BRONCO SEVERE DUTY STEERING UPGRADE KIT now available from Ford Performance Parts!

[Max1h]

Question, Can ford program the rack w/o a procal tool? Ive been sitting on my 3.0 rack for a month waiting for the procal tool to arrive .. shipped same day as the rack stuck in transit no way for ford to track it apprently.. kinda annoyed missing winter4x4 jambaree due to to programmer being over a month late.

How does one program the new rack w/o using either of those?

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[Brian_B]

How does one program the new rack w/o using either of those?

As far as I know...

The "official" method is using the ProCal tool. If you want a dealer to install it, this is what they are probably going to default to. This method seems to not work more often than it works, and usually needs direct engineering support from Ford Performance to work - especially if you had a previously installed Ford Performance engine tune.

The "unofficial but always works" method was discovered by BigMeatsBronco here -- you have to use Forscan to change the VIN in the ECM to match a Bronco that already has the HOSS 3 Rack (a Wildtrak, for instance). Then use FDRS to flash the new rack -- it sees the HOSS 3 as factory since the VIN was altered. Then use Forscan to change the VIN back.

Once a new rack has been programmed once, it doesn't need to be updated again and will work fine. If you buy the rack third party (such as via BroncBuster, I am not endorsing this just mentioning the fact) - they will often pre-program the rack for you. There are some members here who can help program it as well if you are local or can get local. Ford just won't ship them pre-programmed because of ... reasons (liability I'm sure).

Since you are essentially cheating the FDRS system - most dealers aren't going to touch this method (although there is a report around here of a garage that did after ProCal failed to work spectacularly)

 

[zuke]

I've never heard of a dealer doing it, But, If they had a Bronco on the lot that already had a 3.0 rack in it, They could plug the new rack into it, (Not Install, just plug in!) and program the rack with FDRS. Then the rack could be installed in your bronco, same as a preprogrammed rack from the vendors who offer them.

I believe this would cause the Ford servers to record a Rack replacement on the vehicle used to program the rack, so Dealer's would not want to do it!

 

[mpeugeot]

I've never heard of a dealer doing it, But, If they had a Bronco on the lot that already had a 3.0 rack in it, They could plug the new rack into it, (Not Install, just plug in!) and program the rack with FDRS. Then the rack could be installed in your bronco, same as a preprogrammed rack from the vendors who offer them.

I believe this would cause the Ford servers to record a Rack replacement on the vehicle used to program the rack, so Dealer's would not want to do it!

There is a VIN or two that has several dozen rack programming events. LOL

 

[zuke]

There is a VIN or two that has several dozen rack programming events. LOL

I was thinking the same thing, I wonder if Flip could print us some CVS receipts out of the ford database

 

[nolimits]

There is a VIN or two that has several dozen rack programming events. LOL

I’ve beem keeping my eyes peeled for an asshole driver with a WT. When he goes in to the gas station to get his slurpee I am going to jot down his VIN to use for my swap.

 

[DMSCS]

Has anyone had issues with the procal rack update not working?

I just installed the 3.0 rack and followed all the procedures for running the program. It gets to the end and looks successful on the procal but I keep getting a steering rack fault code on the dash. It's also throwing other fault codes for the lane keeping system.

I've seen some people run the program then install the rack then rerun the program? Think that might fix it if I plug the 2.0 back in before rerunning the program?

(I've got a 2023 Badlands 2 door non-sas and previously installed the performance tune)

 

[Brian_B]

Has anyone had issues with the procal rack update not working?

Pretty much everyone has issues with ProCal working.

 

[ThunderFlash]

Has anyone had issues with the procal rack update not working?

I feel for you DMSCS. I have a '22, 2-dr WT built in Dec of '21 (bought used with 12K on the clock last July). I bought the HD rack and was going to install it last weekend, but chickened out based on all the Procal issues I've seen seemingly competent people report (I did get the Eibach Stage 2s and skids installed, though). I have no issues turning wrenches, but software and electronics in general are frustrating to me. It seems SOME people have success with no issues and regardless of trim. I also have the Ford Performance tune installed, which seems to be a complicating factor

Sorry if this has been discussed (I got away from the thread when it was about 15 pages), but I'm wondering if having SAS or WT will aid in the Procal installation. Possibly base code in the ECU for a SAS/WT that better supports the Procal flash? Seems possible since those models were about to get that rack as optional, then standard. The HD rack has "WT" in the Ford part number, which seems more than coincidence. Or maybe it's related to the build date and core ECU software revision in the ROM?

 

[DMSCS]

I feel for you DMSCS. I have a '22, 2-dr WT built in Dec of '21 (bought used with 12K on the clock last July). I bought the HD rack and was going to install it last weekend, but chickened out based on all the Procal issues I've seen seemingly competent people report (I did get the Eibach Stage 2s and skids installed, though). I have no issues turning wrenches, but software and electronics in general are frustrating to me. It seems SOME people have success with no issues and regardless of trim. I also have the Ford Performance tune installed, which seems to be a complicating factor

Sorry if this has been discussed (I got away from the thread when it was about 15 pages), but I'm wondering if having SAS or WT will aid in the Procal installation. Possibly base code in the ECU for a SAS/WT that better supports the Procal flash? Seems possible since those models were about to get that rack as optional, then standard. The HD rack has "WT" in the Ford part number, which seems more than coincidence. Or maybe it's related to the build date and core ECU software revision in the ROM?

Looking at some other threads it seems like the bigger issue is the Performance Tune being installed first. Thinking I need to contact Ford Performance

 

[ThunderFlash]

Looking at some other threads it seems like the bigger issue is the Performance Tune being installed first. Thinking I need to contact Ford Performance

I talked to Tom there and he gave me some good info, but not the total confidence a cautious wuss like me needs! It sounds like Ken (the other guy) is more of the Procal expert. Tom seemed surprised I was even able to get the HD rack loaded on the Procal. Let us know what you hear.

 

[DMSCS]

Pretty much everyone has issues with ProCal working.

The issues I've seen have mostly been on

I feel for you DMSCS. I have a '22, 2-dr WT built in Dec of '21 (bought used with 12K on the clock last July). I bought the HD rack and was going to install it last weekend, but chickened out based on all the Procal issues I've seen seemingly competent people report (I did get the Eibach Stage 2s and skids installed, though). I have no issues turning wrenches, but software and electronics in general are frustrating to me. It seems SOME people have success with no issues and regardless of trim. I also have the Ford Performance tune installed, which seems to be a complicating factor

Sorry if this has been discussed (I got away from the thread when it was about 15 pages), but I'm wondering if having SAS or WT will aid in the Procal installation. Possibly base code in the ECU for a SAS/WT that better supports the Procal flash? Seems possible since those models were about to get that rack as optional, then standard. The HD rack has "WT" in the Ford part number, which seems more than coincidence. Or maybe it's related to the build date and core ECU software revision in the ROM?

What do you think of the Eibach stage 2s? Considering getting those when my tires need replacing and I go up to 34s. Any thoughts on the regular vs heavy duty option?

 

[ThunderFlash]

Sent you a direct message on the Eibachs since it's a bit complicated answer.

 

[nolimits]

@DMSCS I also have a Badlands non-SAS, and recently upgraded to 37’s. Installing an upgraded rack is on my radar.

As noted, it seems about any install with ProCal has been a PITA, more so if a previous tune was installed as it skips over some of the files needed.

However, even if the stars aligned for you it’s my understanding the calibration tune is NOT compatible with any non-SAS model. So you may be going down a dead end path. Maybe @mpeugeot and others with hands on programming experience can provide further confirmation but I think you will have to use FORSCan, FDRS and borrow a WT VIN to make it work.

 

[DMSCS]

@DMSCS I also have a Badlands non-SAS, and recently upgraded to 37’s. Installing an upgraded rack is on my radar.

As noted, it seems about any install with ProCal has been a PITA, more so if a previous tune was installed as it skips over some of the files needed.

However, even if the stars aligned for you it’s my understanding the calibration tune is NOT compatible with any non-SAS model. So you may be going down a dead end path. Maybe @mpeugeot and others with hands on programming experience can provide further confirmation but I think you will have to use FORSCan, FDRS and borrow a WT VIN to make it work.

The product info says it is compatible with all 2 door models, but we'll see if Ford performance is able to help me get this resolved. If not I'll go down the FDRS route

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