How To Install Diesel Delete Kits on Your Truck: A Guide for Performance Enthusiasts

by Mandeep Singh
Posted: Oct 24, 2024

If you’re looking to boost your truck’s performance or squeeze more fuel efficiency out of your diesel engine, installing diesel delete kits might be the upgrade you’ve been eyeing. Diesel delete kits are a popular option among truck owners, including those with Ford delete kits, looking to bypass emissions systems like the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). But before jumping into the installation, it’s essential to know how to do it right. This guide will walk you through installing a diesel delete kit, ensuring you don’t miss a beat—literally.

What is a Diesel Delete Kit?

In simple terms, a diesel delete kit removes or disables certain emissions controls designed to reduce pollutants from your exhaust. These kits typically come with replacement parts like a straight pipe to replace your DPF and block-off plates for your EGR. The result? Better engine performance, improved fuel efficiency, and less maintenance hassle, especially when using Ford delete kits that are tailored to your specific truck model.

Before diving into the installation, though, be aware that deleting your emissions system may void your vehicle’s warranty and make it illegal for street use, depending on your local laws. Make sure to research your local regulations and consider the potential consequences before moving forward, whether you are installing generic delete kits or Ford delete kits specifically.

Tools and Parts You’ll Need

To install diesel delete kits, you’ll need the following tools and parts:

Diesel delete kit (typically includes DPF delete pipe, tuner, EGR block-off plates)

Socket wrench set

Screwdrivers

Jack and jack stands (if no lift is available)

Torque wrench

Safety gear: gloves, eye protection, etc.

A battery charger or maintainer (important for tuning, more on that later)

If you're working with Ford delete kits, ensure you have model-specific parts to avoid complications.

Step 1: Lift Your Truck

You’ll need to raise your truck to access the exhaust and emissions systems. If you have access to a lift, great! Otherwise, use a heavy-duty jack and jack stands. Make sure the truck is securely elevated before you get underneath.

Step 2: Remove the Factory Exhaust

Start by removing the factory exhaust components, particularly the DPF filter.

Begin by disconnecting the sensors attached to the DPF and surrounding exhaust system. These are delicate, so take care when unplugging them.

Use your socket wrench to unbolt the exhaust system, starting from the rear of the truck and working your way forward. Be prepared for some weight—it’s a bulky system.

Once removed, you can set aside the DPF and exhaust components. Keep the sensors safe if you need to reinstall them later.

Step 3: Install the Delete Pipe

With the DPF out of the way, you can now install the delete pipe that comes with your diesel delete kit.

Slide the delete pipe into place, making sure it lines up with the rest of your exhaust system.

Use the provided clamps to secure the pipe. Tighten everything to spec, but don’t over-tighten, as you want to allow for some flexibility due to the heat and expansion your exhaust system will experience.

Step 4: Disable the EGR System (Optional)

Many diesel delete kits, including Ford delete kits, include an option to disable the EGR system, which recirculates exhaust gases back into your engine for emissions control. Deleting the EGR can improve engine efficiency and reduce the risk of future breakdowns related to clogged valves.

Use the block-off plates provided in your kit to seal off the EGR connections. Typically, this involves removing a few bolts and sliding the plates in place.

Step 5: Install the Tuner—Don’t Forget to Plug in the Battery

Here’s where things can get tricky but also exciting—the tuning process. You need to update your truck's computer to recognize the absence of the emissions systems, which will prevent error codes from popping up and optimize engine performance. This is where the tuner comes into play.

Before you start tuning, it’s crucial to hook your truck up to a battery charger or maintainer. This ensures that your truck’s battery doesn’t die mid-tune, which could corrupt the installation and seriously damage your engine's computer.

Connect your truck to a battery charger to maintain a stable power supply.

Plug the tuner into the OBD-II port (typically located under the driver’s side dashboard).

Follow the instructions on the tuner to upload the new tune. The tuner will guide you through choosing the specific delete modifications you’ve made (DPF, EGR, etc.) and any additional performance settings you want to apply.

Whether you're using general delete kits or specialized Ford delete kits, the process is typically straightforward but may take several minutes. Let it run its course without interruptions. Once the new tune is uploaded, your truck’s computer will be able to operate without the emissions controls and optimize the engine for better performance and fuel economy.

Step 6: Test and Fine-Tune

Now that everything is installed and your truck is tuned, it’s time to test it out.

Start the engine and listen closely for any unusual sounds. A smooth idle is what you’re aiming for.

After your engine warms up, take the truck for a test drive. Pay attention to how the engine responds and look out for any error codes that might pop up.

If everything feels right and the truck runs smoothly, congratulations—you’ve successfully installed your diesel delete kit!

Final Thoughts: Understand the Trade-Offs

Installing diesel delete kits can transform your truck into a more powerful and efficient machine, especially if you're using it for off-road purposes or in areas where emissions laws are more lenient. However, it's important to be aware of the potential legal ramifications and warranty issues that can come with deleting emissions systems.

Make sure to research your local regulations and think carefully about whether a diesel delete kit, particularly Ford delete kits, is the right move for you. If you’re unsure about the process or don’t feel confident in your ability to install the kit yourself, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.

Wrapping Up

With the right tools, some mechanical know-how, and attention to detail, installing diesel delete kits is a manageable project for most truck enthusiasts. Just don’t forget the essential step of keeping your battery charged during tuning to avoid serious issues down the road. Done right, a diesel delete kit can give you the performance and fuel savings you’re after, making your truck an even more reliable workhorse or off-road beast.