Campaign - Front Suspension Spring: Overview

88ford30

October, 1988

TSB # B85

PLEASE GIVE COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN TO YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS

To: All Ford Dealers

Subject: Owner Notification Program B85 - Front Suspension Springs on Certain 1988-Model E350 Econoline Commercial Cutaway Trucks


CARES/OASIS - YES
PRESS REPLEASE - YES
DEALER LISTINGS - YES

Vehicles Affected:

Approximately 200 1988-model E350 Econoline commercial cutavay trucks (E350, 138" W/B, 10,000 and 10,300 lbs. GVWR trucks) manufactured at the Lorain Assembly Plant from November 12, 1987 through May 20, 1988, equipped with 7.3L diesel engines and automatic (C-6) transmissions.

Reasons for Program:

The affected trucks were manufactured with incorrectly specified front springs. A spring selection chart used in the aasembly plant did not list the correct front springs required for cutavay trucks equipped with 7.3L diesel engines and automatic transmissions.

As a result the front springs installed in the affected trucks are about 300 to 450 lbs. less in payload capacity than the design intent.

What Might Happen:

If a truck is completed by a final-stage manufacturer with a front axle loading that does not exceed the stated rating on the trucks certification label, there will be no effect on truck operation. The front suspension spring rating as stated on the label, however, is not consistent with the owner's truck order and expectations.
Program Provisions:
Owners of affected trucks will be notified to return their trucks for a no-charge replacement of the front suspension springs.
Program Limitations:
Owners will be encouraged to return their trucks as soon as possible for the service provided by this program. This service will be available during the base vehicle warranty period (12-months/12,000-miles), or through March, 1989, whichever event is later.
Administrative and Technical Instructions:
Attachment I contains technical and administrative instructions for the replacement of the front suspension springs.
CARES/OASIS and Dealer Listings:
To assist in the identification of trucks involved in this program, CARES/OASIS will be activated and vehicle listings are provided with this letter.
Action by Ford: Owners will be notified with the letter shown on Attachment II.

Your parts and service personnel must be provided with this package and be familiar with the program to respond to owner inquiries.