Jason, since you work your truck so hard could you put a Ford S135 axle in as an upgrade over the D80.

 

That an awesome idea and would probably bolt in being c&c.The only issue i could think of is having to swap or regear the front axle to match. I dont the think 110 or 135 can go as high a 4.10 gears

 

I think this is correct. Even then, the cost to regear makes this an expensive proposition - especially when you include wheels and tires. In the past I have pontificated swapping both axles for 4.30 F450 axles and running 35” tall 285/70/19.5 tires. Bigger brakes would be a nice bonus too. BUT, then the truck would not fit in my garage and I’m not doing anything that forces me to work outside....

 

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice guys. I had a manual Ford ranger during my USMC days I took to over 100k on the stock clutch and a Jeep Wrangler in College I did the same, obviously neither a Diesel so I needed the advice. I am now starting from a stop with no accelerator and I only bring a little in on the shifts to match the rpm till the clutch is out, if not I feel the clutch engagement isn’t as smooth. If that makes any sense. It feels better when the truck is rolling give it a few rpm vs none when the clutch is in, but not much.
Trailering I will try the same but start in L. My L-1 still stinks, lol.

 

Jason-After reading your take on the air lockers I can understand why you would not want one in your area. My Ex is 99% on asphalt roads. Where I would love an air locker is for the few times I am at the cottage and the snow is deep. I need it more to just get things moving especially with a tandem trailer hooked on.

Would love some assistance on my forever/WVO project but for now my world has been turned upside down the last few weeks as my 81 year old Mom had a mini stroke. She is Ok and they are doing tests but she is also the primary caregiver for my 86 year old Dad who has progressive dementia. My brother and I have been staying overnight but we are going thru the typical things such as move their bed to the main level, purchase a new freezer for the garage so she has no need to go to the basement. I also had to disable both vehicles in case Dad decides try and go for a drive. My wife and kids have been a huge help as well between driving Mom to tests and staying with Dad.

I would also really like to get down to one of the GTG meets to see your area and the countryside and meet the other great members of this forum. This will eventually happen as well.

Rob

 

Sorry to hear about your parents Rob. I hope they get better soon.

 

Rob, my father passed at 56 and my mother at 69. A lot of us understand what you are now going through and hope you and your family find peace in the joy and hope that is your mom and dad.

As for attending a GTG. The next one is October 23rd, but there will be many, many more in the coming years and probably decades.

We are always welcome to have friends and family visit, not just during GTG times.

We would be glad to have you join us one day.

 

Thanks guys. I have been lucky enough that their health has been well for the 81 and 86 years and to have been around this long.

I will get down to one of the meets eventually.

Rob

 

My Mom will be 80 next month and she works circles around me many days. I’ve been blessed to live a couple doors down from her for the last 20yrs!!

Like Sous said, you are always welcome here. We’ve always got a spot for you and the family if you need a mental health break. No reservations required. There’s food in the pantry, beers in the fridge and plenty of clean VO for your trip home.

 

Thanks Jason, very much appreciated. Glad to see your Mom is still active and in good health.

This applies to any forum members by the way, not that this helps the forum much but I am always available to answer technical/shop questions. Just PM me a cell number and I will get back. I am usually busy but that generally is my nature. My roll at the precision shop where I have worked for 34 years( I tell everybody I started working there when I was 4 years old to hide my true age) is changing to more a tech guy going over designs/how to machine/assemble/assist apprentices instead of managing large projects. I am on the floor more and more and enjoy it as I always have various projects on the go.

Rob