Has anyone installed after market signal mirrors on their 1997/newer f150? Any hints,tips feedback would be appreciated. I was looking at the Muth brand.
2nd question. My 1997 F150 4x4 binds like hell when I am in 4 wheel drive and turn in reverse. I have a hell of a time getting it to free itself. Is this normal?? My dealer said they all do it??? Is he B.S. 'ing me??
I am 10 minutes new so forgive me if these are old topics.

 

Hey welcome! I don't know about the mirrors except that it has been discussed on here so maybe somebody else will come along. On the binding, I thought it was just my fenders packed full of snow when it felt like that but it's not. Haven't had any trouble yet.

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'97 F-150 Lariat SuperCab 4X4

• White/Silver, 4.6L, Auto.,Open 3:55
• Tinted Windows/Bedmat/Toolbox/Lund Bug Deflector/Ventvisors/Extra Horns
• 265/75/16 BFGoodrich AT's on polished 16x8 AR-136's
• Cat-back Dual Exhaust (Straight pipes with big chrome tips)
• Black Polar Bear Grille Guard
• Cranked Torsion Bars for 1" Lift

 

I may be new to Fords, but not new to 4WD. All of my 4WD vehicles (Toyota, Nissan, Jeep) have exhibited "binding" while in 4WD on extreme turning.
I haven't experienced any issues with the "binding" and it hasn't affected my 4WD performance.

Signal mirrors...sorry, can't help, my Lariat has the Ford signal mirrors stock.

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...my first "big" truck
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat
4WD, 4DR...absolutely stock (I guess)

 

Well, It happens in the summer or anytime. Next time you think of it put your truck in 4x4 and back up about 20' or so and crank the wheel full to 1/2 way while still backing up. That is when I feel the binding. It struggles as if I were to have one foot on the brake with the other on the gas pedal. When I first noticed the problem, I was backing out of a Drive way in the summer and I turned the 4x4 on instead of the fan (I know Dumb-*** rookie). Anyway I back out onto the street and turned the wheel as I was 1/2 on the street and It just jerked and jerked. The street is a blind curve so of course I almost got taken out by a school bus doing 45 mph in a 20 mph zone. NICE... inches away from turning my 1997 f-150 into a "2000" F-150. I was fuming. thanks for those who replied and I look forward to any future feedback. Vince

 

Based on that scenario, I would say that you do have a problem. Sounds unsafe (and scary) and I would take it back to Ford to fix.

G'Luck

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...my first "big" truck
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat
4WD, 4DR...absolutely stock (I guess)

 

Muth mirrors were very easy to install....I think the wiring is already in the doors too...mine was.....The directions were pretty easy to follow.....Come to the SAN ANTONIO Rally and we will install them if you bring them...lol......dave

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1998 F-150, SC/Flairside,oxford white 4x2,4.6,auto,3.55s,nerf bars,cls 111 towing,bed liner w/mat,Eagle polished wheels 16x10 w/Yokahama Geolandars 315/75/16s,all plastics guards/bug shields,air raid/k & n filter, superchipped, duals out the back corners, flow master 3 chamber, snug top lid, f-150 online sticker back window-honk if you see me!!! Fabtech 3 1/2 lift,3" spindles, 3" body lift=9 1/2 inches of lift, lift lips.coverking dash cover, Lumi Logo's (front and rear), clear front corner lenses, muth mirrors,dash mounted CB, (TX Chapter requirement,lol),personalized license plates, Superlift traction bars,Image tail light covers (painted).and it still fits in the garage, yeahhhhhh

San Antonio
DWESSELS89@AOL.COM

 

COOL, I just know some times it is harder than they make you aware of to get into the door wires and fish additional wires thru the harness boot. I'm getting them.. I just wanted to prepare my self w/some ammo. Thanx, vince

 

FYI
You can go to Muth's website and download the installation instructions.

 

The drivetrain binding is normal if you are on dry pavement. The reason this happens is that when turning, the front wheels must turn farther than the rear wheels... Therefore, when you are in 4wd, the front driveshaft tries to turn farther than the rear driveshaft, and because they are geared together, it binds up. The solution is to not engage 4wd on dry pavement or where an abundance of traction exists. In low traction situations (i.e. loose gravel, sand, snow, ice, mud, etc) the binding can be relieved by one or more of the wheels slipping... this is normal operation of a true 4wd transfer case.

As for the mirrors, I know Performance Products carries the Muth mirrors...

-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!Clear Corners, Manik Stainless Steel 1-piece brush guard, Custom CB wiring, Uniden PC76-XLW CB radio with K-40 Magna-Mount antenna (for now), 1 set of 165 watt KC Daylighters (for now... more on the way) Custom switch mounting plate and overhead console, Bully Stainless Steel Trailer hitch drawbarw/ 2" stainless steel ball.
List of planned mods: Clear tails, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

93 Probe GT teal, OE rims painted to match, bone stock drivetrain.

 

Thanks Joe, I was beginning to wonder since I've had my truck in 4WD all day because of all the ice we got (and just had a fun weekend 'playing' in the snow). Was beginning to think something might be getting ready to break because it does that even going forward when turning real sharp. Thanks again for the explanation.