small-list-digest Tuesday, July 14 1998 Volume 02 : Number 194



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
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In this issue:

FTE Small - Starter.....
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Explorer starters
Re: FTE Small - Explorer starters
Re: FTE Small - Re: Loudest exhaust?
Re: Subject FTE Small - Explorer Starters
FTE Small - 8.8 axle ABS brakes
Re: Subject FTE Small - Explorer Starters
FTE Small - Transmission Problems??????
Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light
Re: FTE Small - Explorer starters
Re: Subject FTE Small - Explorer Starters
FTE Small - ADMIN: FTE Incorporation
Re: FTE Small - Transmission Problems??????

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 10:25:29 -0500
From: Mike Krause
Subject: FTE Small - Starter.....

Mike-
I just changed out my started in my '91 Explorer just last year. I've
got about 121,000 miles as of now and the price of $100 sounds about
right. Now the installation of a starter is a fairly simple process to go
about. It took me about 45 minutes to change mine out with the help of a
floor jack, jack stands and your basic tools. I highly recommend you do
it yourself if you can. Just my $.02 worth. Hope this helps a little.
Mike Krause

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 10:05:49 -0700
From: William Street
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

And where is the thermostat located on the 2.3L.

Thanks.

Bill

Amosil aol.com wrote:

> 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



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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 12:24:29 -0500
From: bmrickman juno.com (brian k rickman)
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Explorer starters

On Sun, 12 Jul 1998 23:16:49 -0500 "Mike Nassour"
writes:
>I've just had a starter on a 92 Explorer go south on me....I think.
>The truck wouldn't start, just clicked once. A friend rapped twice on
>the starter with the tire tool and away we went. I assume this
>means new starter.
>
>A local mechanic tells me 1) it's normal for Explorer starters to go
>south between 90K and 100K. 2) that this is a metric starter and
>will cost over $100 plus about $75 installation.
>
>Any comments on this? Am I getting ripped off? Seems a bit high
>on the $$$$ front to me.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Mike Nassour
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l
The starter on my 91 went out at around 110k. Paid $125.00 for a new one
(not ford), and this was about a year and a half ago so they are probably
a little less now. Putting one in is very easy. Two bolts and one
electrical connector. If you can change your own oil you can replace the
starter. I didn't even have to raise the truck since it is a 4 wheel
drive. I did the tire tool trick also until I replaced the starter, the
wife didn't think it was "cool". go figure.

Brian Rickman bmrickman juno.com
91 Explorer 4X4 EB AOD
81 F100 2wd 351w AOD

_____________________________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 10:41:06 -0700
From: "Alan Wilson"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Explorer starters

What exactly is this tire tool trick???

Alan's Ford Ranger Site
(http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.cris.com/~Usctrojn/Ranger/ranger.shtml)

At 12:24 PM 7/13/98 -0500, you wrote:
>
>
>On Sun, 12 Jul 1998 23:16:49 -0500 "Mike Nassour"
>writes:
>>... A friend rapped twice on the starter with the tire tool and away we
went.
>>
>>
>>Mike Nassour
>>== FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.htm
>l
>The starter on my 91 went out at around 110k. Paid $125.00 for a new one
>(not ford), and this was about a year and a half ago so they are probably
>a little less now. Putting one in is very easy. Two bolts and one
>electrical connector. If you can change your own oil you can replace the
>starter. I didn't even have to raise the truck since it is a 4 wheel
>drive. I did the tire tool trick also until I replaced the starter, the
>wife didn't think it was "cool". go figure.
>
>Brian Rickman bmrickman juno.com
>91 Explorer 4X4 EB AOD
>81 F100 2wd 351w AOD
>
>_____________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.juno.com
>Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
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>
Alan Wilson
(ICQ Pager - http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://wwp.mirabilis.com/153491)

Madden 98 Players Page
(http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.cris.com/~Usctrojn/madden.shtml)
NBA Live 98 League Page
(http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.cris.com/~Usctrojn/NBA98/NBA.htm)
Alan's Ford Ranger Site
(http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.cris.com/~Usctrojn/Ranger/ranger.shtml)

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 13:47:15 -0400
From: Geoffrey Hoffman
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Loudest exhaust?

> Here's a non audio related question... (hehehe). What's the loudest
>exhaust system I can put on a Ranger / Bronco II?

sorry for the delay, but i have a related, but opposite question:

what is the "quietest" exhaust i can put on, and still see some gains? (i
guess i am rare in this) but one of the things i dig about my explorer, is
that it is very quiet, and doesn't bother me or neighbors or whatever.

anyway, its a '93 explorer EB.

thanks////
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
Geoffrey Hoffmanhttp://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.pobox.com/~hoffy/
Cornell Universitygch2 cornell.edu
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 12:37:08 -0700
From: "Rick L. Anderson"
Subject: Re: Subject FTE Small - Explorer Starters

Hi Mike,

>Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 23:16:49 -0500
>From: "Mike Nassour"
>Subject: FTE Small - Explorer starters
>
>I've just had a starter on a 92 Explorer go south on me....I think.
>
>The truck wouldn't start, just clicked once. A friend rapped twice on
>the starter with the tire tool and away we went. I assume this
>means new starter.


IMHO, it's possible. However, it depends on a few things. I've got a 92
Ranger, 4X, Extended Cab w/ 4.0L. A few months ago, I replaced my battery.
After about 5 and one-half years out of the factory, and over 100K, it was
due. At the same time, I replaced both my battery and ground cables due to
corrosion (BTW: If you do this, buy them NAPA. It'll cost about half of
what Ford will soak you). It's possible that you might have some corrosion.
Give your system a good look.

>A local mechanic tells me 1) it's normal for Explorer starters to go
>south between 90K and 100K. 2) that this is a metric starter and
>will cost over $100 plus about $75 installation.

I've never heard that the starter would go south at 90K to 100K. I've got
over 112K and have had no problems. In fact, in my area (the Tacoma/Seattle
area) we have a lot of 91/92 Explorer/Rangers running around. I've never
heard of starters dieing out at that mileage.

>Any comments on this? Am I getting ripped off? Seems a bit high
>on the $$$$ front to me.


Couldn't say if it you are. However, if you find that you need to replace
it, here are a couple of ways;

1. Check out local wrecking yards. You might find a used one at a better
price.

2. If you want to buy a new one, do NOT go to Ford. Give NAPA a try (no
I'm not a rep for NAPA). I find that they stock OEM quality parts at a
cheaper price.

If you have the tools (a decent 3/8 inch drive set (with metric sockets will
work), you can change the starter out in less than a half hour and save a
few $$$ in the meantime.

When I went to Ford to price my battery and ground cables, the dealer quoted
me a price of $50.00 for EACH cable. I went to NAPA and paid $50.00 for
BOTH cables ($14.00 for the battery cable and $36.00 for the ground cable).

Just food for thought.

Rick Anderson
1992 Ford Ranger 4X4, Extended cab, 4.0L, Trailer Towing Package

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 14:30:01 -0700
From: KDRESSEL
Subject: FTE Small - 8.8 axle ABS brakes

I am getting ready to put an 8.8 inch rearend in my 86 ranger 4x4. My
question is the truck that it is coming out of has ABS and my truck
doesn't.Will this be a problem. The guy I am going to buy it off says
it wont matter. will this be a problem. My other question is are there
any real quick ways to make sure it is an 8.8 not a 7.5. I compared it
to mine and it seems different where the u-joint mounts to it. Thanks
in advance.

Matt Dresselhaus
1986 ranger 4x4
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 14:31:50 -0700
From: KDRESSEL
Subject: Re: Subject FTE Small - Explorer Starters

My parents have a 91 aerostar with 208000 and it is still on the
original starter.

Matt Dresselhaus


Rick L. Anderson wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
>
> >Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 23:16:49 -0500
> >From: "Mike Nassour"
> >Subject: FTE Small - Explorer starters
> >
> >I've just had a starter on a 92 Explorer go south on me....I think.
> >
> >The truck wouldn't start, just clicked once. A friend rapped twice on
> >the starter with the tire tool and away we went. I assume this
> >means new starter.
>
> IMHO, it's possible. However, it depends on a few things. I've got a 92
> Ranger, 4X, Extended Cab w/ 4.0L. A few months ago, I replaced my battery.
> After about 5 and one-half years out of the factory, and over 100K, it was
> due. At the same time, I replaced both my battery and ground cables due to
> corrosion (BTW: If you do this, buy them NAPA. It'll cost about half of
> what Ford will soak you). It's possible that you might have some corrosion.
> Give your system a good look.
>
> >A local mechanic tells me 1) it's normal for Explorer starters to go
> >south between 90K and 100K. 2) that this is a metric starter and
> >will cost over $100 plus about $75 installation.
>
> I've never heard that the starter would go south at 90K to 100K. I've got
> over 112K and have had no problems. In fact, in my area (the Tacoma/Seattle
> area) we have a lot of 91/92 Explorer/Rangers running around. I've never
> heard of starters dieing out at that mileage.
>
> >Any comments on this? Am I getting ripped off? Seems a bit high
> >on the $$$$ front to me.
>
> Couldn't say if it you are. However, if you find that you need to replace
> it, here are a couple of ways;
>
> 1. Check out local wrecking yards. You might find a used one at a better
> price.
>
> 2. If you want to buy a new one, do NOT go to Ford. Give NAPA a try (no
> I'm not a rep for NAPA). I find that they stock OEM quality parts at a
> cheaper price.
>
> If you have the tools (a decent 3/8 inch drive set (with metric sockets will
> work), you can change the starter out in less than a half hour and save a
> few $$$ in the meantime.
>
> When I went to Ford to price my battery and ground cables, the dealer quoted
> me a price of $50.00 for EACH cable. I went to NAPA and paid $50.00 for
> BOTH cables ($14.00 for the battery cable and $36.00 for the ground cable).
>
> Just food for thought.
>
> Rick Anderson
> 1992 Ford Ranger 4X4, Extended cab, 4.0L, Trailer Towing Package
>
> == FTE: Unsubscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 17:48:07 -0400
From: Chuck Anderson
Subject: FTE Small - Transmission Problems??????

While driving to work today, my 90 Bronco II, 2.9, auto-overdrive
transmission, is going great. Then, a LOUD thud, and I have NO gears,
forward or reverse. The transmission will engage in park, but no forward or
reverse gears. The vehicle has about 150,000 miles with the orginal engine
and trans. There has been absolutely no previous problems. The vehicle has
not once acted up lately. What could this be? I figure, if transmission
problems, it would have past symptoms. It just seemed like something broke.
Any ideas??????
Chuck Anderson

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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 19:24:09 EDT
From: Amosil aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Check Engine Light

In the housing right above the water pump, connected to upper radiator hose.
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 21:14:24 -0500
From: "Mike Nassour"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Explorer starters

From: "Alan Wilson"


> What exactly is this tire tool trick???

Simple. Grab the lug nut wrench and bang on the starter case
twice. Where there was just a click, the starter now turns.
Unfortunately, I was in a suit the last time I had to do it!

mn

Mike Nassour / mnassour onr.com

"The universe knows what it's doing..."
..."from Babylon 5".
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 21:25:33 -0500
From: "Mike Nassour"
Subject: Re: Subject FTE Small - Explorer Starters

From: "Rick L. Anderson"


> 2. If you want to buy a new one, do NOT go to Ford. Give NAPA a try (no
> I'm not a rep for NAPA). I find that they stock OEM quality parts at a
> cheaper price.
>
Yes, that's where mine finally came from. See below for going to
Ford!

> When I went to Ford to price my battery and ground cables, the dealer quoted
> me a price of $50.00 for EACH cable. I went to NAPA and paid $50.00 for
> BOTH cables ($14.00 for the battery cable and $36.00 for the ground cable).

The local Ford house here wanted $76.00 for the cable. Had to
do it since I was stranded on a Saturday and no NAPA shop had it.
Durn. And yes indeed, I did have some corrosion around the
battery terminals. Truck seems to turn faster since they were
cleaned up, but maybe that's just me hoping . Also, the two
raps on the old starter seemed to confirm that it was indeed a
starter problem.

Many thanks to all who have responded/are responding. This is
certainly a friendlier list than some I've been on!

mn
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 22:34:36 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: FTE Incorporation

Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc. received its paperwork from the
State of Georgia on Saturday. It held its organizational
meeting yesterday evening and is now operating as a corporation.

Don't expect to see many changes in the day to day operations
of the site other than improvements I've discussed in the
past. The formation of a corporation was a natural result
of our growth and exposure. The possibility of a club still
exists and is being discussed off the list with some list
members.

Thanks,
Ken Payne
President (and still list admin), Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc.

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Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 03:04:03 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Linda d' Fan"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Transmission Problems??????

At 05:48 PM 7/13/98 -0400, you wrote:
>While driving to work today, my 90 Bronco II, 2.9, auto-overdrive
>transmission, is going great. Then, a LOUD thud, and I have NO gears,
>forward or reverse. The transmission will engage in park, but no forward or
>reverse gears. The vehicle has about 150,000 miles with the orginal engine
>and trans. There has been absolutely no previous problems. The vehicle has
>not once acted up lately. What could this be? I figure, if transmission
>problems, it would have past symptoms. It just seemed like something broke.
>Any ideas??????
>Chuck Anderson
>
>

Well I had a similar problem, but mine came from an entirely different cause.

What had happened to mine was basically the Trans "Hand-Grenaded" ie the
thing basicly self destructed. It was trashed and required a TOTAL rebuild,
many BROKEN (not worn out) and twisted parts were found inside.

Mine occured with the same SICKENING thud you heard and and acted just as
you describe, "no forward or reverse gears but park will engage"

How mine happened is yet another sad tale in my Rangers life, I was leaving
a local store, I backed out out my space, stopped, put the trans in drive
and stepped on the accelerator. The truck then went NUTS, FULL throttle with
my foot OFF the pedal (under it for a time), hauling ass rite toward another
row of parked cars (my ranger by the way is a 90 STX 4x4, with a 4.0L V6,
3.73 gears, positraction and the same trans as yours) in my panic to stop,
while leaving a very impressive patch of rubber on the asphalt, I shifted
the trans to NEUTRAL and KABOOM no more trans!

In retrospect I should have just turned off the ignition OR hit the parked
cars, saved my trans and let my insurance company foot the ensuing bill :^),
as it's one of many this damn truck has wrung up in 8 years.

No cause for the "MYSTERY SUDDEN ACCELERATION" has been found but I had my....

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