97 Dodge Ram Kansas Built

[bigal1]

FAWK YEAH !!!

[KansasKrawler]

I am also changing the suspension up to a triangulated upper link bars and dual shocks all cormers

[ilovesoccermoms]

So it probably isn't a huge deal since you'll be in mud, but with the 5 link you are running up front you will get some bump steer. The diagonal rod that locates the axle under the truck keeps the axle on the same vertical plane, whereas your steering rod is pivoting on a different plane, and pushing the axle toward the passenger side. What this means is that every time your suspension compresses, it will force the steering to push out. this is why on a lot of solid front axle trucks the pan hard bar and the steering link are ran parallel from the truck to the axle, to keep the bars in the same plane, which will keep the truck steady and minimize bump steer

I'm not giving you crap, just pointing out an issue. its an awesome truck, and super clean for a mud truck.

Question - Did you just weld the links up and throw them on, or did you set up any sort of angle to manage anti squat, etc?

[iniviate]

Originally Posted by ilovesoccermoms

So it probably isn't a huge deal since you'll be in mud, but with the 5 link you are running up front you will get some bump steer. The diagonal rod that locates the axle under the truck keeps the axle on the same vertical plane, whereas your steering rod is pivoting on a different plane, and pushing the axle toward the passenger side. What this means is that every time your suspension compresses, it will force the steering to push out. this is why on a lot of solid front axle trucks the pan hard bar and the steering link are ran parallel from the truck to the axle, to keep the bars in the same plane, which will keep the truck steady and minimize bump steer

I'm not giving you crap, just pointing out an issue. its an awesome truck, and super clean for a mud truck.

that's neat and all.... but this truck doesn't have a "steering link" or panhard bar.

[ilovesoccermoms]

Originally Posted by iniviate

that's neat and all.... but this truck doesn't have a "steering link" or panhard bar.

yeah i saw he was trying to decide between full hydro (which would fix the issue I talked about) and a normal steering set up. I'm guessing he went with the hydro?

[KansasKrawler]

Yes i went with full hydro steering on the truck and had no bump steer issues when i ran it last time.
Also i am changing the suspension so there is not gonna be any 5th link bar. Its getting changed to what is common on most of the big mud trucks parallel lower links and triangulated uppers

[KansasKrawler]

Iniviate.. sir i must say you have a very sweet truck nicely built i have fallowed your build threads on several web forums. Wish i was closer to actually watch it run in person.

[iniviate]

Originally Posted by KansasKrawler

Iniviate.. sir i must say you have a very sweet truck nicely built i have fallowed your build threads on several web forums. Wish i was closer to actually watch it run in person.

thanks!

[KansasKrawler]

You are welcome. Im gettin closer should have more pics up after this weekend the suspension is almost completed

[dragon250]

So was there any problems with your original 5 link design? Why change to a triangulated 4 link instead of keeping the original design and just swapping the axles?

[KansasKrawler]

Well made some more progress this morning Ol Red is back sitting on its own feet with new suspension design no 5 links now triangle uppers parallel lowers plain and simple. The link bars are carryin a degree angel of 15 top and bottom.

Front link bars

Rear link bars

[KansasKrawler]

Now i just gotta little bit to go then its mud slingin time

[KansasKrawler]

Well its getting closer now, Only things left are to put pinion brake on, hook up steering, top off fluids and MOUNT THESE BEASTS ON!

[swirvin21]

doesn't look like they are gonna fit! LOL.... Looks good otherwise!!!

[KansasKrawler]

Originally Posted by dragon250

So was there any problems with your original 5 link design? Why change to a triangulated 4 link instead of keeping the original design and just swapping the axles?

The only reason i wanted to change the link bar design was to gain more seperation on the bars and to help compensate for the amount of weight that i gained due to axles and tires and the amount of bite that i will get from the tires. I have seen several trucks built that were running big tires like 30.5-32s or 35,5-32s and totally trashed out there suspension because they didnt have the right or enough seperation in the link bars

[KansasKrawler]

Originally Posted by swirvin21

doesn't look like they are gonna fit! LOL.... Looks good otherwise!!!

Thanks Swirvin i should have the tires on the truck this weekend ready to play so ill know forsure how much room i do have, I gotta go get a tire flipped around on the rim today only gonna cost me 50 bucks which is better then me breakin my back over it.

[masonmachines]

Originally Posted by KansasKrawler

The only reason i wanted to change the link bar design was to gain more seperation on the bars and to help compensate for the amount of weight that i gained due to axles and tires and the amount of bite that i will get from the tires. I have seen several trucks built that were running big tires like 30.5-32s or 35,5-32s and totally trashed out there suspension because they didnt have the right or enough seperation in the link bars

I think it is a good idea to get rid of the fifth link and use triangulated links, but if you want even more separation, double triangulated works better. Those tires look huge. I think this truck will be a beast.

[KansasKrawler]

Well the new tires are on and truck is almost ready for the mud this weekend. I hope its deep and nasty the truck really needs a workout.

[bigal1]

AWESOME !!! man that looks like fun,paint them wheels red it will look better.
I think your next upgrade will be more power lol

[mustangstephen]

Your passenger rear tire is backwards.

Anyways great truck. Can't wait to see more pictures and vids.

[swirvin21]

Looking forward to the videos....

What size ram is that? Any issues turning those meats with a single ended ram? Any reason you're not going with a dual ended ram since you're in full hydro anyway?

[Custom Splice]

Where ya running this beast this weekend?

[KansasKrawler]

Originally Posted by Custom Splice

Where ya running this beast this weekend?

were running in elbing kansas on this saturday may 26th starts at 1