IFS and Camber Kits???? WTFO?

[addkev]

OK, I have another thread about doing an alignment after a TT,
(dead link)

So, I decide to just go and have it done. Well, Ford can't do it, or won't do it because of the TT, so I call a few local shops and they said that with the IFS, we don't have camber kits, and will need one installed for $140, then the alignment on topof that. Are they full of BS or what? Do we have a camber kit on our Ex's?

 

[JDraper]

I had my '01 aligned at Sears after I did the Torsion Twist and Shackles, and they did it for $49. No camber kit needed. I think they're mixing up the Generation I Explorers with the Generation II Explorers. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly, when you do a suspension lift on the front of the Gen I Explorers, you may need to replace the camber bushings because the factory bushings don't have a large enough eccentric to compensate.

 

[addkev]

JDraper,
Are you running 31's also? Did you have your speedo updated? The Ford dealer also said they won't update my computer for the speedometer to read correct, because I went with an unauthorized size of tire, or some line like that. Any ideas where I can get it done other than Ford?

 

[addkev]

I called a Ford dealer from Mobile, AL, got the info on how to have my speedo updated, then called my local Ford delear back and told them. So now they will agree to fix my Speedo and will align it at the same time.

 

[JDraper]

I'm running 31's too. I never got mine recalibrated. It's only off by 3-5% over stock which translates to 3 mph at 60 mph. I'm still debating on larger tires the next time I buy tires, so I'll do it at that point.

 

[Alec]

addkev, can you get me the number of that dealer in AL? None of the dealers here will update my g/f's speedo after we went from 225/70s to 235/75s. They say it can't be done. She has the 4.0 OHV with the 5R55E auto: weird 97-98 hybrid her dad bought without consulting me

 

[addkev]

I'm running 31's too. I never got mine recalibrated. It's only off by 3-5% over stock which translates to 3 mph at 60 mph. I'm still debating on larger tires the next time I buy tires, so I'll do it at that point.

I had heard that the trans. shift points are based off the speedo, so if your speedo is off, then your trans. is shifting too early, thus working harder than it should. That concerns me, because I am already using 3.55 gears.

addkev, can you get me the number of that dealer in AL?

Treadwell Ford
901 S Beltline Hwy
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 478-3351

 

[Lifted95X]

Your shift point are not based off your speedo are they???

 

[addkev]

Your shift point are not based off your speedo are they???

Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I have been assured that the shift points are based off the speedo. Which is why the speedo is computer controlled and has to be re programmed for larger tires.

 

[JDraper]

The tranny shift points are not based off of the speedometer. Think about it. If they were, the tranny would shift at the same speed all the time, and it doesn't. Take a look at How an automatic transmission works. People re-program their electronic speedos so that the correct speed is shown, and the correct mileage is registered on the odometer.

 

[addkev]

Ok, I am willing to think about this. I understand how the tranny works. I also understand how the speedo works. Maybe saying that the speedo controls it, was the wrong way to explain it. But I know that the computer controls the shift points, otherwise, why would people buy Hypertech's and change their shift points? Now, if the computer is calibrated into thinking you are running 29" tires, and you are running 31" tires, then obviously that is going to have some kind of impact on how the computer thinks it should shift. I have noticed a change in when the tranny shifts and when it downshifts. It downshifts much more often, which tells me it is being bogged down. Does that make sense? I am looking at this from a long term stance, I want to keep my truck. More importantly I want to keep my truck healthy, I hear so many horror stories about trannies going out, and I don't want to prematurely destroy mine, because I was lazy.

Does that make any sense?

 

[JDraper]

You're logic is on the right track. People buy the chips because they usually want to keep the motor in the power band longer and get firmer, faster shifts. The tranny is programmed from the factory to help the fuel economy and for smooth shifts, not for power and performance. Yes changing tire size will change the shift points slightly, but that's due to the change in torque that is being applied to the drivetrain due to larger tires. The larger the tire, the more torque it takes to turn, the sooner the tranny will downshift. It's not necessarily bad for the tranny. With my X, I really didn't notice any change in the shift points. They were lousy before the tires, and they are still lousy !! On upgrades on the highway, I am forever punching the O/D off button to get it to kick down. When and if I get around to putting a chip in, it will be primarily to get firmer shifts, quicker downshifts and later upshifts.

The best thing you can do to keep your tranny running well is regular maintenance (changing the fluid and screen), a tranny cooler, and an external filter.



BTW, didn't this thread start out talking about alignments???

 

[addkev]

BTW, didn't this thread start out talking about alignments???

LOL, I know but I decided to get that done already, I figure $50, can't hurt if it will save my tires.

You know it is amazing how addicting this Explorer is. Everytime I do an upgrade or mod. I think, wow I can't think of anything else I want. Then about 1-2 days later I can think of something new that I want. The cycle just repeats itself.

I think I can live with the speedo, it does freak me out, when I am filling up the tank at 270 miles versus 325, but I know that is all that it is. I have had my tranny flushed, but they refilled it with regular fluid, I think at 60,000, I am going to do the flush and filter and go with synthetic. When you add the external filter, how often are you changing that? I want to do my diffs and transfer case at 60,000 also, but the Haynes manual says they are lubricated for life. I will probably do it anyways, just so I will have synthetic.

Sometimes you just have to put up with me, I am a Marine, I learn things the hard way, and it helps to have pictures...

 

[fpizzo]

speedo re-cal

I just saw an ad from superlift for their speedo re-cal product...I;m not sure if it's any good...here is the add...
I found it at Dead Link Removed

New from Superlift
TrueSpeed Speed Sensor Calibrator
Finally, a speed sensor calibrator has arrived that addresses the needs of computer-controlled vehicles running larger or smaller than stock diameter tires. The Superlift TruSpeed calibrator installs in line with the speed sensor and recalibrates the signal sent to the computer. Because the signal is recalibrated at its source, speedometer reading, ABS functions, and transmission shift points are all corrected to work with the non-stock tire size.

92-01 Explorer, Ranger, Mountaineer, Sport Trac
Priced at $163
* Precise speed signal recalibration; to within 1%
* Dual signal settings to make seasonal tire changes hassle free

* Simple four-wire installation

* The unit can be recalibrated infinitely for future tire and/or gear changes.

* Complete instructions and adjustment charts included; no guess work.

 

[addkev]

That's cool...

$163!!!!!!!!!!!

Ford dealer wants $70 to do mine.

 

[becker69]

The cool thing with that superlift box is that you can fix your speedo yourself, for the life of the vehicle, regardless of going to different size tires. It is Expensive, but it's kind of cool to not have to go to a speedo shop. Maybe you'll have to spend the $$ later at a speedo shop to fight a speeding ticket anyways

 

[fpizzo]

speedo recal. $

It may be expensive...but if you ever change tire size more than once or you have a group of friends with Explorers, you could share in the expense or even trade services with others...just a thought... Plus time is money...I'm sure you would have to leave your Ex at the Dealer...get a ride home...maybe take your lunch time to drop it off...ect...

 

[addkev]

I agree 100%, plus if I ever replace the factory wheels and tires. The more i thought about it, $163.00 isn't much, use it twice and it has paid for itself.
But after debating and cruching the numbers, it just isn't off by that much. I am not going to worry about it.