new to diesel..

[ILLICIT]

Well I've had my truck for a few months I love it.. no complaints.. I may ***** about the price of fuel once in a while.... I have a few questions though if anyone can help.. I don't expect them all answered but since I have been searching forever for an early 99 forum I might as well shoot and maybe I'll get some of them answered.. I really want to get all this done by the springtime... Thanks ahead for your time and input.. I greatly appreciate it!

1.)I have the Hypertech Power Programmer III on it.. it came with the truck when I bought it.. Does anyone know how to program it for a little better gas mileage. I have it set for smooth shifting right now. Running around the city I get about 400 to the tank and that's pushing it.. or if there is any suggestions on another programmer to upgrade to? I don't expect an outrageous amount of gain in mileage.. but something is better than nothing...

2.) I want to upgrade my Exhaust and intake as well.. It's hard to find stuff for early 99.. what are your suggestions... Someone told me to do this for gas mileage also. and a little more performance. plus I want the sound. I wanted to do a turbo back exhaust.. suggestions on brands and where to get the right ones to fit my truck?.. along with and intake...

3.) Gauges: I want to get 3 gauges exhaust temp, boost, and trans temp.. where to get them and how hard is the install? Any brands that are better than others? I was looking at Autometers the ones with the Chrome bezel since I'm changing out my air vents to the newer f150 round vents anyways..


4.) Where is the best place to find a steering set-up and all what all will I need? I want to do the crossover steering I have 8" of suspension lift and 3" body..suggestions on brand and all the parts I'll need.. as far as relocating the trac bar also.. Where to get it all for a reasonable price..

5.) The tires measure 40" how can I calculate the actual miles I'm going. Where and how can I get the gauges fixed so they show the correct speed.. I believe if it shows 55 on my gauges someone was following me told me that I was actually doing about 75.. This is the truck:

[bfloyd4445]

[quote=ILLICIT;373396]Well I've had my truck for a few months I love it.. no complaints..
1.)I have the Hypertech Power Programmer III on it.. it came with the truck when I bought it.. Does anyone know how to program it for a little better gas mileage. I have it set for smooth shifting right now. Running around the city I get about 400 to the tank and that's pushing it.. or if there is any suggestions on another programmer to upgrade to? I don't expect an outrageous amount of gain in mileage.. but something is better than nothing...



Great looking truck! Early 99's are a favorite. Email hypermax and ask them. They have always bent over backwards to answer questions I've had.

[alabamafrog]

I had a hypertech years ago and it is the weakest programmer or chip I have ever tried, it is a lot more than stock but still the weakest. The superchips is pretty powerful and trouble free, the predator is the strongest I have used and has awesome diagnostics. A flip chip is the way to go because you can drive around on econo and flip to race at a moments notice. I run a 6 position chip and keep the predator for the diagnostics. Don’t expect much of a mpg gain with any of them.

I put a 5” system on mine because with my camper and tool trailer I don’t think I have clearance for stacks. My system is a 4” downpipe to a straight through 5” muffler and 5” to the factory exit location, cost $400 delivered from eBay and took about 4-6 hours to install. I hear that Farmboy, a supplier on this site, has them pretty cheap too. A cheaper way to do it is have a muffler shop cut the cat and muffler off and weld in a straight pipe for about $80. As for intakes the DIY is my favorite, costs less than $40 and takes minutes to install, for most early 99’s all you need is the filter and a 3” PVC 45 or 22. I use the Bladwin PA2818 but lots of folks use the NAPA brand. You can check out my signature pic link to see some of this stuff. Shutterfly | Slideshow

I have 3 Isspro gauges on the pillar and 4 cheap gauges overhead, the Isspro are good and my buddies Autometer are also good. You should be able to find all 3 gauges and mount for about $300 and it only takes a few hours to install. Shutterfly | Slideshow

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Last edited by alabamafrog : 12-25-2007 at 12:32 PM.

[redstroker_2002]

nice looking truck welcome to the .org

[ILLICIT]

Thanks for all the info Alabama.. I'll definitly make my own intake.. I did it a while back on a friends Camaro similar to that.. so I'm going that way for sure.. thanks for the savings already.. and I think I'm going with the 4" turbo back exhaust.. I was looking on ebay.. but if there's someone on this forum that you said sells them I'd rather g through them seeing as I've owned my own business I would like to support other people and their ventures.. so I'l llook into getting it from Farmboy.. after I get all my stereo stuff done I'm going to do the Exhaust for sure.. appreciate you taking all the time to help out.. and nice truck!

[alabamafrog]

$290 5in Exhaust with a Muffler until Jan. 1

[ILLICIT]

I want to go with all stainless steel... that one was aluminized.. thanks though I'm sur ehe'll have the stainless also.. I'm looking to get it around February time anyways..