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Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 13:57:26 -0600 (MDT)
From: owner-fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net (fordtrucks80up-digest)
To: fordtrucks80up-digest ListService.net
Subject: fordtrucks80up-digest V1 #161
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fordtrucks80up-digest Monday, October 13 1997 Volume 01 : Number 161



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 And Newer Trucks Digest
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In this issue:

Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab ["Bob Leifer"
FL-820-S vs FL-820 [hunter cyberstreet.com (Michael Kisielewski)]
Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab [silent.bob juno.com]
electrical problem? [Eric W Sneed ]
rusted out v8 oil pan ["TUSCOLA" ]
Re: OUCH ["David J. Baldwin" ]
Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab ["David J. Baldwin" ]
Re: OUCH [alanh galaxy.nsc.com (The Hepburn)]
Re: F-350 General Questions (40' 5th wheel!?) [John Yee
Re: electrical problem? ["Evan & Teresa" ]
Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab ["Mike Wiatt"
Re: rusted out v8 oil pan [PhilDyson aol.com]
Re: rusted out v8 oil pan [PhilDyson aol.com]
Re: Anti sway bars are wonderful. ["Ryan Penner"
electical questions / supercharger stuff.... [Geoffrey Hoffman

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Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 07:14:29 -0400
From: "Bob Leifer"
Subject: Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab

Adrian,

I agree with Mike; I got a '97 Ranger, which I love! But prior to getting it
( with the 3.0 litre V6), I took one out with the 4 cylinder for a test
drive. It had an auto tranny in it too. I am sorry to say, that in my
opinion, of course, the 4 cylinder engine just does not have enough power to
move itself, let alone climb up mountains! Maybe a manual tranny will
improve on it, but I say don't get any LESS than the 3.0. The gas mileage on
the 6 is less than the 4 cylinder engine, but..... Mine is an XLT 2WD
standard cab Short bed Ranger, with the 3 litre, and as I said before, I
love it. Take a 4 cylinder and a 6 cylinder truck out for a test drive at
the dealer and you decide.

My Best,

Bob
- -----Original Message-----
From: Adrian A. Polliack
To: fordtrucks80up ListService.net
Date: Monday, October 13, 1997 12:24 AM
Subject: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab


>I am requesting some input from 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD 4 Cyl Supercab
>trucks owners or folks who know something about them.
>
>I have never purchased a truck before. I am planning to purchase a new 2WD
>compact truck in the next week or so and would appreciate your assistance.
>My basic needs for a truck are for trips to the mountain (mountain biking,
>skiing, camping) say 20-30 times per year, where I can store the bikes at
>the back and trailing a catamaran with trailer (
the
>time would be for city and freeway driving.
>
>What do you see as the pros/cons of the XLT 2WD Supercab? Does anyone have
>experience with other pick-ups e.g. the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy S10 or GMC
>Sonoma? Any comments would be helpfull. I have done some research on the
>internet and the Ford Ranger surely rates well but I would like to hear it
>from some owners.
>
>With many thanks in advance.
>
>Adrian Polliack
>
>+-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980 and Newer --------------+
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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:07:07 -0400
From: hunter cyberstreet.com (Michael Kisielewski)
Subject: FL-820-S vs FL-820

I know I've seen posts about these oil filters before but don't remember
seeing a definitive answer as to the differences. I'm approaching my
first oil change and have only seen the FL-820 filter in my local Wal
Mart. This is the forth Ford truck I've owned and have used nothing but
Castrol oil (10w30 up north and 20w50 in south Florida) and Fram
filters, but am considering using Motorcraft filters on my '97. I change
my oil and filter every 3000 miles even though my driving habits don't
constitute severe driving conditions and have never had a lick of
trouble with any of my vehicles. I've seen so many posts regarding
synthetic oils, what would be the reasons for using them? I don't think
I could bring myself to let the change go beyond 5000 miles so if it's
only a matter of not having to change as often it's not worth it to me.
Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Michael

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 09:49:29 EDT
From: silent.bob juno.com (Silent . Bob)
Subject: Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab

On Sun, 12 Oct 1997 21:22:49 -0700 (PDT) "Adrian A. Polliack"
writes:
>I am requesting some input from 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD 4 Cyl
>Supercab
>trucks owners or folks who know something about them.
>
>I have never purchased a truck before. I am planning to purchase a
>new 2WD
>compact truck in the next week or so and would appreciate your
>assistance.
>My basic needs for a truck are for trips to the mountain (mountain
>biking,
>skiing, camping) say 20-30 times per year, where I can store the bikes
>at
>the back and trailing a catamaran with trailer (
>of the
>time would be for city and freeway driving.
>
>What do you see as the pros/cons of the XLT 2WD Supercab? Does anyone
>have
>experience with other pick-ups e.g. the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy S10 or
>GMC
>Sonoma? Any comments would be helpfull. I have done some research on
>the
>internet and the Ford Ranger surely rates well but I would like to
>hear it
>from some owners.
>
>With many thanks in advance.
>
>Adrian Polliack

I like the back seat in the Tacoma but I think that the features on the
Ranger
are better then what the Tacoma has to offer. But I haven't heard
anything bad
about them, or anything good for that matter. S10... ...sux, throw a 200
lbs.
in the bed, and boom, you have a funky looking low rider. My Ranger can
hold
800+ lbs. My max load so far has been 1400 lbs. with equal load
throughout the
bed. I wouldn't go any further. Pulling with the 4 banger all depends. I
pull
a john boat w/ a 25hp Johnson and you lucky if you go faster than 60 mph
in
the hills, but if your going to the beach, you should not have any
problems.
The gas milage is pretty good too. If you do get a 4 banger, get a
standard.
If you plan on getting an auto, go with the 3.0 or 4.0



.---. .-----------
/ \ __ / ------
/ / \(..)/ -----
////// ' \/ ` --- http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.FordManTed.com (Mustang Shop)
//// / // : : --- http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.FordRanger.com (Ranger Site)
// / / /` '--
// //..\
=======UU====UU===[silent.bob juno.com]=[95 Ranger SOHC 2.3L]=
'//||\`
''``

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Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 07:40:42 -0700
From: Eric W Sneed
Subject: electrical problem?

I have 89 f-150 4x4 with a 4.9L L6, the voltmeter in the dash will drop
from normal range(12.5 to 14.0v) down to approx 10v. What's confusing
me is that when i tap on the gauge it will jump back up to normal.
However when running the heater, it will drop off again. Also the
battery light will come on from time to time. I know that it is not the
battery(two different brand new batts)that is causing the problem. Any
insight into what might be the problem would be appreciated.


Eric Sneed

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 11:37:04 -0400
From: "TUSCOLA"
Subject: rusted out v8 oil pan

I have a 88, 150 4wd with a 302 engine that has an oil pan that has rusted
out. While checking on a leak I removed a piece of rust and a hole the size
of a pencil opened up on the pan. I epoxyed it and fixed it put found out
that the hole drivers side of the pan is got a bunch of pin holes and not
emoug good metal to get the epoxy to hold on to.

Does any body know if I can change the pan with out pulling the engine? I'm
hoping that I could drop the cross over pipe, raise the engine engine abit
and get enough clearance to get the pan out. Anyone done this?

Or I am hoping that their may be a hidden Ford re-call or hidden fix on
this, is their? I got a paint job out of them.

Thanks tuscola mail.tds.net

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 11:05:11 -0500
From: "David J. Baldwin"
Subject: Re: OUCH

silent.bob juno.com wrote:
>
> There are other people with GM products that I could name and write about
> too, but the point is that I have seen more GM cars and trucks start to
> fail in a short amount of time than I have seen Fords fail.

A friend of mine asked when I got my F-150 two years ago, "Why'd you get
a piece-of-**** Ford"?

Part of my response my have been the influence of his experiences with
his GMC crew-cab: at 200 miles the rub strip on the door (glued on) fell
off. At 300 miles, he went to close the door and the door panel pulled
off! At 450 miles, the temp gage started climbing a block from his house
(454--known for running hot anyway). He barely made it home. Found
that the crank pulley had come off of the damper and fallen completely
off! Someone stole the damn thing (the truck, not the pulley)--which
was probably doing him a favor. Then he bought another one! Some people
never learn.

My '150 on the other hand, is at 27K mi. with only one problem to date:
the wiper switch--which was replaced free of charge under warranty.
Only thing I would've done different was get the 5.8L instead of the
5.0L. Just not enough torque for a truck. 5.0L winds up nice
though--can't say it won't rev.

- --
Best Regards,

Dave Baldwin
Dallas, TX
- --------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 11:24:24 -0500
From: "David J. Baldwin"
Subject: Re: info required on 97 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Ext. cab

Adrian A. Polliack wrote:
>
> I am requesting some input from 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD 4 Cyl Supercab
> trucks owners or folks who know something about them.
>
> I have never purchased a truck before. I am planning to purchase a new 2WD
> compact truck in the next week or so and would appreciate your assistance.
> My basic needs for a truck are for trips to the mountain (mountain biking,
> skiing, camping) say 20-30 times per year, where I can store the bikes at
> the back and trailing a catamaran with trailer (
> time would be for city and freeway driving.
>
> What do you see as the pros/cons of the XLT 2WD Supercab? Does anyone have
> experience with other pick-ups e.g. the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy S10 or GMC
> Sonoma? Any comments would be helpfull. I have done some research on the
> internet and the Ford Ranger surely rates well but I would like to hear it
> from some owners.

I have had a Toyota 4-Runner and a 4.0L Ranger 4X4 (both). The Toyota
was a 4 cylinder, and I can tell you that at ~300 ft. above sea level,
performance was adequate (barely) just around town. When I took it to
Colorado, it wouldn't get out of its own way! I am not kidding here: I
was at about 8000 ft, crawling at 20MPH in second gear while 4.0L Jeep
Cherokees blew my doors off at 70MPH! I had MANY fit/trim problems and
the tranny gone through at 35K miles. Also had timing chain slaping
noise that they could never do anything with.

The Ranger:
I had a friend who considered the 4-banger, but I talked into going as
high as a 3.0 six. He was satisfied with performance most of the time,
but loading it with anything left it lacking. When I bought mine, I got
the 4.0L and automatic. I wouldn't even compare this vehicle with the
Toyota. The motor had plenty of torque on the low-end where trucks need
it. I hauled truckfuls of manure out of a friend's barn (I don't know
how much it weighed, but it was heavy) and didn't even know it was
there. Never had a chance to drive it at altitude, but I doubt that it
would have a problem.

My recommendation:
With as many mountain trips as you plan, I'd get the 4.0L, auto or
manual. If you were to just take a couple of trips per year, the 3.0L
might be adequate, but the combination of mountains and towing will....

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