orange88ls1s-dime

Great choice
I much prefer round tube frame over 2x3
look way more professional

orange88ls1s-dime

Make sure you dont add to much tubing behind the shock mounts . all that is needed is enough to hold the box up
plus if its around 1000 horse youll still want a bit of flex in the chassis

9outofs10

I appreciate the advice. I'm still trying to lay it out in my head, where I want things to be. The fuel cell will obviously be behind the shock mounts, and the rest of the frame will only support the bed. I was planning on putting the battery back there as well, but I can move that closer to the cab, in front of the shock mounts.

I want to make a spot to add weight boxes if I needed to. Where would you recommend I put those?

tblentrprz

Based on weight and whp, you should trap around 155mph. Based on tire size and 3.27 gear, you should trap around 6400rpm. Are you building motor to rpm that low? I like rpm (>7500), so gearing would be around 3.90 (7500) to 4.10 (8000). If plant to increase hp in near future, I would lean towards lower ratio due to increased mph.

Should be a good running truck. Press on!

9outofs10

Yes, that was my estimate as well. Around 6400-6500 rpm. I am, I selected my turbo and cam to spool much lower and aim for peak <7000 rpm. I kinda want things to survive first then adjust as needed. Everything can look good on paper, but at the track it could be different. At least if I can establish a solid base setup, I can improve from there.

I appreciate your advice and it's something I will consider once I get some runs in this spring.

orange88ls1s-dime

I would put the tabs for ballast on the rear strut bars that head from the main hoop to the shock mounts
as high as you can get them without being too ugly

9outofs10

Nothing too exciting to update. I'm still waiting for the back half kit to arrive. I did receive my Ford 9" ends and welded them on.

9outofs10

I'm researching 4 link brackets and I think I messed up. I probably should have done that before welding the ends on... smh

orange88ls1s-dime

Little too hasty there but nice welds none the less

9outofs10

Thanks, I did a second pass after just for extra piece of mind. I'm still pretty new to tig welding, but I enjoy it.

Well I have some 4 link housing brackets I got from my father for mockup and they're open. So I figured that was standard. I've found a couple companies that make them in that style with shock mounts, so I'm going to go that route.

orange88ls1s-dime

Have you plotted out your 4 Link instant Center yet?
if you're putting bias-ply tires on make sure that the instant Center is below the anti squat line
if putting drag radials on make sure it is above
also while the jig is in it weld some ballast tabs to the tubes

9outofs10

I don't have all the measurements yet, but it's on my to do list. I'll be running radials. Is it because of the stiff sidewall why it needs to be above the anti squat line?

rpturbo

iTrader: (47)

So your setting this up for 1/8 mile?

9outofs10

1/4 mile

orange88ls1s-dime

Finally a 1/4 mile truck
getting sick of 1/8 mile
The race is just getting started

rpturbo

iTrader: (47)

IMO your trap speed will be higher than 155 on a full 1/4 pull. Similar build a guy I know runs 178/179.

Dragframe

iTrader: (14)

huh? 180mph With a stock bottom end 5.3?

9outofs10

As cool as that sounds. I'm only certifying for 8.50 this year. Plus it will probably take me the season to work out the demons.

9outofs10

I'm not pushing this engine that hard. Next winter's goal is to replace my 5.3 with a Thompson motorsports 388 lsx. At that point I'll tube the front end as well.

9outofs10

Chassis comes tomorrow, so I spent the past couple of days getting the frame ready for it. I had to extend it about 20". I still have to finish welding and boxing it in. These angled tube cuts are time consuming though. I hate posting unfinished work, but I guess it's just the name of the game.