Why would this set up suck? Done to 99-04 SD, it should be a cheap way to get rocks under a SD.

Front
- Sky mfg 4" hanger kit
- Sky mfg shackle flip
- 6" springs
- Rockwells

Rear
- Carli over load replacement pack http://www.thecarlisuspension.com/ford-superduty/components/addapack.html
- OUO track blocks http://www.oneupoffroad.com/ouoproducts/tractionblocks.html
- if im feeling frisky i could try to swap to the 08 leaves and start with those. They are wider and longer so they should give more flex.



it seems like a fairly easy way to get it done. the springs won't have a bunch of arch and ride like complete crap. A set of alcan/national 10 leaf packs would be great. 10" of lift to clear the center section of the rocks. Oh yea a set of bushwacker cut out flares and something in the 46" + range for tires.


bash away
micky

what about tcase? I think I would have to swap to a pass side tcase.


micky

10 leafs? that sounds like no flex to me. depends on the use of the rig. and no need to swap t-case, flip the knuckles.

I realized that the OUO stuff is built for a sterling rear. so I would have to pay for it then have to do some fab on it so it works with a rock. thats a bit of a waste so those are out. Seeing how I would need 6" of lift in the rear, i could ditch the carli packs also and just get an Icon, whoever 6" all spring lift and use them front and rear with the hangers and shackle flip.


micky

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=652521

I have been over that build and the one in the dodge section several times. It is similar to what I want to do except I will not be doing rear steer which means no chevy leaves in the back and he is planning on going to a link setup up front. I'm a big fan of KISS, and thats why i'm thinking leaves all the way around.

I was looking for any tips from people that have delt with rocks, what to look for, what to avoid, any little tips would be grateful.


micky

mud truck???? why do you need such a big fucking rig?

Here's my thought process -

Build it bullet proof. Repairs suck, trail repair even worse. Rocks are much stronger than the 60/10.5 combo, plus I could sell the 60/10.5, buy the rocks and if I can find a good deal come out with enough money to pay for half of a detroit for the rear. That being the reason to use rockwell axles, you have to go up approx 10" to clear the center chunk of a 2.5t rockwells.

Rocks are stonger and cheaper. The only down side is I have to go high with the lift.


micky

or move the axle foreward......youre already building stuff to make them fit. just do it a few inches foreward.

im planning on it. from the thread where by 03f350 (think thats his name) he moved his forward about 2 inches. I am planning on getting a set of bushwacker cutouts for the front and a flat bed for the rear. I think with the cutouts 1-1.5 inches forward should do.


micky

what about tcase? I think I would have to swap to a pass side tcase.


micky

Should be able to flip the axles and knuckles to compensate for whatever offset...

Trail Truck = No negatives, go for it

Street truck =

1. Pinion brakes suck on the street (ie don't do them) and the Rockwell disc brake conversion kits are expensive. There's a few threads around about building your own kits, but even those are 6-700 per axle.

2. With rocks, diesel, and leafs, the axle wrap will blow. Easily solved by ladder bars, but still something to think about

3. No ABS sensors in the axles, will throw your ABS light and if you have an auto will cause it to shift funny (at least I know it will on the 1/2 ton Automatics, not sure if the 1 ton autos get their signal from somewhere else or not???)


Either way, like mentioned above, I wouldn't go with a set of 10 leaf packs unless this is a strict mud truck and articulation isn't needed. You'll be cutting the body to hell and at least moving the axle out from under the engine to keep it low enough to do anything useful on the trail.

I would rather slam my dick in a car door than drive this beast on the street. I have considered getting 2 steer axles an some how locking the rears to start incase I want to do rear steer later but I also see this as a possible weak link.

I'm planning on pinion brakes to start but would like to go to four wheel discs down the road. I have found anything on it, and I haven't looked hard, about using both. Also the possibility of an ebrake or converting the pinion to ebrakes n discs on the corners.

Track bars are manditory.

10 leaf packs are great. They have lots of very thin leaves so they are strong but flex very well. Look at Icon's 6 inch lift for the superduty. Its 8-10 leaf pack n that thing is supposed to flex like a beast.

Trail Truck = No negatives, go for it

Street truck =

1. Pinion brakes suck on the street (ie don't do them) and the Rockwell disc brake conversion kits are expensive. There's a few threads around about building your own kits, but even those are 6-700 per axle.

2. With rocks, diesel, and leafs, the axle wrap will blow. Easily solved by ladder bars, but still something to think about

3. No ABS sensors in the axles, will throw your ABS light and if you have an auto will cause it to shift funny (at least I know it will on the 1/2 ton Automatics, not sure if the 1 ton autos get their signal from somewhere else or not???)


Either way, like mentioned above, I wouldn't go with a set of 10 leaf packs unless this is a strict mud truck and articulation isn't needed. You'll be cutting the body to hell and at least moving the axle out from under the engine to keep it low enough to do anything useful on the trail.

what about tcase? I think I would have to swap to a pass side tcase.


micky

You have to rotate the Gear Set 180 Degrees and drill a few holes to make the rear a center output. Two on each side line up perfect but the others have to be drilled.

Peterson's 4 Wheeler Magazine just had an article on a disc brake kit that is way cheaper than whats been the going rate. It uses smaller Disc so people can still run 15" Wheels.

Do it. Just add Icon springs, crossover steering and hydro assist, and wheel brakes. Done.

If you still wanted to use the OUO Traction Block, Im sure they can be made for your Rock axle for little to no additional cost, shoot me a pm if you want more info.

:evil:

I'm leaning tword the Icon springs and shocks. I have used Icon (well Donahoe) stuff before and really liked it. I'm going full hydro, no assist. Its a trail rig.