Just finished up a couple weeks of complete mod heaven. Added Airforce One FIPK, Magnaflow catback, and Superchips Tuner.

It's still not a rocket off the line or anything as it is cursed with having a 3.31 rearend in a 4X4. (Anyone who thinks CAFE doesn't rule the Ford world think about that for a minute, a 5000# 4x4 truck with a 3.31 rear). But that will be remedied in the future with a 4.10 when I can save up some cash.

For anyone considering the same mods, here are my impressions after only a few days (all IMO, your results may vary, no flame wars, etc., etc):
- the Magnaflow is quality all the way. When I went to the exhaust shop and told them I had a 'bolt on' cat back, he remarked, "right sure that's what they all say". After he put in on he said that it was "one of the best fits he had ever seen in a replacement". It's got a godawful smell while burning off some of the coating right now, but other than that is great. Would definitely buy again.

- the Superchips Tuner is also all quality. The directions were perfect and it met its claim of a 15 min install. The easiest thing feel is the shifts. I think they are better because of a combination of power and shift point adjustments. Would definitely buy again.
- The Airforce One looks great installed. I'm sure it's also flowing much more air as you can really hear it under full thottle. Downside is it makes a very loud hum/whistle at idle. I've since searched the boards and it seems to be the norm w the AF1. So my bad for not being more diligent in research. Also, the instructions were about 40 lines of single spaced text with just 2 diagrams on a second page. They were technically correct, and I got it installed, but there is room for improvement based on what other products are providing. Not sure if I would buy again - would definitely shop the others and make a more informed decision.

Thus far, the performance change seems to be most noticeable in the 20-70 mph range. If you are at a speed where the trans can downshift into 1st or 2nd and hit the high revs, the truck really flies now. 0-20 at least for me with the 3.31 gears is never going to be strong, and 80-up is hard to tell with the wind resistance.

Is the improvement worth the grand is a question that for me I can say yes it is. For others, might be a disappointment if you are expecting tire burning, sports car power.

 

Appreciate the info. How do you like your Bilsteins and Yokohamas? I am looking to get rid of the stock Goodyears and stiffen up the suspension. Are the Yokos loud? Did you stay with the same size or upgrade?

 

Re the yokos, I have been very pleased so far and would buy them again. They were replacing Michelin XC LT4s that had replaced the original Firestone Rollover specials. I was planning to just replace with Michelins again, but decided to shop around just to be sure.

I stayed with the stock replacement size. A larger size is really needed to fill the wheel wells and look good on the 4X4 (I have the 16" stock wheels), but with the 3.31 gearing I didn't want to trade off yet more off the line power for the larger tires. The next time around in another 45K or so I should have the 4.10 gears and will go with a larger tire and/or wheel size.

My reasoning behind eventually selecting the Yokos over others was:
- Same or better reviews on tirerack and other boards on the Yokohamas vs Michelins & Goodyears
- Yoko's were about $50 cheaper a tire (got them at tirerack)

After @ 5000 miles I'm still happy with the decision. Impressions:
- yoko's as quiet as the LT4s were
- dry and rain traction as good so far
- tread pattern and sidewall look better IMO
- time will tell if the wear is as long, as I got about 45K out of the LT4s.

Re the Bilsteins also still pleased and would buy again. They were replacement of factory shocks around 50K miles as I recall. The factory shocks had the truck bouncing all over the road so the improvement with the Bilsteins was huge. The blue and yellow peeking out of the suspension give the look of being ready for serious offroad action, even if the 2 carseats give away the truck's real purpose.

My reasoning behind Bilstein over others was:
- Bilsteins seemed to have a solid reputation in the offroad racing world (high short term stress) and in the RV industry (long term durability under load) which are 2 places I look for strong components
- I saw several posts in these boards of people with the Edelbrock EAS having leaking/failed rear shocks that had to be replaced (free under warranty as I recall, but still, failed is failed)
- A local RV/camping retailer had them on sale, with a special on installation of $5 per shock. Couldn't pass up the good deal

Hope that helps. Good luck

 

Good info. Your set-up is similar to mine except I have larger 285/75 tires on the stock 16x7 rims. While she's slow, I almost always get from A to B.

Why didn't you do the gears first? They probably would have made the most profound impact on your performance. I've pondered the gear change, but don't off-road too much (two child seats too) and certainly don't hotrod the beast.

 

I went back and forth on it. And I will readily admit this decision probably wasn't as rational as others above. Basically was combination of price, timing, and a perception.

Price - I had basically a $1000 budget as a result of various marital negotiations on the topic of mods. The Stage 1 Kit I got from Troyer (AF1, Magnaflow, Tuner) was $979 total. The prices I have gotten so far for installed 4.10 gears is $1800-1900.

Timing - The primary reason I will get the gears is to increase the tow rating from the current 6400# with the 3.31 gear to at least the 7900# limit of the stock 3.73 4x4. This will be for a full size travel trailer purchase hopefully early next year. So, I don't really "need" the gears just yet. (And the full size trailer is something wife really wants so if gears are just a prerequisite then you get the picture)

Perception - I have never felt that the engine has been performing at prime. We bought the truck w 25,000 miles so don't know what it was like new. However, gas mileage has always hovered around 10-11mpg and the truck has seemed sluggish. So, I am hoping that this will help the mileage a bit and then when the gears finally go in it will be the completion of a total package.

Probably more than u wanted to know...

 

$1800 to $1900 sounds high for the gear change. I was quoted just over $1200 at a drivetrain shop for all parts & labor. Another forum user near Houston called several places about a year ago and got prices b/w $1100 and $1400 if memory serves correct.

I'll admit, I've spent $200 here and $300 there, etc. many times over, but have a hard time departing with $1200+ in one lump sum.

 

$1200 total for both front and rear change? Would be interested to find out from where if anyone is still around boards that got those quotes. I am in Dallas area, but travel down to Htown on occasion and would make the trip to get it done if the price was really right.

So far, the best I have been able to find in DFW on front/rear 4.10 for Xpy was $1800. Explanation given for higher than normal prices has been the ever popular "well, on the Xpy it is a little harder to get to everything than on other Ford trucks..."

Thanks for the heads up on possible lower prices.

 

Houston Drivetrain Service 713-675-6375.

They told me the exact same thing about the front differential...how hard it was to get to and work on, etc. Said that was why the price was so high at $1200.

The other guy I was referring to had a username like big bad lifted red ford or something like that. His highest quote was 4-Wheel Parts Wholesalers at around $1400.

Good Luck.

 

4Xpy4 have you done the gears yet? Results?

 

Sorry to say I haven't. Summer vacation, work, and the like have taken my focus away from what is really important - modding the truck. Plan to get done in Sept/Oct hopefully when things slow down a bit.

I did finally get a good quote though here in town. $1239 from 4wheel parts. Will probably take them up on it when the time comes.