I am typically towing anywhere from 5-12k.
Waste of time, money, effort, and enthusiasm. Potentially counter-productive. Asking for problems.2) While I am there, I want to install a CAI. I know there are mixed reviews on this. I am still undecided on what brand, may just stick with K&N.
No responsible exhaust shop will risk the ten-thousand dollar fine for disabling catalysts. When it was me, I installed a low-restriction aftermarket catalyst. And then there'd be no reason to delete the rear O2 sensors.3) I plan to do a full exhaust. I am looking at these headers and then plan to let a local shop handle the rest. I am going to remove CATs and go with a dual system flowmaster 20 or so. Including an X-pipe.
Flowmaster mufflers have a big advertising budget, but the performance isn't that great.
I kinda like X-pipes IF (big IF) they're designed right. Too many sellers/fabricators get them very wrong. And it's hard to beat a BIG single-exhaust system.
Far as I know. Clearance problems to the front differential/driveshaft.I was leaning towards long tubes, but everything I am reading says the 4x4 needs to stick with shorties, is this correct?
I have NO idea why you'd put headers on a tow-pig. They're gonna get hotter'n hell, life-cycle could be shortened. Iron manifolds are your long-term friend. If you just HAVE to have headers, Tri-Y style would be the better design.
"I" would keep the EGR functional, and of course you have to have at least the front O2 sensors.4) I do have some questions about the EGR and O2 sensors. From the info I gathered it really doesn't seem that hard to cap the EGR, and I will probably need to do that with new headers. The caps I plan to use I got from this forum below. I am assuming both of these will need to be tuned out to prevent getting and OBII or dash light. Is there any negative affect in running it before it's tuned?
Good luck with a mail-order tune.5) The last step will be a tune from black bear, I am planning on doing just the traditional tune from the info I have read on their website. I have emailed them waiting on a reply.
If you're towing 12K pounds, you'd better spend some time inspecting/repairing/upgrading the chassis--steering, suspension, brakes, trans service perhaps with a shift-kit. Fresh fluids/lube in EVERYTHING--differentials, transfer case, PS, brakes, coolant/radiator. Assure the A/C is working properly and the condenser isn't blocking airflow with folded fins or packed with dirt and sparrows. Fan 'n' fan clutch operation. Aux fan if equipped.Any other basic improvements that I have missed?
Did you verify fuel pressure, or are you thinking that "new" means "perfect"?I do, I recently replaced the fuel pump due to it "whining" in hot weather
Mistake. Gotta keep at least the front O2 sensors.Yeah, and the fronts. My understanding is they are pre and post CAT, so if I go with the headers I will have to tune out all of them.