FordExcursions.com Forums
Tad Seckinger
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• Sunshine State, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 5/23/2003 |
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• 15 posts |
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 Posted:8/29/2005 14:55 |
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OK, all you Excursion "Gurus". I need opinions. Currently I tow a 6K trailer with a stock 01 7.3 PSD 4X2 EX. I plan to effectively double the size of the trailer and my planned mods are as follows:
1. New Ford Extreme Duty Air box. (Warranty approved from Ford)
2. Superchips programer (add 70hp + 150 TQ I can restore to stock when needed).
3. New Rancho RS5000 shocks on all corners.
4. Firestone Air-Ride bags.
5. Full set of gauges (Trans, boost & Pyro pre-turbo).
6. Hellwig sway bar.
7. Full stainless exhaust system. ( not sure which one yet -MBRP or Magnaflow?).
Can you guys add or see any problems with this set up? I plan to use an Equal-izer hitch or if pushed hard may opt for the Hensley Arrow but find it hard to justify the HUGE $$$.
Actually, this is my wifes truck and she will KICK MY BUTT if I screw it up.  |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:8/29/2005 15:33 |
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| Quote: | | Actually, this is my wifes truck and she will KICK MY BUTT if I screw it up. |
Then may I suggest a set of radius-rods?
She may kiss ya' for the improvement in ride quality alone.
PS - WELCOME to the forum. |
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Eddie Henson
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• Cordova, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 12/8/2004 |
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• 122 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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 Posted:8/29/2005 23:23 |
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Hey Tad,
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are on the right path. Although I don't do any towing with my X, I would recommend the Factory Tech valve body to help improve the shifting of the tranny. I am very happy with mine. The way it shifts now is a big improvement over the "before". Also, installation is straight-forward, though a little messy.  
Eddie Henson
2000 Ford Excursion XLT 7.3L PSD
203 degree Thermo; Factory Tech valve body; CCV mod; HX mod; Rancho RS9000 shocks; Shimmed FPR @ 67; Walker BTM; Evans NPG Coolant; Dieselsite Coolant Filter Kit; Dieselsite Heater Shutoff Valve; Zoodad Mod; WeatherTech In-channel Visors; Acetoned Badges; PSD Badges; Landyot's Gen II Radius Rods
"If you don't like America, Get the hell out !!" - John Rich |
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Tad Seckinger
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• Sunshine State, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 5/23/2003 |
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• 15 posts |
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Posted:8/30/2005 07:14 |
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Good information. I've thought about the tranny valve body mod but the Superchips programmer is supposed to firm up the shifting as well. Anyone have input on the advantages or dis-advantages of these two different stratagies? I've also considered the Banks Transcommand setup but isn't that basically the same as the superchips software mod? 
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/30/2005 07:50 |
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The proper way to firm up shifting is with a valve body, not by increasing line pressure with a computer chip (it's bad for the pump -- details here). Here's an install article on the valve body.
You can purchase chips that improve engine performance without touching the transmission. http://www.dieselsite.com sells its own branded version of a 6-setting chip. http://www.dieselinnovations.com will also have a few chip ideas as well.
LANDYOT Radius Rods are a must, too. Your X will tow straight as an arrow. Here's an install on the radius rods.
After I started towing, I also switched to Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid. I also installed the Dieselsite external transmission filter kit. Here's an install article on the filter kit.
You may want to consider a set of gauges that includes a transmission temp gauge, particularly since you'll be running a chip. I have not done these yet as I do not run a chip. I do have the gauges though, just haven't got around to installing them.
You can get discounts on Factory Tech valve bodies by purchasing a yearly subscription to SuperMotors, too.
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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kiarasue
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• Enumclaw, WA, USA |
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• Registered on 9/27/2005 |
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• 81 posts |
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Posted:9/29/2005 14:43 |
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Hey there, I just did some wireing mods on my 01 X. I tapped into the exhaust backpreasure valve and the conveter lock. With two micro switchs, One on the throttle to activate the new found exhaust brake and lock the converter. It works great on hills. Now flip the toggle switch the other way and you lock the converter. Great for going up hill. Alot less trans heat, the shifting in and out and converter slipage when unlocked is what causes the heat. Also in this mode, its like driveing a stick. The micro switch on the brake peddle unlockes the converter when you stop. I power brake it a little and lift off the brake and it takes of like a manuel trans. |
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