suspension FORD F150 2003 10.G SVT Supplement Manual

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Ford Special Vehicle Team family and thank you for
purchasing the Ford SVT F–150 Lightning. We trust that our tremendous
dedication to the automotive enthusiast’s total ownership experience will
provide you with many miles of exhilarating, safe, and comfortable
driving in your new SVT F–150 Lightning.
SVT strives for balance between powertrain and chassis, cornering
prowess and long-distance comfort, always working to build vehicles in
which no one system overwhelms or overshadows any other. In the SVT
F–150 Lightning, that philosophy is carried forward through a
sophisticated powertrain as well as significant interior, exterior,
suspension, and braking system components.
This supplement complements your F–150 Owner’s Guide and provides
information specific to SVT and the SVT F–150 Lightning. By referring to
the pages listed in this supplement, you can identify those features,
recommendations, and specifications unique to your new SVT F–150
Lightning.
If you have any questions, please call us at the Ford Special Vehicle
Team hotline from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST at 1–800–FORD-SVT
(1–800–367–3788).
SVT HISTORY
The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) was established in 1991. SVT was
commissioned to create factory-produced driver’s cars and trucks;
vehicles that possess a balance between engine and chassis, roadholding
and a supple ride, refinement and performance capability. These qualities
are the core of the SVT product development philosophy.
To support SVT, Ford Motor Company created a dedicated product
development group, Ford Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE). In October
2001, Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) was renamed Special Vehicle
Team/Engineering (SVT/Engineering).The nucleus of Ford SVT is a
small, cross-functional group of engineers, product planners, and
marketing people who meet on a weekly basis to ensure SVT vehicles
and their mission remain focused. SVT draws heavily on the talents and
knowledge of other driving enthusiasts at Ford who work in the key
disciplines of design, product development, manufacturing, and
marketing. The heart of the SVT philosophy is a deep commitment to
skillful and enthusiastic driving. The ultimate goal of everyone at SVT is
to create vehicles that speak to the needs and desires of the
knowledgeable driving enthusiast.
Introduction
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IMPORTANT TIRE INFORMATION
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with unique wheels and tires designed to
enhance performance and appearance. To continue providing this
performance, extra care must be taken when operating and maintaining
your vehicle.
TIRES
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with low profile, high performance tires
that are designed to optimize handling, steering and braking to provide
the performance you expect in a SVT vehicle. These tires are not
optimized for off-road or winter performance, and their ride, noise and
wear characteristics are different than other tires. Also, because of their
lower profile, the tires are more susceptible to damage due to potholes
and rough or unpaved roads. To ensure that your tires perform as
designed, it is important that you maintain your tires properly:
•Always maintain your tire pressures according to the tire information
placard in the doorjamb or inside the fuel filler door, using an accurate
gauge.
•Tire pressures are specified “cold” and should be checked after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. Do not reduce pressure
of warm tires.
•Check your tire pressure often to maintain it properly. Tire pressure
can diminish over time and fluctuate with temperature.
•Do not overload your vehicle. Maximum vehicle and axle weights are
listed on the tire information placard.
•Extra caution should be taken when operating the vehicle near its
maximum load, including assuring proper tire pressure and reducing
speeds.
•Extra caution should be taken when operating on rough roads to avoid
impacts that could cause tire damage.
•In the event that you encounter an abnormally harsh impact, inspect
you tires for damage.
•Inspect your tires for damage on a regular basis. If a tire is damaged,
replace it immediately.
•Proper suspension alignment is critical for maximum performance and
optimal tire wear. If you notice uneven tire wear, have you alignment
checked.
•Rotate tires as recommended in your Owner’s Guide or SVT Owner’s
Guide Supplement.
Tire Information
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