I want to write....

[dvsj67]

Hey guys

So I have been browsing this forum for quite some time now.. only recently did I become and active poster. However what i notice.. Actually what i notice with this whole industry is the background knowledge of the simple theories and principles of how certain systems work.

I hear a lot of guys talk about how they can do this and that with a vehicle but cant actually tell you how it works.

So my question to you guys is what kind of theory articles would you like to see posted - I note that engine theory and fluid power theory seems to be a strong one that people know less about but i want to hear from you!

 

[straycat]

Hello. Give us an example of what you are saying. Look at a post you have read and put the link here and we can go from there. Hope to help you out!!

 

[shane96ranger]

I guess I'm a little confused too. What exactly are you getting at?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My own downfall is basic diagnostics and lack of knowledge of electrical systems. Similar to computer systems, I can tear it apart and put it back together again, but when it comes to the software part, like writing a letter in whatever program it is that does that, I don't know how. if I can't see it and touch it, it can't exist. Well, I'm learning. I've bought a few books and I'm getting better, but not having someone physically present to show you how to do something slows the learning process way down. I end up second guessing my diagnosis, and/or forgetting important steps. If I don't know, I don't link the info into clear thought. I own Haynes + ford books but they are written with an assumption of knowledge that in specific aspects I am lacking, mainly because I'm self-taught. The previous books mentioned are on vehicle electrical theory and the tools used, so I'm slowly getting the knowledge, I just need to practice on the practical application. Anyway, my suggestion would be efi diagnostics, the hierarchy of input devices ie; what does the computer look at first.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[Will]

He's offering to do work for us.

Check out this example article from the tech library. Can you do something specific and focused like this?

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/June04/tech.htm

 

[Jim Oaks]

My first thought is charging systems.

 

[doorgunner]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......he wants to bring some Class to the site!

 

[dvsj67]

Yeah! Charging systems is a good one, because to understand a charging system you need to understand basic electrical theory..

I also note ALOT of lack of information on fluid systems (Hydraulics) .. I just believe that without knowing the principles and basic theories behind something, you cant identify a source of the problem.

 

[PhantomOfTheBumpside]

Kind of like how people will raise, lower, shorten and stretch vehicles without the slightest inkling of how these things affect Ackermann geometry and why this matters...

 

[trail B2]

That was a very good example [will] the AC 101 shined a lot of light for me.

I have read side material to help but the fuel injection system is where there is a lot of this and that but don't understand how it works.

It would be nice to have a rough chart for every inch you raise the vehicle you loose a certain amount of side hill ability without going wider.

 

[Will]

Yeah! Charging systems is a good one, because to understand a charging system you need to understand basic electrical theory..

I also note ALOT of lack of information on fluid systems (Hydraulics) .. I just believe that without knowing the principles and basic theories behind something, you cant identify a source of the problem.

Do charging systems. I'll work with you on formatting your article. PM me when you have a draft.

 

[AllanD]

Kind of like how people will raise, lower, shorten and stretch vehicles without the slightest inkling of how these things affect Ackermann geometry and why this matters...

Actually you procede from the monumentally mistaken idea that Rangers actually have "ackerman steering".

ALL the steering and suspension parts on Beam trucks are IDENTICAL on everything from the Bronco2 to the Ranger supercab (within model year
and 2wd or 4x4)

They do not have "ackerman steering", what they have is "close enough" steering.

"ackerman" can approach the "perfect", However perfect is the enemy
of "good enough".


On SLA Rangers I'm reasonably sure that correct Ackerman geometry is
possible on ONE of the wheelbase configurations, but for what should be obvious reasons, not all. Which one? I have no Idea. Not sure I entirely
care either.

To have accomplished that Ford would have required different steering
arms on the steering knuckles for each wheelbase

So "messing with the steering geometry" in a way that defies proper
Ackerman geometry is a discussion that should be held with FORD's
Engineers at the original design level if at all.

As someone who actually has a 2001 supercab frame that I'm back
half-ing to create a 7'bed Supercab I'm reasonably sure that I
personally don't care all that much.

The problem with deeper engineering knowledge is that most people don't
have actual use for that deeper knowledge, or they simply don't have the necissary background knowledge to understand it.

And in the space of an average forum post or even a "Tech article" there
really isn't room for an engineering course on each subject leading up to the specific information needed to make people really understand.

You & I both know E=I/R, but actually teaching anyone enough so that they "really get it", can apply it to their situation and use it to diagnose
their problem is both unlikely and wishful thinking

I've seen enough pairs of eyes glaze over from disinterest/failure to comprehend/or simple brain overload (complete with smoke out their ears)
to last me a lifetime.

The only reason I keep explaining things to people is for the less frequent cases where someone "really gets it", and does so sufficiently to explain it to someone else well enough so that third party can solve their problem.


AD

 

[dvsj67]

Do charging systems. I'll work with you on formatting your article. PM me when you have a draft.

Sounds like a solid start! Maybe i can work on something for HVAC for coming into the spring and summer months as well.

 

[PhantomOfTheBumpside]

Actually you procede from the blah blah blah blah "ackerman steering".

ALL the blah blah blah Bronco2 to the Ranger supercab (blah blah blah 2wd or 4x4)

Blah Blah blah "ackerman steering", blah blah blah "close enough" steering.

"ackerman" blah blah "perfect", Blah perfect blah blah blah "good enough".

....

You & I both know E=I/R, but actually teaching anyone enough so that they "really get it", can apply it to their situation and use it to diagnose
their problem is both unlikely and wishful thinking

Blah blah blah blah glazed donut blah blah blah blah .......

The only reason I keep explaining things to people is for the less frequent cases where someone "really gets it", and does so sufficiently to explain it to someone else well enough so that third party can solve their problem.


AD

Let me meditate on that for a second....



OHM...............
OHM...............
OHM...............



Eh... I got nothin', but I'm vaguely hungry.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

ALL the steering and suspension parts on Beam trucks are IDENTICAL on everything from the Bronco2 to the Ranger supercab (within model year
and 2wd or 4x4)

They do not have "ackerman steering", what they have is "close enough" steering.
AD

Is this true for full size as well? I've been looking for a correct [close] wheel base donor for a bunch of different projects. I may be closer than I knew.
Thanks,

Richard