Hello Ford truck enthusiasts.
I'm a long time Ford car owner, but am new to owning a 4WD truck.
I spend most of my 'board' time over on mercury cougar dot net, and some time on stang net as well.

Anyway, I have just a couple of questions pertaining to my 88 F150 5.0 5 spd 4wd truck.

I used the search function, and have determined that a common solution for the hunting idle, and most other idle conditions is the IAC, right? What method of cleaning has worked best for this?

Also, who makes or sells the intermediate shaft between the rag joint and the firewall? I replaced the drag link, tie rod ends, and had the frame repaired, the intermediate shaft is the next piece in line.

As far as a performance upgrade goes, I'm thinking about a new cam, and some intake work, as well as headers and dual exhaust.

I don't need a max lift high RPM cam, I'm just looking for something that will give me both a wider power band with the stock five speed, better mid range, and maybe some better mileage. And, I don't want to have to do anything to the stock fuel management system....

I wasn't really in the marker for a 4X4, but it seemed like a decent deal, and helped out a friend. I like the truck pretty well, more so now that I'm getting the bugs worked out of it.

IN addition to the front end work, I've had a heck of a time with fuel pumps, FYI Carter's suck, Delphi seems to have solved the problem.

Thanks for your help! If you need anything for a Cougar, I might have it, or know somebody who does!!

 

i thought that name looked familiar. lots of knowledge on here i'm sure someone will chime in soon that will answer at least one of your questions

 

Wow, nobody has anything, with all the activity on here??

 

i HATE newbies that can't wait for an answer.

that said, just replace the iac.

 

Yeah... god forbid a guy wants to bump a thread, because he hasn't seen any activity on it for two days....


Unfortunately I cannot help you out woodsnake, but if I can give you a tip... spread your questions out over multiple threads (and multiple forums if they are more specialized questions..). If you ask too much in a thread, some of the questions tend to get lost in the shuffle. Good luck!

 

Way to make a new user feel welcome there quicklook

Hey Woodsnake
First off...Welcome the FTE!
Sometimes answers don't always come quick enough, but you will usually find the help you need here.
As for the IAC, It does get dirty and is known to stick. I cleaned mine with carb cleaner and that worked just fine. It's been over a year now and no problems. I would certainly try that before i simply replace it.
As for the performance upgrading and cam suggestions. I would post your queries on the appropriate engine forum lower down in the forums.
here's the link..https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum55/
You'll find oodles of info there on heads, cams, headers, intakes...you name it. The right combo of just those four things alone can see you push out well over 300 hp. Stroke your engine and lookout!!!
Look for info on gt40 heads and intakes. I know you can find them on the 5 litre engines in 93 stangs and 95-96 explorers.
Cams,....well that's all about what your preferences are.
Well hope that helps a little...
All the best with your new truck.

 

Didn't mean to rush, usually on both stang net and MC.net, stuff gets a reply with in 12 hrs or so, and I saw a LOT of new posts over the last two days.

I'm not a complete newb to engines and stuff, however have learned to appreciate a niche market or pool of info.

Not everything that applies to a mustang works on Cougar, and vice versa.

I'm mostly curious about who makes an intermediate shaft for the steering. I'm not crazy about sourcing one of those from the bone yard.

As far as a cam goes, since it is a 4wd, I'm not looking for super performance, just better mid range and fuel mileage, and I don't want any headaches with the fuel management sysem. Something in the 4xx lift range will probably do, and I'm game for some info from somebody who has done a similar swap. I'm not going to swap the heads on my truck, or anything that drastic, the truck is my daily driver right now.

I have three Cougars that I'm working on for when I feel the need for speed.

 

Welcome to FTE

I'd think LMC truck would have any steering parts you might need.

I usually just clean the AIC with some TB cleaner. Make sure the plunger moves freely. If in doubt, replace it.

 

Who is LMC?

 

woodsnake,

Try this link:

LMC Truck Parts: Ford Bronco Ranger Pickup Pick Up Accessories/Catalogs

Good Luck,

-JR

 

THANKS! That is a perfect example of the voice of experience, I had no idea they existed.
Too bad LMC wants almost four hundred bucks for the stupid thing......

 

Flaming river makes excellent aftermarket steering parts, cheaper.
We put one on my buddy's big jacked up Blazer.

Flaming River Steering Components

Can get one at summitracing.com pn FR1857-FD2 $237.95