SM105K's SHO BIBLE/BUILDS/LIFE

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

Thank you. I agree the 99/00 are super cool with the all amber turn signals. I am not going to facelift the truck at all. I love the way it looks personally, and the only thing I would really do to the exterior would be getting the dent in the passenger side rear door fixed.

The interior will consist of updates. I want to upgrade the sound system and update the stereo head unit. I really want XM radio and wireless Android Auto.

As for the axle refit, I would have to find another F450 or F550 to complete the swap. The F450/550 came from the factory with "wide track" so I do believe the F350 front axle will work, I would just lose the "wide track".

Maintenance right off the kick will be:
Make sure that there is a new cam position sensor in the glove box.
Making sure the exhaust back pressure tube is clear and that the sensor is working properly.
Maybe a new 86D high pressure fuel spring.
I need to make sure the up pipes are not leaking.
Obviously, look for fuel leaks, oil leaks, coolant leaks. Check belts, hoses, ect.

Mods:

I don't know as of yet. I will have to look at the truck and see what is done. I do know Jeff did have a programmer on the truck at one time.

If it is still stock:
S&B or Banks Intake with the Zoodad mod.
Banks TransCommand
5 inch turbo back exhaust.
Edge Monitor/Tuner with EGT probe. I will not use the Edge boxed tunes.
A Hyrda Diesel Tuner with probably a Gearhead Tune.

The 7.3 Powerstrokes are rated from the factory with 235 hp and 500tq. They are widely regarded as one of the most reliable diesel engines, however they are notoriously slow. With the Mods above they pick up around 100 hp and another 150 to 200 lb tq to the tire and stay relatively reliable. Again not looking for a race truck, just something that is a bit quicker, and might get better fuel mileage.

I could be wrong but swapping the hubs from your current axle to a 350 axle should widen it, I don't think the axle itself is wider and the 450/550 use the same hubs 2wd and 4wd. That was part of the attraction to the badlands wrecker idea, that and the tail shaft housings if you have the brake should be interchangeable with a 4wd tailshaft housing so you don't have to swap transmissions. Other mods sound solid, the only thing I've seen people do is the 6.0 turbo swap, might get some gains there.

 

[Zpak]

Slammed on bags!!!

 

[SM105K]

Slammed on bags!!!
View attachment 94649

No, I had a 1994 Chevy 3500 454 Dually that was slammed on bags........never again.

 

[SM105K]

F450 Update:

So it begins......

Like I said, I have no idea what has been done to this truck except my Uncle saying that it has been chipped in the past. I dont know if it has a data monitoring device and I have no idea which chip was installed. I do know the ones I purchased are probably better and more user friendly. I will 100 percent install at least the Edge Insight with the EGT probe probably in the driveway at my Uncle's house before I drive it anywhere. I will explain why later....

For data monitoring:

I just bought a Edge Insight CTS3 with EGT Probe.

https://www.edgeproducts.com/products/in-cabin_monitors/parts/84130-3?srsltid=AfmBOoo8WU0uWpAcwBgGoXZ-i32FFrcRU_MrjoohHlMWICzN8b8wGay9

This will allow me to monitor everything that I want to see including EGT's. I will need to add a Fuel Pressure and IAT sensors to it later.

I really want all of the data especially the Coolant, Trans Temp, and EGT data for the trip back to Phoenix. I will be rolling along in the middle of summer with temps in excess of 110+ degrees, fully loaded, while pulling a couple of long grades.

I also bought a Hydra Tuning Chip (yes chip) from KC Turbos.

PHP Hydra Chip - 7.3 Powerstroke (1994-2003)

The PHP Hydra Chip package comes with the chip, digital switch, ribbon cable, and USB cable. It includes 17 memory slots for tuning presets, with a built-in module bypass and no-start feature. The easy-to-read LED switchbox allows you to change your tuning preset on-the-fly. The chip supports...

kcturbos.com

This is super cool because it allows you to switch tunes on the fly. Everyone that I have seen in the 7.3 Powerstroke world says it is the best tuning device because of the versatility, function, and anti theft built into the unit. It is also open code for tuning. I could get Matt from Gearhead on the line, and he would be able to tune my truck the same say that he tunes our SHO's.

Next up for performance mods will be intake and exhaust if needed.

 

[SM105K]

The Focus overheated this past Wednesday. One of the three point connections from the coolant expansion tank decided it need to fail. So I replaced that yesterday morning. I really cant complaint though. This car as given me minimal problems over 7 years of ownership. Bought it with 82k miles, and she just crested 195k miles with the stock turbo and stock clutch. I have had to replace the radiator, gas tank, and fuel pump over those 7 years, I so I would say well done car.

I was able to also tick another box off the F450 as well. While I was at Ford getting parts for the Focus, I was able to pick up a spare cam position sensor. In hind sight, I probably should have picked up a spare crank position sensor as well, but that will be for another day. Also I am just going to purchase a new exhaust pressure tube and sensor as well.

I still need to purchase these items before I make the trip to pick up the truck:
Exhaust Pressure Tube and Sensor
Crank Position Sensor <---- Learned something. The 7.3 PS does not have a crank sensor. Everything is run off the cam position sensor.
Fuel Filter

Adding @Junkyard_Mad-Scientist Suggestion:
Diesel Go-bag: 2 cans of starting fluid, Jump box, Transmission fluid, 24" crescent wrench

 

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

I still need to purchase these items before I make the trip to pick up the truck:
Exhaust Pressure Tube and Sensor
Crank Position Sensor <---- Learned something. The 7.3 PS does not have a crank sensor. Everything is run off the cam position sensor.
Fuel Filter

Diesel Go-bag: 2 cans of starting fluid, Jump box, Transmission fluid, 24" crescent wrench

 

[SM105K]

Diesel Go-bag: 2 cans of starting fluid, Jump box, Transmission fluid, 24" crescent wrench

That is exactly what I was planning on doing as well. Adding it to the list.

 

[luigisho]

My name is Easton and I have a problem... I can't stop f'ing with stock vehicles!

 

[Zpak]

My name is Easton and I have a problem... I can't stop f'ing with stock vehicles!

Hold on now, he put the Focus back to stock.

 

[SM105K]

Hold on now, he put the Focus back to stock.

100% correct. It is back to stock minus a short shifter and a Boomba Blow Off Valve.

 

[SM105K]

My name is Easton and I have a problem... I can't stop f'ing with stock vehicles!

Hold up...technically the only performance part I have bought so far for the F450 is the Hydra Programmer. I really like the No Start Function that doubles as an anti theft device. Besides that, everything else I have purchased has been a stock OEM replacement part, or device and sensors that will increase awareness and "promote" longevity.

There is absoluety no way that I have been binge watching every 7.3 performance video on Youtube and have not priced out, an upgraded High Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP,) larger injectors and a better turbo for towing and efficiency......

I would never dream of that.

 

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

Hold up...technically the only performance part I have bought so far for the F450 is the Hydra Programmer. I really like the No Start Function that doubles as an anti theft device. Besides that, everything else I have purchased has been a stock OEM replacement part, or device and sensors that will increase awareness and "promote" longevity.

There is absoluety no way that I have been binge watching every 7.3 performance video on Youtube and have not priced out, an upgraded High Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP,) larger injectors and a better turbo for towing and efficiency......

I would never dream of that.

We're all friends here, this is a safe place, it's okay, but first you have to admit you have a problem, only then will you completely ignore practicality and continue doing cool $hit and telling us about it here in group. You can get an F-450 with a camper on its back into the high 13s, I believe in you, we all do.

 

[SM105K]

We're all friends here, this is a safe place, it's okay, but first you have to admit you have a problem, only then will you completely ignore practicality and continue doing cool $hit and telling us about it here in group. You can get an F-450 with a camper on its back into the high 13s, I believe in you, we all do.

Blahahahahahahahahah. I am dying about the high 13's.....

 

[SM105K]

F450 Update: Spoke to my cousin about the time table of picking up the truck and camper. Looking like it will fall on the weekend of July 4th. Probably going to pick up a car trailer as well. You know....for truck stuff.

 

[Zpak]

I just bought a tailgate for my ‘96 f150. I’m fearing it’s going to snowball into full paint, and dropped on some Detroit steels. The problem is, if I do that I won’t want to treat it like the farm truck it is.

 

[SM105K]

F450 Update:

Just updating everything that I have purchased so far.

Performance Mods/Monitoring Purchased List:

Edge Insight CTS3 with Competition Pack (EGT, Fuel Pressure, Post IC Air Temp)
Hyrda Diesel Tuner
Riff Raff Fuel Pressure Sensor Adaptor
Riff Raff Fuel Bowl FPR Complete Rebuild Kit with Upgraded High Pressure Fuel Springs
Riff Raff Fuel Bowl FRP Billet Housing

Maintenance Parts/Plans:
Buy new cam position sensor and place in the glove box.
Buy New Fuel Filter
Make sure the exhaust back pressure tube is clear and that the sensor is working properly. (New Tube and Sensor has been purchased)
Check up pipes for leaks.
Check down pipes for leaks.
Obviously, look for fuel leaks, oil leaks, coolant leaks. Check belts, hoses, ect.

Need to build a Diesel Go Bag:
2 cans of starting fluid
Jump box
Transmission fluid
24" crescent wrench

If needed:
Banks Cold Air Intake with the Zoodad mod.
Banks TransCommand (Maybe, I want to see what the Hydra Tuner Does)
5 inch turbo back exhaust
Aftermarket Exhaust Brake

 

[kryptto]

supercharger

 

[kryptto]

fresh 5 gallon can of diesel

 

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

Supercharged diesel, I always wanted to put a Detroit in a super duty. Might be sacrilegious but nothing compares to the sound of a 2 stroke diesel. Powerstroke and Cat compete for 2nd, dodge boys killed Cummins for me and dirty max is just an Isuzu that has an over generic name that sounds like a discount battery. I think your list is solid, but with the transmission controller and exhaust brake have you considered a ZF swap? Pretty much takes care of everything.

 

[SM105K]

Supercharged diesel, I always wanted to put a Detroit in a super duty. Might be sacrilegious but nothing compares to the sound of a 2 stroke diesel. Powerstroke and Cat compete for 2nd, dodge boys killed Cummins for me and dirty max is just an Isuzu that has an over generic name that sounds like a discount battery. I think your list is solid, but with the transmission controller and exhaust brake have you considered a ZF swap? Pretty much takes care of everything.

I don't know about the trans controller right now. I know the Hydra does alot what the trans tune. I literally can get a tune for this truck from Matt at Gearhead, and we know how good he is with transmissions. A ZF swap isnt in the cards right now, because my GF will end up driving this thing as well, and she does not know how to drive a manual.

The exhaust brake is really something I am considering, because I will not only be hauling the camper, but I will also be pulling a car trailer with a car as well. Any help with braking will be welcomed.