running reg gas, 87 octane, it pings when in overdrive and i step on it a little. always thought it was due to lower octane, is this true or is something else happening?

Could be a dirty MAF sensor, or carbon deposits in the combustion chambers. Also could be an incorrect gap in the spark plugs (too close).
There's a lot of threads about pinging around here, so check it out.

good luck :chug:

There are several probable causes and solutions, almost all relate to an excessively lean mixture:
1) dirty mass air flow (MAF) sensor
2) leak at lower intake manifold (bolts come loose), or other small vacuum leak.
3) dirty cylinders
4) incorrect temperature reading to the computer
5) dirty fuel injectors.
The first two have been discussed at length, because they seem to be common. When mine pinged, it was because the bolts on the lower intake were loose.
Someone else may have other causes, too. Use the search feature and you should find solutions to any of the above problems
Good luck.

I would start with cleaning the MAF, it fixed mine. Just remember to diconnect the battery for a minimum 5 minutes after/during any attempts to solve this problem then let it idle for another 5 minutes before test driving. This causes our computers to relearn the fuel/air mixture. If you don't disconnect the battery the problem will still be there.

Ditto above and check the fuel filter too.

ok maf???? ummmmm is that the box on the air filter assembly?
if so ummm has them weird screws on it.....is that what we are talkin bout here?
i have seen them screws on the transfer case motor as well.....man i guess i need to get some of them to work on this truck lol i thought it was only on the transfer case motor that i would find them so is that fords way of making things difficult?

Yeah, this little black box in the side of the air filter assembly is the MAF sensor.
Hardeeharhar, You MUST be very careful when open and clean the MAF sensor.
The screws are a special kind of torx, but you can get the right tool at most autoparts stores. Mine only cost $3,00
To clean the filaments I believe the best is a cotton swab embedded with cab cleaner, carefully rubbed in the filaments.
Never spray directly the carb cleaner over the filaments, because the high pressure stream can break those delicate parts.

Goos Luck!;)

They are T-20 torx head bolts.

I wouldn't touch the MAF filaments with a cotton swab; too delicate. Just spray them...at a distance. If you spray right up close to the filaments you can damage them as was said. A misting of the cleaner will get it. It might take more than 1 spraying. Allow it to air dry 30 mins. (take it indoors to dry faster)