small-list-digest Thursday, August 27 1998 Volume 02 : Number 240



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

FTE Small - Clutch Replacement
FTE Small - mileage and perfomance continued
FTE Small - RE: Cooling System
FTE Small - RE: Getting better mileage and power
Re: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement
Re: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement
FTE Small - FTE in Truckin' magazine
Re: FTE Small - Engine Pinging
FTE Small - ADMIN: Member web contributions
Re: FTE Small - RE: Cooling System
Re: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement
Re: FTE Small - Engine Pinging
Re: FTE Small - mileage and perfomance continued
FTE Small - Re:bad braking in my 96 explorer

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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 08:53:55 -0800
From: Brad Allerheiligen
Subject: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement

The clutch in my 94 Ranger XLT 4.0 is starting to feel a bit weak, I figure
replacement is coming up, so it's time to do some research. First what all
is involved in replacement? Is it do-it yourself-able? And second, has
anyone here used an aftermarket clutch (Centerforce etc.)? If so how
was it compared to stock (pros/cons)?

Thanks again,
- -Brad-
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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 08:44:22 -0500
From: balusek aud.alcatel.com (Danny Balusek)
Subject: FTE Small - mileage and perfomance continued

From: Ding060297 aol.com

Danny don't even waste your time with msd ignition ....It does work in some
applications but i don't think its worth the time and money in your situation
of that lil 2.9 ..Your better off doing other upgrades Like for starters just
hit the simple things like get rid of you power robbing fan and throw in a
electric one for $80 and you can do it yourself in less than an hour.. Look
into changing your exhaust and i don't mean cat back systems they only give ya
.005 seconds off...Look into headers a free flow cat and a nice cat back with
free flow mufflers you can buy the whole system from any of the big companies
borla or flowmaster gibson... And get rid or your air box that holds your air
cleaner make it so its an open element with a k&n air filter and you 'll
probably be twice as happy as if you would of did just an msd ignition.....And
if you got any money left look into a hyperchip....and you should be pretty
happy with that for awhile you'll get a sweet sound and a little better fuel
mileage when your not stepping on it.......
- ----------------------------------------------

Thanks for the insight.

I agree 100% on the exhaust upgrade, maximum air flow is always better.

Where do I get the open air box? Fabricate it myself
or does someone sell them?

Who sells the hyperchip? Jegs and Summit seem to favor Chevy V8s with
little to offer for the "lowly" 2.9L V6 Ford.

And one more question, who makes the $80 electric fan? The one I
want is the 15" Flex-a-lite for $180.


best regards,
Danny B.


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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 10:36:13 -0400
From: "Maurer, Robert M."
Subject: FTE Small - RE: Cooling System

*****************
MICHAEL PEACOCK wrote:

My '86 BroncoII is running hot. Especially in traffic, on the highway it
cools down somewhat.
This leads me to believe that the fan clutch is at fault. Here's what I'm
going to do.
Flush the system
Change the thermostat
Address the fan issue
Here are my questions:
I was told that going down a step in thermostat temps would effect the
computer. I've taken the temp sensors resistance readings cold and at
mid-normal range. I'm going to place a resister in the line to fool the
computer into thinking it's operating at operating temp while the 180 degree
thermostat hopefully keeps the engine cooler. I know that cooler air and
fuel helps the engine produce more efficient power, but what can I expect
out of a cooler engine? And how might my reasoning be flawed in the computer
tricking idea? About the fan problem, are electric fans as good as I here?
What are the draw backs? How do they effect the charging system? Are they
worth the $80?
*****************

I used a 180* thermostat in my '93 Mustang GT for 4 years; '93 Cobra and '96
Explorer for 3 months now without any problems (all had 195* thermostats
stock). Changing to 180* is a popular "problem free" modification to the
Mustang. But a thermostat change alone will not solve your underlying
problem. Something is making your truck overheat and my guess is that a 15*
change in thermostat will not solve it. Fix your problem (could be a bad
thermostat, clogged radiator or bad fan motor), go to a 180* thermo and use
a bottle of "water wetter" in you antifreeze mixture.

WORDS OF WARNING: If you live in a cold climate, a cooler running motor
will not produce as much heat in the winter. I live in South Carolina, so
for me it's no big deal.

Good luck, Rob


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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 10:54:15 -0400
From: "Maurer, Robert M."
Subject: FTE Small - RE: Getting better mileage and power

************
Danny Balusek wrote:

I installed a K&N Filter on my '86 Bronco II with 2.9L V6 a couple of months
ago and have not been able to detect any change in performance or fuel
mileage. If you think about it, the air/fuel mixture is controlled by the
onboard computer and if something causes one of those to change, the
computer will compensate by changing the other so as to keep things in
balance according to some predefined definition (determined by Ford and most
likely the big Oil Companies). I think the biggest improvement to be had
with the K&N Filter may be cleaner air.

The next thing I plan on doing to my Bronco II in the ever elusive search
for improved mileage and performance is installing an MSD coil, 8MM plug
wires, and new set of Autolite Platinum plugs gapped .005" to .007" wider
than stock recommendations. I've been told this combination works pretty
good but only time and money will tell.
************

Doesn't the onboard computer also control spark output. So using your
philosophy, the computer will compensate for any changes you make to the
ignition system. Therefore net effect = no change in performance?? Don't
believe all of the propaganda about performance improvements (add "this" to
get 25 extra hp and 5 extra mpg per tank). Does the K&N work, Yes. With
this change "alone" will you see or feel improvements, probably not. My
"seat-O-pants" meter is not very accurate, so I don't think I would feel a 5
hp gain. Smart modifications to the induction, exhaust and ignition systems
will add up to increase performance.

BTW: Autolites are good plugs, but don't bother with the platinums.

Good luck, Rob



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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 11:30:26 -0400
From: "Russ Parker"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement

It's not too bad of a job, hydraulic clutches are easy. Take your time and
dont try and set any speed records for clutch jobs and you'll be fine. Screw
centerforce though, they totally suck for our trucks. I've had two fail and
I know countless other racers that have been let down by them.

I used to do alot of mudracing, plus Im terribly hard on clutches. I broke
the input shaft on my T-K 5 speed and was talked into one of those "While
you have it apart" deals with changing to a centerforce clutch. The first
disc lasted about a month before it broke, forcing me to synchro shift home
and roll every stop for 50 miles. I pulled it apart and here one of the
little kevlar pads that slide had popped loose on one end, the next time the
pressure plate closed on it, snap! No biggie really, everyone has QC flaws
sooner or later. I called them and they were more than happy to replace it.
I got the flywheel resurfaced and put the new one in. That one failed at a
race, it let me down going into the finals too! I heard it but thought that
maybe it was just mud hitting the bottom of the truck. Clutch felt a little
funny when I pushed it in to start it, and made an evil hiss when I let it
out. Most of the stupid pads flew clear off this time! This time they
wouldn't replace it because it failed while racing. My feeling is if they
wont stand behind it for racing what is it for then? Why not just buy a
stock clutch and save the coin, you can pick up a centerforce sticker at a
swap meet and bang there you have it. I'm using a mean green clutch right
now and it locks up tight every time and hasn't broke yet.
- -Russ

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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 12:00:31 -0400
From: luxjo thecore.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement

Russ Parker wrote:
> I'm using a mean green clutch right
> now and it locks up tight every time and hasn't broke yet.

I'll second the mean green recommendation. I have one in my 78 full
size Bronc, Been wheeling the crap out of it and towing over 5000 lbs
for many years and it still grabs like new.


OX
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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 14:21:45 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - FTE in Truckin' magazine

The October issue (now on news-stands) of Truckin' magazine
has a really nice write-up about Ford Truck Enthusiasts (thanks
Gary!). The article is about web sites and they really
complimented us. I wanted to send a public "thank you" to
Truckin Magazine and also let the list members know so they
can check it out.

Regards,
Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com

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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 17:51:04 +0000
From: Garr&Pam
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Engine Pinging

I've exerimented with diffent octanes to see if the problem was the same
no change. I've cleaned the throttle body but not the injectors (as no
loss of gas mileage has occurred).

You could still have a dirty injector without a loss of gas mileage.

When I swapped to a K&N filter, again, the problem was still there. I
have about 53K miles on the engine but this problem started under 5K
miles! Since I was running back and forth over-seas, I never had time
for the dealer to look at it. Now that I'm here for good, I'd like to
diagnose/fix myself. I had read another article relating to the EGR
valve. I don't think my engine has this on it (4.0), correct?
Any other ideas on this?

You truck does have an EGR system and it probably needs cleaning. Have
you changed your O2 sensor yet? The can still be with in thier limits so
that it does not turn the light on but be bad enough to cause problems.
Let us know what you come up with!
Check for tsbs concerning this at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.alldata.com
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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 19:47:34 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: Member web contributions

FTE's web site is kinda stale. It will be undergoing a face lift
soon. If you'd like to contribute any of the following for the
update:

1. Book or magazine review
2. Tech article. This can range from simple to complex. If you
installed a K&N on your 98, added a shift kit to your ride or
raised it 2 feet - almost anything you have to give, we'll
use.
3. Information or programs, click "misc" on the site for examples.

As usual, you retain the copyright and we'll take if off the site
if at some time in the future you ask us to.

Send submissions to:
kpayne ford-trucks.com

Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com

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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 21:27:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: tarmy webtv.net (tommy oslick jr)
Subject: Re: FTE Small - RE: Cooling System

i have seen were the cylinder head crack near valve guides this could
also be a problem

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Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 21:29:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: tarmy webtv.net (tommy oslick jr)
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Clutch Replacement

center force is ok to use. i have put them in some of my buddys
explorers and ranger. the kit is nice. bleeding the clutch can be
difficult at times

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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 00:12:13 EDT
From: Ding060297 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Engine Pinging

Yes i wrote about checking the egr valve and not only does your engine have
it i believe all engines have it............check your manual find it test it
and see what happens its worth a shot i had this problem back awhile ago with
an older car and sure enough mine was stuck..........ding060297
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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 00:16:14 EDT
From: Ding060297 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - mileage and perfomance continued

I went to a place called Kar parts and picked my fan for just $ 80.00 and as
for your air box unless k&n makes a ram air kit you'll probably have to
fabricate it yourself.....Keep your hose and box and find another from a junk
yard or something and do a lil modifications at least if you mess up you still
have your orginal to put back in......
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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 00:29:33 EDT
From: Ding060297 aol.com
Subject: FTE Small - Re:bad braking in my 96 explorer

I have the 96 explorer xlt with the 5.0 v8 and the all-wheel drive system...I
have the whole tow package which consists of the 3:73 axle ratio and heavy
duty radiator and external trans cooler and all the heavy duty relays for the
lights. This truck with these accesories is capable of towing 6750lbs., which
i do believe i now tow a bass boat that is 19' and around the 4,000lbs and i
have no problem towing in fact its very impressive over my last tow truck
which was the 92 explorer with the 4.0 .....But my question is with all this
extra stuff in it for towing is there any kind of heavy duty braking
available i can't stop this dam thing for the life of me.....And i know my
trailer brakes are working because they lock up if i hit them hard enough, My
last truck had rear drum brakes and it stopped twice as fast and with a much
better feel this 96 explorer has the all wheel disc brakes with abs and has
just been serviced with all new pads and all resurfaced rotors.....with no
change its still sucks.........none of these rotors are warped and the truck
doesn't pull at all under braking so i'm assuming everything is working fine
but why can't i stopppppppppppppp.....any info is really....

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