New 6.70/5.90 drag truck build.

SPEEDSHIFT

SPEEDSHIFT

New member
So I am tired of breaking parts and have decided to start on my 2005 2500 4x4 single cab. I will just swap in my current drivetrain from my 2003, so the real expensive stuff is taken care of. I know there are better options out there for lighter/better parts, but I am trying to invest very little as I dont want to tie up a bunch of money in this truck.

Looking to use all the factory sheet metal, just lightened up. Gutted bed, no interior, gutted doors, all lexan windows, rack and pinion steering, all mild steel cage, and back halved.

My goal is at least 5000lbs at race weight.

My first question is, does anyone have pictures of a rack and pinion setup on one of these 4wd trucks? I plan on using a R&P from a 2002 2wd 1500 I have for a parts truck. Any info would be awesome on that subject.

Also looking for recommendations on a good heavy duty 4 link kit for the rear, and any help in converting the factory harness to a stand alone ECM harness is needed.
 
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That rack should be fine, Firepunk said they used one off a 2500, but they are the same part number. The threaded joint mounts people are using must be custom, you might ask fire punk where they got theirs made.
Looks like fire punk sells 4 link brackets/and link assemblies now too, although you can get those anywhere.
 
ramthiscummins said:
You can get a standalone from a few places. Grays performance is where I would spend my money.
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Im on a pretty tight budget, $1300 for a stand alone harness is way out of what I would pay. I got an All Data subscription for $30, ill post some info with what I come up with on here.
 
kleann said:
That rack should be fine, Firepunk said they used one off a 2500, but they are the same part number. The threaded joint mounts people are using must be custom, you might ask fire punk where they got theirs made.
Looks like fire punk sells 4 link brackets/and link assemblies now too, although you can get those anywhere.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the info.
 
How about getting rid of the Hydroboost assembly and using a lighter manual cylinder? Anybody know of a lighter option that isnt expensive?
 
SPEEDSHIFT said:
How about getting rid of the Hydroboost assembly and using a lighter manual cylinder? Anybody know of a lighter option that isnt expensive?
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probably wont find anything lighter, simpler, or more powerful than what is stock.

definitely look into going 5 lug
 
Started working on the truck this weekend, mainly just cleaning and tearing everything down. I will say the frame on these 3rd gens are way heavier than a second gen. I back halved a second gen several years ago, and I could pick up the rear frame section by myself, not the case with this one... I go my azz kicked.

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I have got some more work done thanks to the holiday. My plan is to use steel fenders and headlights, and possibly a fiberglass hood. I’d really like one that will cover the wiper cowl so I can cut all of that out too.


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I am going to use some longer front links and adjustable brackets on the front axle to try and save some weight and add adjustability. I ordered a Firepunk 4-link kit today, and I’ll pick up a load of tubing next week so I can get this thing headed back towards a roller.

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The way it sits now, I can lift the front of the cab/frame by hand. Still has some decent weight to lose after I cut the front of the frame off and trim weight off the cab.

I am making a list of what parts weigh as I cut them off. Like the dash weighed 81lbs, steering column weighed 25lbs, and hvac box weighed 24lbs.


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I got the doors down to 42lbs each, I still have some more to cut/drill out so I can get them to 40lbs without Lexan.

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I fired up the plasma cutter last night and started chopping some more weight off the front of the cab. I really wanted to remove the entire wiper cowl, but a hood that would cover up where the factory plastic piece just isnt in my budget. I will have to keep the stock hood and wiper cowl for now.

I removed 6lbs on each corner of the cab, and another 12lbs out of the wiper cowl. I will go back and dress the cuts up with a grinder. I still have a good 30-60lbs I can cut out of the cab without getting too crazy.

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Did you ever find anything out about a manual booster for breaks. Looking to do something similar on the drag truck I’m building.
 
iride813 said:
Did you ever find anything out about a manual booster for breaks. Looking to do something similar on the drag truck I’m building.
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I just decided to keep the hydroboost as I will still need the power steering pump and it doesnt seem terribly heavy. I also think money can be spent better elsewhere at the moment.
 
I am debating on using a rear Dana 60 out of a 2nd gen Dodge with a gas engine. I think it would be plenty strong and should be a whole lit lighter than this AAM 11.5.

Does anyone know the weight of those 2 axles, or where I could find out?

Id appreciate it.

Edit: Google says a rear FF Dana 60 weighs 300lbs and an AAM 11.5 weighs 550lbs... May be worth looking into.
 
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