Gary Lewis

I can see how the bolts would help get the tire positioned properly. But w/o a jack I don't think I could get Big Blue's tire up there. I know I've told the story, but when my brother and I were loading Big Blue on the trailer in FL he came rolling the spare out. I reached down to pick it up and put it on the trailer and he said "No way." Now, he is my "little" brother as he is 3 years younger. So I have a tendency to try to prove him wrong if I can. In this case I might have been able to but it wasn't worth it so he and I put it on. So I'm happy having the spare in the bed or, hopefully, on a rear bumper/carrier.

Makes sense. Thanks.

With the coil and DS-II module out of the circuit, as you suggested, he should be able to measure the 1.1 ohm resistance of the wire. As for measuring the voltage, I've often wondered if the DS-II module sinks current regardless of where the rotor is if the engine isn't turning. In other words, as if the points were closed. I haven't checked by bumping the starter, but every time I've put a meter on the coil it is obvious the module is sinking current.

Jim - I didn't understand what you meant until I looked at the pics. But I saw it immediately. Yep! Cory - My wife now thinks camping out is a Holiday Inn Express. So I understand what you mean. But there was a time when we had a 9 1/2' self-contained slide-in camper in a '72 F250 and she loved it. Dane - That's a cool RV. I think the 351W would be about the right engine if you aren't going to pull heavy trailers with it. Might even get into double-digit MPG.

Jim - I'm glad you said that as it reminded me to say this: A pipe gantry crane will work if the load is spread. And a good way to spread the load is with a trolley with wheels designed for that size of pipe. That way you get a large surface area across which the load will be spread. But if you just throw a chain around the pipe it is likely to fail as the load is concentrated in one spot.

Jim is spot-on. You really need to measure the voltage or resistance when the engine is off. That's because when it is running the ignition module is making and breaking the circuit several times/second. So your meter is in DC mode and seeing a very complex signal of maybe 7 - 9 volts when the circuit is closed, then a rising voltage to something like 35 volts due to the ringing as the circuit opens, then down to battery voltage while the circuit is open. And a DVM cannot properly "read" that. Here's a pic from my oscilloscope of a DS-II ignition primary circuit while the engine was running.

Man, oh man, that is a LOT of work. But you are right, while you are in there is the time to do it. As you know, when I get "in there" it takes forever. I feel your pain, but obviously not as acutely as you, when you need to get it back on the road ASAP to earn money. I wish I could help. I really do.

Spare tire carriers are shown here: Documentation/Exterior/Spare Tire Carriers. And there you'll find part numbers and illustrations, including the one below. But, there were three carriers: 1. Under-bed swing out 2. Under-bed slide out 3. In-bed

Jonathan - I'd really be interested in a pair of those handles. But there's no rush. And I want to pay for them. Jim - Thanks. I've looked the Buyers Products handle up, and it is an option. But they aren't as nice looking as the F600 or 700 ones. Jonathan - Do the ones in the LKQ advert look like the ones you have? They say they are chrome, but might they really be aluminum?

The MPC isn't 100% correct, but it is the best we have.

Yes, I have a 38 gallon rear tank that is going on Big Blue. The spare is way too heavy to put under there anyway, so I might as well.

Yup! And I'm missing it.

Well done! Original is hard to beat. But I thought it had a camo paint job on the bed until you told me what it is.

I'll try to post up some pics of the interior. It is basically finished inside now. I laid all new flooring, and she painted all of the walls. Installed new faucets, and reupholstered the seats/fold down couch. I had to reseal some spots on the roof, and I'm working on the cargo doors one by one...every lock and latch is/was seized. Good news is that the cab AC works great, although I think I might need a fan speed resistor pack soon. Just waiting on the generator currently so that we can run the coach AC while on the road. That, and I still need to install a grey water tank. I'll get there. As for where...current plans are just to travel around NS a little bit, and visit family and friends. We also plan to do a little "Boondocking" and stay on some remote/deserted beaches. I have a good friend in Cape Breton on the Ceilidth Trail that has 40 acres on the ocean, and lots of free space to boondock. We are also anxiously awaiting the border to reopen...but we currently can't even get TO the border. NB is closed off to non-essential travel, so we'd need a good excuse in order to pass through. My wife loves to get into Maine to do some power shopping...so if we can swing it this summer, we'll likely go at least that far, maybe stay in Freeport for a couple nights and work our way back. Wow, that intake plumbing really cleaned things up. And with all that interior work you've done it sounds like you are almost ready to go. I'll bet you are anxious!

No thanks, I think the ones above are about right.

True. So it is probably in inches.

I don't think the stress is an issue. The TTB's are mounted in rubber and you are just compressing it when you pull the axle forward. So can you attach to the front of the frame or the bumper?

Yes, it is. So, what scale would that be? Inch/mm is 1/25.4 so 12.7 is a multiple. Or 127. But 128?

That’s a good buy if just to part out - assuming the rest of it look like that.

I've been able to pull the axle forward enough to get the radius arm out of the bracket. Do you have anything near you can put a comealong on to pull?

Nice! But it is going for real money. I'm surprised. And at $17,100 the reserve hasn't been met.

The pieces look like part of a snap ring. But if it is working well, I'd do as you said - drive it. Are those Vernier calipers? You aren't using dial calipers? Cool!

I don't know if it is 19" or not. I've never seen one in person. Are there different sizes? As for surprising me, please go ahead. I won't remember this conversation in a day or so.

I think she'll be pleased. It makes a big difference. That valve is a Motorcraft YG-136 and Ford PN D4AZ 18495-A, right?

I do think Janey is going to need a handle, but this is the one I like. Jonathan said here that he finds them on F600 & F700 trucks. So if you find them please let me know.