I've only had the truck a few weeks and haven't picked up a Chilton manual yet. It pings terribly climbing hills. Is the timing adjustable or is it all computerized? Thge truck is a '99, so I'm thinking I may be able to set the timing myself. I'll be in the garage this weekend bustin' knuckles, so hopefully I can get her purring like the kitten she is.

 

I'm no 3.0 expert, but I thought they had an ignition coil, so the timing is controlled by the computer. I would atleast run a higher octane for now to avoid damaging the internals.

 

U cannot set the timing it is all electronic. run the higher octane. but if it just started to do it id have a dealer opinion if they seen this lead to other problems.

 

First thing to check is the air filter and plugs. If it has a K&N air filter, there is a good chance the MAF sensor is contaminated with dirt & oil, and needs to be cleaned. If somebody has put Bosch plugs in it, they run too hot, and cause pinging. Install Motorcraft double platinum, or fine wire platinums plugs, and replace the K&N air filter with a OEM paper filter (Wix, Purolator, or Motorcraft). The timing is not adjustable without a PCM tuner.

 

Run some SeaFoam through the brake booster line (read up, link below).

Clean the throttle body, remove the EGR valve and clean out all the carbon. Replace the PCV valve and inspect its hose and elbows for cracks.

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=202473

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=180035

Etc. Bottom line, you should NOT have pinging on regular grade gas. Using higher octane to ease pinging is a bandaid, confirming that something is wrong, and a waste of money. I ran a 180* thermostat for a while, but it didn't ping when I put the 192* back in. I think the 180 contributed to the carbon build-up.

Remember the 3.0 is happy with high rpms, which helps keep the carbon from accumulating.