1997 FORD F250 suspension

148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF03250(F )03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF03300(F )03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF03350(F )03/96]
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.
%*
[GF03400(FM)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF03450(FM)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF03500(FM)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
*
[GF03550(FM)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[GF03600(FM)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This will increase your vehicle's stopping
distance and may also cause brake damage.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

151
%*
[GF05200(FM)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350(FM)03/96]
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.
*
[GF05400(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[GF05450(FM)01/96]
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.
% [GF07425(F )04/96]Automatic Transmission
Operation (E4OD)
[GF07475(F )04/96]
The E4OD transmission is an electronically
controlled four speed automatic transmission
with overdrive. Transmission operation is
controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM).
[GF07525(FM)04/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as Throttle Position, Engine
Speed, Vehicle Speed and Transmission
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

176 [GF20725(F )04/96]Heavy duty front suspension package
(option)
[GF20730(F )04/96]
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.
*
[GF20735(F )01/96]
Securing loads in cargo area
[GF20740(F )04/96]
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.
*
[GF20745(F )01/96]
half page art:0020154-A
Cargo tie down holes
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

177
*
[GF20750(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020774-A
Cargo tie-down bars - Flareside pickup box
*
[GF20770(F )05/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF20772(FM)03/96]
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.
*
[GF20775(FM)01/96]
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.
[GF20780(F )01/96]
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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

182 %
*
[GF21020(FM)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF21030(FM)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF21040(FM)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF21050(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21060(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21070(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21080(FM)01/96]
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:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

209 [GF21852(F )05/96]
twenty-two pica chart:0021603-A
[GF21870(F )04/96]
Required equipment
[GF21880(F )04/96]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
[GF21890(F )04/96]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[GF21900(FM)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF21910(FM)05/96]
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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

215
*
[GF22500(FM)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[GF22510(FM)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22520(FM)01/96]
q
Start the engine.
*
[GF22530(FM)01/96]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[GF22540(FM)01/96]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[GF22550(FM)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
%
*
[GF22560(F )01/96]
Snowplowing
[GF22610(F )04/96]
Commercial snow removal applications should
utilize F-350 Regular Cab 4x4 vehicles which are
much more conducive to the rigors of long
hours of plow operation.
% [GF22660(F )04/96]
Snowplowing and the Heavy Duty Front
Suspension Package
[GF22670(F )04/96]
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.
[GF22680(F )04/96]
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.
[GF22690(F )04/96]
NOTE: Diesel equipped vehicles not
recommended for snow plowing.
[GF22700(F )04/96]
q
Front axle curb weight must not exceed 63%
of the total vehicle curb weight.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

293
*
[MC28350(F )01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC28400(F )01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC28450(F )01/96]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%
*
[MC29600(FM)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC29900(F )05/96]
one third page art:0020351-E
Fuel filler door
[MC30000(F )05/96]
one third page art:0020753-B
Fuel filler door
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com