Greetings, all. I'm Dave, and I'm back in a Ford truck. My first was an '84 Ranger that I drove for several years before I made the mistake of giving it to my youngest brother - who promptly blew the engine. Call that a lesson learned...

I recently bought my late dad's '92 F-150 XLT (5.0, 4-EOD), and I need to get it back up to snuff. I have a couple questions for the experienced members here:

1. Steering. It's got a big 'dead spot' at the center position, and it gets a bit squirrely when making lane changes and over bumps/joints. Any ideas?

2. Needs shocks. They're bought. Okay, that wasn't a question.

3. Power. Is there a GOOD, reputable chip-maker (assuming this truck has one/can be chipped) that would make a noticeable, positive difference in my truck's power output without killing it's gas milage? Other bolt-ons that will help? I know watercooled Volkswagens inside and out, but it's been 10+ years since I've been in a Ford truck, and this is my first one with electronic engine management.

4 Trans. As above, it's got the 4 speed EOD trans, what can I do to strengthen/lengthen it's life?

Parts links. What are some good, reputable vendors I can use for my parts?

Thanks all, and it's good to be back in a Ford truck. I'd missed my Ranger since I gave it away.

 

1 - jack it up and check for play in the tie rod ends, ball joints, and wheel bearings. If you can't find it, it's most likely the steering box, but have someone crank the wheel back and forth while you follow all the steering linkage.

2 - They're easy to install.

3 - I wouldn't do a chip, personally. If you wanted something that went real fast, you are sitting in the wrong vehicle. Speed density limits what mods you can make. The bottom line is always: Speed costs money - how fast do you want to go? You're not going to get extra power for free.

4 - Flush it out, change the filter, and keep it clean. If you do a lot of towing or mountain climbing, install a temp gauge so you can keep it under temp.

5 - www.ford-parts.com, also broncograceyard.com

Welcome to FTE! Use the search, Luke, and ask lots of questions.

 

Welcome oops http://www.broncograveyard.com/ While the search feature is down on FTE try using google.com then type in what you what to know about then leave a space then type in site:fordtrucks.com Example steering problems site:fordtrucks.com