They are different from the ASP or the Summit Brand in that they are "piggy back" pulleys. They have to have the OEM crank bolted to them in order to provide for vibration dampning of the crank shaft.

The stock pulley is also a harmonic dampner - it is heavy to dissipate the vibrations of the crankshaft. The BBK and Mac pulleys require you to remount the OEM crank onto the new BBK/Mac crank pulley for the weight needed for vibration dampning. The ASP and Summit crank pulleys are each the pulley and the dampner, just like the OEM (only smaller in diameter of course).

I opted for the Summit becuase of this. Some people have mentioned issues related to off-balanced crank pulleys with the piggy back style. Certainly, there is increased chance of that by adding yet another thing down there. Others have stated they have no problems.

I figured that the Summit pulley set at $159.00 compared to about $140 for the Mac was a very good deal considering for 20 more you get a balanced pulley right outta the box. Summit also advertises their pulleys meet a certain racing standard. I did look it up, but don't remember much about it now. It was just one more piece of info that I thought spoke about the quality of their pulleys.

 

I trusted my factory damper over any aftermarket. The summit kit may only be $20 more but what is the quality of their rubber they use? How long will it last? How does it withstand oil heat etc? I know the factory damper is good, so I opted for the piggy back type set. I haven't had any problems other than belt squeal, but a dose of gatorback last week fixed that right up.

 

I have no idea what compounds Summit uses. I also have no idea what Ford uses either. Summit states their dampners are spin tested up to 12K rpm. They are also a company with a great reputation which they wouldn't have if they sold junk.

With all due respect to Ford OEM, there are a ton of things small and large, that Ford has not done well - my rear AC blend door on my Expedition is one. The spark plug problem that so many people have had on the 3v engines. All the TSB's....

Point is, I like the logic of using one device just like the OEM configuration. Less parts to have problems with. Having said that, to each his own. As I said in my previous post, some folks (like me) don't like the idea while others use the piggyback style and have had no problem.

guess I just like the heft and look of polished, balanced steel

 

I agree, I am a Ford Tech, so thats why I trusted the factory stuff, I have seen too many aftermarket dampers that spun the rubber and caused a bad engine vibration. Ford has problems but this being a ford based forum thats all we see, you should see the TSB's and recalls from everyone else, many of them make Ford look perfect. But I do almost all my shpping from summit, whether its for my 64.5 Stang or my F-150, and on the people's vehicles I fix on the side. A great company, and the service and shipping is GREAT, but some stuff I will not go cheap on, even though they make nothing really, just buy from other companies in bulk and stamp their name on it and sell it for half price, I will pay extra for quality.

 

I have a 21 foot Travel Trailer, would this setup have any problems charging the batteries on the trailer with the smaller pulleys?

 

ASP pulleys are designed to get full charge from the alternator@850 rpms. Don't know about the others.

 

HHmmm and the plot thickens. I still think I favor the ASP pulleys......IMO.

 

Summit's listing specifies that this kit is for 4.6L. Troyer's site lists one part # for both 4.6L and 5.4L. Any idea if all pulley kits, and most specifically the Summit kit, work for both? I'm looking for a kit for the 5.4L.

Thanks for any advice/input.

 

On the Issue of charging. ASP lets you know that they've calculated what rpm, based on their combination of alt and crank pulley will get the alt spinning at the minimum rpm to generate "full power". Most likely meaning what RPM is needed to get the alt up to previous min RPM's.

I spoke w/Troyer about calibrating my Xcal for UD pulleys (none needed). Neal there (a very nice guy) indicated they recommend around 750 rpm (my stock was 600) to get power back up.

Of course, this is only at idle. As soon as you tap the gas, that is no longer an issue.

I guess I just can't see spending $50 more on the ASP's when I see no material or manufacturing superiority to the Summit UD's.

But, if they don't have them for the 5.4 (which seems strange), then I would most likely go with ASP's as my 2nd choice.

 

I originally favored the ASP pulley set due to the new crank pulley that did not require the piggy back. After reading the above posts of Josh Mac and thinking about it I changed my mind and went with the MAC Pulleys which I have installed now. I got them in red to match my truck and they were also the cheapest set I found. I figured the stock crank pulley has been doing its job so why change to a brand that is not proven plus Josh being a Ford Tech has some insight on the issue. Thanks for the insight people this makes the boards an excellent information source.

 

 

I should have specified earlier that I'm looking for a set that is known to be compatible with the '04+ 5.4L 3v engine. Has anyone installed underdrive pulleys for the soon-to-be-ex current-gen F150?

Thanks again!

 

When I bought my kit it was for both the 4.6 and 5.4 so I would thinks so. My truck is the old body style. Call Troyer and ask to be safe.

 

Coke734

I have a set of Troyer pulleys on my 2004 5.4 3v. They use a 1 inch shorter serpentine belt. I do almost 90% city driving and they're good stuff. I also have an extra set of Troyer's original undrdrives for this motor that use the stock serpentine belt. Let me know if you want em'.

 

Most of us are doing this upgrade with a "used" truck (oem crank pulley). I understand the point of view that the oem has been working thus far. My primary concern with going piggy back is that you are now adding additional "weight" to the old oem pulley and there is a good chance that the weight will not be as evenly distributed as the plain oem crank. Imperfect machining, bolts, dirt, and, the MAC pulleys are aluminum which will change its shape faster when it gets hot. I am wondering what the effects will be on precision weight distribution at 2-3000 rpm with an additional weight that the oem pulley was not designed to handle.

The ASP and/or Summit are stand-alone units that are (1) new, and (2) precision turned (the summit pulleys are spin tested to 12K rpm) and made of steel.

I don't have any side by side test, just trying to apply some common sense. We have all complained about many aspects of Ford's OEM equipment, and delight in changing parts out for better quality aftermarket stuff. So how come we don't apply that same logic to these underdrive pulleys? Neither ASP nor Summit are fly by night companies. Both put out quality products.

I would be very hesitant to add a piggy back weight of a different material to an "old" oem crank. I know lots of guys have done it and faired very well. I just didn't want to risk a $4,000 engine for the sake of a $150 aluminum pulley set. For litterally a few dollars more I think you get a better deal by replacing the OEM crank with a new, aftermarket steel unit.

So ok, now I will step down off my soap box!

Good luck to you what ever you choose.