Thought I'd post a little update.

So far I love this truck, nothing can wipe the goofy grin off my face. Even the girlfriend is coming around to my way of thinkin' about the truck (Thank You seatwarmers!).

I have noticed a few of the minor problems that have surfaced on the board:

1) The crew cab definately creaks and moans when going over odd angled obstacles, this doesn't bother me at all, small price to pay for the crew cab comfort.

2) There is a slight vibration at take off from the drive train, which I think is coming from the rear diff, which brings me to 3

3) The Ford limited slip SUCKS. This was a waste of $300. I'll be replacing it before fall with either an Auburn unit or the ARB air locker, I haven't decided yet.

4) The power steering pump howls like a banshee at start up in very cold weather.

5) Getting down to minor egonomic complaints: cup holders, the large undivided space in the arm rest, position of seat warmer switches, and my number one pet peave, the windshield washer switch. I much prefer the Ford car/chebby system where you can give it a quick pull or push to activate the "mist" feature for a quick wipe. I hate that rotating system.

6) Mileage - I figure I'm getting about 10-11mpg. This is even better than I hoped for! That is 80% stop and go city driving and idling in the arctic like cold we're getting her in AB, Canada. I figure that's pretty damn good for an engine that isn't broken in. If this truck gets around 15-16mpg in the summer I will be one VERY HAPPY CAMPER.

These are all minor complaints, and if you asked me on the street how I liked my new truck, you better have some time on your hands, 'cause I might just start to gush.

Waxy

 

Great report!


>2) There is a slight vibration at take off from the drive
>train, which I think is coming from the rear diff, which
>brings me to 3

Do you think the cause is #3.

>3) The Ford limited slip SUCKS. This was a waste of
>$300. I'll be replacing it before fall with either an
>Auburn unit or the ARB air locker, I haven't decided yet.

I have HEARD that AMSoil makes a HUGE difference with the stock unit. I do not have a LS so I can just repeat what I have heard. (many times) The most telling was from someone who ONLY used AMSoil in the rear-end. (Wait...that doesn't sound right )


>4) The power steering pump howls like a banshee at start up
>in very cold weather.

Sort of a common thing. I don't experience it but seem to think that if you switched it to synthetic that the howl should be reduced or eliminated. (It's tranny fluid) Also make sure the screen at the bottom of the resevoir isn't plugged with something.

>the large undivided space in the arm rest,

?? What's that?


>and my number one pet peave, the windshield
>washer switch. I much prefer the Ford car/chebby system
>where you can give it a quick pull or push to activate the
>"mist" feature for a quick wipe. I hate that rotating
>system.


My Excursion has a button on the end of the stalk that you push to "mist". You truck dudes don't have that?? Change it out with the Excursion one. Of course it has the rear wiper controls on it too though...

 

I'll concur with the armrest problem. Just got my 2001 F350 this week and surprised there is no place for change. While the storage area is enormous, it is impossible to find anything in there.

 

Exactly lfs727, that's my point about the arm rest storage, it's just a big box! They could have divided it up with a place for sunglasses, CD's, change, etc... It's the little things that make a vehicle like a home.

Monsta, my guess is that #3 IS the problem. I don't know what else it could be. I think it's probably in part due to the icy/gravelly streets with 100% to 0% traction differences over the distance of a foot.

Interesting about the Amsoil, I can't see why it would make a difference, unless it's just not as slippery as the stock oil? It might be worth a try before I just give up on it.

As for the power steering, it'll be warm here soon enough and then I won't have to worry about, it works excellent otherwise. I'll look into synthetics before next winter.

Pushing the end of the wiper control **** activates the wiper fluid, I guess I'll just learn to live with it.

Waxy

 

If your talking about a shudder when taking off from a dead stop with no
ice or snow.That LS may not be set up right from the factory.
Internal clutch packs may not be shimed corectly.
Have the dealer do a torque test to see if it is.Don't do the one wheel on dry pavement test its not a true test of internal clutch packs and spring
That slippage could be the cause of the vibration!

As for the wipers,you get used to it.
Geez The Monsta is trying to get everyone to use x parts on sd's
Hee hee hee hee ! he'll never get the handshake!

Glad you like your the truck !

Rich





Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville

 

I've got an 02 SC and wondered the same thing about the big space in the armrest. It states in the owners manual that the armrest compartment is big enough to fit a standard lap top computer. They should have at least made removeable dividers for those of us that would like to keep smaller items in there. On that note -- has anyone run across anyone that sells something to divide the space?



Thor 616


02 SC XLT 4x4 Arizona Beige

 

>
>"That LS may not be set up right from the
>factory.
>Internal clutch packs may not be shimed corectly.
>Have the dealer do a torque test to see if it is.Don't do
>the one wheel on dry pavement test its not a true test of
>internal clutch packs and spring
>That slippage could be the cause of the vibration! "
>
>>Rich
>
>I have seen a half dozen postings at this site of complaints about FORD LS differentials. I have never owned a LS except the one I have now, an F250, 2002,4x2, so I can't make comparisons but both rear wheels spin driving up a muddy hill and the wheel on dry pavement pulls me forward when the other is on ice. What more should I expect with another brand?

 

Nothing !
If yours is working, and not shuddering on dry take off!
My expertse is only with the trak-loc and LS. 9"pos Fords only
I've rebuilt lots of them
I couldn't tell you about other Brands

Rich

Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville

 

I didn't know that you all had the push to mist thing on your stalk. If I graze mine, it'll swipe without spraying.

As for the armrest thing. NOW I understand. Ya'll have the center section seat. Well I know a good way to eliminate all your frustrations!! Trade me your center seat for my console! It even has a light...

 

Keep trying Monsta ! we won't give in!
No handshake deals!
''

Rich


Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville

 

I don't get it , Mine has the push button on the wiper and it will wipe first only unless you hold it down for a second .

The Limited slip on mine I have had no problems with at all . You might want to have a tech look at that .

Petre

 

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Apr-02 AT 06:45 PM (EST)]PetreTG, thanks for the info on the wipers!

Latest report, 800kms one way towing a Ford escort on a trailer, 10.7MPG, 800kms home, no trailer, head wind, 10.5MPG.

What's the deal with this? Every time I check my mileage, no matter how I drive or what a I tow I'm getting between 10-11MPG. Sure hope it gets a little better, I'd love to see 15MPG.

Waxy

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Apr-02 AT 07:37 PM (EST)]
>>3) The Ford limited slip SUCKS. This was a waste of
>>$300. I'll be replacing it before fall with either an
>>Auburn unit or the ARB air locker, I haven't decided yet.
>
>I have HEARD that AMSoil makes a HUGE difference with
>the stock unit. I do not have a LS so I can just repeat what
>I have heard. (many times) The most telling was from someone
>who ONLY used AMSoil in the rear-end. (Wait...that doesn't
>sound right )
>

I recently made the switch to Amsoil in the rear based on what I read here and the fact that I'm fairly certain my LS wasn't performing up to spec.

It was a relatively easy job. I did test it afterwards, and it works real nice now. I first tested in the dirt. The rear end kicked out satisfyingly and left two tire marks. Although I haven't done the one-on-one-off test. It has since proven itself towing my new 22' powerboat out of the water up a slippery ramp.

Amsoil doesn't require the friction modifier that Ford puts in. The ubiquitous "they" say that Ford sometimes has a tendancy to put too much of this modifier in at the factory, which would explain why the clutches slip excessively and don't spin both rear tires.

Personally, I'm satisfied at the moment with the factory LS unit. Next thing for me is ARB air locker in the front, but that's another thread

 

>1) The crew cab definately creaks and moans when going over
>odd angled obstacles, this doesn't bother me at all, small
>price to pay for the crew cab comfort.

Mine does too. There have been postings on this forum about it, but I don't remember just what the verdict is. Try a search. I will too.


>2) There is a slight vibration at take off from the drive
>train, which I think is coming from the rear diff, which
>brings me to 3

Me too. See #3.

>3) The Ford limited slip SUCKS. This was a waste of
>$300. I'll be replacing it before fall with either an
>Auburn unit or the ARB air locker, I haven't decided yet.

I am going to put AMSOIL in my rearend next week. I will try a dirt road test to see what the difference is. I will report back my findings.

>4) The power steering pump howls like a banshee at start up
>in very cold weather.

We get some pretty freakin cold mornings here in NE Indiana. Mine does this too if I can't park it in the garage due to a damnol snowplow. I think I will try the synthetic there too. I should have some ATF left over from putting AMSOIL in mah tranny next week too.

Big

2000 F250 SD SC 5.4L Gasser 4.10s 4x4 L/S rearend Western 7'6" plow (hate it-have to have it)White with parchment cloth