I know this has been done before, but I can't find the thread. Can one of my brothers direct me how to do this mod and what are the benefits? Thanks.

 

Bryon, try this thread ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/704442-tc-lock.html

 

I don't know if John would like that Byron! LOL I put one on the Mule and liked it but was told time and time again its bad for the coast clutches.

 

Hmmm, how you like yours though? I am really wondering about doing it.

 

Its on the first truck, the mule. I liked it but didn't use it a whole lot. When you need some extra braking because of the driving conditions it was nice to have. Just haven't done it to the OX because I have the disk brakes on the camper.

 

I don't see that it would be a big problem for the coast clutch. With the converter locked there will be approximately 10% more engine braking. That shouldn't make any appreciable difference to the coast clutch. In fact, some of the production software keeps the converter locked when coasting. This is no different than what Ford had in production.

 

I've noticed that if I'm coasting downhill in Drive and tap the brakes, the TC unlocks. It feels almost like shifting to neutral and the tach drops down to around idle speed.

I'm considering a manual TC switch. Where my brakes need help is on steep slow mining roads. I start smelling hot brakes right away. I get no engine braking at all unless I shift to 4WD low range.


I wonder if it would be possible or practical to get a custom tune chip with a TC lock position, except it would unlock when engine speed went below say 1,000 RPM?

 

Thanks guys. This is good info. I wish I had done it before towing back home, but just never thought about it. I know part of the issue is tuning, but I simply hate the way this thing shifts when getting up to speed when pulling my trailer. Truth be told, I'd flat trade anyone who wanted to get rid of their 5-speed. I just don't know of anyone in CA close enough with a ZF. I am going to try to do this mod if I can overcome my electrical retardedness. That's why I was looking for a walkthru for dummies.

 

I'm with you on the ZF. I've avoided auto transmissions all my life until a friend had this truck for sale.

 

Yeah Bob, and I have one of the best autos in the industry. There is nothing wrong with the trans, just the tuning. I simply hate it. I probably won't be towing again for awhile, so I am fine, but if a trade pops up, I am doing it. I guess I need to ask around.

 

Doing the mod is very simple. I forget the color of the wire (pink?) just cut it, tap into one end of the cut wire and run that wire up to a toggle switch. Tap into the other end of the cut wire and run that wire up to the same toggle switch. Now you can break the circuit or connect the circuit.


Darn!!! Now your getting me to think about doing this mod again, especially hearing that from Mark.

 

Its the purple with ? line. I have this mod and towing with it makes a huge difference in power being delivered. Just make sure your over 30mph as the truck may stall

 

Its not used for power, its used for braking.

 

I'd actually like it for better power transfer!

 

Its also to reduce tranny heat