FordExcursions.com Forums
Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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 Posted:9/16/2003 10:28 |
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I have had my '04 4x4 Limited now for 2 weeks. I took it to the Outer Banks and back, put 1500 miles on it, and all I have to say is: Wow! What a great vehicle. Unbelievable power from the 6.0L Powerstroke. Ok, on to the questions.
1) Does anyone else notice a lot of engine noise at 1800 rpm? When I drive 65, the engine turns about 1800 rpm, and the cabin is filled with a very loud drone, or hum. If I slow to 62, or go up to 68, it goes away. Is this common?
2) Synthetic oil. The last diesel I had was in 1986. It was a 1980 VW Rabbit (don't laugh, I was a poor college student at the time). Back then I could barely afford to get an oil change, let alone worry about whether to use synthetic, or not. I have heard the arguments against synthetics in gasoline engines, but my experience was always good. 5 different vehicles (F-150, 2 F-250, 2 Expeditions), 4 of which approached 200K miles with no engine problems whatsoever. Where does the group stand on using synthetic? It could get pricey at 15 quarts per change.
3) Rear Sway Bars. Actually, they should be called anti-sway bars, shouldn't they? I know of Helwig, and I know of using the Ford bar from an F-350. Any other viable options out there? Which is best?
4) Shocks. Rancho or Edelbrock? Upgrade the front springs, yea or nay?
Well, that's enough to start with. I'm sure I'll have more. Again, what a great truck.  |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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 Posted:9/16/2003 16:45 |
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Gosh, an )4... all I've got is an OLD '03 4x4 Ex with 11k miles...I guess it's time for a trade !?!? 
Not really - this one is just fine !
Ok,
let's see if I can help with a few points...
THE drone @ 1800 is a common complaint - Ford is supossedly working on a new turbo bracket or such to stop the resonance/oscillation that occurs at that rpm...
I have a stock rear sway bar on my '03 4x4, but had an '02 Ex that I put the rear Helwig on and all I can say is WOW - WELL worth it! I would call it a necessity... $160 or so installed - got it from JC Whitney and $45 installation at a local speed shop...
Hope this helps!
And good luck with the best travelling vehicle there is !
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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Weatherlite
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• Mountain Home AFB, ID, USA |
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• Registered on 10/21/2002 |
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• 133 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:9/22/2003 12:51 |
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I can't help you with most because I have the gas V-10. However, I can guide you to a good site with great info on oil questions.
www.bobistheoilguy.com
You'll learn more than you ever thought there was to learn about oil. I'm sure that synthetic is fine in a diesel...in fact I think most make blends specifically for them due to their different needs in lubrication.
One other thing to look at is the purchase of a bypass filter. Basically it enables you to extend the drain intervals of your oil. High initial investment (~200) but it makes up for it in the end. However, I do not know what warranty issues might be associated with this since you would not be changing the oil...only filtering it properly. (regular filter goes to about 15 microns, bypass can go down to below 1 micron on a few but most to 1 micron) Just a thought and something to look into.
Good luck!
Mikie |
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