1996 FORD F150 suspension

186 [DR15903(B F )05/95]When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
*
[DR15906(B F )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when
leaving the vehicle.
*
[DR15915( ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950( ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR15960( ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

204
*
[DR23250( ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
*
[DR23300( ALL)02/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
*
[DR23400(BEF )11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(BEF )07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(BEF )07/92]
q
Check tire pressure
*
[DR23700(BEF )07/92]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(BEF )05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
*
[DR24000( ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100( ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

212
*
[DR28050(BEF )03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(BEF )01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[DR28150(BEF )01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(BEF )02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28250(B F )03/91]
Heavy duty front suspension package
(option)
*
[DR28301(B F )03/91]
This optional front suspension package is
designed to handle the additional loads that will
be imposed on the vehicle by adding aftermarket
equipment, such as a snowplow. Refer to the
Safety Compliance Certification Label for details.
*
[DR28350( F )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
*
[DR28450( F )03/91]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab,
secure any movable cargo pieces using ropes or
straps and the tie down holes in the stake
pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie-down
bars in the flareside pickup box.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

214
*
[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.
*
[DR28950(BEF )02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow
option package)
*
[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.
[DR29010(B F )05/95]
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes,
auxiliary battery, or back-up lamps, the optional
7 wire trailer towing electrical hook-up will be
required on the vehicle.
*
[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.)
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Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

218
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

242
*
[DR35500(BEF )02/91]
Required equipment
*
[DR35700(BEF )01/89]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR35800(BEF )06/92]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[DR36500( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR36600( ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36800(B F )12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000( ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[DR37300( F )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[DR37500( F )05/94]
The optional step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only requires a ball with a one inch shank
diameter. This step bumper has a Class III
capability (5000 lb/2,270 kg trailer weight and
500 lb/680 kg tongue weight).
*
[DR37520( F )06/92]
Tubular Steel Rear Bumper
*
[DR37540( F )06/92]
The optional tubular steel rear bumper has a
built-in hitch and only requires a ball. This
bumper has a Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg
trailer weight and 200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

249
*
[DR41274( F )02/94]
Ford recommends the following vehicle
specifications for low speed, personal use snow
removal:
[DR41276( F )05/95]
ten pica chart:0021090-B*
[DR41300( F )01/93]
Snowplowing and the Heavy Duty Front
Suspension Package
*
[DR41400( F )03/94]
If you plan to use your vehicle for plowing
snow, it should be equipped with the Heavy
Duty Front Suspension option. After adding the
snowplowing equipment, check the front-end
alignment and if necessary reset to prevent
uneven tire wear. If the snowplowing equipment
is later removed, check the front-end alignment
again.
*
[DR41500( F )01/93]
If you add equipment to your vehicle, which
will not ordinarily be removed when not in use,
such as heavy-duty winches, snowplow
components, brush guards, etc, then the
following index cannot be exceeded.
*
[DR41550( EF )03/94]
NOTE: Diesel equipped vehicles not
recommended for snow plowing.
*
[DR41600( F )01/93]
q
Front axle curb weight must not exceed 63%
of the total vehicle curb weight.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

341
*
[SV31700(BEF )01/95]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV31800(BEF )10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV31900(BEF )05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
*
[SV31950(BEF )05/91]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV31975(BEF )04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV31980(BEF )05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV31985(BEF )04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
*
[SV31987( F )04/95]
Cleaning F-350 Aluminum Dual Rear Wheels
*
[SV31989( F )04/95]
If you have factory-installed Forged Aluminum
Wheels on your F-350, you may use the cleaning
instructions below to help provide optimum
appearance season after season.
*
[SV31991( F )04/95]
1. Keep your F-350 Forged Aluminum Wheels
looking great with simple care. Wash the
wheels with steam or high pressure water
from a hose, and a mild detergent, such as
Ford's Premium Car Wash Concentrate, or
equivalent. Do not use harsh alkaline
cleaners.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996