Clearance issues
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
Clearance issues
Hey all,
I went off-roading this weekend (had a total BLAST - pix HERE ) and need to make some adjustments. I have only 3 things that are a problem almost every time I start crawlin' over rocks.
1. Tie rod keeps getting smashed/bent
2. Rear shock mounts get banged up
3. Radius arm brackets are too low.
The radius arm brackets aren't a real big problem, but I'm gonna look into longer ones with different brackets.
Someone had suggested looking into flipping the rear axle upside down and re-welding the spring perches on. This would put the drive shaft another 8" higher as well as the shock mounts. Anyone try this before? I don't think the gear lube will get to the pinion bearings if I flip it.
The tie rod can be straightened and reinforced, but it still hangs low. I saw a GM truck with a D44 front axle and he put the tie rod on the TOP of the knuckles. I think my knuckles have tapered holes so I don't know if it'll work. Anyone ever try THAT?
Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin K.
I went off-roading this weekend (had a total BLAST - pix HERE ) and need to make some adjustments. I have only 3 things that are a problem almost every time I start crawlin' over rocks.
1. Tie rod keeps getting smashed/bent
2. Rear shock mounts get banged up
3. Radius arm brackets are too low.
The radius arm brackets aren't a real big problem, but I'm gonna look into longer ones with different brackets.
Someone had suggested looking into flipping the rear axle upside down and re-welding the spring perches on. This would put the drive shaft another 8" higher as well as the shock mounts. Anyone try this before? I don't think the gear lube will get to the pinion bearings if I flip it.
The tie rod can be straightened and reinforced, but it still hangs low. I saw a GM truck with a D44 front axle and he put the tie rod on the TOP of the knuckles. I think my knuckles have tapered holes so I don't know if it'll work. Anyone ever try THAT?
Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin K.
Last edited by KJKozak2; Jun 1, 2004 at 11:32 AM.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
1) get hi-steer conversion to put the linkage over your axle
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...eringIndex.htm
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...OTT/index.html
2) cut the shock mounts off and re-weld them to the top of the axle ppl do this all the time (never flip an axle over unless you research it and find you can do it. the housing is designed to flow gear oil into the bearings and around the ring gear/pinion gear for lube) plus it is easier to re-locate your mounts rather than flipping your axle over
3) make a set of radius arms that are long enough so you don't have to run drop brackets. that or make bracket that will raise your radius arm up where it connects to the axle (i dunno if that would work, i literally just thought of it)
-cutts-
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...eringIndex.htm
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...OTT/index.html
2) cut the shock mounts off and re-weld them to the top of the axle ppl do this all the time (never flip an axle over unless you research it and find you can do it. the housing is designed to flow gear oil into the bearings and around the ring gear/pinion gear for lube) plus it is easier to re-locate your mounts rather than flipping your axle over
3) make a set of radius arms that are long enough so you don't have to run drop brackets. that or make bracket that will raise your radius arm up where it connects to the axle (i dunno if that would work, i literally just thought of it)
-cutts-
Last edited by fishmanndotcom; Jun 1, 2004 at 11:41 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
Thanks fish!
Relocating the shock mounts was my first option. The axle flip sounded cool but too many unknowns.
Thanks for the links, too. I'll look into them after lunch.
Kevin K.
Relocating the shock mounts was my first option. The axle flip sounded cool but too many unknowns.
Thanks for the links, too. I'll look into them after lunch.
Kevin K.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
To flip your tie rod you'd have to drill out the tapered part, then weld in another tapered insert. I know a place called GoferIt Offroad sells something like that for jeeps...dunno about your application.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
You cant flip your axle because then it will turn the wrong way-your front and rear axles will be playing tug-of war. Some GM's came stock with the tie rod on top of arm, are you running 8lug axles?? if so, you could switch over to the GM setup from the knuckles out- might want to investigate ford tie rod fittment to GM arms first.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: nc
i wanna play i wanna play!!! that one hole with the 2 trucks in it looks fun to go through....where this place located? i have a 78 that i think can go through it!!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
JeremyH,
I've seen those inserts too, but I can't remember where. Thanks for the company name, I'll look them up
wyldstallyn73,
It won't spin backwards because I'd flip it about the drive shaft axis, not turn it around and use it on the front.
dixiemudder04,
That place is in northern Wisconsin about an hour from Green Bay. The big field with all the mud holes is what we call the Playground. It is a blast, and getting back to it is even more fun.
Kevin K.
I've seen those inserts too, but I can't remember where. Thanks for the company name, I'll look them up
wyldstallyn73,
It won't spin backwards because I'd flip it about the drive shaft axis, not turn it around and use it on the front.
dixiemudder04,
That place is in northern Wisconsin about an hour from Green Bay. The big field with all the mud holes is what we call the Playground. It is a blast, and getting back to it is even more fun.
Kevin K.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Safford, Arizona
kevin:
Rotating your axle around the driveshaft axis would mean you have turned the axle around and the tires WILL spin backwards. But hey, throw it in reverse and off you go! You'd have quite a variety of reverse gears.
Rotating your axle around the driveshaft axis would mean you have turned the axle around and the tires WILL spin backwards. But hey, throw it in reverse and off you go! You'd have quite a variety of reverse gears.