Well the annual test and tune is coming to the local fairgrounds. It's something I've wanted to try for some time now, gonna hook up to the sled next weekend. Some of you are aware I recently rebuilt the 6.9 in my truck, added a Banks turbo, head studs, R&D cam, exhaust, etc. It's been running excellent, I have almost 3000 miles on it so far. I've never done this before, so I'm trying to figure out a decent setup to start out with. My thoughts are, clamp the rear springs, 20psi tire pressure, run 2nd gear (C6) 4 low; when the weight comes down hard or if the truck starts hopping let off. I'm not concerned about winning this thing, as long as I don't break anything and or finish last I'd be happy with that. Anyone have any tips or suggestions I should try? Thanks in advance!

 

You'd be better off posting at competition diesel. There are a lot of good faqs for pulling over there too. If your rear springs are mounted over the axle, you'll probably have a rough time with axle wrap and hopping without traction bars.

 

Ive been watching the competition forum a little bit here and there, I haven't noticed much activity regarding IDI pulling. I am aware of the axle wrap issues, every Ford pickup I've owned had it. Some worse than others, since I'm strapped for time I'm going to clamp the springs and play with tire pressure to eleviate most of it; hopefully. Not going out there to win, just been wanting to give it a try, hopefully not break anything, and most importantly have fun.

 

4low let the auto do its thing. I wouldnt air down the rear, but front, yes. It will hop without t-bars, i guarantee it.

 

Well this isn't the news I wanted to share. We got to the fairgrounds too late, registration for the truck pulls closed shortly before we got there. Sooo we didn't get to pull, the guy running the registration booth wasn't​ going to lift a finger for us either. I'm going to try and catch the next one coming up in a few weeks. Yeah I do know that traction bars are the best bet. I also know that tire pressure can and will effect wheel hop.

 

IIRC, you want to max the rears, if theyre soft, seems like it would hop worse, and you dont want the rear biting too hard with all that weight

 

I can't confirm or deny if that theory is true. I do know in soft sand aired down tires greatly help with wheel hop. Maybe it's different with the weight of the sled pulling down on the back end.