Trans Upgrade
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 32
Trans Upgrade
Hey all,
So I recently changed out the injectors in my 7.3, upgraded to an electric fuel system and added a Hydra chip. These mods have greatly increased performance and tow power. One thing that is still lacking is the shifting capabilities of the E4OD. Now before y'all jump in and tell me to convert to a manual, I am really trying to avoid that route as I prefer the ease of automatic. I have been reading about gear vendors which essentially turn the 4 speed into an 8 speed. My mechanic said they used to install these on their work trucks to help increase performance and tow/hauling capabilities. I don't really see a down side to adding one of these (other than the price tag) and would be interested to know if anyone has done this with any success? Also do these work if a performance chip has been added to the truck? Curious to get y'alls feedback.
97 7.3
Cold air intake
4" straight pipe w/3" downpipe
200/30 injectors
Electric fuel kit
Hydra chip w/tow tunes
4:56 gears
6" lift
35" tires
So I recently changed out the injectors in my 7.3, upgraded to an electric fuel system and added a Hydra chip. These mods have greatly increased performance and tow power. One thing that is still lacking is the shifting capabilities of the E4OD. Now before y'all jump in and tell me to convert to a manual, I am really trying to avoid that route as I prefer the ease of automatic. I have been reading about gear vendors which essentially turn the 4 speed into an 8 speed. My mechanic said they used to install these on their work trucks to help increase performance and tow/hauling capabilities. I don't really see a down side to adding one of these (other than the price tag) and would be interested to know if anyone has done this with any success? Also do these work if a performance chip has been added to the truck? Curious to get y'alls feedback.
97 7.3
Cold air intake
4" straight pipe w/3" downpipe
200/30 injectors
Electric fuel kit
Hydra chip w/tow tunes
4:56 gears
6" lift
35" tires
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 2,034
From: North Texas
7.3 needs to turn RPM to light turbocharger and drop EGTs. Unsure what you turn now at say, 70mph. I do 2500rpm at that speed.
A low stall, big cooler, and a shift kit will keep that E4OD alive far longer than you think.
I would like a GV on the dually to reduce noise.
A low stall, big cooler, and a shift kit will keep that E4OD alive far longer than you think.
I would like a GV on the dually to reduce noise.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 32
I am about 2300rpm @70. It's not so much about speed as it is about the big gap between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. When pulling a hill with my 14k 5th wheel, I feel like it needs another 1 o2 two gear to switch between. I'm either bogged down in 3rd or screaming RPMs in second but barely crawling along.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,562
Likes: 5,599
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
there are two ways to go with a gear vendors or other aftermarket add on unit.
you can go overdrive, or underdrive.
most people want the overdrive unit for less RPM on the open road.
others want pulling power, and go for the underdrive unit. these guys are usually offroaders that do not need speed.
either unit will work for you.
personally with a 14k trailer in hilly terrain, i would go with an underdrive unit as you are 2300 at 70 mph in overdrive.
you can go overdrive, or underdrive.
most people want the overdrive unit for less RPM on the open road.
others want pulling power, and go for the underdrive unit. these guys are usually offroaders that do not need speed.
either unit will work for you.
personally with a 14k trailer in hilly terrain, i would go with an underdrive unit as you are 2300 at 70 mph in overdrive.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 32
there are two ways to go with a gear vendors or other aftermarket add on unit.
you can go overdrive, or underdrive.
most people want the overdrive unit for less RPM on the open road.
others want pulling power, and go for the underdrive unit. these guys are usually offroaders that do not need speed.
either unit will work for you.
personally with a 14k trailer in hilly terrain, i would go with an underdrive unit as you are 2300 at 70 mph in overdrive.
you can go overdrive, or underdrive.
most people want the overdrive unit for less RPM on the open road.
others want pulling power, and go for the underdrive unit. these guys are usually offroaders that do not need speed.
either unit will work for you.
personally with a 14k trailer in hilly terrain, i would go with an underdrive unit as you are 2300 at 70 mph in overdrive.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,731
Likes: 2,658
From: SE Florida
The gears in your E4OD are:
1st 2.71:1
2nd 1.54:1
3rd 1:1
4th 0.71:1
The mystery gear between 3 & 4 is the torque converter lockup.
1st 2.71:1
2nd 1.54:1
3rd 1:1
4th 0.71:1
The mystery gear between 3 & 4 is the torque converter lockup.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 32
Ah...learn something new every day.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1993ford
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
8
Apr 6, 2016 08:33 AM
joeypurcell
Ford Truck Parts for Sale
0
Mar 13, 2010 11:56 PM
Strok'in
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
May 7, 2007 08:15 PM
nightskyisme
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
16
Mar 12, 2007 11:46 PM