What mod should I do next?!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Minnesota
What mod should I do next?!
Hi all, I have been saving up to do a few more mods to my X. With the economy the way it is I can only do one of these, RAS, Hellwig rear sway bar, or 5 star tuner. I tow a 25'TT and some work trailers and wonder which of these mods will give me the most bang for the buck. I am not trying to "fix" anything, just upgrading. Just looking for opinions, thanks in advance, you guys rock
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 45
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From: Southern Maine
I can't comment on the RAS, but just installed the Heliwig and love it. The X had never seen 50mph on the long cloverleaf off ramp I use everyday until recently. No possibility of even 35mph prior to it's install. But I'd have to say, as you asked for most bang for your buck, my vote would be to give Mike @ 5star the nod. I was able to get in on the last group buy,(SCT X3) around Christmas time and couldn't be happier. 87 perf, 87 tow and 91 perf. All three tunes have their own characteristics with the tow tune being the most "use dedicated", if you can grasp that one...lol. Solid shift points right where they should be, no hunting for gears etc... I've been running the 91 tune mostly but forgot to tell the wife a few weeks back and she filled up with 87. I knew something had changed because I recorded an almost 2mpg increase that tank. No detonation noticed either. I've since reflashed back to the 87 tune (doesn't even take the time it takes to fill up) until I can speak with Mike about the timing settings. Honestly I wish I'd done this upgrade 100k ago, but of course I hadn't found FTE (an unrivaled source of info) at that time! Hope this helps
Mike O'Brien-
2001 Ex Limited 4x4, 154,000miles, V10, 3:73's, V/modB's, Heliwig, 5starX3, RS90000XL's, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra's, ect...
Mike O'Brien-
2001 Ex Limited 4x4, 154,000miles, V10, 3:73's, V/modB's, Heliwig, 5starX3, RS90000XL's, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra's, ect...
Freshman User
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From: Southern Maine
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Cargo Master
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Housedad - was this the swap for the OEM antisway? There was THAT big a diff. with the hellwig???
Just picked up a 25 foot TT and I have the 2004, X limited V-10 and am trying to learn all I can BEFORE dragging the trailer around.
Just picked up a 25 foot TT and I have the 2004, X limited V-10 and am trying to learn all I can BEFORE dragging the trailer around.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
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From: Mount Royal, NJ
If you have the OEM rear swaybar, (standard only on the Limited) it is not bad. It is smaller diameter than the Helwig, and does not provide as much control.
But, if you don't have a rear swaybar, absolutely get one for towing.
Two ways to go about it. Buy the Helwig, or get or order the parts from a 2004 F350 rear swaybar and mounting parts. They are both the larger diameter and the F350 system has the advantage of using Ford parts. The Helwig has the advantage of adjustable end links and no searching for parts.
Helwig probably made the OEM units anyway.
Now if you have the OEM sway bar, and bad spring sagging issues with the trailer, then the RAS would fix the sagging and bouncing.
I am a firm believer in taking care of Handling first, then performance. You can't deal with the extra performance well if the handling is bad.
So, like Hwybee22 said, If you are happy with the handling, then get the tune.
But, if you don't have a rear swaybar, absolutely get one for towing.
Two ways to go about it. Buy the Helwig, or get or order the parts from a 2004 F350 rear swaybar and mounting parts. They are both the larger diameter and the F350 system has the advantage of using Ford parts. The Helwig has the advantage of adjustable end links and no searching for parts.
Helwig probably made the OEM units anyway.
Now if you have the OEM sway bar, and bad spring sagging issues with the trailer, then the RAS would fix the sagging and bouncing.
I am a firm believer in taking care of Handling first, then performance. You can't deal with the extra performance well if the handling is bad.
So, like Hwybee22 said, If you are happy with the handling, then get the tune.
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