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Modding My '06 Navi

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Old Jun 15, 2025 | 04:28 PM
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MLNCN.4's Avatar
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Modding My '06 Navi

I got an '06 Navigator Ultimate (w/ Monochromatic Package so it looks like the so-called "Limited Edition" Navis) and shipped it all the way from Escondido to Kuwait, which has the highest weather temperature in the world Also, mine is black w/ black interior so that, with the fact that she's got mechanical fan, makes it the perfect sauna truck in summertime.

I know a lotta people converted to electric fans, whether it was aftermarket or a fan from newer Expys and Navis (2010-14) with Painless fan controller or any other controller. My point is that I sometimes like to stick to OEM-like solutions, so I was wondering if it's possible to actually put an electric fan from a newer Navi + maybe a Motorcraft fan module and program it for the factory PCM? Or maybe even upgrade the whole PCM to a newer one from a 3rd gen Navi if it's ever possible? It's hot as **** in here and even tinting the truck won't really help. The temp in where I live reaches 130 degrees and above. I'm considering Mishimoto thermostat and Trucool transmission cooler too. Those may help a bit.

Performance-wise, I'm looking to get more power for my semi-daily use, you know, if I wanna pass somebody or accelerate faster or something. I've installed MSD coil-on plugs so far, and I have PowerStop slotted rotors and ceramic pads that I'm gonna install after my factory ones wear out. I really wanna reduce her weight. Nothing crazy but every kg helps. I was thinking of a lighter alloy spare wheel and some carbon fiber or fiberglass body parts. Maybe that will help lower her center of gravity. I'm not really looking for removing features from her. I'm keeping the air suspension, 3rd row seats, etc.

Am I on the right track? Can anyone help me with this project? It's literally my dream car. Otherwise I wouldn't have it shipped all the way from the US
 
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Old Jun 15, 2025 | 10:12 PM
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Johnny Paycheck's Avatar
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Oof. Thats the perfect ride and climate to invest in lots of sunshades and a remote start.

Otherwise, the Tritons aren’t a really good base to start from as far as performance goes. A thermostat really isn’t the cure your theoretical issue. Those don’t keep an engine from overheating, they just open at a certain temp. Electric fans? I’d stick with the mechanical fan and keep it simple.

Ford did have a Saudi desert trans cooler that I’m sure was used in the 12th Gen trucks. You can always try that. I ordered the standard cooler by accident for my ‘03 (one day I’ll put it in) and that thing was pretty huge out of the box. I’m sure the Saudi version was even bigger.

As far as a radiator, if you don’t have the towing package, slam that radiator in and call it good.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2025 | 07:19 AM
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MLNCN.4's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Johnny Paycheck
Oof. Thats the perfect ride and climate to invest in lots of sunshades and a remote start.

Otherwise, the Tritons aren’t a really good base to start from as far as performance goes. A thermostat really isn’t the cure your theoretical issue. Those don’t keep an engine from overheating, they just open at a certain temp. Electric fans? I’d stick with the mechanical fan and keep it simple.

Ford did have a Saudi desert trans cooler that I’m sure was used in the 12th Gen trucks. You can always try that. I ordered the standard cooler by accident for my ‘03 (one day I’ll put it in) and that thing was pretty huge out of the box. I’m sure the Saudi version was even bigger.

As far as a radiator, if you don’t have the towing package, slam that radiator in and call it good.
I'm sure remote start won't help me here though. Some people have advised me to throw one or two pushing fans from SPAL in front of the radiator/condenser, but I know ditching the mechanical fan will give me a better throttle response. I can always store it at my house just in case.

I never heard of that trans cooler, but I'll definitely check it out, but will it perform better than Trucool air-cooled trans coolers?

How can I be 100% sure if mine has the towing package?
 
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Old Jun 19, 2025 | 09:44 AM
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Ceramic tint certainly helps, UV and heat rejection. 20% over factory stained 20% gets you to about 5%. If you have a glass moon roof, ask about tinting it... I have heard mixed as it could cause the thing to crack unless light film atop of it. Windshield tint is also popular here for heat rejection.

100% buy those windshield sun reflectors. More heat rejection when parked.

Check if there are factory 'severe duty' cooling system parts available. My 80s BMWs and MBs have different fan clutch part numbers and higher pressure coolant caps for that climate listed on the FSM.

A PCM tune will help, 5star's works quite well on my '01 5.4. With extreme ambient and coolant temps, I would assum the PCM will be pulling piles of timing to prevent detonation.
 
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