You don't think I wasn't listening?
Believe me, I was.
I view them as secondary dampers. And Tunable!
They actually reduce the bounce!

And for me the best thing is that they saved me $$$

 

Today I installed a pair of Undercover Swingcase tool boxes. I didn’t even need to take the tailgate off! (if you are unsure why I mention this go here: https://www.f150ecoboost.net/thread...t/threads/random-thoughts-that-don’t-fit-in-any-other-thread.86911/post-1388026 ).

 

Those are so cool too.

 

And I achieved the relocation of a lot of weight to the rear closer to the axle (4-way hitch, emergency tow strap and D-rings, D-ring that fits into the receiver, an air pump and about 8 pull straps for cargo management). These probably weighed in at 50 lbs and were all scattered behind the rear seats so now that area is open for…. More gear!

 

First pictures with the newly made black center caps:

 

Nicely done

 

Today was a day to fix other people’s mistakes. I had several (several!) bolts for my RCI skid plates which were loose. The tech at dealership back in September last year must have lowered the plates to do the oil change, then used an impact tool to tighten them up - resulting in the clips in frame holes breaking. They were on, just not tight…
I had to buy a grinder - Ryobi 18v - which worked great to curl the old bolt heads off. I had ordered a complete set of hardware for all plates from RCI at the December sale, so once I got the old bolts off, it was straightforward to install new clips, bolts and then hand tighten only!

 

Let’s start going in a little different direction now…

 

 

Watcha working on?

 

Data logging for my first tune!

 

Ohhhhhh
Welcome to the dark side.

Watch out. You never know if it'll be like heroin. 😉

 

Ohhhhhh
Welcome to the dark side.

Watch out. You never know if it'll be like heroin. 😉

I’m looking forward to much improved power availability and transmission tuning. Working with Todd @tltech . He’s been exceptionally patient with this rookie in the tuning world.

 

The additional power is fun.
And be honest, THAT is what the lure of MO-power really is. Fun.
But it's not applicable for some (most?) percentage of the miles you are putting on the truck.

But that transmission tuning?
That's just pure mechanical harmony and pleasure. It makes a huge difference even in the neighborhood. Or fetching groceries. It's every single mile you drive.

A well behaved 10r80 is a sweet thing to behold.

 

You all are gonna have me lusting for those trans tunes! But probably not til the 3year is up on the new tranny

 

Anytime you need help spending $$$ I have a list! KM

 

I’ve got about 60 miles on my new 93 tune from @tltech and am so upset I didn’t do this sooner!
It’s really great to feel more useable power across the board on the roads I drive on. On the 45 - 50 mph roads the truck no longer hunts for power - I’m finding myself at or above the speed I want to go “right away”.
Still need to drive it more and get the feel for how the transmission tune is improved too.
Overall - so far I’m very happy with what I got in the first revision of the 93 perf tune. My hat is off to Todd at @tltech for taking the time to listen to what I wanted.
He’s very patient with novice data loggers too. If it could be done incorrectly, I did it…

 

That's awesome! Will this tune cause you to get new Michelin's sooner than you had planned on??
Seriously, I am looking forward to hearing about your tune. I want to do one also. Hopefully, I will have the self control to do it after my powertrain warranty has expired.

 

I put new Michelins on about 10k ago and they still look great and have a lot of life in them. I usually replace tires from dry rot, not wear out. Maybe that will change now! 🤠

 

10,000 isn't even broken in!

But now you are tuned.
Those 70,000 mile Michelins now have a voided warranty.
And are maybe good for 40,000?

 

Congrats, glad it is working out! Curious to follow along as you live with it over time.
In my case the novelty of the added power (which admittedly wasn't much in my case) wore off, but the drivability improvements I still appreciate every drive.

I had the same "kick myself" thoughts when I got a tune (finalized) and when I replaced by Halogen headlight bulbs with LED bulbs.

I had griped about transmission lugging and poor headlights for a few years. I could have just fixed both immediately, both were easy and relatively cheap! Why did I drag my feet???

 

Congrats, glad it is working out! Curious to follow along as you live with it over time.
In my case the novelty of the added power (which admittedly wasn't much in my case) wore off, but the drivability improvements I still appreciate every drive.

After adding a full set of heavy RCI skid plates I can’t really focus on my truck being a speed demon. Plus, the kiddo in the car seat limits my opportunities to challenge that guy in the next lane at a stoplight. Lol.
But overall drivability- getting the truck to where Ford probably would have put it if not handcuffed by EPA standards - is my goal. And getting to use all 10 gears in a 10 speed transmission- what a concept!

 

Not really. The Bilsteins in back with the RAS and Hellwig rear sway bar made positive handling impacts though.

 

I switched to my @tltech Adaptive tune last week - we are heading on a road trip and I wasn’t sure of 93 gas availability.
I’m still really liking the increased power feel and the better transmission shifting on the transmission tune.
My brother-in-law coaxed me into helping him pick up some furniture in storage Wednesday and we were on neighborhood roads, boulevards and 75+ mph toll roads. About 5 minutes into the driving around he said “this truck seems a lot faster than before. It’s got a lot of power. What did you do?”
I was stoked a passenger could feel the difference too.
Hats off to Todd at @tltech for a great “Gentleman’s tune”.
I’m looking forward to seeing what she does on the long drives coming up (no towing, just “hauling”)!

 

Not bad for my first tuned long drive!
80 mph cruise control section too.

 

So close to 50k too


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Round trip; really liking my @tltech tunes!

 

As soon as it gets cool enough outside to be outside, I’ll start this little mod. I’ve been collecting harnesses and pieces of this puzzle for a while now.

 

Oooooo... I like

 

You are my hero, I've been thinking of that one. Keenly watching with interest.
Do you have the relays and fuse block to go with it already?

Having trouble finding that, and the overhead console in Camel/tan color.

 

I think I've got everything! I'll get it all laid out together and post it here someday soon. Too hot to be in the garage digging around for it all. I did buy the console for a 2018 Raptor, Relay box and harness for a F250, and harness kit from an online guy who specializes in harnesses. And a mounting block. I may still need a 200 amp fuse?