From: owner-small-list-digest ford-trucks.com (small-list-digest)
To: small-list-digest ford-trucks.com
Subject: small-list-digest V3 #219
Reply-To: small-list ford-trucks.com
Sender: owner-small-list-digest ford-trucks.com
Errors-To: owner-small-list-digest ford-trucks.com
Precedence: bulk


small-list-digest Thursday, August 26 1999 Volume 03 : Number 219



=======================================================================
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:

Re: FTE Small - 4wd auto
[none]
RE: FTE Small - 4wd auto
Re: FTE Small - Re: Tires
Re: FTE Small - Re: Tires
Re: FTE Small - OBDII tools
FTE Small - re: coupla questions (newie content)
FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral
Re: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral
FTE Small - Shocks
FTE Small - Bronco II Hesitation
Re: [FTE Small - Bronco II Hesitation]
FTE Small - Oops..
Re: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral
Re: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral

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

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 16:24:54 +0300
From: Bolte Brent
Subject: Re: FTE Small - 4wd auto

David's right, if you are having problems with vehicle control
because of hydroplaning the way to properly correct the
problem is to SLOW DOWN. On the 1995 and 1996
Explorers with Control Trak the standard driving mode
is 2WD ( they have a slightly different Control Trak
system than the 1997 and newer Explorers have ).
On these Explorers when you have the system in 2WD
mode, the front drive shaft is actually disconnected from
the front wheels by a vacuum operated disconnect in the
front differential ( giving you true 2WD ). Switching to
4WD AUTO makes the disconnect in the front differential
engage which "turns on" the transfer case and gives you
computer controlled 4WD ( on 1997 and newer Explorers
they did away with the front axle disconnect and made
the standard driving mode 4WD AUTO ). While in 4WD
AUTO ( on all Control Trak Explorers ) you end up with
somewhat of an AWD system since, because of
residual friction in the variable lockup clutch pak in the
transfer case, you always have a minimum of about
5% of the torque being sent to the front axle. On my
1995 I find it helpful to switch from 2WD mode to 4WD
AUTO mode when driving in heavy rain to help with
traction problems, but this is normally to help prevent
the rear wheels from spinning when taking off from stop
lights, not to keep the front end under control. You may
find that putting the Explorer in 4WD AUTO will help with
your control problem slightly when driving on rain soaked
roads since ( once again because of the residual friction
in the variable lockup clutch pak in the transfer case),
a small amount of torque is always being sent to the
front axle which will lessen the tendency of the front
tires to slow down or stop turning when running in
deep water at highway speeds. Because of the
variable lockup capability of the Control Trak transfer
case when driving in 4WD AUTO you will not harm
the system when driving on dry road conditions and
normally will not be able to feel any difference in vehicle
operation between driving in 2WD mode or 4WD AUTO
mode. On 1997 and newer Explorers with Control Trak
you don't have the choice of true 2WD mode as 4WD
AUTO is the standard driving mode ( they have no 2WD
setting on the dash switch ). Common sense however
will tell you that doing this will only help cover up an
already unsafe driving condition and the correct way to
remedy this situation is to slow down.

Later, Brent Bolte


On Tue, 24 Aug 1999, David A. Cooley wrote:

> Hydroplaning isn't a function of 4WD or 2WD. It's the
> tires and the conditions. If you are hydroplaning it
> means SLOW DOWN.

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 09:39:03 -0400
From: SKrobath PSC.GOV (Steven Krobath)
Subject: [none]

This is a first-time post to the list, so be nice:->

I have a '91 Explorer that is losing transmission fluid slowly. There
are no spots on the ground. I have been told that it is a 'vacuum
modulator valve'? I have been able to find a vacuum line that appears
to go down to the transmission, but I can't find the valve. I have
the two volume shop manual set but I only find a passing reference to
the valve in there, not its' location. Can anyone shed any light on
this?

TIA, Steve.......
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 09:52:05 -0500
From: "Tony Rio (Chicago)"
Subject: RE: FTE Small - 4wd auto

We bought our 95 Explorer EB about 18 months ago and when my best friends
wife saw, she decided they had to have one.

Matt purchased a 94 limited, and soon found out the hard way about what 4wd
really does. Similar to the wet traction scenario... After skidding off
the highway, through a wood fence, and into a farmers field in Indiana he
learned that you cannot just flip on 4wd and still do 65-70 over snow packed
roads.

When a friend of my father bought a Hummer a few years ago he said that the
saleman did a really good job of summing up a 4wd system. As he explained
it, 4wd provides a far greater degree of "increased mobility" than it did
"increased traction". To piont, what he meant was 4wd will get you in and
out of places that a 2wd vehicle can't. However, 4 powered wheels do you
very little good on sheer ice or similar surfaces. If the rear wheels won't
grab, chances are neither will the front ones.


== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 11:18:35 -0400
From: Michael Paul
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Tires

A 30X9.50/15 goodyear wrangler RTS($100/tire) or fisk phantom ($60/tire) would be
fit the bill very well.A BFG longtrail ($100/tire) is a little more aggressive, but
will still handle well onroad. A michelin ltx ms is an excellent mild tread tire for
treadwear, sound, traction, and hauling capacity. It will run about $100 per tire.
These prices are based on a 235/75R15 tire size. You truck will accomodate tires as
large as 31X10.50/15, but you'll notice a small loss of mileage and power with a
tire that big. For your needs a 235 would work best.
"Jesse A. Edwards" wrote:

> Morning Michael,
>
> Read your e-mail and would like to ask your input. My '94 Ranger Splash, extend
> cab, 4x4, auto, 4.0, 55,500 miles will need tires in the near future. The
> tires on the truck are Firestone Wilderness ATX. I don't use the truck off road
> but do haul items, i.e.: plants, mulch, furniture. What I like in a tire is
> quietness, smooth ride, traction (we don't have extreme snow/ice in this area
> but I would like as maximum as possible on wet roads), decent mileage (both tire
> wear and gas) and won't break the bank!
>
> Any suggestions you have will be appreciated - thanks.
>
> Jesse Edwards
> Asheville, NC
> Phubby bellsouth.net
>
> Michael Paul wrote:
>
> > 88biixlt fncool.com wrote:
> >
> > > BFG has a new tire line
> > > out. It's called the BFG AT T/A KO. I guess it's a new and improved
> > > version of the original AT T/A.
> >
> > The new T/A (traction advantage) has a different rubber compound, tractions
> > sipes, and a rim guard. Pretty cool, but is given to chronic vibrations on a
> > narrow rim. The sidewinder AP is a great tire. Expect a more aggressive,
> > self-cleaning tread pattern, 40,000k tread life (with 6-8k rotations), and
> > about $80 less on the wallet. Pretty good bang for the buck. As a tire tech.
> > at Discount Tire, I reccomend this tire for anyone who does a lot of on-road
> > travel, but wants the ability to hit the trails with some teeth on their
> > tires. I run a 30X9.50/15 on my Bronco II and have been REALLY impressed
> > with what they do offroad, and how the behave on road as well.
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------
> > > This Message was Powered by Xcel Communications
> > > Sign up for your FREE EMAIL account today at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.mailroom.com
> > > Give your FAX machine an email address http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.faxroom.com
> > >
> > > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> >
> > --
> > ----------------------------------------------------
> > Michael Paul
> > * My ICQ# is 11332453
> > * Check out my site at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://i.am/danger-clown
> > * Send an E-mail directly to my screen 11332453 pager.mirabilis.com
> > ----------------------------------------------------
> >
> > == 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

- --
- ----------------------------------------------------
Michael Paul
* My ICQ# is 11332453
* Check out my site at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://i.am/danger-clown
* Send an E-mail directly to my screen 11332453 pager.mirabilis.com
- ----------------------------------------------------


== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 13:57:31 -0400
From: "Jesse A. Edwards"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Tires

Hi Michael -

Thanks for the info! Will definitely use it when shopping for the tires!!

Peace.

Jerry Edwards

Michael Paul wrote:

> A 30X9.50/15 goodyear wrangler RTS($100/tire) or fisk phantom ($60/tire) would be
> fit the bill very well.A BFG longtrail ($100/tire) is a little more aggressive, but
> will still handle well onroad. A michelin ltx ms is an excellent mild tread tire for
> treadwear, sound, traction, and hauling capacity. It will run about $100 per tire.
> These prices are based on a 235/75R15 tire size. You truck will accomodate tires as
> large as 31X10.50/15, but you'll notice a small loss of mileage and power with a
> tire that big. For your needs a 235 would work best.
> "Jesse A. Edwards" wrote:
>
> > Morning Michael,
> >
> > Read your e-mail and would like to ask your input. My '94 Ranger Splash, extend
> > cab, 4x4, auto, 4.0, 55,500 miles will need tires in the near future. The
> > tires on the truck are Firestone Wilderness ATX. I don't use the truck off road
> > but do haul items, i.e.: plants, mulch, furniture. What I like in a tire is
> > quietness, smooth ride, traction (we don't have extreme snow/ice in this area
> > but I would like as maximum as possible on wet roads), decent mileage (both tire
> > wear and gas) and won't break the bank!
> >
> > Any suggestions you have will be appreciated - thanks.
> >
> > Jesse Edwards
> > Asheville, NC
> > Phubby bellsouth.net
> >
> > Michael Paul wrote:
> >
> > > 88biixlt fncool.com wrote:
> > >
> > > > BFG has a new tire line
> > > > out. It's called the BFG AT T/A KO. I guess it's a new and improved
> > > > version of the original AT T/A.
> > >
> > > The new T/A (traction advantage) has a different rubber compound, tractions
> > > sipes, and a rim guard. Pretty cool, but is given to chronic vibrations on a
> > > narrow rim. The sidewinder AP is a great tire. Expect a more aggressive,
> > > self-cleaning tread pattern, 40,000k tread life (with 6-8k rotations), and
> > > about $80 less on the wallet. Pretty good bang for the buck. As a tire tech.
> > > at Discount Tire, I reccomend this tire for anyone who does a lot of on-road
> > > travel, but wants the ability to hit the trails with some teeth on their
> > > tires. I run a 30X9.50/15 on my Bronco II and have been REALLY impressed
> > > with what they do offroad, and how the behave on road as well.
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------
> > > > This Message was Powered by Xcel Communications
> > > > Sign up for your FREE EMAIL account today at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.mailroom.com
> > > > Give your FAX machine an email address http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.faxroom.com
> > > >
> > > > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> > >
> > > --
> > > ----------------------------------------------------
> > > Michael Paul
> > > * My ICQ# is 11332453
> > > * Check out my site at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://i.am/danger-clown
> > > * Send an E-mail directly to my screen 11332453 pager.mirabilis.com
> > > ----------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > > == 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
>
> --
> ----------------------------------------------------
> Michael Paul
> * My ICQ# is 11332453
> * Check out my site at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://i.am/danger-clown
> * Send an E-mail directly to my screen 11332453 pager.mirabilis.com
> ----------------------------------------------------
>
> == 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, 25 Aug 1999 13:19:03 -0500
From: Paul Olson
Subject: Re: FTE Small - OBDII tools

In 1995 some of the Rangers started to have some of the OBDII features.
I believe that one of the features is the connector located under the
stearing wheel. If it is like my Explorer, it has a cover over the
connector. The site at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.obdii.com/connector.html has some
more infomation on what to look for.
Hope this helps,
Paul

SpyderLv81 aol.com wrote:
>
> It doesn't have a plug under the hood for the scan tool. I have a scanner
> that I have used on others and the box says it doesn't work on 95 rangers.
>
> Spyder2
> == 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, 25 Aug 99 16:15:15 EDT
From: conan ralvm8.vnet.ibm.com
Subject: FTE Small - re: coupla questions (newie content)

>> If these shocks are 1/4 the cost of your Miata shocks and you don't mind
>>paying the Miata shock price, check out Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks.

IMHO... ;-) Better yet would be Bilstein. Last I heard they were still
running their special ~$60/each for truck shocks, and I believe Explorers
qualify.
My local source is Auto Sport Gallery 1-800-868-2002 and they will ship.
Disclaimer: Owner IS a friend of mine. NO monetary connection though.
Ed in NC
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 16:48:38 -0400
From: Robert Iserman
Subject: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral

My '98 Explorer XLT (SOHC, 5-speed automatic, Control-Trac, limited slip)
has 12,000 miles on the odometer.

Sometimes when I try to quickly accelerate from a standing start, entering
a highway for instance, the transmission disengages and the engine just
races. No power gets to the wheels. The same thing happens when I floor the
throttle to kick down into passing gear. It feels like the transmission is
shifting into neutral.

In both cases, If I then take my foot off the gas and allow the engine to
slow down, the drivetrain reconnects with a clunk and I can drive again
provided I don't floor it.

My dealer has checked the transmission fluid level (normal) and run
computer checks all to no avail.

Does anyone have any idea as to what specifically is the problem?

Thanks,

Bob Iserman




== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 18:08:34 -0400
From: "David A. Cooley"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral

At 04:48 PM 8/25/99 -0400, you wrote:
>My '98 Explorer XLT (SOHC, 5-speed automatic, Control-Trac, limited slip)
>has 12,000 miles on the odometer.
>
>Sometimes when I try to quickly accelerate from a standing start, entering
>a highway for instance, the transmission disengages and the engine just
>races. No power gets to the wheels. The same thing happens when I floor
>the throttle to kick down into passing gear. It feels like the
>transmission is shifting into neutral.
>
>In both cases, If I then take my foot off the gas and allow the engine to
>slow down, the drivetrain reconnects with a clunk and I can drive again
>provided I don't floor it.
>
>My dealer has checked the transmission fluid level (normal) and run
>computer checks all to no avail.
>
>Does anyone have any idea as to what specifically is the problem?


The trans itself

===========================================================
David Cooley N5XMT Internet: N5XMT bellsouth.net
Packet: N5XMT KQ4LO.#INT.NC.USA.NA T.A.P.R. Member #7068
Sponges grow in the ocean... Wonder how deep it would be if they didn't?!
===========================================================
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 18:42:47 -0500
From: Kevin Bice
Subject: FTE Small - Shocks

> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 20:48:27 -0400
> From: "Will Brown"
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - coupla questions (newbie content)

> "I found the Edelbrocks for $75/ea or so in Summit... As a point of
> reference, I just bought a set of 4 Konis at $110/ea for the Miata.
> Next step up, which I did contemplate, is GAB (not Gabriel) at
> $180/ea. You guys got it lucky!!"
>

I Found the Edelbrock shocks online for $54.39 ea.
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.carpartsonsale.com/
But was unsure about doing business with them. I called Summit racing and gave
them this web site to
see if they would price match. They did and in addition they're sending me a
rebate coupon for
$27.00 which I can redeem through Edelbrock. I know Summit is a reputable
company, this is why I decided to
go with them. I am suppose to get my shocks tomorrow and really looking forward
to seeing how they will
perform.

Kevin
94 Ford Explorer Sport 4x4
92 Ford Ranger

>
>

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 17:20:56 -0700
From: "Ryan Miller"
Subject: FTE Small - Bronco II Hesitation

I'm having a small (for now) but annoying problem with my '87 Bronco II
(2.9, 4x4, AT). After sitting for awhile (i.e., overnight), the truck will
run fine then suddenly bog down. It will recover if I give it a lot of gas.
This goes on for the first couple of miles, then stops and runs fine. The
engine runs smoothly through all of this, it just loses power momentarily.
In fact, when I pull out and stop to close the gate, the idle will usually
drop for a moment then go back up. The suddenness of the change makes me
think this is electronics related, perhaps a sensor. Could this be the
throttle position sensor? Any other ideas?

Thanks,

Ryan

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: 25 Aug 99 20:56:29 EDT
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: [FTE Small - Bronco II Hesitation]

"Ryan Miller" wrote:
> I'm having a small (for now) but annoying problem with my '87 Bronco II=

> (2.9, 4x4, AT). After sitting for awhile (i.e., overnight), the truck w=
ill
> run fine then suddenly bog down. It will recover if I give it a lot of =
gas.
> This goes on for the first couple of miles, then stops and runs fine. =


Look on the FTE site for retrieving the codes of the EEC-IV system and le=
t us
know what you come up with. =


For guessing I'd suggest the coolant temp. sensor and/or intake temp. sen=
sor;
possibly a healthy build up of carbon on the valves/throttle/injectors th=
at
cleaning could remove.

Tim


____________________________________________________________________
Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://webm=
ail.netscape.com.
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: 25 Aug 99 21:14:48 EDT
From: Tim Turner
Subject: FTE Small - Oops..

I'm back.. new address and such; sorry if anyone got bounced mail over=
the
last week or two. First my ISP decided I didn't exist and wants $$ to re=
store
me and then lightning wiped out all my computer and radio equipment so it=
's
been an interesting time.

Happily the B-II is still alive and kicking! ;-)

Tim Turner/Manic Mechanic
Custer Auto Repair
Wilmington NC

____________________________________________________________________
Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://webm=
ail.netscape.com.
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 00:35:24 -0400
From: Jean Marc Chartier
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral

Robert Iserman wrote:
>
> My '98 Explorer XLT (SOHC, 5-speed automatic, Control-Trac, limited slip)
> has 12,000 miles on the odometer.
>
> Sometimes when I try to quickly accelerate from a standing start, entering
> a highway for instance, the transmission disengages and the engine just
> races. No power gets to the wheels. The same thing happens when I floor the
> throttle to kick down into passing gear. It feels like the transmission is
> shifting into neutral.
>
> In both cases, If I then take my foot off the gas and allow the engine to
> slow down, the drivetrain reconnects with a clunk and I can drive again
> provided I don't floor it.
>
> My dealer has checked the transmission fluid level (normal) and run
> computer checks all to no avail.
>
> Does anyone have any idea as to what specifically is the problem?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob Iserman
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

Bob,

Sounds like the T-case is slipping. Have they checked it
out?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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

Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 01:08:02 -0400
From: Robert Iserman
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Shifting into Neutral

Hi Jean Marc,

What is a "T-case?" Do you mean the transmission housing or some part I am
not familiar with?

Bob Iserman


At 12:35 AM 8/26/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Robert Iserman wrote:
> >
> > My '98 Explorer XLT (SOHC, 5-speed automatic, Control-Trac, limited slip)
> > has 12,000 miles on the odometer.
> >
> > Sometimes when I try to quickly accelerate from a standing start, entering
> > a highway for instance, the transmission disengages and the engine just
> > races. No power gets to the wheels. The same thing happens when I floor the
> > throttle to kick down into passing gear. It feels like the transmission is
> > shifting into neutral.
> >
> > In both cases, If I then take my foot off the gas and allow the engine to
> > slow down, the drivetrain reconnects with a clunk and I can drive again....

---

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.