Ford and GM recently introduced their first electric pickup trucks. WSJ auto reporter Mike Colias breaks down the different strategies the two legacy auto manufacturers are pursuing to bring their EVs to market. Photo Illustration: Alexander Hotz/WSJ
4/30/22
4/28/22
10 Reasons Why Engines Lose Power Over Time
There are four things a gasoline engine requires to generate power and almost any engine problem will come down to something relating to one of these four factors. 1. Air 2. Fuel 3. Compression 4. Spark
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter makes the engine work harder to pull in air, and can restrict the maximum amount of air let in. Less air means less power.
Exhaust Restrictions
The engine will have to work harder to push out exhaust gases, limiting power. Catalytic converters can clog up on engines with an improper air/fuel mixture or as a result of fuel additives reacting within. Mufflers can also fail internally, and alterations of the internal piping can result in an airflow restriction.
Fuel Injectors
Deposits can build up on the injectors over time from heat soak or poor fuel. Small restrictions can cause the O2 sensors to read a lean mixture, and so more fuel will be added to compensate. This can result in a rich mixture for the cylinders without injector problems, or even misfiring if the injector isn’t capable of injecting enough fuel.
Fuel Pumps
Overtime the fuel pump can wear out, but it might not necessarily fail catastrophically. While it may still be able to supply fuel at lower pressures, it may begin to struggle to provide fuel at higher pressures or for longer durations.
Worn Piston Rings
One of the major things that can happen over time is the piston rings will wear down, and this will allow for blow-by. Some of the high pressure air and fuel mixture combusting will pass by the pistons and travel along the cylinder walls into the crank case. This is pressure that should be pressing the piston down, so power is lost. It also means less compression as some of the air can escape as the piston travels upward on the intake stroke.
Carbon Deposits On Intake Valves/Valve Seats
If carbon deposits build up on the valves or valve seats, this can prevent the valves from closing properly. If an intake valve cannot fully close, it will allow air to escape during the compression stroke, effectively lowering the compression ratio.
Carbon Deposits On The Piston
If deposits build on the piston or cylinder walls, these deposits can create hot spots. These hot spots can result in engine knock if conditions allow for it. If the engine is capable, it will retard the ignition timing to reduce the likelihood of knock. By retarding the ignition timing, power is lost.
Fouled Spark Plugs
Spark plugs can build deposits with time. Inconsistent spark plug firing means you’re likely to misfire. Maintaining clean plugs ensures that the spark part of the equation doesn’t result in a loss of power.
4/26/22
Ford Truck Dearborn Assembly Plant
Ford Motor Company automobile factory complex located in Dearborn, Michigan, along the River Rouge, upstream from its confluence with the Detroit River at Zug Island. Construction began in 1917, and when it was completed in 1928, it was the largest integrated factory in the world.
4/25/22
Why Ford Dominates The Market For Police Vehicles
There are about 12,000 police departments patrolling jurisdictions across the United States. More than half of police vehicles driving through neighborhoods and cities are Fords. The second-largest U.S. automaker in terms of sales is also the biggest purveyor of police vehicles. In 2018, Ford's share of police vehicle sales in the U.S. was 63 percent thanks to its immensely successful Police Interceptor lineup.
4/22/22
GM teases Silverado EV with Glass Roof!
GM reveals a quick sneak peek of its all-new Silverado EV truck with a glass roof. The company announced it will offer more details at CES 2022.
4/20/22
Building the Ultimate Work Truck | A Guide for Contractors and Equipment Suppliers
A good work truck shouldn’t just be reliable transportation—It needs to be a toolbox, a mobile office, a hauler, and more… Here’s a complete guide to building a work truck that works as hard as you do.
Work Truck Job Requirements
When it comes to the different work truck functions, here are some questions to get you started…
Passengers. How many people will you have to fit? Some trucks offer a way to easily reconfigure the interior to accommodate more people or more cargo.
Load. How much weight do you need to haul? If you regularly haul heavy equipment to job sites, you may want a truck with a high towing capacity.
Tools. What kinds of tools do you need to keep handy in the truck? You’ll want a way to organize and secure them and may want to consider aftermarket accessories as well—But more about this later.
Distance. How far do you travel each day? If you’re clocking in some heavy miles, a hybrid or all-electric work truck could save you some dough.
Terrain. What kind of terrain will you travel on? You may not need an all-wheel-drive (AWD) if you’re just driving on regular pavement.
Truck Size
You want to be comfortable! One indication that the truck may not be the right size for you is your need to move the seat to maximum positions—For example, do you need to move all the way up and forward in order to see over the wheel? Or will you want to lower the seat and recline it in order to avoid hitting your head? Don’t judge a truck by a photo, alone—You’ll want to take a seat inside the real thing!
Truck Hauling and Towing
If you regularly move equipment and other heavy items, we recommend getting the highest rated towing capacity that you can afford. For some, sacrificing interior space for a longer truck bed will suit their hauling needs. It is not necessary to buy a work truck large enough to tow items that you rarely have to transport. In the event you have a super heavy load, you can always just lease a larger truck.
Truck Wheels
You’ll want the type of wheels that can handle the terrain you are most likely to encounter on a regular basis. Some like the look of oversized tires, but it can be harder to get into a truck that is high off the ground. You can be dazzled by expensive rims, but you’re going to work, not a truck show. These are opportunities to save money to buy more practical accessories.
Truck Safety
Airbags are standard these days, but some newer work trucks include some impressive safety features, including braking when a living being is detected in front of you or warning you if you start to drift into another lane. And backup cameras are getting more sophisticated with guides to help you back into spaces and warning signals when you’re getting too close to a wall.
Tools
There are several ways to organize your tools. Here are just a few options:
Decked offers a unique drawer system that doesn’t take away your bed space.
Bedslide makes it easy to slide your tools and equipment out from your truck.
Weather Guard has their line of Pack Rat pull out storage in various sizes.
Ram offers the Rambox Cargo Management System on some models. It has locked storage that lines the bed of the truck.
4/18/22
How Does the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Compare to Other Electric Pickups?
By Brian Normile
With the debut of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet is joining a fast-growing segment of the truck market: all-electric pickups. But how does this full-size electric truck compare with what other manufacturers have announced? Let’s take a look at currently available specs of the Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck to see how the Silverado EV stacks up.
Related: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV: The Avalanche Resurrected (and Electrified)
Story continues here: https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2022/01/how-does-the-2024-chevrolet-silverado-ev-compare-to-other-electric-pickups.html
4/16/22
AAA StartSmart - Distracted Driving
4/15/22
THE FUTURE OF CUSTOM VEHICLES: FORD UNVEILS ALL-ELECTRIC F-100 ELUMINATOR CONCEPT WITH NEW EV CRATE MOTOR CUSTOMERS CAN NOW BUY
- All-electric Ford F-100 Eluminator concept truck showcases the benefits of electric propulsion using a 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition battery electric powertrain and twin front and rear electric traction motors that produce a combined 480 horsepower and 634 lb.-ft. of torque*
- Now available to purchase online or at a local dealer through Ford Performance Parts, the Eluminator electric crate motor from the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition produces 281 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque
- Ford to lead electric performance revolution with all-electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 drag car; plus, Vaughn Gittin Jr. reimagines drifting in thrilling, smoke-filled Mach-E 1400 exhibitions, while
- Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition reinvents exhilarating touring car performance – all are on display at SEMA
LAS VEGAS, SEMA SHOW 2021– Ford previews the future of electrified custom vehicles with the reveal of the all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept – a zero-tailpipe-emissions** demonstration truck powered by the all-new Ford Performance Parts Eluminator electric crate motor that customers can now buy online.
Based on a heritage 1978 F-100 pickup, the F-100 Eluminator concept features all-wheel drive via two powerful electric motors shared with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Two electric traction motors drive the front and rear wheels, packing a powerful 480 horsepower and 634 lb.-ft. of torque. Eluminator, the first e-crate motor from Ford Performance Parts, is based on the Mustang Mach-E GT’s traction motor.
“Ford owners have personalized, customized and enhanced their vehicles since the beginning – from changing looks to bringing the power,” said Eric Cin, global director, Vehicle Personalization, Accessories and Licensing. “Our F-100 Eluminator concept is a preview of how we’re supporting customers as they go all-electric and embrace zero-tailpipe emissions performance, even for our heritage vehicles.”
The all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept, designed and created by Ford Performance, was built in collaboration with MLe Racecars and sits on a custom chassis by the Roadster Shop. It’s painted in Avalanche Gray with Cerakote Copper accents applied by Brand X Customs, while the interior features a billet aluminum dash by JJR Fabrication and avocado-tanned leather upholstery by MDM Upholstery. It’s fitted with custom 19x10-inch billet aluminum three-piece wheels by Forgeline wrapped in Michelin® Latitude® Sport 275/45-19 high-performance tires.
Eluminator e-crate motor ignites electric performance revolution
Globally, vehicle performance parts and accessories industry generates approximately $50 billion annually, that covers hardware for everything from hot rods to off-road vehicles, and from mobile electronics to vehicle accessories.
Ford Vehicle Personalization and Ford Performance Parts continue to add new choices for customers, like the Eluminator e-crate motor, as the shift to electric vehicles accelerates. It’s the first of what will become a growing portfolio of performance parts and accessories for Ford electric vehicles.
Part No. M-9000-MACH-E, the e-crate motor is now available at authorized Ford parts warehouse dealers or online at Ford Performance Parts. Retailing at $3,900, it is targeted for builders looking for a transverse-oriented powertrain to electrify a range of vehicles from modern to vintage cars, trucks and SUVs. Each Eluminator e-crate motor produces 281 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque and is street-legal in all 50 states.
Over time, Ford Performance plans to develop a wider list of components for the Eluminator powertrain with some of the leading performance manufacturers, including battery systems, controllers and traction inverters to close the loop on full turnkey aftermarket electrification solutions.
Ford to lead aftermarket electric performance revolution
With the push toward electrification, several electric-powered vehicles on display at the Ford set, booth No. 22200, include the 1,400-horsepower electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 demo, driven by Vaughn Gittin Jr. in smoke-filled, tire-thrashing exhibition rides at Ford Out Front at Las Vegas Convention Center.
The first all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning™ is also on display, along with a factory Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition next to the all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept. Three custom Mustang Mach-E creations include a prototype from Shelby American, showing could come from the legendary Ford racing collaborator. Jim Osborn, former pro SCCA racer and founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, is preparing their custom Mustang Mach-E GT build to run at the Bonneville Speed Week next summer with the goal of being the first Mustang Mach-E to top the 200-mph mark.
This past weekend, Ford’s Mustang Cobra Jet 1400, an electric-powered exhibition dragster prepared by Ford Performance and MLe Racecars, demonstrated its quickness at the NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas.
“The fact is, electric performance is fun, and as the industry moves toward electric vehicles, motorsports and the performance aftermarket will too,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance. “Just as Ford is committed to leading the electric revolution on the product side, Ford Performance is equally committed to winning on the performance and motorsports front.”
All of the vehicles shown have been modified by independent vehicle modifiers for SEMA. They are for demonstration purposes only and are not available for sale by Ford. Ford’s display of these vehicles is not intended to, nor does it constitute an endorsement of the vehicle modifiers, vehicle modifications, or use of the vehicles by Ford. Ford has not evaluated these modified vehicles. Vehicle owners and modifiers should consult their Ford’s owner’s manual before modifying vehicles and for proper usage.
Vehicles that are not street legal or certified under FMVSS and safety and emission regulations are not intended or certified for use on public roads.
# # #
* Calculated via peak performance of the electric motor(s) at peak battery power. Your results may vary.
** Visit fueleconomy.gov for more information.
All of the vehicles shown have been modified by independent vehicle modifiers for SEMA. They are for demonstration purposes only and are not available for sale by Ford. Ford’s display of these vehicles is not intended to, nor does it constitute an endorsement of the vehicle modifiers, vehicle modifications, or use of the vehicles by Ford. Ford has not evaluated these modified vehicles. Vehicle owners and modifiers should consult their Ford’s owner’s manual before modifying vehicles and for proper usage. Vehicles that are not street legal or certified under FMVSS and safety and emission regulations are not intended or certified for use on public roads.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 183,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
4/13/22
SPITZ LIFT Fold-Down Crane
Load capacity = 900 lbs.
Crane weight = 46 lbs.
Install weight = 99 lbs.
User friendly
Cost efficient
B U I L T T O L I F T
Learn more at: https://spitzlift.com/
4/10/22
CURT 5th Wheels Introduction
The CURT 5th wheel line offers a range of weight capacities, mounting options, and more OEM puck system products than anyone else on the market.
Each 5th wheel fits into one of three categories based on features, design and quality: the A-series, Q-series, and E-series. All 5th wheels are available with legs, base rails, rollers, OEM legs and OEM roller adapters
4/08/22
Pro Power Onboard | Ford How-To | Ford
This easy-to-follow video will show you how to use Pro Power Onboard,* which you may have on your Ford vehicle, to provide electrical power to certain power tools and electronic devices.
*See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.
Learn more about being a Ford owner here: https://ford.to/3juU0Q8
4/06/22
The New 2022 Ford E-Transit World Debut | Ford
We’re electrifying the future for business. The zero-emission 2022 E-Transit is joining our EV lineup, leading the charge for commercial customers into an electrified, more sustainable future.
*Preproduction vehicle shown. Available late 2021.
Learn more about the 2022 Ford E-Transit here: https://ford.to/3lnXodE
4/04/22
Steel or Aluminum Truck Bed? BedRug Bedliners Protect Them All
No matter what your truck bed is made of (steel or aluminum) the BedRug truck bedliner will help protect it from impact.
4/02/22
Building the Ultimate Work Truck | A Guide for Contractors and Equipment Suppliers
A good work truck shouldn’t just be reliable transportation—It needs to be a toolbox, a mobile office, a hauler, and more… Here’s a complete guide to building a work truck that works as hard as you do.
Work Truck Job Requirements
When it comes to the different work truck functions, here are some questions to get you started…
Passengers. How many people will you have to fit? Some trucks offer a way to easily reconfigure the interior to accommodate more people or more cargo.
Load. How much weight do you need to haul? If you regularly haul heavy equipment to job sites, you may want a truck with a high towing capacity.
Tools. What kinds of tools do you need to keep handy in the truck? You’ll want a way to organize and secure them and may want to consider aftermarket accessories as well—But more about this later.
Distance. How far do you travel each day? If you’re clocking in some heavy miles, a hybrid or all-electric work truck could save you some dough.
Terrain. What kind of terrain will you travel on? You may not need an all-wheel-drive (AWD) if you’re just driving on regular pavement.
Truck Size
You want to be comfortable! One indication that the truck may not be the right size for you is your need to move the seat to maximum positions—For example, do you need to move all the way up and forward in order to see over the wheel? Or will you want to lower the seat and recline it in order to avoid hitting your head? Don’t judge a truck by a photo, alone—You’ll want to take a seat inside the real thing!
Truck Hauling and Towing
If you regularly move equipment and other heavy items, we recommend getting the highest rated towing capacity that you can afford. For some, sacrificing interior space for a longer truck bed will suit their hauling needs. It is not necessary to buy a work truck large enough to tow items that you rarely have to transport. In the event you have a super heavy load, you can always just lease a larger truck.
Truck Wheels
You’ll want the type of wheels that can handle the terrain you are most likely to encounter on a regular basis. Some like the look of oversized tires, but it can be harder to get into a truck that is high off the ground. You can be dazzled by expensive rims, but you’re going to work, not a truck show. These are opportunities to save money to buy more practical accessories.
Truck Safety
Airbags are standard these days, but some newer work trucks include some impressive safety features, including braking when a living being is detected in front of you or warning you if you start to drift into another lane. And backup cameras are getting more sophisticated with guides to help you back into spaces and warning signals when you’re getting too close to a wall.
Tools
There are several ways to organize your tools. Here are just a few options:
Decked offers a unique drawer system that doesn’t take away your bed space.
Bedslide makes it easy to slide your tools and equipment out from your truck.
Weather Guard has their line of Pack Rat pull out storage in various sizes.
Ram offers the Rambox Cargo Management System on some models. It has locked storage that lines the bed of the truck.
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