Big changes to the trail rig

[stout22]

More from Disney

 

[stout22]

Got it all twisted up. Got to do more work to get the 40" tires to clear.

 

[stout22]

A BIG THANKS to Yeller.
I have been very blessed to have amazing friends and it all started with Broncos or Broncno
He set daily goals that we could meet and keep progressing to the final test run.
There is no way I would have got this done this century.
(Vertically challenged folks should always find a convenient rock to stand on for picture taking time )

 

[1969]

One of the top goals for this build was it had to fit between the fenders on a standard trailer - it does. We have a camper/hauler that it had to fit in without driving over the fenders.
Another goal was to try and use as many stock/unmodified parts as possible - full width 2008 SD axles with stock brakes, shafts and lockouts, stock F250/350 steel 8"x17" wheels, stock steering components.

Look up the F550 front axle shafts if you haven’t already. They slide right in and come with a massive 1550 u joint. I think a set on rock auto is like $300.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Wow! Spectacular!

 

[Yeller]

I had a great time working with you all week, one of the better vacations I’ve ever had. I love doing this stuff, having you and Mrs Stout22 spend the week with us was a blessing.

 

[rocknhorse76]

Looks great! Did you extend the wheelbase at all?

 

[Yeller]

Looks great! Did you extend the wheelbase at all?

Just a little. If my memory is correct 3”.

 

[rocknhorse76]

Just a little. If my memory is correct 3”.

I’m guessing 1” in front and 2” out back?

 

[Yeller]

I’m guessing 1” in front and 2” out back?

Maybe, didn’t pay attention to where it came from. Got everything as far as we could without changing the fuel tank and not cutting the Bailie Bilt bumper to clear the tires, which did was enough to keep the tires mostly out of the back of the inner fenders. I was prepared to move the steering box, however the steering pivot points are shorter on the Dana 60 vs the out going 44. The pitman arm got 3/4” shorter due to the steering pivot changes negating the need to move the box.

At full compression the rear upper control arms clear the crossmember and the floor by about a 1/4” and the diff cover clears the fuel tank sending unit by a reasonably comfortable margin. Everything is tight and close to everything.

 

[rocknhorse76]

Maybe, didn’t pay attention to where it came from. Got everything as far as we could without changing the fuel tank and not cutting the Bailie Bilt bumper to clear the tires, which did was enough to keep the tires mostly out of the back of the inner fenders. I was prepared to move the steering box, however the steering pivot points are shorter on the Dana 60 vs the out going 44. The pitman arm got 3/4” shorter due to the steering pivot changes negating the need to move the box.

At full compression the rear upper control arms clear the crossmember and the floor by about a 1/4” and the diff cover clears the fuel tank sending unit by a reasonably comfortable margin. Everything is tight and close to everything.

Right on. No mods to the rear crossmember then?

 

[stout22]

No, the rear crossmember was not touched

 

[stout22]

Look up the F550 front axle shafts if you haven’t already. They slide right in and come with a massive 1550 u joint. I think a set on rock auto is like $300.

I spotted one in my local junkyard the last time I was there but didn't have time to pull it apart.

 

[Tricky Dick]

What's the rear travel? 12" shock?

 

[Yeller]

What's the rear travel? 12" shock?

10”. It doesn’t take as much as you would think. We reused the stock mounts on the frame and mounted the axle end as close to the caliper as reasonable for easy installation. You need flex for stability, controlling the axle, and leveraging the torque to your advantage is the key. It does droop beyond the length of the springs by 4-5”.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Really, really fine job, guys! Kudos!

 

[Tricky Dick]

10”. It doesn’t take as much as you would think. We reused the stock mounts on the frame and mounted the axle end as close to the caliper as reasonable for easy installation. You need flex for stability, controlling the axle, and leveraging the torque to your advantage is the key. It does droop beyond the length of the springs by 4-5”.

Gah I guess I'm doing this. I'm going to spring for coilovers though because I like to be able to level it back out when loaded down.

 

[Yeller]

Gah I guess I'm doing this. I'm going to spring for coilovers though because I like to be able to level it back out when loaded down.

Imo if doing coilovers you need an antirock sway bar as well.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Imo if doing coilovers you need an antirock sway bar as well.

I was thinking the radius arm front would provide some stabilization, not enough?

 

[Yeller]

It will help but point the nose up and that all goes out the window