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Old 03-07-2007, 12:23 PM   #1
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Question How to get Tow/Haul on an F-150

I’ve been thinking about installing an engine reprogrammer to give me a tow/haul mode on my Lincoln Mark LT (essentially an F-150 crew cab, with nicer clothing). The truck came with a 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8, HD Trailer Towing Package, and 3.73 limited-slip differential. We do just fine on the flats or rolling hills in Central and North Florida, but are looking at bigger hills and mountains this summer and fall.

There are several brands available. The most popular seems to be the Superchips Flash Paq: http://www.superchips.com/home.phtml

The literature on these things promises more horsepower, better shift points, etc. As an added feature, they will also reprogram the speedometer if you change wheel/tire size. The down side is that you have to burn premium gas after you reprogram to the tow/haul mode. You can reset to the factory setting (and regular fuel) when not towing, and supposedly these won’t void the truck warranty.

Does anyone on the forum have any experience with these?

Randy
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Old 03-07-2007, 12:53 PM   #2
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Re-programming...?!

Randy -

Read your post and have one basic thought - you can do what your 're-programming' computer PROM will do, by using the shift lever. Just put it in 3 when you need additional "Umph"....

All that other stuff sounds like to much 'fiddling' for my tastes, then there is the warrenty issue, premium fuel, etc.... You also need to find room for the additional controls.

Put the additional $'s into a trans cooler, better gauges and camping fees.

Just my .02 cents - worth every penny paid.

Axel
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Old 03-07-2007, 01:35 PM   #3
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Tow-haul raises the shift points so that the tranny doesn't shift up until in a somewhat higher RPM range. I don't believe tow-haul does anything else. I can't believe you would see any towing improvement with a 23' unless accelerating aggressively. You're a long way from the mountains and I'd side with manually shifting down if you were lugging up a long upgrade -- and then only if the tranny didn't do that anyway.
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Old 03-07-2007, 02:04 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverToy
Randy -


Put the additional $'s into a trans cooler, better gauges and camping fees.

Just my .02 cents - worth every penny paid.

Axel
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Randy
I gotta agree with SilverToy, additional gauges and Cooler, the 5.4L will do the rest. Enjoy the trips!
IMO
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Old 03-07-2007, 02:22 PM   #5
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I'd tend to agree with what has been said. One additional thought is getting your PCM modified so that the torque converter locks sooner than later. I did this with my Impala SS before I retired it from towing the Safari. It worked and I even towed in overdrive and did no harm to the trans.
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Old 03-07-2007, 02:48 PM   #6
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hi rodney

while reprogramed ecu's (chips) are popular...

this really won't accomplish much for improved towing.

better hp yes (with the 91+ fuel) but without other mods not much torque gain....

one would need to alter the air intake/exhaust and/or add forced induction for that goal.

your truck/trailer combo are fine as is, but IF you really want a reasonable towing modification...

look at a gear vendors product.

http://www.gearvendors.com/fdrive.html

start at their home page are read some. contact them for your specific application.

one feature "factory" tow/haul modes include is downshifting or engine braking...

whiich is really nice to have coming down long mountain passes...

you can do this manually...

IF i were planning to alter the 150, i'd include another tranny cooler.

cheers
2air'
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Old 03-07-2007, 10:14 PM   #7
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Thumbs down Looks like it's not worth the cost

Thanks Silver Toy, Canoe stream, nymphfishin, Silvertwinkie, and 2air. Your knowledge, advice, and information continues to be invaluable.

I was kind of leaning away from buying one of these things and you guys cinched it. I started down this path because a neighbor who pulls an SOB with an F-150 has one installed and thinks it's great. I'm not trying to win races with my trailer on the hitch, so as was pointed out, just good power management will accomplish this without spending the $300.00.

I saw a thread here discussing engine and transmission gauges. I'll look into that as you all suggested.

Randy
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Old 03-07-2007, 10:53 PM   #8
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Thumbs up Tranny temp gauge

Worth it the first time I needed it on my 1/2-ton Nissan Titan. Avoid US-50 in NE West Virginia at all costs!
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Old 03-07-2007, 11:08 PM   #9
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Tranny Temp Gauge

Quote:
Originally Posted by Canoe stream
Worth it the first time I needed it on my 1/2-ton Nissan Titan. Avoid US-50 in NE West Virginia at all costs!

Dang, I put a tranny temp gauge and an additional tranny cooler on my 94 Burb 6.5L TD cost about $165-$170, did that right after I burned up a tranny, repair was $4,000.00....
Sure wished I had installed them earlier!
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Old 03-08-2007, 06:39 AM   #10
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Tranny coolers are for automatic transmissions arent they? I just realized that I believe that and Im not sure why. Do I have an exposure with my standard transmission?
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Old 03-08-2007, 08:43 AM   #11
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My 04 F-250 Manual transmission had a factory installled cooler. No temp guage. I was going to install one but the truck is no longer with me.
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