Ford Super Duty Continued - VIII

bowhuntwi · May 2000

Well the Toms kept hiden until after shooting time at 5pm, then they were all over. Saw plenty of hens and a few deer. Weather was crisp in upper 20's Sat & Sun morning, but it was nice just to be in the woods. Sun morning the gobbling was echoing thru the hills, with 5 or 6 birds trying to out do the other. Even though we came home without a turkey...it was a good weekend in the outdoors.

The Beast is running fine, turned it over the 4000 mark, averaging 15mpg, not too shappy. I still got the clunk after dealer replaced the cab mounts. I went over a bump in a field and it sounded like somebody threw a boulder at me. Got out and checked found nothing wrong, will crawl under next weekend to check further. I also bought the tailgate seal to put on, at times we sleep in the cap, by putting the seal on it will keep the biters out. I have also been thinking maybe my clanking noise is from the cables ends for the tailgate, when it's up, there's alot of room in there for them to move, so then they knock occassionally going over uneven roads. After I put on the seal, I'll see if this goes away.

Talking about Alaska, my brother-in-law lives on Kodiak Island, He works for the Fish & Game Dept. as a Fish Biologist.

Well back to work.......Don't waste your money on a dodge or gm product yet, they have nothing that compares to a Super Duty.

goleta · May 2000

Waiting for my SD and my VIN starts with a 3. (I'm assuming it's being built, next week I hope, in Mexico).

Any known problems or concerns for SD's built in Mexico? (Or KY for that matter).

vwoo -- What does your VIN start with? A 1 or 3?

bess · May 2000

Gotta love these trucks! I still get cool looks when at the MX track by many of the 'wish the had ones'.
I've got almost 9000 miles on it, and mpg seems to have leveled out at 16.0 with mixed city/highway driving, and in the 18's when doing mostly highway with a light load (only an MX bike, tools, gear, gas, etc).

I'm fast approaching the cut-off for the free alignment they give to all owners (within 1 yr/ 12,000 miles). The steering is not quite as precise as the Windstar. It doesn't pull either direction on level road and tire wear is even, so I'm not sure if I'll bother with the alignment or not.

Y2K F250 XLT SC 4x2 5.4L 5sp 4.10LS

vwoo · May 2000

my VIN starts with a 1. I wouldn't think that it would be much different if it were built here or there. My Excursion had a heater control valve problem the first day I got it and it was built in KY (bad valve and a kinked vacuum hose). The SD, as I've already mentioned, had the rear seat belt snagged on a seat coil and a hole torn in the seatbelt. They both seem like quality control problems. Both times, the dealer here in Tulsa didn't have the parts and had to wait a few days for it.

wildside1 · May 2000

bess ..... what's this about a free alignment within the first 12 months/12k? Is there something about it in the owners manual or in the tire manufacturers stuff?

mexico plants .... they are much newer and high tech than the US ones ..... Chrysler makes PT Cruiser there ..... VW makes their new BUG there ..... Ford Focus is made there .... Honda makes some of their Accords there! Folks are probably influenced more by stereotypes and prejudice than the reality of it all. I hear the sucking sound .... Ross Perot

bess · May 2000

I believe it applies to all new Ford vehicles. Ford will pay for 1 and only 1 alignment within the first year of ownership, or 12,000 miles whichever comes first.

I've heard this both from the service manager of my local ford dealership as well as on other forums here.
Its not in the owners manual, and its not the tire manufacture providing it.. Ford realizes that it is a possibly for the alignment to be off either from the factory or during transport.

The reason the cutoff is so short, is because there are too many other factors, way beyond the FoMoCo's control that can affect the alignment of the vehicle. Things such as driving habits, parking habits (do you hit the curb every time you park?), road (or off-road) conditions.

Our dealership advises all new owner to attend their ford vehicle orientation. At this dealership they occur once a month, and they take the group of you through the service department, tell you about the common do's and don'ts of vehicle maintenance. (All this stuff is common sense that most of us know.) Why did I attend?
a. Because they hand out a free oil change coupon
b. In case they mentioned any other details about Ford service that I may not have heard of.

Capital Ford in Raleigh NC. My salesman was Ed Sanders.. I would recommend them (Capital) both for sales and service..
They have allotments, and they will sell you a truck for a reasonable amount.. Of course they'd sell you one for more than than reasonable too if you let them.

djpstman · May 2000

Could anyone tell me where I can go to get the connector that connects to the harness for the trailer package? I believe it requires a 7 pin connector. My 93 came with it but the dealer tells me that my 2000 doesn't come with one. Is this true? I have the one from my 93 but it is different and therefore doesn't fit. I can imagine the dealer sells it but does anyone else sell one? Thanks !!!

fiver · May 2000

Been hauling a 36 ft. fifth wheel, loaded wgt. just under 12,000 lbs, with V10, 3.73 rear end, short bed, 2500 pin wgt. to bed, 2000 Lariat, 250 s.d. Went from California to Ohio, Ohio to Florida and back. Take 6 degree mountains in 2nd, 55 mph at 3200 rpm with about a half pedal left. Mileage towing from 8.5, in the mountains to 11.5 in the deserts.

Only problem I have and not with towing, is the truck two or three times a week will not start. Two dealers have had it for almost three weeks, and Ford Ohio trouble shooter can not find the problem. The truck is again in the shop, and according to local Ford dealers, no one else has this problem. However last week two other trucks with the same problems showed at the same dealer.

It is a excellent tow vechicle when it starts,

jimveta · May 2000

there was the powerforce!

1997 super duty
concept..

anyone seen this before? when i first saw it, i
thought it was a concept based on the current
super duty rather than a precursor.. i actually
think it looks a little better (well, maybe i'd change the tires, and could use a lift), but our
imo, our trucks still look better than all the
rest

wildside1 · May 2000

bowhuntwi .... you are probably correct about the experienced laborers operating the high tech machina making things work better.

bess .... thanks for the alignment info. I was also invited to my dealer for the information session but haven't taken them up on it yet. Guess I'll have to take the time. thanks

jimveta .... great looking picture ... the mirrors, grill, etc., look familiar. Where did you get the picture?

I remember discussion some time back about the class 4 hitch Ford puts on the SD's and local hitch dealers calling it a class 3. I had the same thing happen to me a month ago when I bought a ball and mount for the hitch. The local business told me it was obviously a class 3 when I asked for the class 4 stuff. They told me they were going to save me some money and sell me class 3 stuff. Does anyone have knowledge about hitches and how Ford can classify this hitch as a class 4 when the hitch folks call it a class 3? Who is right? Looking back at my Super Duty literature it says it is a class 4 hitch!

bowhuntwi · May 2000

They have a recall on there hitches for stress cracks, I know alot of the Big 3 get there parts from the same people, I was just wondering if by any chance they get the hitches from the same people too.

pistolero · May 2000

In response to your hitch questions, it appears the Ford factory hitch is about a 3 1/2. Reese rates a Class 3 at 5000 lbs weight distributing and 5000 lbs carry weight. The Class 4 is rated 12000 lbs weight distributing and 7500 carry weight. Ford's Class 4 is rated 10000 lbs weight distributing and 5000 lbs weight carrying, so you gain 5000 lbs weight distributing capability over a Class 3, but 2000 lbs less than a Class 4. You're left with Class 3 weight carrying capability as far as I see. I'm sure there are other numbers out there, but this is based on Reese data and that on the sticker on the Ford hitch. Hope this helps!!

jepsonfam · May 2000

I heard about this problem and deleted the Ford hitch from my order. There was some discussion here. I didn't want to use a weight distributing hitch. I just bought a Draw-Tite model 41922 which will do 10K WC and 12K WD. I believe it is class 5 but I do not know the various levels of weights that determine the class. I just went for the max the truck will tow (without WD gear). Cost was $200. I will install - 8 bolts, no drilling. Reese has a Titan hitch which runs about $75 to 100 more.

wingmaster · May 2000

About the hitches. If they had a recall on the "Do*g*" hitches and if by chance the do get them from the same supplier hopefully it will be fixed before we get our newer trucks. Especially now that the hitch is standard. One can only hope, I will be adding this to my list of questions when I pick her up.(due May 31)

I made one slight error on my order. I thought (assumed) the tow mirrors were standard with the tow/camper package and found out a couple days after the order that they're not. The dealer went to make the change and said it was too late, the truck was being built.?

My questions are:
1. Has anyone put the tow mirrors on a truck that came with the the stock ones and how difficult was it. I have the power mirrors will they still work.
2. What was the cost?

vwoo · May 2000

On our Excursion, the wife didn't like the tow mirrors and actually hit the side of the garage with the driver side and broke the plastic. I inquired about replacing it and it was about $200 each (The Excursion mirrors are heated so they may be a little more than the SD's). We atually ended up placing the tow mirror with the standard mirrors because the passenger side is convexed and my wife can see better with it. The biggest problem is that the connector for the mirror is way down deep in the door panel. I actually ended up cutting the wire up higher and adding a new plug. The only other tricky thing was that the wire colors weren't the same, so you have to use some deduction to figure it out. Now I can use the tow mirrors (fixed the plastic with some epoxy) on either the Excursion or the SD (which ever vehicle I'm towing with).

f350_or_bust · May 2000

Y'all...I am coming up on my first oil change (3K) and was wondering when and what weight synthetic oil to use.

I live in San Antonio Texas, and if I had to guess it would be 10w-30w and change it at the first interval.

Any advise would be appriciated...Thanks!!!

koakey · May 2000

Check out www.ford-diesel.com . Oils are discussed ad nauseum (weights, intervals, types, etc.)

Many folks drop the first oil at 1K miles and 3-5K miles after that.

You planning on adding a by-pass filter? If not, I don't know that I'd recommend synthetic. I get the impression that extended interval drains are more feasible with the by-pass filter than just switching from dyno to synthetic oil.

wildside1 · May 2000

Thanks for all the info on the hitches ..... Sounds like standards haven't been set or established for the hitch industry.
Happy motoring!

jimveta · May 2000

got that pic from http://jwfisher.home.texas.net/

vintagebldrs · May 2000

Trucks&Bucks..., Sounds good! Sorry for the delayed response, Building here in the Northeast is out of control, not to much free time to surf the web.
I love to hunt, and can`t wait to throw a buck into my truck bed. I may be in Alaska soon for Salmon fishing. Happy hunting!

Mainecowgirl: How`s the rig? (Rhetorical)

dwucher · May 2000

just thought i'd throw out my little clunk problem one more time, since there are probably some new 5 sp v10 cc people on here now. i've exhausted all of the internet info i could find on this, and i am ready to either live with it, or trade it in (haven't decided yet. have checked for everything that you could possibly think of for being loose. found nothing, matter of fact, everything seems very tight and well made. sounds like the drivetrain binding may be the problem, and what i want to know is this abnormal play going to cause damage in the future. here is the problem. put truck in gear, let out on clutch bringing drivetrain under power, let back in clutch, and clunka, clunka, clunka, coming from underneath the shift stick, maybe a little forward. very loud noise, not like shifting in and out of gear with an automatic with a little play in the drivetrain, but loud enough to be heard 10 feet away from outside the vehicle. do any of ya'll "new haves" seem to have this noise. it has done it from day one, and have been told by the dealer that it is normal. can't imagine what it would be like pulling 10,000 pounds. it would have to be bad on whatever is making this clunk, one would think anyway. would appreciate any info on this, and i apologize for all of the old timers here who have heard my plight before. thanks.

goleta · May 2000

I'm waiting for my 5.5L auto. However, if you feel this is not a normal sound, I would pursue this with the dealer regional service rep. Insist on speaking to that person directly and don't let the service department put you off. Be VERY persistent.

Let them know you've paid a pretty penny for this vehicle and you are not going to tolerate it. In fact, make sure you have it in writing from the service dept. that the noise is "normal." Ask for their full name and take good notes. Let them know you are documenting your conversations and visits for your protection.

I would go to another dealer for a second opinion. Call the service manager and explain the problem to that person to get their insight. Call other dealers out of state if you have to. Call everyone you can and keep on them.

I don't know what the lemon law is where you are but you may bring that concept up to the service department.

The point is ....the squeaky wheel, get's the grease !!!

I'll check with my dealer (service department) and see what they say. There's also a Ford Customer Service 800 number that might help. I'll look for it also.

Good luck, and don't give up.

fbroom · May 2000

I agree with goleta and would find out what the lemon law in your state requires. I live in Florida where the lemon law cites if a vehicle is returned for service for the same problem 3 times, then the owner can enter arbitration where the dealer will ultimately have to buy the vehicle back. It requires very thorough documentation on the owner's part but it can be done. Maybe your state has a similar law. Good luck. Hope you get it fixed.

sherwoodfor · May 2000

bruce: thank you very much for your detailed response to my aux. tank question. however, as a great man once said, "a man's got to know his limitations". i could fubar that tank job in a new york minute. i wouldn't need a rescue phone number, i'd need an entire rescue team! however, i will try to contact aerotank and see what they might have, and who might install it here in the u.p. again, thank you for your gracious offer of help.

vintage: building season is hot here too. i'm building a barn this summer (i've got a builder's license, but it's not what i do for a living). i've cut down the trees where i plan to put it, and now i've got to get my concrete down. maybe this weekend, assuming wife doesn't give birth to child #2 - he's due next week....
i did have a successful turkey hunt, and tom is resting comfortably in my freezer. but, i did do one of the more stupid things i've ever done. after we bagged tom, we put him in the bed of the sd and went on to find my friend a bird too. problem is, i never cleaned/hosed the bed of the truck after that. when i got home, the whole family was pleased to see me, my dog in particular. before i could stop him, he jumped up on the side (some of you may want to turn your heads now) of my new sd and scratched the bejesus out of it. my bad, not the dog's. what a brain-trust i am for not hosing the bed down before i got home. don't any of you make the same mistake. good night all. who knows, maybe the stork will come tonight.

bowhuntwi · May 2000

Where do you loive in the U.P., I have land by Phelps, Wisconsin, not too far from Uupper Land.

Brutus · May 2000

I saw the picture of the Powerforce before I ever saw a picture of a Superduty. There was a site that had Ford concept vehicles. They had several pictures of the Powerforce. It has tailpipes that come up behind the cab like a semi. The tailgate was a power gate that worked as a lift like you see on moving vans. The tires were some outrageous height, as was the height of the vehicle. I also think it had a V-12 in it, which is why I think that may be the next big engine for Ford in 5-6 years.

Hauled some topsoil Tuesday. The Line-X wasn't even phased as I beat it with the shovel. Put the camper back on this evening. I'm going to try my luck for an early King Salmon this weekend, but they don't really start running for a couple of weeks.

tdevil1 · May 2000

Well I sold my vehicle this week It will be picked up next Wednesday. I sold it for about $2000 more than the dealer was going to give me for a trade in, what a relief that is. Its pretty bad when you are going to put $11000 down on a vehicle and your payments are still around $500 a month/4yrs. Ordered 11-28-99 00 SD, Lariat, black, CC, SB, TT, Camper Pkg, TT mirrors, CD. Have about 20 days for delivery left. Dealer said if it is shipped by truck instead of train it will probably come in a week earlier. I hope that is the case because I have a trip planned for the weekend of June 8 would like to put a few miles on it before that.

ashewitt · May 2000

The Excursion is a very regional vehicle, a Ford spokeswoman says. The company now can build 69,000 Excursions a year, but will cut production to 52,000. Super-Duty pickup production will jump to 409,000 from 374,000.

Maybe the messages are getting through.

See the URL for the comlete story.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/409067.asp?bt=pu&btu=http://www.msnbc.com/m/olk2k/msnbc_o_install.asp#BODY

vintagebldrs · May 2000

Just wondering how the line-X is holding up? Not sure what line of work you are in, just looking for some feedback.

adubahbi · May 2000

Line-X looks great and holding up fine but frankly I haven't really stressed it much yet. I've carried mulch, top soil, peat, etc. - no problem. Really pleased with RollNLock bed cover. Installed Save-A-Load Cargo bar for bed (and got some rubber straps) to keep junk from flopping around bed.
Also just completed major tunes upgrade (cd changer, power amps, subwoofer, speaker) awesome!
Just hit 1200 miles (12.8 mpg v10 auto 3.73 cc) and getting ready for my first boat tow Sunday.
Regards to all.....

sherwoodfor · May 2000

we live in marquette county, around 2 hours away from you cheeseheads.i was turkey hunting down in the lower peninsula. saw more turkeys in one morning than i had ever seen in one day. hope you get another chance to fill your permit.

psmith13 · May 2000

Anyone interested in a bad experience with a dealership go to the following site and check out my post dated May 20th (psmith13)

http://www.blueovalnews.com/ubb/ubbhtml/Forum28/HTML/000001.html

Just trying to warn everybody that they are out there. Not sure how they sleep at night!!!

The truck I finally ended up purchasing is awesome. 2K SD 4X4 Blk CC LWB xlt Lariat

www.PictureTrail.com/psmith13

psmith13 · May 2000

Does anyone have contacts with any regional reps or persons higher up with Ford that I could relay the above short story to. I have contacted BBB, sent letters to Ford Customer Service. I'm not expecting any monetary compensation, I just want Ford to know about this particular dealer!!

Thanks

hubrex2 · May 2000

I have a 2K SD with a 5-speed, 1700 miles. I have the same drivetrain noise you have described, only when I start out in first or when I'm not as smooth as needed in 2nd. I never gave it much thought, as I have heard similar noises in large truck drivetrains. I hooked up a trailer tonight for the first time and with about 5000 lbs behind, guess what--no noise whatsoever. I can't say from here that we have exactly the same symptoms, but your description sounds exactly like what I have been hearing in these first few weeks of driving. I would guess there is a bit of play built into the drivetrain to accomodate the torque and strain of heavy duty use and hope you'll give an "under load" test, if you have not already done so, before you trade off what might be a perfectly good Super Duty!

jack133 · May 2000

Has anyone got any suggestions for attaching 1.5-2" nylon toe straps to the front toe hooks. With the hooks being closed loops there is no way to catch the end of a nylon loop. I'm trying not to carry chain with me all the time. Thanks

dave84 · May 2000

Can you push the nylon loop through the hook, and then feed the rest of the strap through the loop?

bess · May 2000

put a hook end on the nylon is another option..

Speaking of tow hooks, I got a good look at the factory tow hooks on a Ch#v@ 1500 Z71.. Although they are an open end design, they look as thin as a paper clip..

jack133 · May 2000

dave 84 I tried that once and it was a bear to get unlooped after doing some pulling.

bess Even the hooks ( the ones I've found ) large enough to catch the truck eye hook correctly only have a chain connection at the other end. Any other ideas ? Thanks

psmith13 · May 2000

I use a common link called a "clevis" to attach the nylon tow rope to the tow hook. If your not familiar with them check out this site...

http://www.ronstan.com/shackle/clevis.html

They come with slip pins or threaded pins, I personally like the slip pins.....my thoughts..

psmith13 · May 2000

The tires I run are made by Super Swamper. They are 38" X 15.5" X 16.5". They have a distinct roar of a mud tire, a little volume on the radio and that goes away. The ones I have are TSL Radials and are a lot quieter than previous tires I have used (Thornbirds, Mud Kings). They are excellent in the mud and gumbo. I grew up in Louisiana, where mud boggin is a pastime. We would also go to the beach and never had any problems getting through the sand, wet or dry.

wingmaster · May 2000

all
Here's another great review of the SD at this site.

http://www.4x4review.com/vehicles/

psmith13
Thanks for the info on tires. Years ago I ran the bias super swamper on the old Bronco and good success. 38's? Are these on the truck in the pics at: www.PictureTrail.com/psmith13
They don't look that large, although they are on a SD. Still waiting to see your next set of pics w/lift.

psmith13 · May 2000

The pictures on Picture Trail are with the lift and the 38's. I have the other album but haven't had a chance to put the photos on. I want to include pics I took while installing the lift. Everyone comments on how the proportion is just right with the tire size and the size of the truck. Most of the comments I recieve other than "niiccce truck man" is, "that thing is huge!"

dwucher · May 2000

thanks for the info. this is my first big truck, and first american truck. if i am going to believe that it is normal, i need a little confirmation from other owners like yourself. haven't done a load test yet, but my lincoln mechanic friend thought that it would not do it under a load either.

wingmaster · May 2000

The proportion is perfect! Might be time for me to start saving.

canoes · May 2000

Finally pulled with my 250 Crew v10 and loved it! Couldn't even feel the trailer at all. Am seeing more SD's around but most are v8's and supercabs. Also got my Ford blanket today-10 weeks after purchase. And it fits behind the back seat!
Has anyone put boards across the bed in those groves to keep things from sliding? and does it scratch the bed to do that? Need to keep heavy coolers from sliding around.
Thanks for tips on tow straps.
At work, a tractor trailer truck got stuck in some mud. A buddy had his '99 v8SD--pulled him right out! Impressive...

goleta · May 2000

I'm waiting for my F250 SD Crew v8 5.4L, 2WD SB Lariat.... (build week this week !!)

You mentioned your buddy has a v8 and you have a v10. I'm hoping I have no regrets for not getting the v10. Don't plan on towing much. I was told it (v10) may have been a long wait. So far, only 5 weeks with 2 or 3 to go until I'm a HAVE. (with fingers & toes crossed)

Anyway, what kind of gas mileage do you get with the v10 and what does your buddy get with his v8?

Does he/she wish they had a v10 or really happy with the v8??

Thanks

bess · May 2000

I have the 5.4L with 5sp and 4.10LS and am extremely happy with it.. I'm sure the V10 will be a little quicker, but the 5.4L is no slouch.. I too was nervous before getting my 5.4L because I couldn't test drive 5.4L's before buying. After receiving it, I knew I made the right choice.. The power is excellent, mpg is slightly better than I expected..
You'll love your choice.

hubrex2 · May 2000

I would like to second that opinion! I have a 2K SC with the 5.4 and 5-speed. I have just over 2000 miles on it and completed my first trip while towing about 5000 lbs this weekend, and I am VERY pleased. I too had reservations about the possible lack of power, but the performance on this trip erased all doubts. It held 75 mph on Colorado interstate over some pretty major hills at 5000-7200 ft above sea level. I did need to downshift to 4th over one steep pass, where I'm sure a V-10 or PSD would have flown right on by, but given the mileage return--almost 15MPG while towing--I don't mind a bit. Mileage while empty has been just over 17.5 over 2000 miles, mostly highway with some around town stop and go thrown in. My only disappointment has been the ride while empty at highway speed. I don't mind a firm ride in a truck, but I have a chattering type vibration over interstate pavement that's audible in voices during conversation at 75 MPH--sounds like someone is thumping you in the back rapidly while you talk. The dealer has rebalanced tires, checked for tire roundness and runout, and assures me it's a normal response to rough pavement. I'm not convinced. I may go to an aftermarket shock with different rebound characteristics if needed. Apart from that, I am happy as can be--I wanted a 5-speed that could tow medium loads, 4-6000 lbs, and this truck does it well. I think you will be happy with your decision!

goleta · May 2000

Thank you both for your encouragement and advise on my V8 F250 SD. I appreciate your responses in the past as well. (You are both veterans on this site, as with others. You may remember other questions I had).

I'm getting the Crew, shortbed, 2WD, Lariat (Harvest Gold by the way). What mileage do you think I will get with auto. trans.? I live in Southern California. Relatively, flat.

I'm right next to the ocean. One mile from the beach and one mile from the golf course. (I was bragging a bit). I love the Colorodo mtns. though.

goodwin · May 2000

my new 2000 f-250 emergency brake cable seem to be rubbing in 2 places on the drivers side frame rail above the rear axle. does anyone else have this problem? as i did start to notice that the area had a little bit of rust on it where it had rubbed off and i didnt think it looked right.

my truck now has 4200 miles and with the 265 tire i'm getting about 10-12 mpg with it.

thanks

Ford Super Duty Continued - VIII

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