I drove home tonight with my new truck. I have been going back and forth between the PSD and the Cummins. I like the looks and color packages that Ford offers, but the mileage and the less $ for routine maint. was apealing on the Dodge's. I have always owned Ford's and decided to go ahead and get the exact setup I have been eyeing for a few years now.

2006 4x4, cc, Black/Tan King Ranch, tonneau cover, 65K miles

At this time I am planning on intake, exhaust, and trying to decide if i should put a tuner on it. It will just be a daily driver so I want to get the max mileage out of it. Will the tuner with the above mods make a big diff? I had an oasis done on it at the Ford Dealership I use, and it was a fleet maintained truck and had only been in once for an a/c problem.

Hopefully I got a good one. It is an absolutley beautiful truck! My wife is even excited.

 

You do not need an intake. The stock setup is a pain to change filters on, but you only need to do it every 2-3 years. It will support up to 450 or 500 hp without a problem. A CAI is a waste of money (unless you want to hear your turbo better). There is data and experience (from lots of forum members) behind these statements if you really aren't convinced.

Lots of folks go MBRP on exhaust. I went Magnaflow on my 7.3L. Either will do fine on the 6.0's.

Wait on the tuner for the DashDaq computer with tunes from Spartan. It is being beta tested now. It is called the Phalanx. Search for posts on it from Tex25025.

So that you can have the best chance at trouble free mileage:
- change fluid and filters regularly (stick w/ the manual's recommendations)
- Use only Motorcraft or OEM style Racor fuel and oil filters.
- Consider mods like a coolant filter and ccv re-route
- get gauges, but if you will wait for the Phalanx, the DashDaq is also a great system for gauges.
- Read a TON before considering Biodiesel
- I use a fuel additive for cetane, lubricity, and water removal assistance - some say it is not necessary (a theory I have is that it helps injectors AND prevents intake coking as claimed - no way to prove it).

Welcome to FTE (oh and read the Tech Folder).

 

Great post Bismic!
I just would like to add, that a tuner WILL make a big difference in power, and also in fuel mileage...., but there are negativ effects also. You have to, or should get your truck ready for it. Lot of folks run tuners without problem, but IMO tuner >>> ARP studs, EGR cooler delete....

 

Welcome aboard! Love the King Ranch, make sure you keep up on those seats. Lots to learn on this forum, guys are knowledgeable and very helpful!

 

Congratulations on your purchase. I was in your shoes 2 months ago and am very pleased so far. Your truck sounds very similar to mine in age, options and mileage. My wife was also very happy about it as she didn't much like riding in my 93 F350.

In response to your questions I can say that after having tried a tuner for mileage purposes I don't feel the benefit is worth the risk. I ran a tuner (SCT XCal2) for 4 tanks of average commuting.This was using the Spartan mild sttreet economy tune. I couldn't tolerate the shifting of the Max Economy tune. My fuel mileage was about 16.7 mpg. There was very little heavy acceleration as I was trying to see just how good of mileage I could get. Mind you the terrain here is rolling with moderate to steep grades (3-7%) and average speeds in the 65-70 mph range. Truck was also really fast when pressed with this setup.

Since switching back to the stock tune I am averaging 16.5 doing the exact same drive everyday. Throttle response and overall drivability were better with the tuner but considering the potential complications in the event of a warranty related issue I decided to keep it stock until I am out of warranty.

Hope this answers at least some of your questions. Sorry about the novel, I don't get out much.

 

thanks. i guess i need to do some more research on the EGR delete... and some of the different exhaust options.

is the EGR delete accomplished by just unplugging it, and are there any negative results from this (not passing emissions, state inspections?) i know in the metroplex we have some additional emissions test that are only required in certain counties. can the dealer tell if i have unplugged it if i have to take it in for service?

i am giong to my local dealer where i have purchased my last few trucks (not this one) to look into the extended warranty. i usually don't buy them but i figure, injectors, turbo, and some of the emission stuff could add up in a hurry without it. i think the service advisor said the 7 yr 200k coverage that included the emissions coverage was around $2,700... does this sound about right? anyone recently purchased this and what did you have to pay.

thanks for the help.

i guess i am going to go try to find out how so search for some of these threads.

oh, anyone using a Fitch fuel filter and did it help?

 

D8 what do you suggest for cleaning/up keep on the seats?

keeping my 5 and 3 yr old out of it will probably do the best!!

 

For sure keeping the kids out will help, but my 11 and 7 yr old love it when we take daddys truck and not mommys. I hear alot of guys here swearing by Lexol products, haven't used them yet. I have been using Neatsfoot oil liberally applied with my hands/fingers. Gets a lil' messy but that's OK. My seats were slightly neglected, armrests dried to the point of cracking. I'm pleased with the Neatsfoot, honestly. I recently bought a bottle of the KR leather conditioner from fleabay but I haven't used it yet. I plan to try it out over the X-mas holiday if'n it warms up. I'll let you know if its worth the $13 or whatever it was.
Oh BTW unplugging your EGR will just put your turbo into limp mode where the vanes will stay in the same spot- NO good. I had mine unplugged for awhile and didn't really notice a diff. but 05 and up will set a CEL. Best to get that EGR cooler deleted- just search EGR delete and get some popcorn!