small-list-digest Saturday, March 13 1999 Volume 03 : Number 059



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
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In this issue:

FTE Small - Window weatherstripping...
FTE Small - Ranger Questions?Explorer site
FTE Small - synthetic oil
Re: FTE Small - Ranger Questions?
Re: FTE Small - Window weatherstripping...
RE: FTE Small - synthetic oil
Re: FTE Small - Ranger Questions?Explorer site
FTE Small - Transmission lock-up indicator
Re: FTE Small - Transmission lock-up indicator
Re: FTE Small - Transmission lock-up indicator
FTE Small - TTB explorers
FTE Small - ADMIN: New Press Release Section on web site
FTE Small - Spark plugs...
Re: FTE Small - Spark plugs...
Re: FTE Small - TTB explorers
FTE Small - 98 Ranger Glazed Brakes
FTE Small - leaky ranger
FTE Small - Ranger I-beams
FTE Small - ADMIN: Web site updates

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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 01:16:25 EST
From: Pol586 AOL.COM
Subject: FTE Small - Window weatherstripping...

After washing my car this weekend, I've discovered that water leaks into the
door cavity (the space where the window retracts into), soaking my speakers
and other items inside. Upon further inspection, it appears that the seals
around the window channel are getting worn and don't form a waterproof seal in
some places, especially near the corner of the door window closest to the side
view mirrors. Does anybody know where I can have this repaired and how much
it may cost? Just trying to see if this is worth repairing or do I need to
stop washing my Bronco II.

Thanks!
Joe Palaganas
'89 Bronco II, 170K
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 01:07:15 -0800
From: "J.S.H."
Subject: FTE Small - Ranger Questions?Explorer site

I'm thinking about gftting a used Ranger.I already have a 91 Explorer
and a 76 F-250 4x4.I'm thinking good basic transportation.4cyl.?
manual trans 4x2 shortbed std.cab.Any years I should look for,avoid.
Thanks.



"I have a website dedicated to Ford Explorers. The URL is
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.4x4 central. com "

"Rick Horwitz"

Very nice site Rick,lots of good pictures and info.
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 06:16:54 PST
From: "Chuck Anderson"
Subject: FTE Small - synthetic oil

Valvoline does make a full synthetic oil. It can usually be found at
Wal-Mart. I don't see no disadvantages to switching back to Valvoline.
Switching name brands of motor oil is not the "sin" it used to be. All
name brands of oil are held to the same standards. Also, many store
name brands of motor oil are bottled by a major name brand. Wal-Mart
currently uses Quaker State and Advance Auto Parts uses Valvoline
usually adding up to a big savings.

If you stick to the synthetic oil for a while, you should start seeing
some advantages. I currently use a semi-synthetic oil in my Bronco II.
On really cold mornings, the engine is much more quiet. This type of
oil doesn't break down nearly as fast as conventional oil. So, if you
can't find your favorite at Autozone, then go to Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

HTH,

Chuck

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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 08:32:07 -0500
From: "Bobby Herring"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Ranger Questions?

I have owned an 89 extended cab, V6, auto,
92 reg cab, 4 cyl, 5 speed,
and 93 extended cab, V6, auto.
I prefer the V6 and auto. I get 19-21 mpg in mixed highway and
town driving. The 4 cyl, 5 spd I had was so gutless that I had to
downshift to 4th to get up some long hills that I have between
home and work. There are 3 of them. That got old really quick,
having to do it every day. It never got much better mileage than
the V6's, either.
Just my opinion. Bobby Herring


- -----Original Message-----
From: J.S.H.
To: small list
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 1999 4:22 AM
Subject: FTE Small - Ranger Questions?Explorer site


>I'm thinking about gftting a used Ranger.I already have a 91 Explorer
>and a 76 F-250 4x4.I'm thinking good basic transportation.4cyl.?
>manual trans 4x2 shortbed std.cab.Any years I should look for,avoid.
>Thanks.
>"I have a website dedicated to Ford Explorers. The URL is
>http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.4x4 central. com "
>"Rick Horwitz"



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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 08:35:01 -0600
From: "Spectre"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Window weatherstripping...

- -----Original Message-----
From: Pol586 AOL.COM
To: small-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 1999 12:17 AM
Subject: FTE Small - Window weatherstripping...


>After washing my car this weekend, I've discovered that water leaks into
the
>door cavity (the space where the window retracts into), soaking my speakers
>and other items inside. Upon further inspection, it appears that the seals
>around the window channel are getting worn and don't form a waterproof seal
in
>some places, especially near the corner of the door window closest to the
side
>view mirrors. Does anybody know where I can have this repaired and how
much
>it may cost? Just trying to see if this is worth repairing or do I need to
>stop washing my Bronco II.
>
>Thanks!
>Joe Palaganas
>'89 Bronco II, 170K

This is a good candidate for DIY.
you can get the parts from
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.jcwhitney.com/shoponline/
or your ford dealer.
If not any mechanic can do the job.


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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 07:47:39 -0700
From: Dave Armbruster
Subject: RE: FTE Small - synthetic oil

I've been using Mobil One 5W-30 in my '97 4.0L Ranger for about 2 years now.
I switched over at 18,000 or so and have around 58,000 now. It hasn't given
me a lot of extra power or mileage, but it does definitely start easier when
it's cold and there's no knocking at start-up from thick oil. I guess I'll
have to wait for a few more years to say if it makes the engine run longer.
I figure the cost is almost a wash, since a synthetic will let you safely go
longer between oil changes (I change it roughly every 4,000~5,000, give or
take).

About the only thing I would say is that once you settle on a brand of oil,
stick with it. I have heard that as long as you stick with the same
manufacturer, you will get basically the same formulation, ie: the same
detergents, additives, etc. You ought to be OK switching viscosities within
that brand, though. This is good to know, since very few people are
chemical engineers and understand the various additives in motor oil, and
most importantly, which ones might interact to make harmful compounds, at
least to the cylinder walls of an engine.

So, if you are happy with Mobil One, it's among the best synthetic oils out
there, it's been well tested (race tested, too, in case you want to run your
truck at Indy) and is widely available. I think Valvoline makes a synthetic
blend.

Dave
Denver, CO

> -----Original Message-----
>
> From: "Randy Collins"
> Subject: FTE Small - synthetic oil
>
> Well, much to input from the list a few months ago, I did away with my
> synthetic oil inhabitions. At 8,000 miles, I switched my 98 Ranger 3.0L
> auto to Mobil 1. This is a VERY big step for me, as 1.I don't have much
> personal synthetic oil experience, and 2. I have been raised since the
> womb
> on Valvoline.
>
> I'm still a little weary, but 100 miles or so and everything seems good.
> No
> big power gain, but definitely smoother starts. Hopefully the weather
> starts getting warmer soon to see the cooling advantages.
>
> Does Valvoline still make a full synthetic? I didn't see it Autozone the
> other day. Would anyone recommend switching back to Valvoline, but in
> synthetic? I don't like to switch oil brands repeatedly, but I don't think
> it'll hurt at this stage in the game.
>
> Thanks for any input!
>
> ran
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>
>
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 09:45:55 -0700
From: charles rogers
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Ranger Questions?Explorer site

Based on what I know, if you don't mind a four banger, any year should be
alright. If you decide to go with a v6, stay away from the 86-88 2.9L.
That stupid engine cracks cylinder heads. I am still waiting for mine to
go. My $0.06 worth. Adjusted for inflation.

J.S.H. wrote:

> I'm thinking about gftting a used Ranger.I already have a 91 Explorer
> and a 76 F-250 4x4.I'm thinking good basic transportation.4cyl.?
> manual trans 4x2 shortbed std.cab.Any years I should look for,avoid.
> Thanks.
>
> "I have a website dedicated to Ford Explorers. The URL is
> http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.4x4 central. com "
>
> "Rick Horwitz"
>
> Very nice site Rick,lots of good pictures and info.
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Date: Tue, 09 Mar 1999 22:12:49 -0800
From: rgstein pacbell.net
Subject: FTE Small - Transmission lock-up indicator

Dear Ding

I didn't get this information out of thin air. The way that I know that
the mark on my speedometer shows torque converter lockup speed is that
it says so in the Ford owner's manual.

Richard

Ding wrote ------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 20:58:36 EST
From: Ding060297 AOL.COM
Subject: Re: FTE Small - '93 Explorer Transmission Problems

richard:: A. there is no mark on the speedo for lock up of the torque
converter. that mark is for the average state speed limit......


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Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 01:32:38 GMT
From: alannorthstar mindspring.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Transmission lock-up indicator

What mark are you talking about?

I know that the torque converter on my 98 Ranger locks and
unlocks at different speeds dependant on the amount of
acceleration and/or speed I'm asking from the system.

It usually doesn't happen under 40 mph, but it IS flexible.

Later,
Alan
=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

On Tue, 09 Mar 1999 22:12:49 -0800, you wrote:

:Dear Ding
:
:I didn't get this information out of thin air. The way that I know that
:the mark on my speedometer shows torque converter lockup speed is that
:it says so in the Ford owner's manual.
:
:Richard
:
:Ding wrote ------------------------------------------------------------
:Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 20:58:36 EST
:From: Ding060297 AOL.COM
:Subject: Re: FTE Small - '93 Explorer Transmission Problems
:
:richard:: A. there is no mark on the speedo for lock up of the torque
:converter. that mark is for the average state speed limit......
:
:
:=3D=3D FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info =
http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 21:07:55 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Transmission lock-up indicator

alannorthstar mindspring.com wrote:
>
> What mark are you talking about?
>
> I know that the torque converter on my 98 Ranger locks and
> unlocks at different speeds dependant on the amount of
> acceleration and/or speed I'm asking from the system.
>
> It usually doesn't happen under 40 mph, but it IS flexible.
>

Ok.. in the same vein can anyone tell me what all the odd hash marks are
around the speedometer of my 5 Spd. '85 B-II? If it's suggested max.
speeds in gear I abuse in 1st and shift way early for 3rd. One closely
spaced set around 12-15 MPH, another with spacing farther apart around
25 and a 3rd with yet wider spacing around 50. (Cant remember if
there's another around 70 or not..)

TT
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 21:16:32 EST
From: KLESNANSKY AOL.COM
Subject: FTE Small - TTB explorers

Hey Rick I belong to that site too!!
I asked a question last week about putting a goofy spring on my ranger,
never did get a response :-( any thoughts? What I want to do is recreate
the Zimmermann's explorer suspension on my ranger, with a little extra twist
in the rear

Ken
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 22:20:02 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: New Press Release Section on web site

Ford Truck Enthusiasts is pleased to announce yet another
free service to its members and visitors on the web site
(http://www.ford-trucks.com/).

We now have access to Ford Motor Company's media center.
Check out the site often for the latest Ford truck news
and press releases! Today's news:

"March 10, 1999 - 1999 SVT F-150 Lightning to pace NASCAR
Cracker Barrel 500"

Later,
Ken Payne

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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 22:33:09 EST
From: Pol586 AOL.COM
Subject: FTE Small - Spark plugs...

Does anybody know how to get to and remove/replace the spark plugs on the
passenger side of the 2.9L engine in an '89 Bronco II? From the looks of it,
it seems difficult, but I don't want to have to take it to the dealer if I can
avoid it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Joe
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 23:11:29 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Spark plugs...

Pol586 AOL.COM wrote:
>
> Does anybody know how to get to and remove/replace the spark plugs on the
> passenger side of the 2.9L engine in an '89 Bronco II? From the looks of it,
> it seems difficult, but I don't want to have to take it to the dealer if I can
> avoid it.

It's a damn sight easier than the 2.8s in '85 and down. A universal or
two behind the socket and get it from the top side with a long extension
to ease back pain. The 2.8s require a long extension and going through
the wheel well; by comparison yours is easy. ;-)

TT
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Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 23:33:02 -0700
From: Rick Horwitz
Subject: Re: FTE Small - TTB explorers

I'm not familiar enough with the diferences between the Explorer and Ranger
rearends to be of help. All I know is that they used the Ranger main leaf
because it is thinner than the Explorer spring which gives it more droop on
the Explorer.

Rick
explorer 4x4 central. com
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.4x4 central. com

At 09:16 PM 3/10/99 -0500, you wrote:
>Hey Rick I belong to that site too!!
> I asked a question last week about putting a goofy spring on my ranger,
>never did get a response :-( any thoughts? What I want to do is recreate
>the Zimmermann's explorer suspension on my ranger, with a little extra twist
>in the rear
>
>Ken
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Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 15:45:58 -0800
From: JJ Thomas
Subject: FTE Small - 98 Ranger Glazed Brakes

I had my 98 Ranger in the shop for brakes first locking first thing in the
morning and locking up. I have only rear ABS.

When I make my first stop, one of the rear brakes grabs and locks. This is
for a simple slow down to a stop, not a panic stop. This usually happens
with the first tow or three stops. Once I get about a mile down the road,
everything seems okay. Seems - I make three stops and then I hit the freeway.

I had to do a panic stop last Sunday and locked all four tires. This is
not the first time I have locked all four. I have had to stop quickly,
locking up the rear tires only. I was able to keep the front tire from
locking up. This is happening on both wet and dry pavement. I have a
couple of time felt the pedal modulate when I needed to stop hard. I have
been driving with ABS for about ten years. My previous Ranger (94) had
Rear ABS and they worked fine.

I would say in the 15 months I have had to make 7 panic stops. Of which
the ABS only worked twice.

The dealer diagnosed the brakes and found that the shoes were rusty and
gazed. He indicated the cause would be driving with the parking brake on.
Or repeated hard stops. I do not drive with the parking brake on... I do
drive in heavy city traffic, but I might do a hard stop once a month. I am
a pretty cautious driver.

I did have the differential assembly replaced a couple of months ago due to
water in the axle. Is it possible that the water has gotten to the brake
assemble? (I have not been puddle hopping, btw) The four wheeling I have
done has been back (dry) roads and the snow.

Any thought would be appreciated.

Thanks

- -Julian
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Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 18:24:38 -0600
From: "Randy Collins"
Subject: FTE Small - leaky ranger

the other day i mentioned i switched to synthetic oil. now i have a leak
coming from what looks like the rear seal. no big deal, as it will be fixed
under warranty, and every ford i've ever owned leaked from the rear main.
my concern is that it will happen again due to the synthetic oil. am i
thinking wrong?

any advice is appreciated.

ran
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Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 21:31:39 PST
From: "Michael Krause"
Subject: FTE Small - Ranger I-beams

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the part number on the Ranger
I-beam is the same as the part number on the '91 Explorer I-beam. In
other words, are the 2 I-beams identical??? Thanks for all those who
have the knowledge that I don't.
Michael Krause
sharktooth_76 hotmail.com
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Date: Sat, 13 Mar 1999 16:37:57 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: Web site updates

The following updates have been made to the Ford Truck
Enthusiasts web site:

- - Pictorial updated. I'm still behind with the pictorials
as we've had tons of submissions lately. If you didn't
get an email stated that your truck is now on the web
site, then it isn't there yet. Please be patient.

- - Although I already announced this, it bears repeating:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts now has access to Ford Motor
Company press releases and has a link on our main page
to these. Get the latest Ford truck news here. This
should be a useful service.

- - Products page updated with several new items.

- - The events page has several new events.

- - The clubs section of the links has been expanded. As
many of you know, Ford Truck Enthusiasts gives free
web space and an email address to non-profit Ford....

---

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