Breakout Boxes

[lsrx101]

Hi Y'all. I finally ventured out of Free Parking. I've been lurking around on GJ for quite a while, but couldn't offer much except "Yep. he's right" or "I agree..." to most topics. I have a topic that I've never seen discussed.

I've been looking to buy Ford 60 and 104 pin breakout boxes for my home shop. (along with a Super Star II and/or NGS as funds will allow.)
I was a Ford Tech for many years and seem to work on more F/L/M products than others even today. Folks kinda know I'm the "Ford Guy" in the neighborhood.

Neither of the Ford specific BOB's appear for sale very often, but I see many OTC, Kent-Moore and Miller "universal" BOBs for sale in various configurations. I know nothing about those.
In my experience, each company makes specialty tools for the Big Three: OTC-Ford, Kent-Moore-GM and Miller-Chrysler.

Are there interface cables available for the various "universal" BOBs to access different US manufacturer systems and their subsystems?

If so, how can they be identified? I know that's a REALLY broad question, but any input would be appreciated. I'm clueless at this point, so any clues would help.

Thanks, Tom

 

[kythri]

Well...

OTC/Kent-Moore/Miller are all part of the same company...

I wouldn't worry too much about a product from them...

If any one of them makes a universal system, you'd think they'd have the cables you need.

If you've got a part number for one of those universal jobs, you should be able to dig it up here: http://www.servicesolutions.spx.com/

and see what accessories are available for it.

 

[Danglerb]

Couple months ago I saw a batch of Ford bob's on ebay from belly up dealers, cheap. Some were brand new, if I remember right about $150 with few if any bidders. I almost bought the EECIV stuff for my 91 Mustang, but I don't have any trouble with it and decided not to.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's true that SPX is the single parent company behind most of the manufacturers special tools. As for the break out boxes, you may want to stick to the ones you know best instead of a one size fit most generic version. The Generic boxes I've seen have overlays and labels on the connectors to identify what applications it's for. I second the post to watch Ebay for used dealer equipment and an NGS. NGS have being selling fairly cheap since most people have moved to the IDS.

 

[lsrx101]

Thanks guys.
I think I'll stick to what I know. It's interesting that all 3 names are owned by the same company, I had no idea.

The BOBs probably wouldn't get a lot of use, but they are a real help when needed. I tripped across those universal boxes while browsing around and they caught my attention.

Yep, the NGS is finally getting to be affordable. I'm actually bidding on one now.

 

[caper]

The NGS was a nice tool to use,the WDS they replaced it with would make you want to scream in frustration.All the guys in our shop would fight for the NGS while the WDS sat on the console unused.

 

[krusty the clown]

The NGS was a nice tool to use,the WDS they replaced it with would make you want to scream in frustration.All the guys in our shop would fight for the NGS while the WDS sat on the console unused.

the wds was a pain but a much better tool than the ngs. the ids is great though.


to the OP......you may consider getting a set of soft probes from nu-di and just probing the connector. it's a safe and much cheaper alternative to BOB's.