At 323k miles the drivetrain on this truck was beyond tired, the transmission would not go into gear at times and there was a grinding noise coming from the rear axle. David wanted it to last another 20+ years so it was brought in for a new drivetrain and we installed a Ford remanufactured long block engine and transmission, as well as a rear axle assembly from U.S. Powertrain.
In stock form, the engine and transmission are both great but there are improvements to be had. The engine received a turbo pedestal and turbo outlet that eliminate the exhaust back pressure valve and actuator, and a set of bellowed exhaust up pipes. To ensure the injectors receive adequate amounts of fuel we installed our Driven Diesel Fuel Bowl Delete Regulated Return fuel system and upgraded Banjo Bolts.
The fuel is supplied and filtered by a FASS Signatures Series Titanium lift pump and a Beans Diesel fuel tank sump. Further improving injector function is a high frequency/high voltage injector driver module (IDM) from Diesel Tech of Chattanooga. Since the truck is used for towing the stock air intake and exhaust were thrown away and we installed an S&B air intake and MBRP 4” turbo-back exhaust. These will help improve efficiency and lower exhaust temperatures. Next were improvements to the transmission for cooling and reliability.
Keeping it cool is key so it received a much larger 5R110 transmission cooler and a Hughes Performance transmission pan. While the pan was off a John Wood Valve Body was installed. The upgraded valve body will result in quicker and more positive shifts, eliminate shift flares, reduced clutch slippage and wear which also helps reduce fluid temperature. With the theme of keeping things cool passengers are no different and to make sure this happens we installed a new complete A/C system.
Last on the list is a problem this genre of Ford trucks commonly faces which is a worn-out shifter/column. When this happens the driver may notice it displaying the incorrect gear selection on the PRNDL and can make it difficult to select each gear. We removed the steering column and replaced all worn components so now David knows without a doubt whether it’s in reverse or drive before letting go of the brake pedal. And just like that, you have an ultra-reliable truck for a fraction of the price when compared to a new one.
