen people ruin engines by using
:synthetic oil too soon.
:Synthetic oils (the 100% stuff, not the blends) is too slippery, and =
won't
:allow the rings to seat properly. What happens then is, the engine will =
start
:to smoke at about 20-30k miles, and this will be attributed to a "bad =
engine
> :from the factory; after all, the best oil was used." 100% synthetic =
shouldn't
:be used for the first 6k miles, at least, to give the rings a chance to =
seat.
:Bill
:
:ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
:
:
: From: dhmccla ibm.net
: Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re:First oil change
:=20
: Alan,
:=20
: I personally think its all BS and agree with Union Auto. Every service
: department will tell you something different. That factory installed
: oil is no different than any other major brand oil you can buy at any
: major auto store.
: I changed my first oil at 1700 miles (after 3 months) with 10w-30 =
Mobil
: 1 and specifically asked if there was a problem with using Mobil 1 and
: the answer was absolutely no problem. Those days of a "break-in" oil
: are long over. Never knew anyone to void a warranty or ruin an engine
> : changing the oil more often than recommended either.
: You are on a good schedule now for oil changes, keep it up. Dave >>
:=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D
:=3D=3D FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info =
http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 10:03:36 -0800
From: "Neil Plocek"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - CrewCab rearseat?

Gene, the latch is located on both sides of the seat back about 6-8 inches
from the bottom. It is "NOT" very accessible. When you find it and tilt it
forward , you should find a handy little box to store some accessories in.

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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 12:14:44 -0600
From: "Strukel, Mike"....

---

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