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Subject: 97up-list-digest V2 #168
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97up-list-digest Wednesday, June 23 1999 Volume 02 : Number 168



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

Re: FTE 97up - Re: Diesel Fuel Fill
Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (kind of long)
FTE 97up - superduty colors
FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
FTE 97up - Will new shocks help?
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (slight correction)
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
FTE 97up - FordUnleashed
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - Towing Rigs
Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD
Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil
Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (slight correction)
Re: FTE 97up - superduty colors
Re: FTE 97up - Towing Rigs
Re: FTE 97up - Towing Rigs

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

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

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 10:56:31 -0500
From: Mike Smith
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re: Diesel Fuel Fill

At 09:16 PM 6/14/1999 EDT, you wrote:
> Clear is for on highway.What I was told further is that the IRS actually
>performs spot inspections of operators that use both and God help you if
they
>find dyed fuel in your "on road" vehicles. The penalties are more than
>significant, they are abusive, seriously so.
>
>John G.
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>
>
Here in Nebraska the State Patrol does yearly checks of all diesel
PU's that have Farm tags. They do random checks so that the farmers don't
know when they are coming.

Mike
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 10:58:36 -0600
From: Alan Bowes
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (kind of long)

I thought I'd try to clarify something. It's not actually the wheelbase
difference (setback) ITSELF that causes dog-tracking. Dog-tracking results from
the thrust angle of the rear wheels not being parallel to the center line of the
vehicle. Thrust angle is determined by measuring the toe of each rear wheel
relative to the center line of the vehicle (not relative to the other wheel) and
splitting the difference.

For example, if the left rear wheel is toed in 1/2 degree relative to the
vehicle center line and the right rear wheel is toed in 1/4 degree relative to
the vehicle center line, then the thrust angle is 1/4 degree to the right. This
will cause some very minor dogtracking. The larger the angle between the thrust
angle and the vehicle center line, the more dog-tracking you'll have.

Naturally, if the REAR axle is installed somewhat crooked (not perpendicular to
the center line of the vehicle), it WILL change the thrust angle because it
shifts the toe of each wheel the same amount to one side or the other. And, this
can not only cause dog-tracking, but it will ALSO have an effect on wheelbase
difference from left to right (setback).

But if the FRONT axle is installed a bit crooked, it's not as serious, since the
front wheels do steer, which can make up for it, and caster/camber can be
adjusted so that they are correct even though the wheels may not be
perpendicular to the front axle shaft when the vehicle is going straight ahead.
However, if the front axle is TOO crooked, there could be some steering geometry
problems as the wheels steer off of center, even if it doesn't cause
dog-tracking.

So, it's possible to have a significant difference in wheelbase from side to
side with no dog-tracking, particularly if it is the FRONT axle that is crooked
relative to the vehicle and not the rear axle.

If I recall correctly, a certain service manual for the F250/350 Super Duty 4x4
indicates an allowable setback (wheelbase difference) of up to 1.25 inch! While
I think this is pretty sloppy in terms of allowable tolerances, it won't
necessarily cause dog-tracking, depending on the cause of the setback.

By the way, if you're checking setback, remember that the vehicle must be on
absolutely level ground, with the wheels steered exactly straight ahead, tire
pressures equal, etc. And even then, it won't be right on unless you get lucky.
You really need proper alignment equipment to check things like setback and
thrust angle or other alignment parameters.

Anyway, if your vehicle is dog-tracking, it DEFINITELY needs to have the thrust
angle checked. Depending on how far it's off, there may be a solution.

So what is actually adjustable? Well, there is a SMALL amount of play that you
can use to fine-tune the thrust angle when reinstalling the rear axle. This is
generally limited by the difference between the diameter of the alignment pins
and the holes in the spacer blocks, but it does give you something to play with.
Also, it's not impossible that the holes in the spacer blocks might not be
aligned on the same axis, so turning a spacer block around (if this is
allowable), or using a different one, could make a difference.

Other causes of a misaligned rear axle could include improper mounting of spring
brackets, a bent frame, unequal arch in the springs, bad spring manufacture, and
other manufacturing anomalies. Some folks have corrected thrust problems by
swapping leaf springs (under certain circumstances).

Remember to install NEW U-bolts whenever you loosen them up, since they are a
torque-to-yield design and subsequent retightening can further stretch and
weaken them. Torque them properly and in the correct order, too.

Another thing to consider is that a small amount of what appears to be
dog-tracking can sometimes be observed on a steeply crowned road, although it
should be about the same to one direction on a left-tilted road as it is to the
other direction on a right-tilted road.

Find a good alignment shop in your area and have them do a complete
four-wheel/thrust-angle alignment check. Have them set their equipment for the
highest-resolution readout and ask for a copy of the computer printout. If you
trust the shop, have them go ahead and set all parameters (caster, camber, toe,
and thrust angle) for the exact factory target measurements (or as close as
possible).

Some other tips: Don't let the alignment shop talk you into anything but the
factory target settings. Some shops, for example, like to put a little "English"
on the caster, giving it a bit more positive caster on the right than the left
to make up for roads that supposedly tend to be crowned to the right. As it
happens, road crown can be in either direction, plus, the sides of the tire
tracks/ruts in most paved roads (except perhaps concrete), can often be steeper
than the road crown itself, and could be in either direction, depending on
whether you tend to drive a bit to the right or left of the center of the lane.

I experimented around with the alignment on my '99 SD F250 4x4 and now that I
have all of the settings VERY close to the exact factory targets, it now tracks
straight as an arrow and is very stable with virtually no wandering. Of course,
there will always be some road "feel" from steeply crowned roads, and this is a
good thing, since it provides a bit of feedback to the driver.

One more note to this long post: Be careful about adding too much caster using
upper-ball-joint adjusting bushings. The problem is that any caster change with
a bushing will move the axle shafts forward or backward relative to the axle
housing. A certain amount of axial misalignment is tolerable, and the seals in
the axle housing can flex to accommodate this. However, too much axial
misalignment can cause uneven stress on the splines of the axle shaft in the
side gear splines, especially on the left side, which has a shorter shaft. For
this reason, I prefer to use tapered caster adjustment shims between the axle
and the leaf spring, as shown in the service manual (at least in the version
that I have). However, this is a more expensive adjustment and requires new
U-bolts every time you do it. Also, a lot of shops don't use tapered shim plates
and don't even know where to order them!

Hope that gives you some ideas.

Alan



Jack Harrison wrote:

> Has anyone measured their wheel base to see how much difference there is
> from side to side? I had the lowering kit put in my F250 SC and it had a
> pretty distinct dog track. My truck was never driven before the lowering
> kit was put in. My dealer claimed to have fixed the problem and I took
> their word for it. After a long trip I noticed more tire wear and someone
> following me said it still dog tracked. I took it to the dealer and they
> realligned front but don't know what to do about WB difference. Driver side
> is an inch shorter than passenger side. Does ayone have any suggestions?
>
> Jack Harrison

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

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 10:27:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: Becks2
Subject: FTE 97up - superduty colors

Hey,,,,


I got the Prairy Tan for my F-350 Crew,Dully,.... and I love this color. It hinds dirt alot. I saw the new harvest gold and I think it a little to bright and going towards yellow unlike the Prairy Tan which leads to a lighter brown. I have noticed though that when you wax this color it seems to change to a silvery gold. But if you leave it alone it tends to look more brownish.
I think ford should just add the different colors and shades and not delete the old ones.

Thanks,
Adry


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




________________________________________________________ ____
Get your Free GO Network Email address at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://mail.go.com

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 19:51:48 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

I'm Soliciting opinions here on which synthetic oil to put in my new Y2K
F-350 PSD - after I break it in. I'm a longtime user of Mobil 1 oil,
but I've had friends recommend others like Amsoil and Rotella. I'm
certainly do dummy on the advantages of synthetic, but knowing one from
the other.....well, that's why I'm here!

So, does anyone out there use Mobil 1 in your Powerstroke? If not why?
And if so, how many miles do you have on it and what kind of mileage do
you get?

Thanks!

Don

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

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 13:37:08 -0500
From: "David Moore [Dmoore Dmoore.com]"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

If you know where to purchase the Mobil Delvac 1 High-Performance Syntheic
please do let me know!

Check here for more info:

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/9084/powerstroke.html

David

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Don Francis
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 12:52 PM
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


I'm Soliciting opinions here on which synthetic oil to put in my new Y2K
F-350 PSD - after I break it in. I'm a longtime user of Mobil 1 oil,
but I've had friends recommend others like Amsoil and Rotella. I'm
certainly do dummy on the advantages of synthetic, but knowing one from
the other.....well, that's why I'm here!

So, does anyone out there use Mobil 1 in your Powerstroke? If not why?
And if so, how many miles do you have on it and what kind of mileage do
you get?

Thanks!

Don

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

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 14:40:19 EDT
From: Craig427 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Will new shocks help?

I am seriously considering changing the shocks on my 1999 F-250SD 4x4 crew
cab short bed because of the "bounce" talked about in other posts. The
choice for me has come down to Bilstein vs. Edelbrock IAS. Any thoughts?
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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 13:25:35 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

I haven't seen any Mobil 1 with the CG-4/SH rating required for the Power
Stroke. Let me know if I'm wrong on this.

Nathan

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Don Francis
To:
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 12:51 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


> I'm Soliciting opinions here on which synthetic oil to put in my new Y2K
> F-350 PSD - after I break it in. I'm a longtime user of Mobil 1 oil,
> but I've had friends recommend others like Amsoil and Rotella. I'm
> certainly do dummy on the advantages of synthetic, but knowing one from
> the other.....well, that's why I'm here!
>
> So, does anyone out there use Mobil 1 in your Powerstroke? If not why?
> And if so, how many miles do you have on it and what kind of mileage do
> you get?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Don
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 15:04:56 -0400
From: "D'Amelio, Stephen M."
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

> ----------
> From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com[SMTP:eh60ip mail.apcnet.com]
>
>
> So, does anyone out there use Mobil 1 in your Powerstroke? If not why?
>
>
I have found at least one downside to synthetics. They seem to "burn" for
lack of a better term, faster than conventional oil. I believe synthetics
are SO viscous, that they will penetrate some seals and rings
easier. I used to run Mobil 1 in my cars and trucks, but could
not justify it, since I change my oil regularly anyway.
I still run it in my boat (350 chebby) because this engine
not only runs at great stress levels, but it is difficult
to change the oil (so it may stay longer than I would like).


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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 21:28:48 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Steve,

When you say that your synthetic experience tended to "burn" more, was
that in a gasoline engine or a diesel?

I've currently got a 1990 Bronco II (I'm upgrading to the F-350 DRW,
PSD, CC) with 137,000 miles on it and it's never had anything but Mobil
1 oil in it! I'm here to testify that it still uses no oil (burns
nothing), leaks no oil (I park it in the same spot every day), and the
engine is still just as sound as it was when I bought it new in March of
1990. My friends with Bronco II's (same year) who elected to to use
conventional oils suffer from the things you describe (burning oil, and
leaks) and their engine lifters sound like they are swapping holes as
compared to mine. My engine is no louder today than it was when I
bought it (no valve train noise), and I change the filter every 5000
miles and the oil every 10,000 miles with a fresh batch of Mobil 1.

No, I don't work for Mobil. I'm a US Army helicopter pilot - serving a
short sentence in Bosnia!

We use synthetic oils exclusively in Military aviation, for the simple
fact that they are superior to conventional oils. That is not opinion,
merely the simple fact of the matter.

Don


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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 21:44:59 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

I found this on the web....

There are several changes occurring in
engine oil specifications.

On a general industry basis, the API is
working to finalize and implement a new
commercial engine oil performance
standard that will be designated CH-4. You
may have read about PC-7 (proposed
category 7), which is the draft version of
CH-4. The primary drive for the new
standard are the changes in engine design
required to meet the 1998 EPA emission
standards. The process of performance
standard approval involves a joint effort by
oil companies and engine manufacturers.
We anticipate implementation of the CH-4
category in the first half of 1999.

Mobil Delvac 1 already exceeds the
majority of the proposed CH-4 criteria. We
are in the process of finishing a final few
tests in preparation for complete CH-4
capability.

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 13:46:11 -0600
From: Alan Bowes
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (slight correction)

A small correction to my previous post:

I meant to say that the thrust LINE is determined by measuring the toe of each rear
wheel relative to the vehicle center line and splitting the difference, and the
thrust ANGLE is the angle between the thrust line and the vehicle center line.

Alan



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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 21:50:16 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

I found a Mobil 1 Delvac distributor online .... see:

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



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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 21:58:10 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

It looks like Mobil 1 does have a CG-4/SH rated oil! see:

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.roadking.com/TruckingNewsRoom/TNR4.8.98.Mobil.html

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 14:54:41 -0500
From: "David Moore [Dmoore Dmoore.com]"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Here is the web page for Mobil Delvac 1:

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.mobil.com/cgi-bin/bld_frameset.cgi?CONTENT=/business/cvl/onhighwa
y/product_services/delvac1/d_testimonials2.html

I found a distributor in Houston that sells it for 88$ a case (4 gallons).

david


- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Union Auto
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 1:26 PM
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


I haven't seen any Mobil 1 with the CG-4/SH rating required for the Power
Stroke. Let me know if I'm wrong on this.

Nathan

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Don Francis
To:
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 12:51 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


> I'm Soliciting opinions here on which synthetic oil to put in my new Y2K
> F-350 PSD - after I break it in. I'm a longtime user of Mobil 1 oil,
> but I've had friends recommend others like Amsoil and Rotella. I'm
> certainly do dummy on the advantages of synthetic, but knowing one from
> the other.....well, that's why I'm here!
>
> So, does anyone out there use Mobil 1 in your Powerstroke? If not why?
> And if so, how many miles do you have on it and what kind of mileage do
> you get?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Don
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 16:08:57 -0400
From: "D'Amelio, Stephen M."
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Don wrote:

> Steve,
>
> When you say that your synthetic experience tended to "burn" more, was
> that in a gasoline engine or a diesel?
>
>
All my experience was with Gasoline engines. Almost all with Fords. First
was a brand new
(86) Bronco with a 302, then an 88 Mustang (also a 302). The Mustang seemed
to go
through a quart a month (but it may have done that on conventional oil as
well).

I also ran it in several 351 Windsors and one Cleveland. It was always
introduced
after a period of break-in with conventional oil. Just when I thought it was
a "Ford"
thing, I noticed the same results with my (new) OMC engine (a 350 Chevy
marine block).
Once again, about a quart every 25 hours or so.

Steve
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 22:13:08 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Thanks David!

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 15:12:15 -0500
From: "Greg Gilmore"
Subject: FTE 97up - FordUnleashed

Does anyone know what happened to the FordUnleashed site. I thought it was
a real nice site.
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.fordunleashed.com


It says due to unseen circumstances anyone know?




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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 22:26:18 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

Steve,

Did you break-in the engine with a conventional oil (recommended) and
follow the break-in IAW the owners manual? Or did you start out with a
synthetic (not recommended)? There are several opinions on this
issue....some saying to start out with a conventional oil and change it
to a synthetic at 500 miles (what I did on the Bronco II), and others
who claim that it's broke in at the factory (yea right!). There are two
schools of thought on this issue of how fast to drive it also.....some
say break it in like you are gonna drive it daily (what I did with the
Bronco II), and others say to drive it like grandma and go the slow easy
route.

I'm just curious which step you chose. I'm taking delivery of my F350
PSD in October, and I'm asking for opinions on matters like these -
follow the manual or just drive it like it's already broke in?

Thanks!

Don

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 22:29:52 +0200
From: eh60ip mail.apcnet.com (Don Francis)
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

I think I've found which oil I'm going to use on my new Y2K F-350
PSD......

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.mobil.com/cgi-bin/bld_frameset.cgi?CONTENT=/business/cvl/onhighway/product_services/delvac1/d_testimonials2.html

Anybody got any experience with this product?

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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 15:09:49 -0700
From: "Neil Plocek"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Towing Rigs

Exactly what states are planning on enforcing this? And collecting fines on
the spot?? This sounds like someone trying to use some scare tactics to get
you to buy a bigger rig.

I work for the CHP in commercial enforcement and have not heard of any
pending legislation for this in CA. On the other hand.......sometimes we
are the last to hear of these things.



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Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 21:26:28 -0400
From: Jean Marc Chartier
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD

Jack Harrison wrote:
>
> Has anyone measured their wheel base to see how much difference there is
> from side to side? I had the lowering kit put in my F250 SC and it had a
> pretty distinct dog track. My truck was never driven before the lowering
> kit was put in. My dealer claimed to have fixed the problem and I took
> their word for it. After a long trip I noticed more tire wear and someone
> following me said it still dog tracked. I took it to the dealer and they
> realligned front but don't know what to do about WB difference. Driver side
> is an inch shorter than passenger side. Does ayone have any suggestions?
>
> Jack Harrison
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

Jack,

Are the rear springs mounted properly. Is the axle/block
centred on the springs?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 23:04:00 -0400
From: "Keith Veren"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil

First off, I have had nothing but great experiences with Mobil-1 oil. I had
a '87 Toyota 4Runner that I had the dealer put Mobil-1 into on the spot when
it was new !!! Yes, brand new...no waiting for 500 miles, break-in, etc.
That engine went 180,000 very hard, fast miles (sometimes I went 90-100 MPH
fully-loaded for hours out West on hot days w/AC on full blast). The motor
never burned a drop of oil. Even after 5,000 miles (my longest interval
between changes) the oil level would only go down the width of the little
line (about 2mm) on the dip-stick. The real test of course, is compression,
so I had it checked about every 25,000 miles and when I sold it at 180,000
miles. The compression was the same as the day it was new, 185 psi in all
cylinders!

Now I run Mobil 1 in everything: 3 vehicles, 1 pressure washer, 1
compressor, 1 lawn mower, 1 small tractor, 1 Go-Kart.

I keep hearing about "don't use Mobil-1 or other synthetics" before 1,500
miles or 500 miles or until break-in period is over, etc. I have yet to
read or hear any vehicle manufacturer, oil company, or anyone deemed an
authority about this issue. Heck, Corvettes and Porches even come from the
factory filled with Mobil-1!

Keith



- -----Original Message-----
From: Don Francis
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 4:38 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Synthetic Oil


>Steve,
>
>Did you break-in the engine with a conventional oil (recommended) and
>follow the break-in IAW the owners manual? Or did you start out with a
>synthetic (not recommended)? There are several opinions on this
>issue....some saying to start out with a conventional oil and change it
>to a synthetic at 500 miles (what I did on the Bronco II), and others
>who claim that it's broke in at the factory (yea right!). There are two
>schools of thought on this issue of how fast to drive it also.....some
>say break it in like you are gonna drive it daily (what I did with the
>Bronco II), and others say to drive it like grandma and go the slow easy
>route.
>
>I'm just curious which step you chose. I'm taking delivery of my F350
>PSD in October, and I'm asking for opinions on matters like these -
>follow the manual or just drive it like it's already broke in?
>
>Thanks!
>
>Don
>
>== 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

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

Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 00:31:08 -0400
From: "Anthony Trantham"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (slight correction)

Alan that was some great info in the last post.

I just had new tires and a front end alignment done on my truck. My
question is my truck (92 F-250 2WD 351 manual) pulls to the right when you
let go of the steering wheel, and the steering wheel is offset to the left a
little. Well after reading your post I decided to experiment a little with
the roads. If I drive in the middle of the road it drives fine steering
wheel straight and does not pull either to the left or the right, but if I
drive in the left lane it pulls to the left, and the steering wheel is
offset to the right a little. Is this what you are talking about as far as
crowning of the roads. I know you mentioned front end shops putting a
little "English" to help correct this and that you did not recommend that.
So is my truck aligned properly? If not then what should I have the shop
look into doing?

Thanks in advance,
Anthony
- ----- Original Message -----
From: Alan Bowes
To:
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 3:46 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - dog tracking SD, etc. (slight correction)


| A small correction to my previous post:
|
| I meant to say that the thrust LINE is determined by measuring the toe of
each rear
| wheel relative to the vehicle center line and splitting the difference,
and the
| thrust ANGLE is the angle between the thrust line and the vehicle center
line.
|
| Alan
|
|
|
| == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
|


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

Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 01:02:03 EDT
From: RSnovi aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - superduty colors

In a message dated 6/22/99 1:34:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
becks2_disney go.com writes:


no kidding everyone loves my F250SD PSD 4x4 Prarie tan, everytime i am behind
a F150 i say hey, look at that harvest gold, its just not the same. I almost
would condsider for my next race car painting it prarie tan i like it so much!

RS


Hey,,,,


I got the Prairy Tan for my F-350 Crew,Dully,.... and I love this color. It
hinds dirt alot. I saw the new harvest gold and I think it a little to bright
and going towards yellow unlike the Prairy Tan which leads to a lighter
brown. I have noticed though that when you wax this color it seems to change
to a silvery gold. But if you leave it alone it tends to look more brownish.
I think ford should just add the different colors and shades and not delete
the old ones.

Thanks,
Adry
>>
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 22:15:24 -0700
From: The Hepburn
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Towing Rigs

"Douglas R. Floyd" wrote:
>
> Speaking of F450's and F550's. Is there a vender selling a pickup bed body
> for these, so it can function as a normal pickup truck, albeit the fifth
> wheel hitch, and the heavy-duty parts?
>
There are several vendors who build bodies for the F450/F550 crowd.
Everything
from simple flat beds through pickup bodies up to custom fifth wheel
haulers.
The best thing to do is talk to your local truck dealer - he'll have
vendors
that he regularly deals with for just about any body you need. Or go
through
your yellow pages - look under Truck Bodies.

Be aware, though, that putting a pickup body on an F450/F550 will not make
it function like a "normal" pickup truck - unless your normal pickup truck
has 19.5 inch wheels, and a frame that is 34 inches off the ground. It'll
be a TALL truck, and you won't be able to lower it like an F250 to get it
to fit under a fifth wheel.

Alan Hepburn

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

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 21:56:31 -0700
From: The Hepburn
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Towing Rigs

RAMWORKER aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 6/21/99 5:42:46 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> RamWorker aol.com writes:
>
> > Speaking of F450's and F550's. Is there a vender selling a pickup bed body
> > for these, so it can function as a normal pickup truck, albeit the fifth
> > wheel hitch, and the heavy-duty parts?
>
> For the F-450 & F-550, I think that a takeoff bed from an F-350 DRW
> should fill the bill and look good. I believe that there will be some custom
> work required to fit the factory bed.

Some custom work includes shortening the frame between the cab and the rear....

---

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