what made you switch to the ford, not knockin you, just wonderin? sure do like the looks of that 500, might have to get the rep over so i can play with one

Did you build the bed? How do you like the 6.4 Powerstroke? I heard they have a lot of power! Do you like it better than the 6.7 Cummins?

Not quite big enough for me but to each his own.  I prefer the 2010's too.

Prior to any alterations of the OEM electrical systems, the battery's negative (ground) cables must be disconnected
and positioned to prevent re-contact with the negative post. This precaution will minimize the potential for dead
batteries and possible damage to vehicle circuitry. Prior to arc welding or plasma cutting on the vehicle, refer to
QVM Bulletins Q-114 (E-Series) or Q-123 (F250-550) on the BBAS website (www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas).
An electrical load analysis must be preformed prior to adding circuits to the existing OEM wiring. The total circuit
current draw, including additional circuits, must not exceed 80% of the OEM circuit current protection rating for
fuses located in the passenger compartment and 60% of the OEM circuit current protection rating for fuses in the
engine compartment. All added circuits must be properly fused as described in the Fusing and Circuit Protection
Section of this bulletin. Refer to the Quality Program Guidelines, Appendix X, on our website for load analysis
worksheets and information.
Do not modify the OEM wiring to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Do not modify the OEM wiring to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Do not splice into the PCM systems for add-on devices.
Do not splice into the vehicle sensors for add-on devices (i.e. brake switch, backup switch and transmission
manual lever position sensor).
When the battery cables are disconnected from the battery, the PCM and radio memories will be lost.
NOTE: The vehicle's engine performance and transmission shift schedule will be affected until the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) "relearns" the lost data. This action usually requires a few miles of normal driving.
Modification to the OEM starting system, charging system, or wiring is not recommended. If the OEM alternator is
not adequate for the application, refer to Alternator Sizing section. Your aftermarket alternator should provide the
necessary hardware, wiring and instructions to assure your needs are met. Any aftermarket alternators should not
exceed 15 volts output on vehicles equipped with active glow plugs Aftermarket Plasma Cutting/Welding Operations on E-Series Vehicles
Models Affected: All E-Series; Van and Cutaway Model Year 2004 and later.
Action Requested: Please provide a copy of this bulletin to all Engineering, Manufacturing, Service,
Parts and Sub-Contractors
Background: E-Series Instrument Cluster failures have been reported subsequent to plasma cutting
or welding operations performed while modifying vehicle structural components.
The E-Series Instrument Cluster circuitry for 2004 has proven to be more sensitive to
induced voltage when compared to prior models.
Recommendations: Perform the following steps prior to any plasma cutting/welding operations.
Steps 2, 3 and 4 below are new FTQP requirements and will be incorporated in
The Guidelines Manual.
Step 1) Follow FTQP Guideline Procedures E 0403 and E 1114
E 0403
Drilling, Cutting or welding of any OEM steering or suspension component, including
mounting brackets, is unacceptable. Any welding of the frame within 4
inches of the steering gear, or within 4 inches of any rivet attaching a suspension
mounting bracket is unacceptable. If the suspension bracket is bolted and welding is done
within 4 inches, the bolt must be retorqued to OEM specifications. See the appropriate
Ford Truck Shop Manual.
E 1114
When welding is performed anywhere on the vehicle, protect the PCM from potential
damage by first disconnecting battery cables, then disconnecting the module.
• Battery cables must be disconnected from the battery (ies) and isolated from each
other and the vehicle
• The welder ground clamp must be positioned as close as possible to the area
where welding is to be performed. Paint and other protective coatings must be
removed from the weld site and the ground site to assure proper weld results.
Apply appropriate corrosion protection to the affected areas upon completion.
• Do not use any driveline, exhaust or suspension component as a welding ground
point.
• Avoid routing welding cables on, near, or across any electrical wiring or electronic
components while welding is in progress.
The PCM module must be hooked up after reconnecting the battery cables to reduce the
chance for harmful voltage spikes damaging sensitive electronics.
Q-114 Date: November 8, 2004
Revised:
SVE BULLETIN
SPECIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERING – BODY BUILDERS ADVISORY SERVICE
Toll-free: (877) 840-4338 E-Mail: bbasqa@ford.com (preferred)
Fax: (313) 594-2633 Website: www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas
Originator: J.J. Lubinski/jlubinsk Page 2 of 3 Date Issued 11/8/04:
EClusterBulletin.doc Date Revised:
Step(diesel engine equipped vehicles).
Do not move, alter, or add to OEM electrical ground points.
Do not splice into the stop lamp circuit at the stop lamp switch.

I see a lot of guys running new fords set up as welding rigs and seeing cactus's new rig was curious if anyone has had any trouble with them after welding on the back of the trucks?  I know chapperal energy had a 550 burn up and some eletrical problems with a couple others set up as roustabout rigs with rangers on the back of them.  In our shop we wont weld on a 05 or newer ford some other shops have had to replace computers even after they disconnected the ground (or so they say they did?)  Anybody else had any problems with the new fords I really like the trucks but the computer crap makes me want to stick with my old trusty rig!