Asking for Advice, Tips, and Good jokes

[DocWest8404]

Hey, I have a 93 F-350 CC 4X4, loaded with a V8 5.8L backed by a E40D tranny. Looking to replace alot of stuff, and trying to improve MPG. Whatcha got for me?

[radialarm]

Hey, I have a 93 F-350 CC 4X4, loaded with a V8 5.8L backed by a E40D tranny. Looking to replace alot of stuff, and trying to improve MPG. Whatcha got for me?Why did the F-350 cross the road???




























To wizz on a chebby!!!

[F 150Cobra]

Hey, I have a 93 F-350 CC 4X4, loaded with a V8 5.8L backed by a E40D tranny. Looking to replace alot of stuff, and trying to improve MPG. Whatcha got for me?

start buy giving it a complete tune up
oil / oil filter
spark plug and spark plug wires
cap and rotor
chek timing should be at 10 BTDC you can advance it a little to 12 BTDC
chek codes (www.fordfuelinjection.com)
fuel pressure at rail..

uhmm give your tranny and oil and filter change..

etc etc ;)

[DocWest8404]

ok, aside from the obvious stuff....clowns...LOL

[UTfball68]

Free flowing headers and exhaust. A gear swap to a lower (numerically) gear, and dropping tire size.

[DocWest8404]

Ok Fball, Manufacturer, Model, might be useful..LOL

[UTfball68]

Like I said in another thread, I'm not a SB guy...was just listing the basics on what helps mpg's. Do you want me to do all the work...sheesh...haha. Anyway, Hooker headers are always good, dunno if Doug Thorley has headers for a 350 with a SB or not, but if they do, I'd go that route. As for exhaust, go a dual 2.25" pipe with magnaflow/cherrybomb/hooker mufflers. For gears...go with 3.73's a good in between gear...from Randy's. As for tires...go with an A/T, usually less lugs so less weight which will help in rotating mass...probably go with a 33...about as small as you can go on a 350 and not look stupid.


With all that said...you're probably looking at $5-600 in headers, 500 in exhaust, 1000 in gears, and 1200 in tires. So if you're worried about mpg's, take that same 3k and put it towards a 90's civic or something and get 35mpg's. Then turn your truck into a kick *** ride.

[F 150Cobra]

put a egg under the gas pedal :)

[flareside_thunder]

Ben the only thing you're even remotely close to with your prices is the tires and even that's a little high....

http://www.summitracing.com/search/year/1993/make/FORD/model/F-350-PICKUP/Department/Exhaust/?Ns=Rank|Asc

http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=272

http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList.aspx?SearchMode=Diff&TypeID=4&DiffID=24&CatID=10

[UTfball68]

Ben the only thing you're even remotely close to with your prices is the tires and even that's a little high....


Thorley headers are $712 (obviously cheaper if he goes with hooker), full dual exhuast running out the back is gonna run $600, tires are $200 a pop, gears front and rear with labor sure as hell is 1000...so where was I off. The way I see it, that's $3100...maybe a little over the top...but I'd rather have more cash at the end than not enough. So figure a legit 2500.

[flareside_thunder]

Figure 175 a pop for tires and that's a name brand plus more like 400 for full exhaust...man you must be getting ripped on your exhaust.....And yea hooker headers are just fine but my link was a list of all the headers summit carries for that model...gears I can see where it'd be a grand if not a little more.

[UTfball68]

Figure 175 a pop for tires and that's a name brand plus more like 400 for full exhaust...man you must be getting ripped on your exhaust.....And yea hooker headers are just fine but my link was a list of all the headers summit carries for that model...gears I can see where it'd be a grand if not a little more.


33x12.5x16.5 BFG A/T's are 179.99 plus tax, plus mounting and balancing...so that's where I came to the $200 a tire. I figured $400 for the exhaust pipe including labor, plus $60 a muffler (so we're off $80 there). Headers, you're right he can get for $200 plus tax. Gears we're the same on. So was I really off that far from you? I think not, except I prefer to not go with the cheapy headers and I included muffler costs. Like I said...I'd much rather be money ahead in the end than short a couple hundred. I like to prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.

[1985 Ford F-150]

Where the hell are you findin bfgs in that size for 180 bucks?

[UTfball68]

Where the hell are you findin bfgs in that size for 180 bucks?


National Tire and wheel. But all my local shops are about on par with that too.

33x12.5x16.5 BFG AT...about half way down:
http://www.ntwonline.com/ALL_TERRAIN_KO_-_BF_GOODRICH_P6946C40.cfm

[1985 Ford F-150]

Alright I thought they wanted alot more than that for em.

[DocWest8404]

well, I can do most of the labor myself, so that will help, and if I don't know how to do something, I'm sure I know someone who does

[UTfball68]

well, I can do most of the labor myself, so that will help, and if I don't know how to do something, I'm sure I know someone who does


Yeah...you can knock off an easy 300 from my exhaust guesstimation and 5-600 from gears if you do that yourself. However, I must say, unless you're confident in your gear install skills, I'd definitely have someone that is do it. That way, if something goes wrong, you have someone to make it right.

[Skandocious]

Lookin' for good MPG's on a 5.8L is like lookin' for an expensive beer at Tony's house-- good friggin luck!! :D

[flareside_thunder]

There is nothing wrong with Busch Light!

[DocWest8404]

besides the fact that it taste like crap? Your right

[flareside_thunder]

Ha it ain't that bad.....I'd rather drink it than Bud light....

[DocWest8404]

Coors, Corona, or Guiness. Coors Light if I have to

[surewhynot]

I can tell you all the mods to make to achieve about 9 mpg. :D

[DocWest8404]

I already get better than 9MPG, but I'm up for suggestions

[DocWest8404]

Hey, does anyone know of a website I can go to to see different paint scheme's on my truck?

[Truckin4life]

I tried the whole good gas mileage thing for awhile, then i gave up... Trucks aren't built for good mileage... They are built to haul stuff and go off road... So thats what i do with my truck, and i keep my foot on the floor. I get chit done!

[DocWest8404]

well, i surely do alot of hauling, and until I get the tranny straightened out, I ain't gonna be doing much muddin. The Tranny shifts hard from first to second, and sometime from second to third. I asked the guy about it that I bought the truck from, and he said it was normal. I doubt it, cause my mom's boyfriend has a 96 that doesn't do that.

[m78]

I've got an 04 E350 , and no matter what I do I only get 9-11 MPG.

[nflfreak43]

well, i surely do alot of hauling, and until I get the tranny straightened out, I ain't gonna be doing much muddin. The Tranny shifts hard from first to second, and sometime from second to third. I asked the guy about it that I bought the truck from, and he said it was normal. I doubt it, cause my mom's boyfriend has a 96 that doesn't do that.

that actually means your tranny is in good shape. that means there is less slipage. and also what kind of mileage are you getting right now? and what gears do you have?

[DocWest8404]

I don't know the gear ratio, and a take of gas last me about 3-4 days. 40 miles round trip to work. Course being in traffic doesn't help, I know. Do you know where I can find out the gear ratio?

[nflfreak43]

I don't know the gear ratio, and a take of gas last me about 3-4 days. 40 miles round trip to work. Course being in traffic doesn't help, I know. Do you know where I can find out the gear ratio?

the door sticker will have a code and you can post it and someone can tell you. and there are several ways of doing it manually with the rear end up in the air but to complicated.

[DocWest8404]

ok, I'll post that up later tonight after I get home.

[DocWest8404]

Ok, Question. What would be some good all around tires for road travel, and off road. Right now I am running Bridgestone Dueler A/T's. I'm happy with those for around Hawaii, but I know once I get to NC, I may need something more agressive to get to some good fishing holes.

[UTfball68]

With that truck, I would stay away from any type of AT like the plague, I had them on Thunder for a little while and with a truck that heavy and stock 460, they wouldn't clear at all. So I'd say you wouldn't need anything any more aggressive than a MT...and you should get about the same mileage out of them, a little more road noise...but no biggie.

[DocWest8404]

Like I said, The A/T's are working good for me here. Doesn't hurt my steering at all, and if there is any road noise, I don't notice. Course I might notice if I turn down the radio. What are you running on yours?

[UTfball68]

Thunder is running 37x12.5x16.5 SSR's...probably more aggressive than what you're looking for and a little less than double the price for a BFG MT.

[DocWest8404]

Ok, which one is Thunder? I'm gonna guess the Black one?

[UTfball68]

Ok, which one is Thunder? I'm gonna guess the Black one?


Yep...you got it...from left to right in my sig Red, Thunder, Bronk. But back to your original question, MT's should be just fine for muddy back roads. But if you think you'll be taking her through any mud pits or anything, or just want that extra cool factor, you might wanna look into the SSR, Trxus MT or radial TSL...all of them will get you 40,000+ miles.

Another easy trick, if you want to run bigger tires, use a couple spacers and bump out that front bumper...that's all I did to Thunder to go from running 33's to 37's.

[DocWest8404]

Sounds Good Man, I will have to keep that in mind, and once I get to NC, go back through this thread, and write everything down.

[DocWest8404]

Ok, looking at a oil change and brake job before I put my truck on the boat back to the mainland. This winter in NC will be the coldest this truck has been in years. What do you guys recommend. Rotella 10W30 or 10W40. Also, How easy/hard would it be to put in new headlights. I"m looking at driving from San Diego CA to Jacksville, NC.

[1985 Ford F-150]

Changin the bulbs wouldnt be a bad idea. I like rotella but itll be aweful thick in the winter.

[UTfball68]

Doc...NC isn't really cold enough to warrant seasonal oil changes, and I keep 15w40 rotella in my stuff year round. However, if you really want to...go with the 10w30.

[DocWest8404]

Well, changed the oil and replaced my headlight last night. Took awhile to do, cause I was also going to change the brakes, but once I got the tires off, I saw that I really didn't need to yet. Also, found out that after about 5 beers in less than a hour and not eating for 2 days, I am the best dang singer I know!

[1985 Ford F-150]

Hahahahahaha thats always makes it funner.

[DocWest8404]

yea, my room mate was laughing, kept hollerin for someone to kill the cat!

[DocWest8404]

A cowboy appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.

'Have you ever done anything of particular merit?' St. Peter asked.

'Well, I can think of one thing,' the cowboy offered.

'On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota , I came upon a gang of bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen.
So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him in his face ...kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground.
I yelled, 'Now, back off!! Or I'll kick the **** out of all of you!'

St. Peter was impressed, 'When did this happen?'

'Just a couple of minutes ago...'

[DocWest8404]

HEy guys, just got a good look under my truck, checking seals and for rusty things. I definetly have a E40D tranny, and looking at it, I pulled some numbers off of it. Wonder if you can tell me what they mean, or are they just a serial number.
GA
F3TP-GA
PRA-AAA
0001628
BD-3B20

Also, I have a BorgWarner PTO (Power Take Off Unit) for the 4WD, Serial number 13-56-039-908. What kinda of of fluid should I use in this.
I am looking at replacing seals and fluids once I get to NC. Pretty much gonna do a major tune up on my truck. Any other suggestions? Thanks

[1985 Ford F-150]

Ya actually have the unit itself or ya just have the transfer case that is able to have one?

[m78]

Doc, check this guy out. Fellow Hawiian. Could be a differant island though
http://www.projectbronco.com/

[DocWest8404]

Mark, thanks for the link, trying to figure out where he is. Not trying to do too much right now, cause I don't want break my truck right before I have to ship it out. BUt I will check it out more after I wake up. almost 0300 here, and still ain't been to sleep

Dan, I actually have the unit itself, My truck is a 4X4. Here is another question, I am thinking about cracking open the Tranny, rear pumpkin, and front pumpkins, spray them clean with some high pressure hot water, then put new gaskets on, and replace the fluids and oils. IS this a a good idea?

[1985 Ford F-150]

Yeah it aint a bad idea I wouldnt do the axle seals unless theyre leakin though cause ya might end up makin it leak. Id also like to see some pics of that PTO ya got.

[DocWest8404]

Yeah it aint a bad idea I wouldnt do the axle seals unless theyre leakin though cause ya might end up makin it leak. Id also like to see some pics of that PTO ya got.

ok, kewl. I'll take a couple and send them to you today.

[1985 Ford F-150]

No digital camera?

[DocWest8404]

yea, I have a digital camera, and the one on my phone aint' that great.

[1985 Ford F-150]

What I meant was put em up on here.

[DocWest8404]

Ok, so the latch on my rear sliding window came off. Checkers, Napa, and Carquest dont carry them here. Any ideas?

[Truckin4life]

Duct tape?
Try ordering from napa online?

[1985 Ford F-150]

Id just cut some dowels to the length of the two outer windows of the back slider and stick em in the bottom of the window channels so it stays shut tight then just pull em out to use the window.

[DocWest8404]

that'll work. Thanks

[DocWest8404]

What do you guys think of Ultima Starters from Checkers/Kragen/Schucks/O'Reilly?

[UTfball68]

What do you guys think of Ultima Starters from Checkers/Kragen/Schucks/O'Reilly?


I use them...they last a few years, but they have a life time warranty...so you never have to buy another. I can't seem to keep starters on any of my rigs...so I stopped buying Motorcraft. So if you didn't mind replacing a starter every 3 years...they're great.

[DocWest8404]

Well, Got good news everyone, I finally got my orders. I will be in Jacksonville somewhere between Thanksgiving and December 15th. So hoping to meet up with some of you guys once I get out there.

[1985 Ford F-150]

Good to hear Doc.

[DocWest8404]

Here's a Question, replaced the starter in my truck yesterday. Got it all bolted up and plugged in, and it did the high whine grind when I started it. I know I need to shim it, but I don't remember how. course with this being the 3rd starter on the 2nd truck, you would figure that I would have it firgured out. So what ya got for me?

[DocWest8404]

Ok, bought a shim, put it in, got the starter seated right, and it's still grinding like all hell. I've got everything sitting flush and tightened down, plugged in right. She'll start, but she's grinding like hell. Ok, just thought of something. I told the parts store that my truck was a 5.8L, and found out last night she is actually a 7.5L. Would that make a difference on which starter I need? I would appreciate any and all help in a big hurry, I'm shipping my truck to San Diego this week. Thanks Guys

[1985 Ford F-150]

Yes that makes a big difference in starters.