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Old May 6, 2022 | 06:25 AM
  #601  
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Tell them to get with the times and do the repairs laparoscopically.

 
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Old May 6, 2022 | 07:10 AM
  #602  
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That is a hefty repair Bill, but sometimes it is worth our time, effort and money to take it someplace else.

Although, if the previous "technician" had not used an impact tool on the pan drain plug, that charge would not be there.

Done now, enjoy it sir.
 
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Old May 6, 2022 | 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob

Tell them to get with the times and do the repairs laparoscopically.
Thats funny. However if you ever go to Mr Lube that is exactly what they do for transfer case and diffs instead of removing covers.

Originally Posted by Sous
That is a hefty repair Bill, but sometimes it is worth our time, effort and money to take it someplace else.

Although, if the previous "technician" had not used an impact tool on the pan drain plug, that charge would not be there.

Done now, enjoy it sir.
I agree it is a bit steep but most likely will be the last time I change out these fluids unless I start putting in some major windshield time.

When I bought the truck in 2004 off a used car lot with no history I had every fluid changed at the Ford Dealership.

In 18 years I have put 64,000 km = 40,000 miles.

Amortize the cost of repairs and maintenance over the years and the truck hasn’t cost me much.

Heck, I’m replacing stuff that has aged out not worn out. The Michelin’s on the front still had 8mm tread depth when they came off due to sidewall cracking. Still running the rears at 7mm since the cracking wasn’t nearly as bad. Plus if I ever do lose one of the rears it has a backup (dually).


 
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Old May 6, 2022 | 08:43 AM
  #604  
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Originally Posted by F350towing
Thats funny. However if you ever go to Mr Lube that is exactly what they do for transfer case and diffs instead of removing covers.
You mean like this?


 
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Old May 6, 2022 | 09:19 AM
  #605  
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Originally Posted by F350towing
Thats funny. However if you ever go to Mr Lube that is exactly what they do for transfer case and diffs instead of removing covers.



I agree it is a bit steep but most likely will be the last time I change out these fluids unless I start putting in some major windshield time.

When I bought the truck in 2004 off a used car lot with no history I had every fluid changed at the Ford Dealership.

In 18 years I have put 64,000 km = 40,000 miles.

Amortize the cost of repairs and maintenance over the years and the truck hasn’t cost me much.

Heck, I’m replacing stuff that has aged out not worn out. The Michelin’s on the front still had 8mm tread depth when they came off due to sidewall cracking. Still running the rears at 7mm since the cracking wasn’t nearly as bad. Plus if I ever do lose one of the rears it has a backup (dually).
I get it sir and 100% respect your decision and path forward.

I use a fluid extractor at times for different uses at times. The 2003 VW Beetle my wife drives does not have a transmission fluid drain, so the extractor works well. I have used it on the Subaru as well, but not yet for the truck. I have a hand held MightyVac and an upright large capacity version from Griots Garage.




Keep on doing what you like to do and if you need to pay someone to do a bit of work you would prefer not to, then go for it! Keep us updated and we sure enjoy seeing the pictures of your modification and adventures.
 
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Old May 10, 2022 | 08:29 AM
  #606  
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Chasing an electrical gremlin in the rear centre lamp assembly.

Centre light was out and found that the pigtail was bad. Replaced that plug and having issues with an outside light now. All bulbs check ok.

At $1.99 per pigtail I can easily rebuild this harness and be done with it.

Lots of time invested in google-fu but can’t come up with a harness only, just the full assembly.

Going to put in a call to the dealership and see what they can find. From my research these were used right up until 2011 on the dually’s.


Got the wires run for the 2wd low but haven’t cut into anything yet. I’m going to hold off until I have the switch I want instead of the one I have.



 
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Old May 12, 2022 | 09:25 PM
  #607  
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Windshield is in. I was wrong about my deductible on insurance it was $200.00 my cost. I thought it was $300.00.





Switch is on order and shipped today. $6 for the switch, $12 for the custom actuator $17.86 for the shipping USPS. 2-4 weeks estimated delivery time.
 
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Old May 13, 2022 | 07:48 AM
  #608  
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Originally Posted by F350towing
Chasing an electrical gremlin in the rear centre lamp assembly.

Centre light was out and found that the pigtail was bad. Replaced that plug and having issues with an outside light now. All bulbs check ok.

At $1.99 per pigtail I can easily rebuild this harness and be done with it.

Lots of time invested in google-fu but can’t come up with a harness only, just the full assembly.

Going to put in a call to the dealership and see what they can find. From my research these were used right up until 2011 on the dually’s.


Got the wires run for the 2wd low but haven’t cut into anything yet. I’m going to hold off until I have the switch I want instead of the one I have.


I know Sous used the ground wire to engage his 2wd Low mod. Mine was one of the few which that didn't work. I had to use the hot wire. Not sure of the difference between some of the years/vehicles. So make sure you test yours to make sure it works before buttoning everything up. Documented on the last page.... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ispreloading=1
 
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Old May 18, 2022 | 09:49 PM
  #609  
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Found the cause of a clunk sound when hitting bumps.

Tailgate hinge bushing was gone.



New bushing installed.

Looks like it’s been gone for a while.

Just in case anybody goes looking for this part.


I decided to go directly to Ford for this since the Amazon reviews for the Dorman where less than stellar.
 
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Old May 19, 2022 | 05:36 AM
  #610  
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That bushing looks like a perfect candidate for 3D printing out of a better material.
 
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Old May 19, 2022 | 06:48 AM
  #611  
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Consider adding a hose clamp to the passenger side hinge to mitigate tailgate theft.
 
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Old May 19, 2022 | 07:05 AM
  #612  
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He’s in Canada. They don’t steal your tailgate. They replace it with a color-matched newer one.
 
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Old May 19, 2022 | 08:07 AM
  #613  
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Originally Posted by SkySkiJason
Consider adding a hose clamp to the passenger side hinge to mitigate tailgate theft.
That is a great idea. SSJ Tailgate Lifehack.


Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob
He’s in Canada. They don’t steal your tailgate. They replace it with a color-matched newer one.
You forgot to mention the letter of apology they place under the wiper in case I really didn’t want the newer
Superduty logo’d tailgate.

Still waiting on my switch. Shipping USPS and got parked in South Hackensack NJ on Sunday morning and hasn’t moved since.
Edit: Just received notification, it’s in Jamaica… New York.


 
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Old May 19, 2022 | 08:17 AM
  #614  
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Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob
That bushing looks like a perfect candidate for 3D printing out of a better material.
Not sure what’s available for printing material but this is somewhat flexible.

There are two tabs that lock it into place on the tailgate. One of the complaints about the Dorman was these tabs weren’t flexible and snapped off when trying to install.

 
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Old May 19, 2022 | 02:57 PM
  #615  
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Originally Posted by SkySkiJason
Consider adding a hose clamp to the passenger side hinge to mitigate tailgate theft.
I used a stainless zip tie like the ones used for exhaust wrap to accomplish this task.
 
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