So I fell in love with my buddy's '06 F-150 FX4 and now I'm buying the same truck, it's on its way right now. I've been looking around the board a lot today and there's no shortage of info, but if you had one quick tip for a new owner of a used Ford, what would it be? It's completely stock right now, I won't lift it, and I'm definitely looking into programmers and intakes... I just need some direction. I'm after mileage and a good all round set of tires asap.

If newbs make this kinda thread all the time, I'll take a hint and let this thread die. Would definitely appreciate some input though.

 

So you're buying a new FX4 or a "new to you" FX4 '06? If used how many miles?

 

It's a 2006, one owner, and completely stock. It has about 60,000kms (30-40,000 miles?)on it and runs great. I'm just reading up on chips, programmers and tuners, getting confused and wondering which type would suit a guy with a wife that would be driving it often. We do a lot of highway driving and we get long winters with a lot of snow, so I'll be in four wheel drive a lot. I'll be towing a speed boat as well.

I really just want more out of this truck without going too crazy, money isn't really the problem, but laziness. This board has so much on it, though, looks like I'll be broke in no time, there are so many mods I didn't even know existed.

 

Php Gryphon with an 87 economy tune and an 87 tow tune would be my choice in your shoes.

Congrats btw!

 

Yeah, there's a bunch of stuff to mod with and it gets addictive. That's the bad news. The good news is you can get a lot of good deals on '04-'08 mods these days because everyone is switching over to 09's.

Definitely suggest a programmer like an Edge or Gryphon (basically the same, but the Gryphon can take custom tunes if you pay extra. I have an Edge and it was by far the most bang for the buck. It really wakes the truck up. The Volant intake was nice for sound...but really no added benefit. Same thing with the Magnaflow Cat-back. I tracked my mileage after the addition of every mod and found nothing improved it...at all. In fact it was astounding how stable it stayed after adding all the stuff in my signature below.

As far as issues...well, there's the spark plugs. They don't like to be removed and often break off in the head. This is mileage dependant, so if you've got less than 40K miles it might be worth replacing them with a one piece plug (plenty of posts on this issue). There's also a common problem with engaging the 4X4. The front hubs are actuated using vacuum (or the lack there of) and moister in the lines or a blockage causes issues. Fortunately, its an easy fix when it happens. Other than that, these are solid trucks and alot of fun to drive when properly loaded with modifications.

 

If you get your Edge converted you will def notice a difference with custom tunes for the intake and exhaust

 

That's what I've heard and I've gotten as far as downloading the transfer form from Gryphon...just haven't sent mine in yet!

 

Thanks a lot, guys. I'm crunching numbers already and getting ideas. Is a leveling kit a must?

And from what I've read, it totally conflicts what I've been told about Chipping your truck. You're not getting better mileage at all? This is hurting my heart.

 

I don't think the leveling kit is a must...but it sure looks better.

As far as the mileage, there are people that have made some outrageous claims about increases, but I'm yet to see anyone provide any real evidence or even a spreadsheet with before and after numbers. That being said, if you spend all that money on upgrades and don't put your foot into it, you might see 1 or 2 mpg increases...might. But, in reality, most like to hear what they've paid for, and that means getting on it every once in a while.

 

You want gas mileage? Here would be what I would do.

Do the DWV intake and put a K&N drop in filter in

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...4l-engine.html

I would get true dual exhaust with 2.25" piping and straight thru mufflers (Borla, Magnaflow, Dynomax Bullets,ect)

I would then get a PHP Gryphon (my preference on this there are other options available) with an 87 economy tune and 87 tow tune since you tow.

The biggest thing is keep your foot out of it. I average 17 in my truck. Stay under 2k rpms, don't floor it. These trucks suck down gas like fat bastard likes Chili's baby back ribs. That combo would sound nice and perform well and if you drive pretty gently, I could potentially see a 2-3 mpg increase. BUT you HAVE to drive for economy. I try to get into OD whenever possible and it pays off. DO the speed limit. 65 on the highway ect.

 

For the love of God...

Okay, the truck's gonesville. Turns out it has been in a fairly real accident, so I bailed, which I'm feeling good about. I'm so glad I didn't sign on the dotted line already.

So I've found an '05 F150 FX4 but it has 95000kms on it, but it's only $18000 (in Canada), the dealer put in a leveling kit and new tires (don't know what kind). Now, when the dealership puts mods on it, it makes me suspicious. Should it? I'll be making sure the plugs have been changed, and look into the history of the tranny as well, and injectors.

Is that too many miles/kms for that price?? Again, thanks for any help, I'm paddling a boat up the dumb dumb river and it's turning my hair grey.