When operating empty or lightly loaded, sudden or hard braking
may induce wheel lockup with loss of vehicle control and the
possibility of accident and serious injury, especially on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
TRAILER TOWING
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional “body” must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Model Maximum
GVWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)*
F-650 Regular/Super/Crew Cab 26000 (11793) 40000 (18143)
F-750 Regular/Super/Crew Cab 30000 (13608) 45000 (20412)
F-750 Regular/Super/Crew Cab 33000 (14969) 60000 (27216)
* Figures shown are the maximum available for each model. Actual
ratings may be less, depending on your transmission. Check with your
sales consultant for the exact rating on your vehicle.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
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vehicle at least once a year. Remember that regular maintenance and
replacement of worn components will usually prevent serious problems
from developing later.
Making modifications to various parts, components and systems
of the vehicle, such as brake and steering systems can adversely
affect the quality, reliability and operation of your vehicle and could
result in property damage, personal injury or death. Such modifications
must be avoided.
The lubrication intervals present a good opportunity to inspect the
vehicle. It is suggested that the various points listed herein be checked
at the lubrication or other recommended intervals.
Failure to properly perform maintenance and servicing
procedures could result in vehicle damage, personal injury or
death.
If the owner/operator of the vehicle is a skilled technician and intends on
performing the vehicle maintenance and service, he is strongly urged to
purchase a service manual.
Take care when performing any maintenance, system check or
service on your vehicle. Some of the materials may also be
hazardous if used, serviced or handled improperly and could result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
Air conditioning system checks
Have your air conditioning system checked each spring. The refrigerant
charge, cleanliness of the condenser-evaporator cores and belt condition
are essential to air conditioning performance.
When the air conditioning system is being used daily, remove the fresh
air filter (if equipped) once each season and check for dirt, lint, etc.
Replace the filter if necessary. Vehicles operating in unusually dusty
conditions may require inspecting and replacing the fresh air filter more
often.
Front axle - general service information
Maintaining the front axle alignment to specifications is very important
and should only be performed by a qualified technician. Toe-in
adjustment is particularly important with radial tires.
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Check to make sure that the axle mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Regularly check front
axle for damage, binding, worn parts and adequate lubrication.
At regular intervals, or during other scheduled maintenance, (tire
rotation/service, wheel bearing service, alignment, etc.) the kingpins
should be checked for excessive wear. Refer to the service manual for
proper procedures.
Toe-in setting - general inspection
Inspecting steer axle tires in the first 3,000–10,000 service miles
(4,800–16,000 service km) will generally show if tires are wearing
normally.
Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-out. In
P&D-type service, left-to-right steer tire tread life differentials up to 40%
can be observed depending on routes and other variables.
Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and steer axle loading typical for
their operation (each steer axle tire will equal
1 2steer axle loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting based on past experience with
the type of tire operating loads and conditions. Radial tires are more
sensitive to toe-in setting than bias ply tires. While not insensitive to
vehicle alignment, fine tuning school bus alignment to line-haul truck
standards will not drastically improve tire tread life.
It is essential that correct toe-in and tire pressure be maintained for
optimum tire wear.
Rear axle - general inspection
Check to make sure that the axle mounting U-bolts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Refer toU-bolt nut
torquein this chapter. Regularly check the rear axle for damaged,
binding or worn parts.
NoSpin Detroit Locker positive locking differential
Vehicles equipped with this type differential have the operator’s manual
supplied with the vehicle. Refer to this manual for maintenance checks.
Brake system - general inspection
Your vehicle is equipped with non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake material (whether asbestos or
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When installing wheel balance weights, they must be mounted on the
dome-side of the wheel only. Failure to do so may result in loss of wheel
weight and/or damage to brakes or wheels.
Important:Remember to replace the wheel air valves when the road
tires are replaced at the end of their useful life.
Oil lubricated front wheel bearings
During normal vehicle duty cycle, the lube and air inside the hub/wheel
cavity expands and if not vented, causes pressure build-up that could
cause accelerated seal wear.
There are two venting methods:
•a slit or small hole in the rubber check vent or
•the window
You can use either of these methods to prevent pressure build-up.
Normal maintenance
Over a period of time, if not routinely cleaned, a slight film of oil can
collect dirt around the rubber fill plug and face, which could appear to
be a leak. Routine cleaning ensures that the lube level can be easily
observed through the clear window as intended. In situations where the
window is clean on the outside but discolored on the inside, the lube
level may be checked by inserting a finger through the rubber check
vent hole.
The specified lube level for a clear window type hubcaps is from the
minimum line to + 5/16 inch above the minimum line.
If the lube level should suddenly drop dramatically below the minimum
level, see theWorkshop Manualfor diagnostic procedure.
Installation, tightening and alignment
When installing wheels, be certain that the threads on studs and nuts are
clean to permit correct torque. The mounting surfaces of rims, wheels,
spacer rings and clamps must be free of dirt, rust, lubricants or damage.
Use a wire brush to clean the mounting contact surfaces. Do not use
lubricant on threads.
After the rim or wheel has been properly tightened, it should be checked
for alignment. Rotate the wheel with a piece of chalk attached to a
steady, firm surface, and placed to just barely clear the outside surface of
the tire bead seat. This procedure will point out the high spot. A high
spot does not necessarily mean that the lug nuts have been unevenly
tightened. This condition or misalignment could be caused by a bent
wheel.
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Use only the same type and style wheels and mounting hardware
to replace original parts. Failure to do so may result in an
assembly that looks fine, but does not fit together properly. This could
possibly cause wheel or fastener failures which could result in property
damage, personal injury or death.
Note:Do not attempt to mix stud-piloted wheels or fasteners with
hub-piloted wheels or fasteners.
Note:Do not change from aluminum wheels to steel wheels or
vice-versa without changing the mounting hardware required or, with
flange-nut mounting systems, changing the hub and stud assembly.
WHEEL NUT TORQUE
Size Nut mountingTorque
Ft. lb. N•m
22 mm Flange 450–500 610–678
Note:Do not use lubrication on dry threads. Where excessive corrosion
exists, a light coat of lubricant on the first three threads of the stud bolt
is permitted. Keep lubricant away from:
•Hex nut and rim clamp contact surfaces.
•Cap nut ball face and ball seat on the disc wheel.
•Flange nut washer surface and flat on the disc wheel.
TIRE INFORMATION
Inflation
Always maintain your tires in good condition. Frequently check
and maintain correct inflation pressures as specified by tire
manufacturers. Inspect periodically for abnormal wear patterns and
repair/replace cut or broken tire casing. Always use experienced,
trained personnel with proper equipment and correct procedures to
mount or remove tires and wheels. Failure to adhere to these warnings
could result in wheel or tire malfunction, damage to your vehicle,
personal injury, or death.
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To avoid personal injury or death, always follow these
instructions when mounting radial tires on wheels:
•Only personnel that have had proper training and experience should
mount or remove tires from rims or wheels.
•Use only heavy-duty rims or approved rims for radial tires. It may be
necessary to contact your wheel and rim distributor to determine if
your rims are approved for radial tires.
•If a tube is to be used, make sure special radial tire tubes are used
because of the increased flexing of the sidewalls on radial tires.
•Never use anti-freeze, silicones, or petroleum based lubricants when
mounting radial tires. Only an approved lubricant should be used as
an aid for mounting tires.
•Always inflate tires in a safety cage.
•Do not attempt to mix stud piloted wheels or fasteners with hub
piloted wheels or fasteners. To do so may cause premature wheel
failure resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
•Do no mix foreign (not made in North America) wheel mounting
parts with domestic (made in North America) parts. Many foreign
wheel components look similar to, but not exactly the same as
domestic made components. Mixing components could cause wheel
or fastener failures and result in property damage, personal injury, or
death.
•Do not change from aluminum wheels to steel wheels or vice-versa
without changing the mounting hardware where required or, in some
cases with flange nut mounting systems, changing the hub and stud
assembly. Mixing components could cause wheel or fastener failures
and result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
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All tires with Steel Carcass Plies (if equipped):
This type of tire utilizes steel cords in the sidewalls. As such, they
cannot be treated like normal light truck tires. Tire service, including
adjusting the air pressure, must be performed by personnel trained,
supervised and equipped according to Federal Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. For example, during any
procedure involving tire inflation, the technician or individual must
utilize a remote inflation device, and ensure that all persons are clear of
the trajectory area.
WARNING An inflated tire and rim can be very dangerous if
improperly used, serviced or maintained. To avoid serious injury,
never attempt to re-inflate a tire which has been run flat or seriously
under-inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel assembly
for inspection. Do not attempt to add air to tires or replace tires or
wheels without first taking precautions to protect persons and
property.
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Stay out of the trajectory (1) as indicated in the illustration.
Do not mount tube type tires on tubeless wheels or tubeless
tires on tube type wheels. To do so could result in tire or wheel
failure and cause property damage, personal injury or death.
Preserving proper inflation pressure is a very important maintenance
practice to insure safe vehicle operation and long life for the tires.
Failure to maintain correct inflation pressure may result in sudden tire
destruction, improper vehicle handling, and may cause rapid and
irregular tire wear. Therefore, inflation pressures should be checked daily
and always before long distance trips.
Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, type, load range (ply rating) and axle loading typical for
your operation. (Each steer axle tire load will equal
1 2steer axle loading;
each drive tire load will be1 4the axle loading if fitted with four tires).
Checking inflation
Always check inflation pressure when tires are cold. Never bleed air from
hot tires to relieve normal pressure build-up. Normal increases in
pressure due to service conditions will be 10 to 15 psi, which is allowable
in truck tires.
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