Since my new truck will be used for towing primarily, I was wondering what type of non-towing break-in period you all would suggest. I will need to start towing almost immediately, but the folks who are buying my old truck are happy to wait the 4-5-6 months for me to get the new one so I am sure I can hold them off for a little while longer. How many miles of regular driving is good? Thanks.
Bess- Is Raleigh an absolute mess with all the snow?
mac24, turns out that I had misunderstood the operation of the locking front hubs in conjunction with the ESOF dial. Seems like the reasons to use the manual locks on ESOF systems is a) when the SOF quits working and b) if you need the hubs locked *now* since ESOF may take time/wheel-revolutions to engage.
Also, an interesting tidbit from ford-diesel.com sounds like Ford has been incorrectly estimating the order bank for months. Sounds like the order bank has about 95K trucks (rather than 370K trucks). In addition, the normal production shift used to be 10.7 hours and that is being scaled back to 10 hours. You can read the tidbit in the Ordering Information forum under KTP scheduling information.
Raleigh and the surrounding area is completely shutdown.. And it will be for a few more days.. Normally we get ice storms or just 1 or 2" of snow. Both of which panic people, cause hundreds of accidents, (mostly from folks in 4x4's who think that because they can get up to 45 or 55mph they actually control it.. HA).
The snowplows (both of them) only do the downtown area and main interstates..
BUT THIS TIME, we got an inch of ice covered with 18" of snow. I've not seen or driven in this type of stuff in over 10 years.. Interstates were blocked by snow and jacknifed tractor trailers and stopped cars.
Yesterday, I didn't go anywhere, but folks with 4x4's really had no problems if they were careful. (The key is the ground clearance). I live in a fairly rural area, so there won't be any type of snowplow for at least a week.
Today, I ventured out in the Ranger. I didn't have any problems, but I avoided hills (which is easy to do in my area), and stayed well within the limits of the truck. The only 'interesting' times are when a truck is comming in the other direction. Basically on most roads, theres only a single set of tracks for both directions. At night the tracks are solid ice, in the day, they're a little slushy.
BTW, I didn't take the SuperDuty (don't shoot me). Both the Ranger and my new SuperDuty are 4x2, and the SD is limited slip, BUT a. I already had 250 lbs on the ranger rear axle b. I'd much rather have someone else hit my old 89 Ranger (which I'm giving to my dad anyway) instead of my SD which has less than 3500 miles on it.. The SD wouldn't have had ANY problems, it's way higher and has limited slip.
Tell your dealer that he/she needs to go back to ESOF school. There is no "part time" 4wd on Super Duty trucks that engages only when wheel slip is detected. On an ESOF equipped truck, when the dash switch is in a 4x4 position and the 4x4 dash light is on, you are in full-time 4wd. Post 262 states two good reasons why there is a manual hub lock option on ESOF trucks.
Ford puts them on all trucks to keep the lighter rear under control.
About the not being able to stop. With any down hill all bets are off on stopping, especially with wet new pavement (Asphalt?). The new super duties take 156' on dry level pavement (empty).
My wife's car ('95 Mercury Cougar) has 4-wheel ABS. We found out quick that we could stop on ice better than the other cars. I always look in the rear view mirror to see if someone behind me cannot stop to give them extra space. Before ABS I would be only worrying about stopping without hitting someone in front of me.
I forgot to post relavent Superduty info in my last post: Answer to your question: - No towing for 500 miles - No cruise control for 500 miles - Vary your speed for the first 500 miles (if on the highway. - Baby the engine (no full throttle burnouts etc), for the first 1000 miles. (Or something like this).
I had an interesting experience with my 94 F150 4X4 a few years back. I started home from work and skidded a rear wheel with normal braking pressure. I looked down and saw the ABS warning light on. Tried it again. Skidded again. Stopped, cut off all electrical stuff, cut the truck off, waited a few seconds and started the engine. The computer reset and has worked since. No more kids.
A true superduty fan.. You hit the brakes and notice skidding.. Nevermind the kids you just plowed through.. hehe.. Some typo's are more interesting than others.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now has 4 Technical Service Bulletins on the 2000 F250 and 3 for the F350. You can check them out at www.nhtsa.dot.gov Under Car Safety click on Problems & Issues and then click on Technical Service Bulletins.
bess is right about the towing restriction for the first 500 miles. That's an important requirement, plus you must vary your MPHs for that first 500 miles. The breakin procedures are all covered in your owners manual. With a little luck and a good sales rep, you might be able to get your owners manual before you get the truck. For those of us with a SD fetish, it's good reading.
1) Does anyone know when the 2000 Super Duty production will end and how long will the line be shutdown for the model change? 2) If I get scheduled then change the configuration just before the lock date and get bumped back to the end of the line (and into the 2001 year model), how will this action affect delivery? Do dealer allocations suffer at the beginning of the model year because priority is given to large fleet orders?
00 F250SD 2WD, SC, Lariat, V10, 4.30LS, tow, camper, hitch, CD, glass and sliding rear window, Island Blue with Harvest Gold Accent. Ordered Dec 10, 1999 Gosch Ford, Hemet CA. VOPC status as of Jan 25, Clean and Unscheduled.
no dealer check either way today. will call early am tomorrow to see what's up. that beast ought to be at the rail head TOMORROW! how long does it take to get 800 miles... 5 days?
Count me among those who have now recieved the F-150 owners book after buying an F-250 SuperDuty. What's up with Ford?????? They know I bought an F-250 because they sent me an owners satisfaction survey 2 weeks ago,thanking me for buying a SD. Glad I didn't send it back yet. I think I've got a few negative comments to include. Great truck! Screwed up company!!!!!
I dont know how muck the book applies to my F350,such as SecuriLock?, Autolamp?, and the speedsensitive volume, all of which I would have liked. But I guess most SD sales are for commerical use, so why print a specific book?
Haven't been on in a while, but wanted to post the latest info on my Y2K Lariat V10 4X4 3.73ls automatic.
First, I must comment that this is a great truck! The only problem I've had is a squeeeek in the front end, and I understand there's a tech paper on it. Other than that the truck has been flawless.
There was at one point much discussion about roll top bed covers and improved gas mileage. I have a roll top and I do not find the mileage to be improved, in fact I find the mileage to be slightly better with it open. I do like the cover for its functional value though.
Now for mileage... last 1000 miles 10.6 average with about 60% city and 40% highway miles. There was also some (but not much) 4 wheel drive engagement as we have had a couple of small snow falls here lately. (And the ESOF has been the best thing since sliced bread.)
It might of been discussed before, I proberly missed it, does anyone recommend rust proofing on the CC. I keep my vehicles pretty well rinsed underneath during the winter, haven't had any rust problems. I have heard some rust proofing may void the warranty. I asked the Ford dealer and they won't say either way.
Also, if you search the ford-diesel.com forums (I looked for undercoat as a subject) there are number of discussions relating to undercoating/rustproofing.
Well, it looks like the truck is finally "at the ramp"!!! Yipee! Yipee! Yipee! However; the dealer has NOT physically "seen" it yet but the rail car that's "allegedly" holding the truck is definitely there. Went over the "numbers with the dealer this AM & it looks like they've knocked a GRAND off the deal for these unreal amount of delivery anxiety "attacks"! That puts it at around $500 UNDER invoice (per what we see under what has become the "legacy" Edmunds print out)! They still make a decent dollar though due to the holdback (Ford may also have "given" them this incentive because it was their royal screw-up from the very beginning). The dealer couldn't give us anything "free" in the way of service because they will never see us again with this truck (we're 250 miles away). Needless to say, we ARE pleased with this deal (if it goes "down" as reported). Note that it was 2 MONTHS yesterday since the actual build (11.27.99).
So if you've got problems... keep "squawking" about it. but remember that we are all human beings & as such anyone can make an "honest" mistake so give the dealer some benefit as the vast majority of them are just as concerned about our trucks as we are.
Brutus.. brother lives in the middle of that stuff & he mentioned that the rails keep cranking until they can no longer see the tracks (albeit, at a slower pace)! it probably did delay the train somewhat as we all kind-of expected this rail car Wednesday Night.
Crazyelvis Clayton called Ken (or visa versa) this morning and Clayton stated that the rail car IS there! He then called us. He's going over to the Allied section of the rail head & picking the thing up himself either this PM (but more than likely tomorrow... we're not waiting for a tractor "pull"). Will probably see the thing ourselves MONDAY! We can't hardly believe it after all these weeks of everyone saying... "maybe NEXT week"!
Trains run all year up here also, but I wasn't sure about you southerners in the lower 48. It looks like a couple of inches of snow shut Dallas down yesterday. 1.5-2 feet overnight might (emphasis on "might") close schools up here, so I wasn't sure if our trains might be special.
There once was a man named Lewac Who lost his prized truck on a train track! As it rode the vast rails He thought Ford slow as snails. Now it seems he'll get truck AND some cash back!
ffd.....go to www.pace-edwards.com this will give you info on the roll top cover. I have on and LOVE it!!! LEWAC.....congrats dude....say hi to Ken for me. I will be over in the next couple of weeks to get my bumper put on like it is supposed to be.
Lewac, its about the only thing ford can do is give you $$.. In your case, Fomoco makes $$, dealer still makes $$, and you spend less $$. You'll see for yourself that it was worth the wait though..
For your particular dealer, those numbers might make sense. What your seeing is also a result of that particular dealers' allotment. Allotments are catagorized according to the parameters you mention: Cab type, engine type, 4x4/4x2, dually, 350. Allotments are based on previous sales.. So it seems like the info fits together well.
Great news, glad to hear you are finally going to get your truck, sounds like your going to get a good deal from the dealer also. Be sure to let everyone know as soon as you get your beast. I think you should get it today, who knows you might. keep your fingers crossed. John
Ford must be making quite a few of the CC. I live in Fort Worth, and drive 20 miles a day to and from work. I can count on seeing 4 or 5 everyday, and the number gets bigger when we go out to the farm. I think that Ford greatly underestimated the demand, and now we are paying for it. Can't wait for the truck, just wish it wouldn't take so long. 2000 CC 4x4 xlt v10
Patience is a virtue, but it helps to get rewarded for being virtuous. Your story is an inspiration to the rest of us waiting for a truck to arrive. In the future, I don't think anyone will have a better story to tell. I hope your truck is everything you expected and more. Let us know about your truck when you actually get behind the wheel. By the way, wouldn't have been easier to just move to Michigan?
first, we want to thank you all for your support throughout this entire delivery ordeal.
the beast HAS arrived at the dealer. our salesman drove it over there this morning from the rail yard (about 15 miles). he took a good look at it looking for blemishes & such & initially at least, it looks good! even more importantly, the config actually built was identical to the config order (even though he'd previously cross referenced the DORA to the invoice).
and we also must state this about your salesperson. we cannot over-emphasize the importance of having a salesperson working with your interests sincerely in mind. they do not have to be the most knowledgeable person in the world (you should do your own "homework" in this regard... this board being an excellent example). notice how maincowgirl (and many others) asked questions and received simple, straighforward answers that made since (we all benefit).
finally, a good salesperson will NOT ignore you or your concerns no matter how petty they may think those concerns are. they realize that the concern is NOT petty to you.
unfortunately; we can't get our truck until Tuesday. prior commitments for Monday. have to get insurance applied, check cut, etc. we're 250 miles away so Tuesday is the BIG DAY! CAN'T Wait! again, THANKS ALL!!
Be on the lookout for an AP article in your local paper(s) today about Excursion production. I saw it in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution. Ford was quoted as saying that the doomsayers on the Excursion were wrong and they were selling all they could make. Consequently, they were rethinking the product mix at the KTP and whether or not they should add Excursion production there or elsewhere. The elsewhere was unspecified.
The speaker from Ford went on to say that they had NOT cannibalized the growth from Expedition sales, but that for every Expedition traded in on an Excursion, they were taking in two Suburbans. So it's real market share growth that was underestimated. (Same with the SDs.)
Not a SD topic I know, but it relates to production issues at the KTP and how fast we all can expect deliveries. If you're looking at ordering, you might want to get in line now.
30 and icy here for the Super Duty...er, Super Bowl
Excursion production fits into the topic because it potentially impacts Superduty production. Two Chevys for a Ford sounds about right.
Not a chance of Keyes for Veep. You think if he disagreed with the President he would keep quiet? He could dominate any VP debates, though. Personally, I like John Kasich from OH. He might be able to deliver that region. The Bush Boys will deliver the south via FL and TX, so the Veep needs to come from the MI, OH, PA area or CA or have specific appeal to a constituency, such as Liz Dole. Dangit, there I go again. How to tie this in? A Veep from MI may push for increased production from Ford to expand the economy. It's a stretch, I know.
I ordered a 2000 F-250 sd v-10 4x4 8ft bed with 3.73 locking axles on 11-22-99. No vin or approximate build date yet. Called ford customer assistance-no help. Could not get any further than with my selling dealer. Any info to help explain as to why 10 weeks and no clue as to when to expect truck would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the waiting gang. You've ordered what may be the most slowly built Ford vehicle that there is. It seems to be 3 months to get a build date and another to get delivery. Yep, it's slow.
You might wantto go back and read Super Duty IV as well as all of this one (Super Duty V. You'll find lots of good information. You'll have plenty of time, I'm afraid. I've been waiting since 10/19. I've ordered a 2000 SD, CC, V10, auto, 3.73LS,SB,XLT,4X4 and my unit's build week is supposed to be 2/7. Nothing exotic in my config, just a little more rare set up than a garden variety SC conv. cab or Super Cab. Those move fairly quickly due to the immense volume being built. You'll see when you've read the old posts.
You're in good company, but go back and read up. You'll find all kinds of references to order/build dates, tracking,etc. One word though, if you decide to phone track, please DO NOT talk to any real live people at Ford. It's a dealer line that we sorta "evesdrop on" and talking to a live rep will screw it up for all of us. You'll find that info, too.
Check out this link for that procedure: http://www.ford-diesel.com/ and look for the FAQ section covering orders. Good luck.
Anyone know if the billet grilles are harder to keep clean versus the factory grille? The billet grilles look good, but I am concerned what they may look like a couple of years from now.
I went to the ford-diesel site and read the messages and have one question. Does anyone know the phone number to the vehicle order processing center for ford so that i may call and try to track the status of my truck ?
Comments
Bess- Is Raleigh an absolute mess with all the snow?
Also, an interesting tidbit from ford-diesel.com sounds like Ford has been incorrectly estimating the order bank for months. Sounds like the order bank has about 95K trucks (rather than 370K trucks). In addition, the normal production shift used to be 10.7 hours and that is being scaled back to 10 hours. You can read the tidbit in the Ordering Information forum under KTP scheduling information.
The snowplows (both of them) only do the downtown area and main interstates..
BUT THIS TIME, we got an inch of ice covered with 18" of snow. I've not seen or driven in this type of stuff in over 10 years.. Interstates were blocked by snow and jacknifed tractor trailers and stopped cars.
Yesterday, I didn't go anywhere, but folks with 4x4's really had no problems if they were careful. (The key is the ground clearance).
I live in a fairly rural area, so there won't be any type of snowplow for at least a week.
Today, I ventured out in the Ranger.
I didn't have any problems, but I avoided hills (which is easy to do in my area), and stayed well within the limits of the truck. The only 'interesting' times are when a truck is comming in the other direction. Basically on most roads, theres only a single set of tracks for both directions. At night the tracks are solid ice, in the day, they're a little slushy.
BTW, I didn't take the SuperDuty (don't shoot me).
Both the Ranger and my new SuperDuty are 4x2, and the SD is limited slip, BUT
a. I already had 250 lbs on the ranger rear axle
b. I'd much rather have someone else hit my old 89 Ranger (which I'm giving to my dad anyway) instead of my SD which has less than 3500 miles on it..
The SD wouldn't have had ANY problems, it's way higher and has limited slip.
Dave
About the not being able to stop. With any down hill all bets are off on stopping, especially with wet new pavement (Asphalt?). The new super duties take 156' on dry level pavement (empty).
My wife's car ('95 Mercury Cougar) has 4-wheel ABS. We found out quick that we could stop on ice better than the other cars. I always look in the rear view mirror to see if someone behind me cannot stop to give them extra space. Before ABS I would be only worrying about stopping without hitting someone in front of me.
Answer to your question:
- No towing for 500 miles
- No cruise control for 500 miles
- Vary your speed for the first 500 miles (if on the highway.
- Baby the engine (no full throttle burnouts etc), for the first 1000 miles. (Or something like this).
Some typo's are more interesting than others.
now has 4 Technical Service Bulletins on the 2000 F250 and 3 for the F350. You can check them out at www.nhtsa.dot.gov Under Car Safety click on Problems & Issues and then click on Technical
Service Bulletins.
2) If I get scheduled then change the configuration just before the lock date and get bumped back to the end of the line (and into the 2001 year model), how will this action affect delivery? Do dealer allocations suffer at the beginning of the model year because priority is given to large fleet orders?
00 F250SD 2WD, SC, Lariat, V10, 4.30LS, tow, camper, hitch, CD, glass and sliding rear window, Island Blue with Harvest Gold Accent. Ordered Dec 10, 1999 Gosch Ford, Hemet CA. VOPC status as of Jan 25, Clean and Unscheduled.
So, they should simply re-label the booklet to say F-Series rather than F-150..
First, I must comment that this is a great truck! The only problem I've had is a squeeeek in the front end, and I understand there's a tech paper on it. Other than that the truck has been flawless.
There was at one point much discussion about roll top bed covers and improved gas mileage. I have a roll top and I do not find the mileage to be improved, in fact I find the mileage to be slightly better with it open. I do like the cover for its functional value though.
Now for mileage... last 1000 miles 10.6 average with about 60% city and 40% highway miles. There was also some (but not much) 4 wheel drive engagement as we have had a couple of small snow falls here lately. (And the ESOF has been the best thing since sliced bread.)
http://www.ford-diesel.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000234.html
Also, if you search the ford-diesel.com forums (I looked for undercoat as a subject) there are number of discussions relating to undercoating/rustproofing.
Seems like some like it and some don't.
So if you've got problems... keep "squawking" about it. but remember that we are all human beings & as such anyone can make an "honest" mistake so give the dealer some benefit as the vast majority of them are just as concerned about our trucks as we are.
Brutus.. brother lives in the middle of that stuff & he mentioned that the rails keep cranking until they can no longer see the tracks (albeit, at a slower pace)! it probably did delay the train somewhat as we all kind-of expected this rail car Wednesday Night.
Crazyelvis Clayton called Ken (or visa versa) this morning and Clayton stated that the rail car IS there! He then called us. He's going over to the Allied section of the rail head & picking the thing up himself either this PM (but more than likely tomorrow... we're not waiting for a tractor "pull"). Will probably see the thing ourselves MONDAY! We can't hardly believe it after all these weeks of everyone saying... "maybe NEXT week"!
Trains run all year up here also, but I wasn't sure about you southerners in the lower 48. It looks like a couple of inches of snow shut Dallas down yesterday. 1.5-2 feet overnight might (emphasis on "might") close schools up here, so I wasn't sure if our trains might be special.
Who lost his prized truck on a train track!
As it rode the vast rails
He thought Ford slow as snails.
Now it seems he'll get truck AND some cash back!
So happy for you, Lewac!
Lewac - you're close, congrat. you've had the patience of a saint. good luck!!!
brutus - I agree with your comments about the wooden indian. SD's would be banned!how bout keyes for veep?
this will give you info on the roll top cover. I have on and LOVE it!!!
LEWAC.....congrats dude....say hi to Ken for me. I will be over in the next couple of weeks to get my bumper put on like it is supposed to be.
You'll see for yourself that it was worth the wait though..
Be sure to let everyone know as soon as you get your beast. I think you should get it today, who knows you might. keep your fingers crossed.
John
the beast HAS arrived at the dealer. our salesman drove it over there this morning from the rail yard (about 15 miles). he took a good look at it looking for blemishes & such & initially at least, it looks good! even more importantly, the config actually built was identical to the config order (even though he'd previously cross referenced the DORA to the invoice).
and we also must state this about your salesperson. we cannot over-emphasize the importance of having a salesperson working with your interests sincerely in mind. they do not have to be the most knowledgeable person in the world (you should do your own "homework" in this regard... this board being an excellent example). notice how maincowgirl (and many others) asked questions and received simple, straighforward answers that made since (we all benefit).
finally, a good salesperson will NOT ignore you or your concerns no matter how petty they may think those concerns are. they realize that the concern is NOT petty to you.
unfortunately; we can't get our truck until Tuesday. prior commitments for Monday. have to get insurance applied, check cut, etc. we're 250 miles away so Tuesday is the BIG DAY! CAN'T Wait! again, THANKS ALL!!
-Maureen & Lee
The speaker from Ford went on to say that they had NOT cannibalized the growth from Expedition sales, but that for every Expedition traded in on an Excursion, they were taking in two Suburbans. So it's real market share growth that was underestimated. (Same with the SDs.)
Not a SD topic I know, but it relates to production issues at the KTP and how fast we all can expect deliveries. If you're looking at ordering, you might want to get in line now.
30 and icy here for the Super Duty...er, Super Bowl
Not a chance of Keyes for Veep. You think if he disagreed with the President he would keep quiet? He could dominate any VP debates, though. Personally, I like John Kasich from OH. He might be able to deliver that region. The Bush Boys will deliver the south via FL and TX, so the Veep needs to come from the MI, OH, PA area or CA or have specific appeal to a constituency, such as Liz Dole. Dangit, there I go again. How to tie this in? A Veep from MI may push for increased production from Ford to expand the economy. It's a stretch, I know.
Lewac, only three more days.....
You might wantto go back and read Super Duty IV as well as all of this one (Super Duty V. You'll find lots of good information. You'll have plenty of time, I'm afraid. I've been waiting since 10/19. I've ordered a 2000 SD, CC, V10, auto, 3.73LS,SB,XLT,4X4 and my unit's build week is supposed to be 2/7. Nothing exotic in my config, just a little more rare set up than a garden variety SC conv. cab or Super Cab. Those move fairly quickly due to the immense volume being built. You'll see when you've read the old posts.
You're in good company, but go back and read up. You'll find all kinds of references to order/build dates, tracking,etc. One word though, if you decide to phone track, please DO NOT talk to any real live people at Ford. It's a dealer line that we sorta "evesdrop on" and talking to a live rep will screw it up for all of us. You'll find that info, too.
Check out this link for that procedure: http://www.ford-diesel.com/ and look for the FAQ section covering orders. Good luck.