small-list-digest Friday, July 10 1998 Volume 02 : Number 190



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe, send email to:
majordomo ford-trucks.com
with the words "unsubscribe small-list-digest" in the body of the
message.
=======================================================================
In this issue:

FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey
FTE Small - Bed Liner
FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Bed Liner
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
RE: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
FTE Small - Car & Driver this month
FTE Small - New tires for the truck......
Re: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey
Re: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey
Re: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey

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

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 08:45:16 -0400
From: "Steve Hillson"
Subject: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey

I just took the survey. Interesting questions. I couldn't resist sending an
email to "them"
(foe foe.org)
note:

"Imagine my surprise when I visited your website www.suv.org. I thought it
might have been dedicated TO sport utility vehicles. Silly me! By the way,
I'm a paramedic in New England, and I'm one of those people who NEED to get
to work during heavy snowstorms. My 4WD sport utility lets me do that, to
help people like you."

Some people just don't get it. Oh well.

- -Steve ('86 Ranger)

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 08:33:31 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Mr. Peanut"
Subject: FTE Small - Bed Liner

Who makes the best over-rail bed liner, I don't want the kind that
warp. One for dlr told me the ford liner is made by penda, which is
good. Another frod dlr told me the ford liner is made by duraliner...
They are close in price, and I want only the best for my new
ranger..any help is appreciated..

_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 10:36:05 -0700
From: cassis
Subject: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

I asked yesterday and got no response, so I'm trying again. I have a 93'
Ranger STX 4x4 with a 3.0 and a 5-speed manual trany. It has 94,000 miles
on it. On long trips (over 75 miles) my check engine light clicks on and
off periodicaly. Then when I get home, let the truck cool off, and go back
to normal city driving it doesn't come back on. This happens especialy when
I am towing, but sometimes when I am not. I've had the the truck in the
shop a couple of times to have the computer scanned for any codes and none
were found. One of the local Ford dealerships and a reputable local shop
here in Houston say this is normal? It is realy annoying me and I was
wondering if anyone else has this problem - is this realy normal. Both
shops say not to wory about it until it comes on and stayes on? It just
does not seem right. Any suggestions?

John Cassis
93' STX 4x4 3.0/5-speed

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 09:19:49 -0800
From: Thom Cheney
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Bed Liner

Mr. Peanut wrote:
>
> Who makes the best over-rail bed liner, I don't want the kind that
> warp. One for dlr told me the ford liner is made by penda, which is
> good. Another frod dlr told me the ford liner is made by duraliner...
> They are close in price, and I want only the best for my new
> ranger..any help is appreciated..


I haven't seen an over-rail liner that doesn't warp. Check warranties
because I think you can get a new liner every time it warps. I got the
under-rail kind, but I'm thinking I might get some of the spray on liner
paint & paint the rails. I got a few #* scratches after helping haul
some tree branches to the dump last weekend.

TC
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 09:23:11 -0800
From: Thom Cheney
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

cassis wrote:
>One of the local Ford dealerships and a reputable local shop
> here in Houston say this is normal? It is realy annoying me and I was
> wondering if anyone else has this problem - is this realy normal. Both
> shops say not to wory about it until it comes on and stayes on? It just
> does not seem right. Any suggestions?
>

I don't know what causes it, but I would ask that dealer to put that in
writing about "not worrying about it". If the engine nukes you might
get a brand new free one! Ask them if they every heard the story of the
"Idiot light that cried wolf".

TC
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 12:50:53 -0700
From: cassis
Subject: RE: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

>From my understanding (from the mechanics and from the owners manual in the
glove box) the check engine light pertains to the emissions system.
Supposedly from two separate mechanics in person and a few from the Ford
Dealership by phone as long as the light clicks on and then goes back off
the computer has corrected whatever error it was getting and I should not
worry about it unless the light comes on and stays on. Recently I had my TP
sensor replaced due to a throttle sticking problem. The night before I had
it replaced I purposely took the truck for a little road trip until I got
the light to come on so it would be in the computer "fresh" so to speek
when I took the truck in. The only error code the shop got was the TP
sensor. I still get the error code though. I am running a little over sized
tires, 30"x9.50"s and replaced the front coils with superlift 2" lift coils
to make the truck sit level. Could the oversized tires have caused this? I
was on 31"x10.50's and just went down to the 30"x9.50"'s but the light
still comes off and on. By the way the 1" shorter seemed to help out my
gearing a little bit. Would you get an error code if you needed to replace
the O2 sensor, I've never replaced mine and you guys seem to replace them
quiete often?Anyway sorry so long winded and thanks in advance for any more
help.

John Cassis
93' STX 4x4 3.0/5-speed

- -----Original Message-----
From:Thom Cheney [SMTP:tcgrafx imagina.com]
Sent:Thursday, July 09, 1998 10:23 AM
To:small-list ford-trucks.com
Subject:Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

cassis wrote:
>One of the local Ford dealerships and a reputable local shop
> here in Houston say this is normal? It is realy annoying me and I was
> wondering if anyone else has this problem - is this realy normal. Both
> shops say not to wory about it until it comes on and stayes on? It just
> does not seem right. Any suggestions?
>

I don't know what causes it, but I would ask that dealer to put that in
writing about "not worrying about it". If the engine nukes you might
get a brand new free one! Ask them if they every heard the story of the
"Idiot light that cried wolf".

TC
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 18:12:18 EDT
From: Amosil aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

What engine do you have?
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 18:35:08 EDT
From: Amosil aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

John,
My 93 Ranger 2.3L did the same and I found that the thermostat was sticking
and sending the computer a high operating temp reading once in awhile causing
the check engine light to cycle. After changing the thermostat I have had no
problems. I also replaced the radiator. Mine had 122,000 when I did this.
Do you get any kind of overheat indication? The dealer gave me the same line
because he could not duplicate the problem when I took it to him. I think that
I finally got a Code 116 from the analyzer. You might give this a try as the
thermostat costs little and it is preety much out in the open. I don't know
about the 3.0 radiator. but the 2.3L radiator is not very good when towing on
a hot summer day. I had a larger radiator install and the truch handles
towing and hot summer days with no problem. Hope this helps because I really
know how frustrating it is to chase problem. Let us know how it turns out.
Mike
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 18:58:42 EDT
From: DAS1544 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

i have one suggestion it maybe a sensor or something to that nature. i think
it might be the o2 sensor because the engine gets hotter when you are pulling
something and that may be it. the hotter air can cause it to come on i would
think.

dennis
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 19:42:54 -0400
From: pms2
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

The check engine light doesn't necessarily go out because the fault was
corrected. I had a check engine light that stayed on till the next day
and went out. A few days later I took the truck in and the fault was
the #2 shift solenoid had gone to heaven.

Phil

cassis wrote:
>
> >From my understanding (from the mechanics and from the owners manual in the
> glove box) the check engine light pertains to the emissions system.
> Supposedly from two separate mechanics in person and a few from the Ford
> Dealership by phone as long as the light clicks on and then goes back off
> the computer has corrected whatever error it was getting and I should not
> worry about it unless the light comes on and stays on. Recently I had my TP
> sensor replaced due to a throttle sticking problem. The night before I had
> it replaced I purposely took the truck for a little road trip until I got
> the light to come on so it would be in the computer "fresh" so to speek
> when I took the truck in. The only error code the shop got was the TP
> sensor. I still get the error code though. I am running a little over sized
> tires, 30"x9.50"s and replaced the front coils with superlift 2" lift coils
> to make the truck sit level. Could the oversized tires have caused this? I
> was on 31"x10.50's and just went down to the 30"x9.50"'s but the light
> still comes off and on. By the way the 1" shorter seemed to help out my
> gearing a little bit. Would you get an error code if you needed to replace
> the O2 sensor, I've never replaced mine and you guys seem to replace them
> quiete often?Anyway sorry so long winded and thanks in advance for any more
> help.
>
> John Cassis
> 93' STX 4x4 3.0/5-speed
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Thom Cheney [SMTP:tcgrafx imagina.com]
> Sent: Thursday, July 09, 1998 10:23 AM
> To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
>
> cassis wrote:
> >One of the local Ford dealerships and a reputable local shop
> > here in Houston say this is normal? It is realy annoying me and I was
> > wondering if anyone else has this problem - is this realy normal. Both
> > shops say not to wory about it until it comes on and stayes on? It just
> > does not seem right. Any suggestions?
> >
>
> I don't know what causes it, but I would ask that dealer to put that in
> writing about "not worrying about it". If the engine nukes you might
> get a brand new free one! Ask them if they every heard the story of the
> "Idiot light that cried wolf".
>
> TC
> == FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
> == FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 20:24:06 -0500
From: Anthony Rio
Subject: FTE Small - Car & Driver this month

If anyone is interested, pick up the newest issue of Car and Driver. There
are several very good articles this month. As a change of pace, they
actually did some features on trucks, and astonishingly said good things
about American made vehicles (usually it seems as though their attitude is
"if it's not a Honda or a BMW, it's crap").

There is a great comparison test on small trucks (Dakota, S-10, Ranger,
Tacoma, and the Frontier). They rate the Dakota as best, and the Nissan
dead-last (duh! on the Nissan). The Ranger ranks second, they say due to
the "nerdy" Splash styling. Otherwise they say the Ford is a tremendous
truck (which all of us already knew!). (Why didn't they get one without the
Splash options? Seeing as how they never rank the Fords first in any
competition, could it be that was the only thing they could find to
complain about? Hmmm...)

On page 111 they do a write up of the new Silverado. Although I think they
were a little to gushy overall, sometimes you have to give credit where
credit is due. My money still goes for the Ford, however, so no flaming
please....

Lastly, the best article they've done in along time (except when they test
drove the AM General Hummer) is on page 105. A great piece on the F-350
Super Duty SuperCab XLT. Any article where they affectionatly refer to
this beast as a "Big Ass Truck", and seem like they are wetting themselves
over the Triton V-10 is okay by me. Just wonder why they didn't test a 4
whell drive? If I'm spending $30,000+ on a vehicle, you can bet-your-butt
it's gonna be 4 wheel drive.

Enjoy!!

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 20:47:54 -0500
From: Anthony Rio
Subject: FTE Small - New tires for the truck......

I need to get new tires for my 4x2 F-150. I will be getting GoodYear
tires, but am looking for remaks on the different types so I can try to
make a decision. Any comments or experience with the AT/S, RT/S, P-Metric,
or GSA Wranglers would be appreciated.

I currently have a set of Wrangler AT's on the truck, and they lasted about
45,000 miles. When I bought them, they were great for up at our place in
northern Wisconsin, but since we bought our 4x4 Explorer, not sure how
often we'll take the pick-up any more.

I put mostly highway miles on the truck now, and the AT's were outstanding
for traveling to and from work when the snow started to fly. However, since
the truck is only rear-wheel drive, the front wheels chew up the squared
inside edges (although at 45k, I'm not to heart-broken). Wondering if the
RT/S or P-metrics would be better suited to my driving needs? But I still
want the good traction in the wet and snow, like I get now.

At first I was leaning towards the AT/S which are replacing the AT (more
aggresive tread, but quieter), but due to the fact that I do more highway
driving, I am un sure of what the best choice is. Also, they are expensive,
but with a friends discount I can get 4 AT/S tires for about $460 (tires,
installation, and balancing... normally about $600 - $650 in the Chicago
area).

I had the HT's which came on the truck originally, but was not very
impressed. They were solid enough, but didn't stick real well in the snow.
Not that I go snow-drift driving, but the Chicago expressways can get nasty
in rush hour traffic when it' snows!

One last note... Whatever style get, it will be Goodyear. I have a close
family friend who manages a Goodyear shop, and will get them to me with his
discount.

Any help would be great!

Thanks!!!!

Tony Rio
'94 F-150 XT
'95 Explorer Eddie Bauer
'80 Fairmont Futura

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 22:50:51 -0400
From: "Thomas Moore"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey

As an SUV owner I actually agree with most of what is on this Anti-SUV page.
I have to admit that my decision to buy an SUV had a lot to do with a
"reaction" to what is happening on the roads today.

I always bought small cars (and enjoyed them very much) until recently.
Today I don't feel safe in a small car anymore. Where I live there seems to
be more tucks on the road now then cars and that has forced me to join the
50% that own trucks so I can feel safer.

I hope government laws force automakers to make these SUV's smaller or GET
RID OF THEM and reverse the trend so I can get back into my old VW Bug and
feel safe again. Until then I'll be forced to "conform" to todays trends and
drive a ROAD HOG.

P.S.: BIG SUV's are NOT FUN TO DRIVE!!!

- -----Original Message-----
From: Steve Hillson
To: small-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Thursday, July 09, 1998 8:54 AM
Subject: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey


>I just took the survey. Interesting questions. I couldn't resist sending an
>email to "them"
>(foe foe.org)
>note:
>
>"Imagine my surprise when I visited your website www.suv.org. I thought it
>might have been dedicated TO sport utility vehicles. Silly me! By the
way,
>I'm a paramedic in New England, and I'm one of those people who NEED to get
>to work during heavy snowstorms. My 4WD sport utility lets me do that, to
>help people like you."
>
>Some people just don't get it. Oh well.
>
>-Steve ('86 Ranger)
>
>== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 23:01:13 -0500 (CDT)
From: Diana Slyter
Subject: Re: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey

Amen. After I get done hauling enough building materials in my ranger to
rehab my house I will gladly trade it for an escort. And while my ranger
is in no way sporty, it's seven foot bed at least gives it some utility.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dianas __ __ ____ ___ ___ ____
dianas primenet.com /__)/__) / / / / /_ /\ / /_ /
/ / \ / / / / /__ / \/ /___ /-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Thu, 9 Jul 1998, Thomas Moore wrote:

> As an SUV owner I actually agree with most of what is on this Anti-SUV page.
> I have to admit that my decision to buy an SUV had a lot to do with a
> "reaction" to what is happening on the roads today.
>
> I always bought small cars (and enjoyed them very much) until recently.
> Today I don't feel safe in a small car anymore. Where I live there seems to
> be more tucks on the road now then cars and that has forced me to join the
> 50% that own trucks so I can feel safer.
>
> I hope government laws force automakers to make these SUV's smaller or GET
> RID OF THEM and reverse the trend so I can get back into my old VW Bug and
> feel safe again. Until then I'll be forced to "conform" to todays trends and
> drive a ROAD HOG.
>
> P.S.: BIG SUV's are NOT FUN TO DRIVE!!!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Hillson
> To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Date: Thursday, July 09, 1998 8:54 AM
> Subject: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey
>
>
> >I just took the survey. Interesting questions. I couldn't resist sending an
> >email to "them"
> >(foe foe.org)
> >note:
> >
> >"Imagine my surprise when I visited your website www.suv.org. I thought it
> >might have been dedicated TO sport utility vehicles. Silly me! By the
> way,
> >I'm a paramedic in New England, and I'm one of those people who NEED to get
> >to work during heavy snowstorms. My 4WD sport utility lets me do that, to
> >help people like you."
> >
> >Some people just don't get it. Oh well.
> >
> >-Steve ('86 Ranger)
> >
> >== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
> == FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 00:42:15 -0400
From: luxjo thecore.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - RE: Anti-SUV survey

As an SUV owner I actually agree with most of what is on this Anti-SUV....

---

To access the rest of this feature you must be a logged in Registered User Of Ford Truck Enthusiasts

Registration is free, easy and gives you access to more features.
If you are not registered, click here to register.
If you are already registered, you can login here.

If you are already logged in and are seeing this message, your web browser is blocking session cookies. Change your browser cookie settings to allow session cookies.