1996 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS suspension

54
*
[DR15985( ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
*
[DR21400( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
[DR21410( M)06/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
features:
[DR21420( M)06/90]
q
Front self-adjusting disc brakes.
[DR21430( M)06/90]
q
Rear self-adjusting disc brakes.
[DR21440( M)06/90]
q
Independent front and rear hydraulic brake
circuits with a common fluid reservoir and
fluid level sensor in the master cylinder.
[DR21450( M)06/90]
q
Hydro boost.
[DR21460( M)06/90]
q
Parking brake.
*
[DR21500( ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600( ALL)03/94]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of caliper slide rails and inspection
for pad wear.
*
[DR22035( M)07/93]
Rear Disc Brakes
*
[DR22050( EFM)04/95]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

62
*
[DR28750( ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801( ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[DR28850( M)04/95]
Trailer Towing
*
[DR29001( ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025( ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050( ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101( ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151( ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR29201( ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29350( ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

65
*
[DR30550( ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR30601( ALL)05/95]
If you add base curb weight and the weight of a
load (including passengers, cargo and optional
equipment) being carried at a particular time,
you get the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
*
[DR30650( ALL)10/94]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a
limit or a specification.If an owner loads up a
vehicle and weighs it, that's the GVW at that
moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW
until such time as the vehicle is unloaded.
%*
[DR30701( ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750( ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
%*
[DR30801( ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850( ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901( ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

66
*
[DR30950( ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[DR31001( ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
*
[DR31050( ALL)06/92]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR31110( ALL)06/92]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR31120( ALL)06/92]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR31130( ALL)06/92]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

135 [SV28725( M)05/95]
RWARNING
Aftermarket wheel assemblies may not be
compatible with your vehicle and should
not be used. Use of incompatible wheel
assemblies may result in equipment
failure and possible injury.
[SV28730( M)05/95]
A wheel or tire of the wrong size or type may
adversely affect such things as load carrying
capacity, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping
ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance
to the body and chassis. Replacement with used
wheels is not advised: they may have been
treated harshly or have high mileage, and they
could fail without warning.
[SV28732( M)05/95]
The use of wheels with load carrying limits
higher than the limits of the wheels originally
installed on your vehicle does not in itself
increase the GAWR or GVWR of the vehicle.
[SV28735( M)05/95]
RWARNING
Only wheel assemblies approved and
released by Ford Motor Company for your
vehicle model should be used.
[SV28745( M)05/95]
RWARNING
Alterations to the vehicle suspension or
steering by raising the chassis (i.e., use of
aftermarket ªlift kitsº) may adversely
affect vehicle handling and braking
performance.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995

145
*
[SV39400( ALL)02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[SV39405( ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
[SV39410( M)06/90]
Suspension and Steering
[SV39420( M)06/90]
Modifications
[SV39430( M)06/90]
The suspension and steering systems on your
vehicle have been designed and tested to
provide both safe, predictable performance
whether loaded or empty as well as durable
load carrying capability. Any modifications to
the suspension or steering systems can reduce
your vehicle's performance capability and
adversely affect driver and passenger safety.
Ford recommends that you do not make
modifications such as adding or removing parts
(like lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original
factory equipment.
[SV39440( M)08/90]
RWARNING
The low pressure gas shock absorbers are
charged with nitrogen gas to 90 psi (620
kPa). Do not attempt to heat, puncture or
open.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995

146 [SV39450( M)06/90]Inspecting for Road Damage
[SV39460( M)06/90]
The suspension and steering linkage in your
vehicle should be inspected periodically for
abnormal looseness and damaged seals. Also be
alert for changes in steering action. Hard
steering, excessive free play or unusual sounds
when turning or parking indicate a need for
inspection or servicing.
[SV39470( M)06/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, inadvertent
sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a
collision involving the front end,
observe the steering wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel spokes seem to
be in a different position while going
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995

Severe Duty Schedule 179
*
[BK50501( ALL)01/95]
6,000 MILES (10,000 Kilometers)
*
[BK50601( ALL)01/95]
q
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
*
[BK50650( ALL)94/93]
q
Rotate tires and adjust air pressure. (3)(5)(6)
*
[BK50801( ALL)04/93]
q
Inspect and lubricate automatic transmission
shift linkage.
*
[BK50901( ALL)05/93]
q
Inspect exhaust system for leaks, damage or
loose parts. Remove any foreign material
trapped by exhaust system shielding.
*
[BK50910( ALL)05/94]
NOTE: It is normal for a certain amount of
moisture and staining to be present
around the muffler seams. The
presence of soot, light surface rust or
moisture does not indicate a faulty
muffler.
*
[BK51001( ALL)08/94]
q
Lubricate steering linkage suspension,
driveshaft U-joint if equipped with grease
fittings and lubricate slip yoke (if equipped).
(2)
*
[BK51150( ALL)04/93]
four pica chart:0060627-A
*
[BK51201( ALL)01/95]
9,000 MILES (15,000 Kilometers)
*
[BK51301( ALL)01/95]
q
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
*
[BK51350( ALL)04/93]
four pica chart:0060627-A
File:ltbkm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:42:47 1995