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Ford Super Duty - Continued IV

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  • gcorey1gcorey1 Member Posts: 9
    I have been installing block heaters for 25 years, on standby gen. sets. they are a resistive element that gets hot when electricity is applied. On the larger ones there is a thermostate, but on the ones useed in pickups there is no thermostate so it is all ways heating. as the water gets hotter the engine thermostat opens up and lets the hot water go to the radiator, thus keeping the system from getting to hot. the tinking you here is thermal expansion of the heating element and the engine.
  • wildside1wildside1 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks for taking the time to measure your 250 top to bottom and the added comments. It is a flat drive into my garage. There is a piece of molding approximately 3/4 inch thick at the top of my garage door opening and about 3/4 inch of weather stripping ... if i removed them I could get my opening up to about 81 1/4 inch. That is still pretty slim ...... if any sag occurs over time with the door opening I could be asking for trouble.

    Do you or anyone know if there is a reasonable way to lower the suspension or overall height slightly on a F-250 SD 4x4? Don't want to make a lowrider out of it ... just want to get it into my garage.

    All you folks are great!!!!!!
  • paul15paul15 Member Posts: 4
    Hello SuperDuty fans, I'm somewhat new to this great site. I'm placing my order tomorrow(Saturday) for a F250 SD CC SB 4x4 V8. I've read where various posters talk about tracking the vehicles production status. DORA and VOPEC stuff. Could someone please explain that information or direct me to the posting#. Also, is there any info I need to get or ask from the dealer.

    Thank you!

    I'm looking forward to being a regular poster from now on.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    Some other folks who got the 4x4, had problems towing some 5th wheel trailers because the truck height was too tall. The fix was the dealer would replace the standard 4" blocks with 2". I've even heard that this could be done at no charge, but I can't confirm this.
    BTW, the 4x2 SD comes with 2" blocks, the 4x4 comes with 4". My 4x2 F250 SD with stock LT265 75R16 tires still sits higher than most F150 4x4's.
    So there is an easy upgrade to lower the body yet maintain that aggressive look.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    See ford.diesel.com's faq on the VOPC process

    http://www.ford-diesel.com/faq/1999faq/oldfaq/1999-up-FAQ-Section2.htm#2.2

    And congrats, your gonna love your truck, its worth the wait.
  • whamm1069whamm1069 Member Posts: 8
    VOPC stands for vehicle order processing center. All ways keep in mind not to talk to a human. This service is only intended for dealer use. Go to ford-deisel.com - complete VOPC information is available in step by step form complete with decoding information you'll need. It's available at Ford-diesel.com. Go to FAQ, then to Step 2 The Ordering Process.
  • wildside1wildside1 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks mucho for the info. After you mentioned the blocks, I remember quite some time back reading some discussion about it. I am trying to contact the dealer to find out if they can do it and what it will cost. That should be much cheaper than rebuilding my garage!!!! Will keep all informed as to the results .... don't want to loose this baby when it is so close .... supposed to be at the dealer week of 12/27. Thanks again!
  • mcgrathmcgrath Member Posts: 11
    My SD came in with just the cassette, too, although I ordered a CD/cassette. My dealer pulled a CD player out of another truck on the lot. Ask your dealer if he will do that for you. My dealer was a little hesitant until I told him no CD, no deal.
  • wildside1wildside1 Member Posts: 77
    Just talked to service dept. about lowering a F-250. They said the old 4" vs. 2" block problem for towing 5th wheels was taken care in the 2000 model. They said getting smaller tires would lower the truck but speedometer/odometer and Lariat MPG stuff wouldn't work properly. So it looks like I'm back to remodeling the garage .... any suggestions on how to break this to wife??? Will I have to do a trade off and remodel the kitchen or something ..... stay tuned!
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    So, does the 4x4 have 4" or 2" blocks? I thought that the 4x4 was riding higher than the 4x2 but I might just be imagining this..

    Also, the Ford Excursion (based on the same chassis), is lower than the pickup trucks. I read this was done through both smaller blocks and slightly different springs..

    Sorry I don't have solid facts on this. I hate repeating 'speculation' but at this point thats all I have..

    If you did have raise the door opening some, it might not be as much work as you think.. The inside of most garages are 'unfinished' so you can get to the header board etc.. The annoying part will be that you'll probably need a new garage door (tracks etc).

    A positive side of things: This could be the excuse to buy that reciprocating saw you've always wanted..
  • northpole1northpole1 Member Posts: 49
    I also have a 9 wide and 7 tall garage door, and counting the weatherstripping I lose about an inch on each side and the top. Anyway, if the truck didn't fit in the garage it was a deal killer because of the climate I live in. To make sure for myself once and for all, I went to the local Ford dealer and "test drove" a SD SC F250 4X4 for the sole purpose of driving it home and stuffing it into the garage. It fit with a couple of inches to spare all the way around (and that was with the 265 tires and the "old" TT mirrors). And I believe it would have fit had the clearance lights been there. If you really must know I'd highly recommend a "test drive". Good luck.
  • shotgun1shotgun1 Member Posts: 57
    2000 4x4s come with 2" blocks as opposed to the 1999 4x4s that had 4" blocks. Don't know what size springs or blocks are in the 4x2s but you're right, they're lower than either version of the 4x4. As a note, I'd love to have the 4" blocks in my 2000. I'm not towing a fifth and like the higher look. Did anyone out there, who had their 1999 lowered, save the 4" blocks????
  • paul15paul15 Member Posts: 4
    I've read on some other forums about the steering locking up while applying the brakes. Is there any truth to this or is it just rumor? I can't believe that if this is true Ford wouldn't "fix" the problem.

    Thanks
    Paul
  • gossamargossamar Member Posts: 106
    ...wildside1, I think SEARS is having a pretty good tool sale this weekend. Why not remodel the family room and get a 62" big-screen t.v. with dolby digital surround sound!!!! I agree with northpole1 on bringing a truck home. Heck, I got one for the ENTIRE weekend from my dealer to test ride, the fit into the garage and of course to help me make my 'final' decision.(suckers)
    ...northpole1, again, be careful if you ordered the new power tt mirrors, I have to fold my drivers side in when going through bank/Mcdonalds drive throughs, but I sure LOVE those BIG-MACS!!
    ...To all.. on the front squeaking on the 4x4's. I spoke with service department today, he THOUGHT there might be a technical bulletin out from ford about this, something about tightening/replacing bolts on the front leaf springs. Anyway, I get mine checked out next week and will report back results......
  • tdevil1tdevil1 Member Posts: 25
    I would like to hear your opinion on how the acceleration is with the different axles 3.73 or 4.10ls? Do you think it is sluggish off the start? How is your gas milage? I still can't decide on which axle I want with the CC I am ordering. I will be pulling a 17foot 3000lb boat in the summer with it.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    I'm completly happy with the 5.4L 4.10ls rear end.. The 4.10 will feel
    stronger off the line than the 3.73 (thats just physics).
    Also, with the 5.4L, you can not get the limited slip rear end unless you get the 4.10.

    Remember,
    4x2 without limited slip= 1 wheel drive,
    4x2 with limited slip=2 wheel drive,
    4x4 without limited slip=2 wheel drive
    4x4 with limited slip=3 wheel drive..
    (Ford doesn't have a limited slip front axle).

    Your truck will also be considerably heavier than mine as your getting
    CC and 4x4 vs my SC 4x2.

    fyi on RPMs, with the 4.10
    55mph = 1800 rpm
    65mph= 2200 rpm
    70mph = 2400 rpm (almost 2500),

    Gas mileage is pretty good, averaging 15.5 or so, with mixed driving..
    In your case with the extra weight and 4x4, you can expect 14.5 or so in
    mixed driving. On highway only I would think you could get maybe a 16..

    Another factoid: the SD has bigger tires than the F150 or Expedition.
    The gear ratio on the Expedition is normally a 3.55, which is the same
    as the 3.73 on the SD when you take into account the larger tires of the
    SD. But, the SD 4x4 CC will weigh almost 2000 lbs more than the
    Expedition. The higher gear helps overcome this weight difference.
    Also, my average mpg is better than the average Expedition .

    I hope this helps.
  • sunscreensunscreen Member Posts: 22
    I read somewhere that the 2000 SD Crew Cab 2WD V10 weighs about 5500 lbs. Is this true?
  • sunscreensunscreen Member Posts: 22
    I "feel" that my SD V10 CC 2WD vibrate as I'm accelerating between 1700 and 2000 rpm range. Once I hit 2000, it stops. I have a 3.73 rearend.

    Has anyone noticed this?
  • sdmansdman Member Posts: 65
    Hey Guys:

    Got my DORA from the Dealer today. Got a priority of 11.

    When the dealer faxed the DORA to me, he wrote a note in saying "We put in an 11 priority as a 10 may be overlooked because of the high volume". That statement makes about as much sense to me as standing second in line at the McDonalds because you might get overlooked standing at the counter :-)

    Well, 11 is sure better than 12 or higher. I'll be checking to VOPC system to see how the truck progresses through the system.

    BTW - the "FDAF Assessment" fee for $160.00 is right there on the DORA, right under the "Priced DORA" line item. Looks like the dealer is just passing this fee through from Ford.
  • lewaclewac Member Posts: 151
    well, the wait ought to be just about over this next week or so. the vopc no longer correctly reports our truck's status so relying on the typical time from build to dealer (2-3 3 weeks for this area). no idea why it takes so damn long to get from Kentucky to a west/central FL dealership. truck was built around 11/26 so we're at 2 weeks from build right now. will call dealer mid week if heard nothing by then. Waiting on f350, cc, swb, drw, psd, lariat, 4X4, esof, 4.1 diff with manual tranny
  • BrutusBrutus Member Posts: 1,113
    I haven't been able to find the curb weights of these trucks on any websites so far. However, by using the tow ratings, I have been able to identify the weight of certain options. Here is what I have found:

    Extra weight of SC over CC: 300 pounds
    Extra weight of 4wd over 2wd: 400 pounds
    Extra weight of dually vs SRW: 200 pounds

    I wasn't able to determine the weight differences between the 5.4L and 6.8L (if any) or the diesel because there are other factors that impact those tow ratings.

    In reference to Bess' post, the weight difference between a CC 4x4 and a SC 2x4 will be about 700 pounds based on the logic I used in regards to the tow ratings.

    In reference to Sunscreen's post, 5500 pounds sounds light. My 92 F-250 regular cab 4x4 weighed 5,300 pounds with a shell on. The Superduties are much heavier. My truck weighed close to 7100 pounds. It's a dually 4x4 Supercab. I can't attest to the accuracy of the scales, but I did weigh it at two different ones: one at a gravel pit and one at the dump. If you subtract the 200 pounds for the dually and 400 pounds for the 4wd, and then add 300 pounds since yours is a CC, I would guess your truck weighs over 6500 pounds. I have yet to hear of any Superduty that weighed less than 6000 pounds, but I could be wrong.

    Bess, I think the F-150 with the Off-Road package comes with 17 inch rims, but I'm not sure of the actual dimensions of the tire. The Off-Road package for the F-150 includes more options and cost over $700 if I'm not mistaken. I think the 3.73 is required for the Off-Road package, possbily because of the larger tires.

    When I take my truck into the dealer in January or February to do the work related to the recall notice I got this week, I plan to have all the TSB issues addressed. My truck has over 25,000 miles on it, so I plan to take advantage of all the free work I can before the warranty expires.
  • jerryg5jerryg5 Member Posts: 29
    I am sure that this info is buried somewhere in the SD posts but I can't readily find it. I am interested in knowing the drive ratios for 3rd and overdrive gears for the SD250 & 350 automatic transmission for the V10. If anyone can provide that info I would appreciate it.
    Thanks
  • zrustzrust Member Posts: 16
    The 2000 F250 4X4 has 2" blocks, the 2000 F350 4X4 SRW has 4" blocks (don't know about the DRW). In 1999, all 4X4s had 4" blocks. What's hard to figure is why the truck more likely to be used with 5th wheels (F350) sits higher than the F250. As you all know there was a lot of complaining about bed height issues by RVers.

    Are the curb weights in Edmunds new truck guide accurate, at lease for the base V8 and options? This might be a start anyway.
  • zrustzrust Member Posts: 16
    What does VOPC report your truck as these days? Clean and unscheduled :-) Mine was supposed to be built: "as of 12/10, your unit is scheduled to be built week of 12/6, ETA 12/27" Is it possible that it already has been built and VPOC is out of sync?
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    In the 4r100 (auto) tranny.
    3rd gear= 1.00
    4th (od) gear= .72

    5sp tranny
    4th=1.00
    5th (od) = .76

    6sp tranny (available w/diesel only)
    5th = 1.00
    6th (od) = .71
  • jlapointe1jlapointe1 Member Posts: 7
    It seems to be quite a challenge to find in print, an accurate figure regarding the actual curb weight on the various models in the super duty line. I weighed mine on a state certified scale yesterday. With 3/4 of a tank of fuel and a rubber bed mat as the only payload, the scale registered 6640 pounds. This figure when considered with advertised payloads in the 2000 Super Duty brochure (2900 to 3560 pounds if I recall accurately) bring up some interesting conflicts regarding the 8800 GVWR on these trucks.
  • dave84dave84 Member Posts: 75
    The speedometer/odometer on the Super Duties can be electronically reprogrammed for non-standard tire sizes. I don't know the exact procedure, but I have heard of it being done. Your best source of information on this is probably at ford-diesel.com, do a search on the subject or post a query in the correct forum.

    Dave
  • sdmansdman Member Posts: 65
    Since I got my DORA today (vehicle was ordered on 12/8/99), I thought I would make my first foray into the VOPC system.

    The system reports that my truck is "serialized and awaiting a schedule date and an ETA".

    Looking at the ford-diesel.com FAQ, I don't see this status code in the list. Anyone know what "serialized" means?
  • sangerplrsangerplr Member Posts: 8
    Serialized means it has been assigned a VIN#. This is good. your delaer should have this VIN#, ask him for it. It helps tracking through VOPC. Also, with the VIN, you can now get an accurate insurance rate quote.

    Regarding a previous post for "AT the Ramp". This means the train has dropped off the truck at the regional railhead. This is very good. The VOPC can lag by a few days. The truck can get to the dealer as soon as one day.

    Once your hear "AT the Ramp", go by the dealer every day or so and check the back lot. My truck arrived at the dealer within two days of the message. It arrived on 12/8, I happened to drive by and saw it still in wrap. Called sales guy who wasn't aware of it. He scheduled PDI that day. Next morning sales guy called and said another uninformed salesperson almost sold my truck! I almost s**t. I signed papers 12/9 and drove it off.

    These trucks are selling very fast in my area and the dealer really didn't want to sell it to me even at $800 over inv. Most dealers here (SF bay area) are getting 1500 over to MSRP.
  • marv3marv3 Member Posts: 4
    Lewac - Called Ken English Thursday afternoon and he was busy running around because 25 were just delivered. He did say they seemed to be coming in quicker.
    I suspect the train yard is probably getting backed up. Guess keep checking to see if it is at the "ramp".
    Mine was ordered on 11/2, built on 11/30 and shipped by convoy carrier on 12/3. Delivery date is week of 12/16. Ordered Super 250 Lariat SC, PSD with all the goodies.
    With a little luck, maybe we will have before next weekend. Marv
  • porkyporky Member Posts: 83
    Well, finally after 21 weeks of patiently waiting, I get to pick up OUR truck today.

    OURS, because my wife is just as excited as I am. Well almost --- she is still in bed and I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning!!!! Couldn't go to sleep last night and couldn't go back to sleep this morning!!

    Stopped by the dealership several times this week to check the progress with the add on accessories and never got around to checking for the "discard dohickie" in the front springs. Where are they actually located and can one see them without putting the truck up on jacks???? I'm going to go over it with a fine tooth comb before I drive it off the lot.

    I had a canopy put on. And I can't say I'm an expert on whats available -- but, the "Viewliner" by "Raider Fiberglass Truck Tops" was my choice. It has a slight wedge to it ( forget parking it in the garage ) which I thought would help when pulling our trailer -- deflecting some of the wind up over the top. Plus as an added bonus the opening in the rear is larger allowing easier access to the inside for my 6'2" frame. With a headliner and inside light, Tunya ( salesperson ) passed her cost on to me and was only $975. Looks REAL nice --- my opinion.

    Also had color coded fender flares put on and will tell everyone that is ordering a two tone truck, it is one option to consider!!! It REALLY makes the truck look NICE!!!!!

    Well -- I'm counting down the hours -- the person I need to see won't be in until after 10:30am and I suppose they need my check before I drive it away.

    TO ALL:

    Thank You for posting all the useful information --- from acquiring a DORA to VOPC tracking to finding a "discard dohicky". Its been a real interesting experience!!!

    A Very Merry Christmas and a SAFE and Happy New Year!!!!!!
  • amrmike2amrmike2 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks Guys for the responses about not getting a CD In-dash. Never thought about asking the dealer to swap it out. I reckon they could have mentioned that. You can bet that I will call my salesman and try to persuade him to swap it though. A local salvage yard is looking for me. They said that the specs are the same for '99 and '00. Should cost about $200 + install.

    To all of you who have ordered and not yet received you baby, be patient, become neurotic and drive by the dealer every day, call vpoc every night, stay on the town hall because as the Christmas song say's: My new F250 is coming to town.
  • cabbage1cabbage1 Member Posts: 11
    What does dora stand for? Thanks
  • sprintnutsprintnut Member Posts: 10
    ZRUST
    I seen your post saying the 2000 F350 4X4 comes with the 4" blocks. I have discussed this with the salesman and even had him check this out with the sales manager and they both said Ford had corrected this for fifth wheel towing. I have read numerous posts at this site saying Ford had lowered the trucks before the 1999 model year was completed.
    I am waiting for my truck before placing my order for a new fifth wheel. I called the mfg of the fifth wheel and they definitely are against raising the fifth wheel. I don't want to get the truck in then have to fight with the dealer to lower the truck. Is there anyway to confirm if this height problem still exists?
    A reply from you or any other reader is welcomed.
    Thanks in advance.
  • motoringmotoring Member Posts: 6
  • motoringmotoring Member Posts: 6
    Sprintnut:
    Just checked out the Ford 2000 RV & Trailer Towing Guide, page 16:
    Max ride heights:
    F250 4X4 = 56-57"
    F350 SRW 4X4 = 58-59"
    F350 DRW 4X4 = 57-58"
  • sdmansdman Member Posts: 65
    DORA = Dealer Order Receipt Acknowledgment
  • motoringmotoring Member Posts: 6
    Sprintnut:
    Just checked out the Ford 2000 RV & Trailer Towing Guide, page 16:
    Max ride heights:
    F250 4X4 = 56-57"
    F350 SRW 4X4 = 58-59"
    F350 DRW 4X4 = 57-58"
  • motoringmotoring Member Posts: 6
  • motoringmotoring Member Posts: 6
  • rnewmanrnewman Member Posts: 33
    Update.... y2k f250sd cc, 4x4 v10 3.73 xlt.. 250 miles on her this week since delivery last monday. Everything is working flawlessly. Engine is smooth through the full rpm range. I refiled the tank at about 1/2 empty for a first mpg figure at 10.0 This was entirely rural back road and stop and go driving. No highway time yet. This is one sharp vehicle. I just found the folding rear seat back in the crew cab the other night with the nifty storage caddy I totally missed it when I was test driving vehicles.. This truck is great and the kids love having their own doors and a real seat...Friday I got my Penn liner installed. The accessories just keep adding up..what fun.....newman
  • hkeithhkeith Member Posts: 13
    Sunscreen The empty weight on my registration for the sd cc v-10 4x2 auto sb is 5501. have not noticed a vibration between 1700-2000 rpm.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    As many know, I got the y2k f250 SD SC 4x2 with the 5.4l 5sp..
    The engine runs smoothly at all rpms, has good power, and good gas mileage.
    However, when asking for power (ie, accelerating in 3rd,4th, or od, theres a sound from the engine other than just the exaust. The rythm is the same as the rpm like a ping or knock. It does the same thing whether cold or hot, so I know its not the piston slap, (which shouldn't occur anyway on y2k trucks). Its done this since day 1, but I didn't think much of it as I thought it just might be normal.
    I plan on trying 2 things:
    a. try running 89 or 92 octane fuel, to see if it is a ping. (I always run Amoco or Texaco)
    b. Going to the dealer to drive other 5.4's to see if they make the same sound..

    It's possible that this is normal (maybe injectors, lifters etc), the sound isn't really that loud, but I do pay attention to details.

    So, does anyone else hear sounds (other than exhaust) from their 5.4 during acceleration?
  • air1mdhair1mdh Member Posts: 2
    This site is great. Wish I had seen it before ordering. Just ordered (last Thursday) 00 F-350 SD PSD 6SP CC DRW LB Lariat 4.10 LS. Am trading a class C motorhome on a 5th wheel trailer. Class C was E-Superduty with V10 (Awesome engine). Deal on SD was 32,000 on a 35,600 (approx) sticker. This seemed fair although it sounds like I could have done better. By the sounds of you folks I won't be too concerned with what I'm paying after I take delivery. Previous Fords were 86 350 CC 6.9 and 87 250 4x4. Acquired both w > 100K miles and loved them both. I was excited about the new one until I read this site and now am really excited. Thanks.
  • canoescanoes Member Posts: 20
    I went back to the Ford site and don't see a link to dealer accessories. Any suggestions on where to find out about mudflaps, running boards, etc? Thanks.
  • tmats1tmats1 Member Posts: 35
    Canoes, your Ford dealer has a truck accessory brochure that pictures and shows availability for a wide range of neat schtuff.
    BTW the curb weight of my CC, V-10, 4x4 is 5936#
  • sunscreensunscreen Member Posts: 22
    What is "curb weight" anyway? You have to park next to a curb to get that weight? j/k :)

    But serious, what is it?
  • sunscreensunscreen Member Posts: 22
    Weight (hkeith)

    Thanks for the info. 5500lbs is not that bad for a SD CC after all. Originally, I was afraid that it was close to 7000.

    Yee ha!
  • wburbankwburbank Member Posts: 18
    I am looking to order a F250 Lariat CC PSD SB in the next week or so, for delivery in late Feb or March. Would like to know if and where there are any invoice dealers in California. So far I have been quoted $2500 over Inv.... $950 over.... and 3% over. I would like to know of any better deals out there. My email is mbhw@hotmail.com
  • sunscreensunscreen Member Posts: 22
    wburbank

    You can get a better deal, but are you willing to wait 3-4 months?

    Good luck.
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