Tuner does help with the third gear. I have my rev limiter set to 6.5k and pulls hard in all gears now. I have MPT 93 race tune and 87 performance tune. I also have the 87 economy tune but I rarely program that tune in my truck since I love the other two tunes.

 

This is the second F150 I've owned and both had the same issue. Don't expect the transmission to always downshift when you floor it. I have better luck getting it to downshift by quickly depressing the gas pedal about two thirds of the way down. Both my 2007 and 2011 have acted the same way. It's frustrating when you really need to kick it into passing mode. FYI - my 2007 had the 5.4 and my 2011 has the 5.0.

 

I lieu of getting a tune - believe me, I want one, but my 2013 5.0 has less than 6K on it and I'm very apprehensive about installing one right now (maybe that'll change!) - I've started to use the SelectShift more and more. Just start out in 1st, rev'er up to 3.5-4K, then to 2nd, same, then into 3rd. Not as nice as a tune but it's warrantied!

 

My Throttle response has changed since I added My K&N 63 series Kit....2012 5.0 3:55 screw 3" level BFG 275/65/20

I too hated that bogging down, as Im used to our FX4 we have with 5.4 its snappy and goes like a Raped ape out of the hole......

I have 34" tire's on 20", and I have to watch it now on the lower end as I get a lot easier tire spin. when I punch it now it goes
LOL...it was a dog before....

 

I have a 5.0 SCREW 4X4 3.55 gears with a 5* 87 performance tune and it pulls strong through all gears.

 

I've noticed it also. Doesn't seem to happen all the time, only certain throttle/speed conditions. I assumed it was the torque converter locking. Seems to want to lock a little earlier than necessary sometimes, a fuel saving strategy I suppose. It almost feels like the computer pulls a little power from the engine as the torque converter is in the process of locking because as soon as its locked, the power is back even though there's little rpm change. I wonder if there's some sort of computer controlled "torque management" going on when the trans is shifting in 3rd to prevent trans damage. Different from a 4 speed trans for sure.

 

I dunno, my 3.7 plants me in the seat when it jumps down into third gear.

 

Well I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. I don't like it and will have to do something. I like the tuner suggestion but will hold off for a bit. My cousin has the Eco, it sounds like a Prius but it goes...damn turbo. There is so much exhaust out there, any suggestions there? I'm a fan of Flowmaster but idk. Obviously I'm only looking cat back and won't hurt the warranty.

 

Never noticed it. When I floor my truck, it pulls hard through every gear. Had two guys from work with me the other day when we went to lunch with the 5.4 s, and they can't wait to trade their trucks in now!

Could be the adaptive transmission adapting to the way you normally drive and locking the convertor early. Try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. See if it goes away when the adaptive stuff gets reset.

Something else you can do to improve your runs is use tow/haul mode. It increases the RPMs where your transmission shifts, keeping you in the peak party of the horsepower band a little longer.

Good luck!

 

Hi gang!

I wanted to jump in and remind everybody that I'm here to do what I can to help. If you have a physical concern with your vehicle, I'll look into some options to assist. To get started, send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll get to work for you!

Crystal