just purchased a 2002 F150 XLT w/ 4.6L shortbed V8/3.31 rear axle..rear topper)--truck runs we;; (40K miles) -but seems a bit sluggish on mild (3%) hills--- ie:downshifts out of overdrive at 50 mph on very slight upgrades, part throttle....(drove another truck--1998 F150 XLT/extended cab..4 WD.seemed quicker..same engine but 3.55 axle ratio--90K miles). This truck stood in parking lot 5 months after being driven in snow-salt (New England)---i founbd mucho salt embedded in the wheel hubs and brake calipers..truck makes scratching noise when in motion--sounds like salt still in calipers??--vehicle brakes straight with no vibration--tracks well etc)

I suspect some "tuning" could improve part throttle response....i see several "cheap" OBDII scanners-tuners on EBAY ($65-$200 range: some work with a notebook computer and profess to have "dyno measuring ability????)

my questions

(a) would anyone recommend any of these scanners--for diagnostic and/or performance tuning uses? If so- which brands/models?

(b) would using these scanners "improve"art throttle response on my 4.6?--I notice folks on this forum prefer Diablo scanners??..i really dont want to alter the PCM chip--just want to tune the engine thru the OBDII if possible...

my MPG= 19.5 mpg--hiway driving 55-60 mph, light throttle.."grandma" type driving..is this good for this truck?

(c)--not directly related to this forum category--but--what would be the best method to remove embedded salt from the axles/brake housings without having to completely disassemble same??--want to hush the running gear scartchy noises..

thanx for any/all advice....

 

scanners do not allow tuning only monitoring.

The Diablo wllows you to reflash your ecu in about 5 minutes and does not alter the obd2 emissions stuff. It also has diagnostic capabilities.