Some questions about my 96 LSC

B

Big Papa

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My 96 LSC has 103k AND TRYING TO DO SOME PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE-HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS:

1. Manual says to change PVC Valve @ 100k, under warranty. Is this wise, necessary?
2. My power steering is tight and pump is a bit noisey when cold. Once car heats up, all is fine. Mechanic suggested drain some fluid and add a treatment. Is this a good idea. If not, replace pump now or wait till it "goes"? Mechanic said waiting might cause rack to go bad?
3. I've replaced the speed sensor twice (code, ck engine light). Mechanic said sensor is good but signal not being picked up due to transmission wear-is he correct? Another mechanic said to take to a speedometer shop as it may be a "wire or the clock"?????
4.My low beam headlight works "sometimes". When it does it seems to illuminate slowly. I was told the low beam means a whole new assembly @ about $700. Advice?
5. Manual says to replace the rear end dope/fluid @ 100k. What dope/fluid is best and are there any other things to make sure he does when he replaces the dope?
6. My car was a "Northern car" and I see some rust on the under carriage on the lift. I have read that the rear sway bar is hollow and rusts out easily/commonly. I was thinking about getting a higher performance one anyway. Is this a good idea?
7. I need tires to replace Michelin P225/60/R16/97H M+S XGT H4(s.
Same tire comes in a 17 and an 18 and web site says they will fit the rims. Is this so and what are the pluses and minuses here.

Many many thanks!!!
 
RE: Some questions about my 96 LSC

Welcome! :)

1. It is cheap... and wise. ;)
2. Drain the reservoir and replace with Lucas power steering fluid. Repeat as necessary.
3. Did you change the gear or the sensor? The gear may be worn.
4. It is a HID system and it sounds like you need a bulb. No need to replace the whole assembly. Look in the site classifieds and ebay.
5. I use 80W-140 synthetic grat oil.
6. It is common to replace with an Addco 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" swaybar.
7. 17 and 18 inch tires will not fit a 16 inch wheel!

You can get more detailed answers a lot of times by posting one question in the appropriate forum dealing with a particular issue or problem. ;)
 
RE: Some questions about my 96 LSC

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Welcome! :)1. It is cheap... and wise. ;)2. Drain the reservoir and replace with Lucas power steering fluid. Repeat as necessary.3. Did you change the gear or the sensor? The gear may be worn.4. It is a HID system and it sounds like you need a bulb. No need to replace the whole assembly. Look in the site classifieds and ebay. 5. I use 80W-140 synthetic grat oil. 6. It is common to replace with an Addco 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" swaybar.7. 17 and 18 inch tires will not fit a 16 inch wheel!You can get more detailed answers a lot of times by posting one question in the appropriate forum dealing with a particular issue or problem. ;)
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I second all of his responses.
 
RE: Some questions about my 96 LSC

Thanks!!

1. I will call my local Ford or Linclon store and get it scheduled. I was not sure if the manual was correct as a warranty item or if I should expect the dealer to try to charge and upsell as they normally do.
2.Will do this weekend.
3.Sensor changed twice. It must be the gear the mechanic was referring to when he mentioned wear and signal not being picked up. He quoted me a huge price to replace the gear. Any thoughts/advice?
4.I didn't see any way to remove the bulb and was told by my mechanic about need to replace the entire assembly @ $700. How much should I expect to spend on the HID bulb on ebay?
5.Thanks! Is 80W-140 a range or one oil. I have it scheduled this weekend.
6.Thanks! I found the 1 1/8' on sppedyparts.com for $189-good price?
What would be the upside of the 1 1/4?
7. Stupid question. I have Michelin p225/60/R16/97H M+S XGT H4's on there now. What is your preference?

Thanks for your help! Your car and mods are awsome!
 
RE: Some questions about my 96 LSC

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
1. I will call my local Ford or Linclon store and get it scheduled. I was not sure if the manual was correct as a warranty item or if I should expect the dealer to try to charge and upsell as they normally do.
2.Will do this weekend.
3.Sensor changed twice. It must be the gear the mechanic was referring to when he mentioned wear and signal not being picked up. He quoted me a huge price to replace the gear. Any thoughts/advice?
4.I didn't see any way to remove the bulb and was told by my mechanic about need to replace the entire assembly @ $700. How much should I expect to spend on the HID bulb on ebay?
5.Thanks! Is 80W-140 a range or one oil. I have it scheduled this weekend.
6.Thanks! I found the 1 1/8' on sppedyparts.com for $189-good price?What would be the upside of the 1 1/4?
7. Stupid question. I have Michelin p225/60/R16/97H M+S XGT H4's on there now. What is your preference?
[/div]

Now see, I would've thought someone with a screen name like yours would replace their own PCV valve. :+

1. I do not know if it's a warranty item but regardless it should be very minimal in cost compared to what most dealer services are.

3. The gear is a plastic gear and costs very little.
http://www.blueovalchips.com/images/spgear.jpg Find another mechanic. ;)




4. I have bought them for $100 and have seen some sell for over $200.






5. http://www.hypertuning.com/_borders/b1-kg-80401.jpg




6. Since I still have stock sway bars, I do not know. You should post in the suspension forum.

7. Tire choices are dependant upon the intended use and preference of the driver. I can say I had Michelin P225/60/R16/97H Pilot H4's and was very satisfied with them on my Mark VIII. Read some in the tires and wheels forum for varied opinions.
 
RE: Some questions about my 96 LSC

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
6. Since I still have stock sway bars, I do not know. You should post in the suspension forum.7. Tire choices are dependant upon the intended use and preference of the driver. I can say I had Michelin P225/60/R16/97H Pilot H4's and was very satisfied with them on my Mark VIII. Read some in the tires and wheels forum for varied opinions.
[/div]

6. I think Bill at www.supercoupeperformance.com has them for a bit cheaper. I have the 1/4 bars on my car and they are great...they greatly improve handling while minimally affecting the ride.

7. Go to www.tirerack.com. You can search hundreds of tires by size, brand, performance, season, speed rating...the works. They've got track test results, an overall scoring system, complete specifications (what rims will work, tread life, etc.) and a consumer review section for almost every tire out there. One of the best automotive product sites I have ever seen.
 
RE: Some questions about my 96 LSC

For reference, look here...

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/speedometer_calibration_______va.htm

Scroll down to the Ford AOD transmissions section. I believe you need a 16 tooth for stock applications. Further down the page you will see the 'speed sensor' to which the gear attaches.

There is one bolt holding the sensor to the side of the transmission. There is a C clip that holds the plastic gear on the sensor shaft. Very simple to change(either one or both). The only challenge is having small enough hands to reach up around the exhaust to access the sensor without having to lower the exhaust.
 
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