Suspension and steering
The suspension and steering linkage in your vehicle should be inspected
periodically for the following:
•Spring leaf damage
•Spring sag
•Abnormal looseness
•Damaged seals.
The following changes indicate a need to inspect and service your vehicle:
•Changes in steering action.
•Hard steering.
•Excessive free play.
•Unusual sounds when turning or parking.
If the steering wanders or pulls
This condition can be caused by any of the following conditions:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Front end out of alignment
•Total vehicle out of alignment (i.e. rear axle[s] out of alignment with
front axle)
•Improper adjustment in the steering gear
•Vehicle overloaded or unevenly loaded
•High crosswinds
•High crown in center of road
•Components in steering linkage loose or worn
•Wheel bearings improperly adjusted
•Excessive lash in steering shaft or universal joints
If the vehicle steers hard
Hard steering can be caused by any of the following conditions:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Vehicle overload
•Misalignment of the front tires
Driving
96
Driving through water
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
FUEL CONSUMPTION IMPROVEMENT MEASURES
There are two important factors you can control to improve fuel
economy: the mechanical condition of your vehicle and how you drive it.
A properly maintained vehicle will deliver better performance than a
neglected vehicle. Always follow your maintenance schedule to keep your
vehicle in top operating condition.
Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
•Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
•Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
•Avoid extensive idling.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
Driving
112
SERVICING YOUR WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel assembly
Your vehicle is fitted with hub
piloted wheels and two-element
swiveling lug nuts (20 & 22 mm).
Do not use taper type wheels or ball
seat wheel nuts.
•Do not paint the mating face of the hub/drum.
•Do not paint the two-element swiveling lug nuts or wheel stud.
•Do not allow an excessive thickness of paint to build between the disc
wheel mounting surfaces.
•Do not install disc wheels where the paint has not fully cured.
•At wheel changes, ensure mounting faces are clean and free of rust,
dirt and excess paint.
If fasteners are needed, use only Ford recommended replacement parts.
•To maintain the desired
torque/tension relation between
nut body and flange, it is
necessary to use clean engine oil
meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-G between nut body and flange. Lubricate the nut body
and flange any time a wheel is removed.
The M20 & M22 wheel nuts are right-hand threads. Refer to the
following chart for approved wheel lug nut torque.
Wheel type Bolt size Wheel nut torque
10-hole disc
285.75 mm bolt circleM22 (22 by 1.5 mm) 610-677 Nm
(450-500 lb-ft)
8-hole disc
19.5x6.75 mm bolt circleM20 (20 by 1.5 mm) 610-677 Nm
(450-500 lb-ft)
The disc wheel nuts on your vehicle were tightened before delivery.
Recheck torque of nuts at 160 km (100 miles) and 800 km (500 miles) of
new vehicle operation or any time a wheel is removed. Reset to
recommended torque levels.
Maintenance and care
147
Tire inflation pressure must not exceed the recommendations of
the axle, tire and/or wheel rim manufacturer for the specific
load, speed and application. The inflation pressures on the tire sidewall
do not take the wheel rim capabilities into consideration.
Never use a rim of different manufacture or any different size or
type than original rims.
Try to replace tires in pairs on the same axle shaft. Tires larger or
smaller than originally installed may affect the accuracy of the
speedometer. Consult your dealer about the need to change the switch
setting on the back of the speedometer.
Front wheel alignment
If abnormal tire wear or ride and handling characteristics such as vehicle
lead or wander are experienced with properly inflated tires, the front
end alignment should be checked.
Wheel bearing care
Front and rear wheel bearings are adjustable to correct for bearing and
spindle wear. Long bearing life depends upon proper adjustment and
correct lubrication. If bearings are adjusted too tightly (preloaded) they
will overheat and wear rapidly. Loose adjustment will cause pounding
and will contribute to uneven tire wear, steering difficulties and
inefficient brake operation.
Refer to the Ford Service Manual applicable to your vehicle for proper
tightening procedures and torque specifications.
Periodically check the oil level on oil filled front bearing hubs. If
necessary, add oil through the filler plug so the oil level is between the
ADD and FULL marks indicated on the hub. Do not overfill. Overfilling
can result in oil on brake linings.
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for fluid level checks and
change intervals for the front hubs.
Your front hubs may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid which
allows use of the extended service intervals. A blue colored filler plug
identifies use of the synthetic fluid.
Maintenance and care
150
Check every oil
changeOil change
intervals are as
follows: Powerstroke -
10 000 ; Caterpillar -
10 000 ; Cummins -
15 000 (refer to the
Caterpillar and
Cummins service
manuals for further
instructions and
information)Steering system
Lubricate the steering shaft(s), U-joints and
splines when equipped with grease fittings
Lubricate the front axle spindle pins
Lubricate the steering linkage when equipped
with grease fittings
Grease the power steering gear output shaft
* Coolant protection checks should be made just prior to the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable. If coolant is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with the
prescribed solution of cooling system fluid and water. Use only
permanent type coolant that meets Ford specifications ESE-M97B18-C.
See the engine manufacturer’s operating guide for supplimental
corrosion inhibitor specifications.
In addition to the items to be performed daily or at each oil change, the
following need to be completed as specified:
5 000 MILES
•Initial change—change the lubricant in the manual shift transmission
–5 speed and 6 speed Eaton manual transmission. (Not required
when equipped with optional synthetic lubricant.)
20 000 MILES
•Replace the fuel filter.*
30 000 MILES
•Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter.*
•Repack and adjust the front wheel bearings—grease-filled hubs.
40 000 MILES
•Replace the fuel filter.*
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184
50 000 MILES
•Disassemble the single check valve (SC-2) and the automatic drain
valve (DB–2)—clean and inspect the valve for wear and
deterioration.
60 000 MILES
•Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter.*
•Oil filled front hubs—drain oil, adjust bearings and refill the front
hubs with oil. (Not required when equipped with optional synthetic
lubricant.)
•Drain the oil, adjust the bearins and refill with axle lubricant—oil
filled hubs.
•Replace the fuel filter.*
•Change the manual transmission oil—Eaton 5 and 6 speeds only.
(Not required when equipped with optional synthetic lubricant.)
70 000 MILES
•Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter.*
•Replace the engine coolant.* See the engine manufacturer’s operating
guide for supplemental corrosion inhibitor specifications.
80 000 MILES
•Replace the fuel filter.*
90 000 MILES
•Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter*.
•Repack and adjust the front wheel bearings—grease-filled hubs.
•Change the lubricant in the manual shift transmission–7 speed
Spicer. (Not required when equipped with optional synthetic
lubricant.)
•Change the power steering fluid and filter.
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185