2005 with a lift-towing issues?

[bighad]

I have a question, and am not that educated on diesels. I have an 05 crew cab long box 350 4x4...I decided to lift it 6" and run 37" tires. I pull a toybox and when loaded probably 9k pounds. I notice the turbo seems to be continually on...I hear a lot about EGT and have concerns about overheating the turbo. The truck is all stock motor speaking..Should I think about running smaller tires? Re-gearing the axles? Putting exhaust/intake/chip? 95% of the driving is empty family weekend driving...I want this truck to last 10 years..and am very conservative on my driving style and have a great deal of mechanical (gas) knowledge (for a non mechanic livelyhood guy)
Looking for any advice...so many of you come across as such experts.
Thanks in advance...this site is awesome...

[ToddPSD]

With a 9k load on and 37"s the turbo will whistle a bit to get ya down the road. But if its stock tuning your fine. 9K isn't that big of a load I wouldn't worry about it. Its just working, just let it cool down good when ya stop.

[JW350]

That's basically the same setup I have. Since you're in this truck for the long haul (so to speak), I highly recommend upgrading your gears to either 4.30s or 4.56s.

[bighad]

well I was thinking of doing upgrades but I do not want to put the truck into any kind of "outta spec" zone. I have seen guys with all these bells and whistles and it seems they have issues with overspooling the turbo, producing too much torque (ruining trans) and other issues. So, leaving it stock is probably the best bet?
I would like to mod it if it helps the truck run cooler or reduces stress, improves gas mileage, etc.
On a final note, running it stock with this set up, I do not have to worry about overheating the turbo? Ruining the trans?
People put thoughts into your head and then it gets ya paranoid...
I want to think that this one ton shouldn't really be affected to much with this tire size and the loads I pull..after all, it did come stock with 18" wheels and 33" tires (by my guesstimate)

[JW350]

[ QUOTE ]
well I was thinking of doing upgrades but I do not want to put the truck into any kind of "outta spec" zone...

[/ QUOTE ]

Lifting the suspension and installing 37" tires pretty much puts you in the "outta spec" zone.

[ QUOTE ]
...I have seen guys with all these bells and whistles and it seems they have issues with overspooling the turbo, producing too much torque (ruining trans) and other issues. So, leaving it stock is probably the best bet? I would like to mod it if it helps the truck run cooler or reduces stress, improves gas mileage, etc...

[/ QUOTE ]

Re-gearing to compensate for the larger tires will put less stress on your drive train. In most cases, it will also give you better fuel mileage.

[ QUOTE ]
...On a final note, running it stock with this set up, I do not have to worry about overheating the turbo? Ruining the trans?
People put thoughts into your head and then it gets ya paranoid...

[/ QUOTE ]

Aftermarket gauges are a good idea (even on "stock" trucks) so you can monitor EGTs and get real-time trans temps.

[ QUOTE ]
..I want to think that this one ton shouldn't really be affected to much with this tire size and the loads I pull..after all, it did come stock with 18" wheels and 33" tires (by my guesstimate)

[/ QUOTE ]

If your truck originally came with 33" tires, then 4.30:1 gears would just about get you back to stock specs (maybe better).

[kehale]

Re-gear to 4.30's and keep the engine stock.
You'll have to reprogram the speedo to get close (it reads speed from the ring gear speed sensor on the rear diff). Keep in mind that re-gearing does not change the speedo AT ALL. It's entirely dependent on tire diameter.

You probably need a TruSpeed calibration unit to be more accurate, though, as the stock computer can only compensate down to 600 revs per mile (or 35" tires).

[Idaho Slim]

Bighad, Have you already lifted and are running 37's?? Because if not you may want to re-think this for "towing". I have basically the same truck, 04 F250 4 dr. It is lifted 6" and I run 35 TSRUX tires for towing and carrying a camper and I have issues I have been trying to remedy since. The response from kehale is correct, you must re-calibrate your computer speedometer, that in itself will help the power searching turbo. However, the main issue is with the 2 - piece driveline and its center carrier , i experience extreme chatter/vibration when towing and under load offroad on inclines and when the torque is needed, ( I run mine unchipped). The power is there no problem, but we are into our third go round with the driveline slap issue. So far we have fabricated custom axle wrap bars that work nicely, and a modification to the carrier bracketts to lower them down to acceptable angles, however the issuie persists, we think the nex (And hopefully final!) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] change is to put a yoke on the tranny side of the driveline at its carrier location, and then fit up a CV joint on the axle side of the driveline, it is in the shop now. I'll let you know how it turns out.

But. IMO, If you do not have a great 4x4 shop / mechanic connection, Just do a small 2 inch add-a-leaf lift and run an aftermarket tire/wheel combo, no more than the equivelant of 34 inch tires. It will save you major issues.

[ketchum]

Whether it be a Ford,Duramax or Dodge every post I've come across with lifts and 37 inch tires all comment about poor towing,poor fuel mleage or it seems to be overworking to get going.Clunks and noises or steering issues in any and all combinations. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]