Originally Posted by Bluegrass 7

Yes it could be done.
Some years back there was some info to accomplish it.
You would manuel switch it but have to be on the switch when coming to a stop etc or it would be the same as not putting the clutch in on a manuel shift.
It might set a code when the PCM can't see the solenoid performance but you would ignor it.
On my trans, out of OD pulling a hill raises the converter outlet temperature so I know it's not in lockup and there is no code telling me there is a problem.
As soon as the trans upshifts into OD the temp goes down after just a few minutes in lockup.
A temperature monitor gauge at that point reacts very quickly to converter temp changes as opposed to one in the pan or the side of the case.
The way to tell what the trans is doing is to watch the Tach.
Out of lock the rpm will respond to throttle over about a 3 to 400 rpm range.
In lockup the rpm won't move except with increasing or decreasing road speed.
There are a lot of things that can be seen if one can accuratly associate what you see with the actions that go on.
For example, in cruise and steady load around 55 to 60, a sudden let off the throttle and touching the brake then back on watching the Tach you can see the RPM rise when the trans goes out of lock then come back down when lockup is reapplied by the PCM after a few second.
This is a normal function used since the first electric controlled transmissions that had lock up back in the early 80s.
It's intentional so in a panic braking situation the motor is not driving the vehichle any more than it has to to shorten braking distance.
What starts all this is the brake signal switch to the PCM, the TPS suddenly goes to idle position. The PCM logics this as a possible Emg situation and unlocks the converter.
If nothing happens after a few seconds the lockup come back on.
And now you know the 'rest' of the story!
Good luck

Originally Posted by jvandrehle

Could he also possibly consider the swap to front brakes off of an Expedition of the same year? I believe that the calipers have larger pistons and the rotors are thicker and have more cooling area between them.

Originally Posted by luckyse7ens

This! The 7700 f150 also had larger caliper pistons and they are metal instead of the phenolic ones. Expedition rotors and 7700 f150 calipers and brackets.

Originally Posted by wjb21ndtown

Wow, way to utilize the "way back machine."

Originally Posted by luckyse7ens

HAha, yeah the search button is a cruel mistress.

Damned if you do and damned if you don;t.

I should've check the post date

Originally Posted by wjb21ndtown

Nothing wrong with bringing up an old thread that has good material in it!

Do you happen to know of the brake upgrade that someone was working on with stock Dodge Ram parts? I remember it, but I don't remember how it concluded (or even if it concluded).