RES4CUE

You can also check to see if it's leveled by taking a pic of the front struts and posting. You should see a puck on top of the strut.

Your truck looks like it has a level, non leveled have a nose down attitude, a rake like a 70s hot rod.

Frankduex

Programming is pretty popular. I have never talked to him, but a fella named nasty on this forum has a lot of knowledge on these trucks. I believe he was tuned in a previous thread so he may be able to help. What I know, it changes the functionality of the engine, shifting points, Rpms, ect. I have the Eco boost so I don't really notice much in power loss in lower gears if any at all. 285 isn't really a wide tire though. So I think for now I will hold off. Look at it like this. In the time you own the truck. How much more will you spend on gas? If you re gear or tune, will the cost eventually become beneficial in 3-4 years based on the extra money you will spend in gas? Tuning and re gearing can bring in a lot of savings over time as far as mpg's go.

Spiky

It is nothing like a 70s hot rod.

RES4CUE

Tuning is basically when a company makes a new "program" for the motor and transmission to run off of. Our trucks (all modern vehicles) use a computer to control several things on these motors and transmissions. For instance, that little lag when you press on the gas, that's computer controlled and can be programmed out so it's instant throttle.

The guys like 5 star make very safe but functional tunes that add horsepower and torque. These engines and transmissions in stock form are tuned towards EPA gas savings and leave a lot on the table for the programmers to play with and open up.

I've been running a custom tune for 5 years and love it. Down side is if you live in a state that tests emissions you will have to program the truck back to stick to be tested or it will fail.

RES4CUE

True but it's close enough to make people picture what a raked vehicle looks like!

Danny Taylor

So tuning is simple? Just a plug in somewhere? That sounds sweet. I like the idea of possibly getting 35's and trying this.

RES4CUE

Yep, usually it's $400 for the little computer and 3 or more custom tunes depending on who you go with. You plug the programmer into the OBDII port under the dash on the drivers side and follow prompts. Once it's done unplug and enjoy.

cmbowles25

Usually the weight, width, and tread type of the tire(mud tires kill more power than all terrains). Wider tires are gonna hurt power more so than height. I would look into either boss coilovers or icons and icon uca with a 34/10.5 tire. SCT is a popular tuner with either 5 star, MPT and a couple people really like SSI custom tunes.

Danny Taylor

So...checking around and searching the forums (of course I'm not too good on here, lol) I haven't been able to find anyone's performance from custom tunes with 35's? I kinda wanted to see how it might feel...and if you can keep a 5.0 feeling powerful with 12+ mpg. The concept is definitely interesting.

mike243

Does your truck have skid plates? if not be careful how much you off road,had a jeep 1 time with a chunk knocked out of the trans due to no Skid plates