Thought I'd pop in here and get familiar with ya'll. Some of you guys I might already cross paths with on Facebook or here previously in other places - so you know I'm not new to playing with trucks (vvv see signature vvv) but I am new to the diesel side ('96 F350 CC 4x4). Picking it up in a couple weeks.

I was just curious as to what things from you guys' experience I should be mindful of with this truck (the PO is a friend and has filled me in on a lot of things as well but I like picking multiple folks' brains).

I know that there are a number of factors - towing frequency, overall driving patterns, environmental conditions - that play in to the routine maintenance game, but are there additional things I should consider in my service intervals? Or would they be similar to what I use for my gas trucks?

What basic things do guys do for a truck intended for some tow/some DD kind of duty? Not looking for speed for sure, nor do I need a real high HP monster, but a little "perk up" never hurts.

I'm sure more will come to mind after I get the truck and start driving it and such. But these are a couple things that came to my mind...

 

Welcome!!

I think most agree that getting her to breathe is most important. 6637 is a large intake tractor filter that cheap and can be found as a kit at Riffraff or at Napa if you want filter only. The down pipe needs to be swapped due to the stocker being absolutley rediculus. You can adapt one into your stock exhaust or put in a new setup for relatively cheap. These are good first steps to help power and EGT's.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

I am very familiar with Riffraff - done business with them before. I'm not sure if they put a 6637 on it or not yet - didn't ask. If not, it's on my list anyhow...at least a clean filter (every truck I buy, I do a full maintenance run through once I pick it up).

I've heard horror stories about changing downpipes on these - like "beating the firewall to make it work" kind of stories. Is that only if one changes the size of the downpipe, or is even the stock pipe a major PITA?

I guess if EGT's matter, I should consider gauges...not something I've ever had to think about on my gassers to this point. I'm kinda old-school that way - I like seeing physical gauges in the dash...

 

The stock downpipe fits without modifying the firewall... That's how I read your question. It is designed to fit, that's why they flattened it out.

Even to go to a 3" round, you'll have to beat the firewall in.

 

You can avoid beating the firewall by using a porta-power with the speader attachment. If you do put in an aftermarket downpipe, look into gutting the EBPV.

 

Yeah I just realized how dumb that sounded - stock to stock should fit obviously lol.

Is there benefit to increasing the downpipe size? And is EBPV. = exhaust back pressure valve? I know my gassers breathe better now that I have upped the exhaust side a bit as well as the intake side.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1322600-exhaust.html

I posted my install here.. Definitely do an exhaust swap on it. I wished I would of never waited so long. I should have the 6637 air filter installed in the next day or so. I did my own filter set up.

 

When cutting the stock DP out, use a sawzal, not a cutting torch. There have been a few trucks burned down to the ground using a cutting torch.

 

I will definitely be considering it. It's escaping my mind if the PO did that swap already or not.

Yeah, I tend to stick to sawzall or at worst a grinder when I can, me and torches don't always get along lol.

 

First post has a picture of the flat OEM downpipe, can't miss it ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...tion-pics.html

 

That's good info. Did not realize the pipe was flat like that...

 

So here's a question:

Being that I will be using the truck for some towing, I'll want to know more about how the truck is running than the standard gauge package provides. There's certain gauges that aren't on the dash that probably should be added. In your experiences, what ones are most important? I was thinking boost, EGT, and fuel, but I know a lot of folks run trans temp instead.

I know I could go buy an Edge CTS monitor and get it all in one place, but I'll be honest, I'm old school and I like looking at gauges.

 

I really like this Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor but I know what your saying about gauges, I have six besides the aeroforce. The fuel gauge I hardly ever look at, I have two EGT gauges that I look at all the time.

 

That's actually a pretty neat device. I like the "plug and play" aspect too.

I was thinking of a 3-pod pillar set up with boost, EGT, and trans temp or fuel...maybe I'll find somewhere to add this on as well. 96 was the first year for OBD II, right?

 

Its a modified version of OBD II, doesn't have all capability's. My three pillar column has boost, aeroforce and EGT. Next to the wait to start light is another EGT gauge. Under the dash is fuel pressure, coolant temp and oil pressure.