Goodday all, I have a few questions and I would like to see if anyone has the answer....

I would like to put in fog lights, some additional gauges (Like a more accurate fuel gauge....Considering I went 30 miles on less than 1/8th of the rear 19 gal tank, and I get 7 mpg with my 351 with those 30 city miles) and a few other bells and whistles (running lights, maybe mirror lights, extra off road lights for the bumper I am going to build...) . What do I need to do to my truck to do this? I would assume some wiring stuff...

I plan on putting in a new stereo system, any wires I would be aware of that will be troublesome?
What do y'all recommend for a new stereo system and speakers? BTW: where are the rear speakers located in an extended cab, behind the seat? (see sig line).

Also: who manufactures accurate shop manuals that cover everything for my 93? I need to get one (or more if needed) so I can really tinker (I am a "tinkerer" not a mechanic, I may not get to the next step being an engineering student)!

Thanks a bunch!
-HW

 

Hi Dustin, I'm Dustin


Wiring is what you make it, can be a nightmare or can be something interesting. I've added fog lights, driving lights, a headlight relay harness, gentex mirror, rear speakers and a gauge, and only have plans for more stuff.


here is a good link to wiring diagrams, like what you would find in a ford shop manual. Search Wiring Diagrams


Not sure if your truck has the 3G alternator or 2G alternator, but its worthwhile figuring out what you have and going from there. Swapping or upgrading can really help with the additional lights and gadgets.


For the gas gauge, just replace the sender, they wear out, and you can often get the level sender separate from the whole sending unit.

 

Nothing is wrong with the sender, my gauge is the older manual style, if I park on a hill it fluctuates what my gauge will read. My gauge is just notoriously inaccurate.

How would I identify which alternator I have?

In terms of how electronics go for me: mid range difficulty.
For automotive (easiest to hardest for me): bodywork - electrical - mechanical

 

As the sender wears (there is a little board with a metal wiper on the sender that changes resistance as the level changes) they do funky things. mine will show 3/4 till 200 miles, then go to 1/2 tank instantly. Moves when you spike the brakes and go uphill too. Google 2G and 3G alternators, both are internally regulated, but there are differences in the case itself, and I think one has an external cooling fan, but not 100% sure. A 2G is a fire hazard, but a large case 130 3G is one of the best ford put in a truck, good output, and reliable.

 

The 2G fire starting alternator has an external fan just behind the pulley.
The 3G alternator has dual internal cooling fans.
You'll want a 130A (130 amp) 3G alternator. You can find this on 97-2001(?) Explorers with 4.0 engine.

Speakers are in the rear quarter panels... if your truck had the option for rear speakers.

 

Thanks Dustin for the wiring diagram link, needed that info several times in the past.

 

Mine does. it would be odd to have the option to have the sound fade to the rear speakers and not have them

So, one last question, who makes a reliable repair and service manual? Chilton and hayes I know of but I wanted to see if there was a better option.

What about an upgrades manual?