New guy w/89 F150 302
12-02-2009, 11:12 PM
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New guy w/89 F150 302
I just bought a 1989 F150 with an automatic transmission and 5.0L. I only paid $1000 and knew it would have some issues but need some help with some.
First, when cruising at around 65, or any time it gets to overdrive, it is jerky. Almost like there's a miss, but RPMs stay constant and the exhaust doesn't sound any different. If I drop it down to drive or just give it gas, making it drop down a gear, it stops, runs perfectly. I'm thinking a torque converter issue.
Secondly, the steering wheel can be moved probably a 1/4 inch both ways before there is movement. I had read somewhere something about tightening the pre-load screw on the steering box. Is this just a cover up of a bigger problem?
Also, at speeds up to about 60, the speedometer jumps about 5mph. I.E.- if I'm doing 35 it will continuosly bounce between 27 and 33 or so.
Lastly, is there a way to know if a vehicle has a performance cam in it? The idle isn't rough, but kind of odd. The previous owner(family) says he thinks the person before him had put one in but wasn't sure...
Any help is appreciated.
First, when cruising at around 65, or any time it gets to overdrive, it is jerky. Almost like there's a miss, but RPMs stay constant and the exhaust doesn't sound any different. If I drop it down to drive or just give it gas, making it drop down a gear, it stops, runs perfectly. I'm thinking a torque converter issue.
Secondly, the steering wheel can be moved probably a 1/4 inch both ways before there is movement. I had read somewhere something about tightening the pre-load screw on the steering box. Is this just a cover up of a bigger problem?
Also, at speeds up to about 60, the speedometer jumps about 5mph. I.E.- if I'm doing 35 it will continuosly bounce between 27 and 33 or so.
Lastly, is there a way to know if a vehicle has a performance cam in it? The idle isn't rough, but kind of odd. The previous owner(family) says he thinks the person before him had put one in but wasn't sure...
Any help is appreciated.
12-03-2009, 08:25 AM
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As far as the speedometer jumping around, that would be your speedometer cable begining to wear out, so replace the cable to solve that problem. And as for the jerkyness as you drive, i would first try replacing your spark plug wires.