green150, even if the guy charges for damaged fuse box, when the truck is returned you might want to look at the altenator to see if it looks new and shiny. not trying to suggest anything improper with your repair shop, but it does sound like alternator problem. Anyway, that's what is good about the forum as we all learn somthing nearly every day so pls post what you find.

 

A friend of mine with a 97' had the same exact problem and it was the windshield leaking onto the fuse box next to the driver's door. I think there is a TSB on this problem. It's a good idea to look out for those window leaks. I have not yet noticed any on my 97'.

 

03150man, Shiny new alternator! I like that one
I hope to get the truck back tomorrow and I'll post the results.

 

I have the old fuse box and there was defininately water in it. A fair amount of green corrosion not only on the leads but on the casing as well. The new alternator most likely solved the problem but I'm glad I got the leak fixed and that fuse box probably wouild have caused problems eventually.

 

I'm just curious, how much did it cost to replace your gears, how hard was it if you did it yourself and how has your gas milage suffered? IF you already have another thread, direct me that way.

 

lifeguardjoe,
FMS gears from Diversified Products $150
Installation kit including new bearings $110
TruTrac ls from Randy's $390 (can be had cheaper but they helped me with the ABS ring issue)
ABS exciter ring from Ford $40
Installation $200.

I'm still waiting for a 21 tooth speedo gear from Steeda. Can't say anything about the gas mileage until its in. I went from 3.08s to 4.10s so the speedo is waaaayyy off. Shift points aren't right either.

Pretty much all the advice I've received, including from this forum, is to leave the ring and pinion installation to the experts.