Dragstrip Traction, options?

MAXLLY

No Lemming Here
Aug 15, 2007
1,063
0
0
San Diego
Searched this site for info regarding suspension mods for a strip truck, didn't see much (no malice intended). Here is what i have seen, but would like some opinions and experience please. I need a "combo" and don't have a ton of money to waste on my mistake.

1. Slicks and lighter rims, makes sense. More traction and less spinning mass. What size are most using and which brand? Are compounds offered and a consideration?
2. Remove leafs and add bags, makes sense as well. Softer tail ='s better transfer. How many leafs and how are the bags used, perhaps only for streetability and a small load?
3. Traction bars, keep axle wrap/hop down. I see several types, 4 link and bags, single bar with joints and finally a bar with a "truss" attached the back for severe use perhaps? Anybody try this? bolt on or weld on and how long? attaching at what point on the undercarriage? It looks like i could make my own!
4. A little off topic, but part of the "package"... if a guy needed bigger brakes (hold it at the line) in some cases this requires larger rims... is 18" the largest diameter for a slick? Dieselson showed me his brakes (SWEET) any other options?
5. How about our rear end/difs? Any room for improvement there?

So... a lot to chew on here. Anybody used/using any or all of these parts and can give product review and insite? Perhaps somebody has a great idea they want to see put into action that hasn't been done before... cause it's outside the box? I'm interested if your willing to share the idea.

Thanks in advance to all!:)
 

MAXLLY

No Lemming Here
Aug 15, 2007
1,063
0
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San Diego
I intend on using 4x4 strictly. Otherwise (IMHO) i would have to tub the truck, to much weight/to much torque. :)
 

MAXLLY

No Lemming Here
Aug 15, 2007
1,063
0
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San Diego
Im focussing on making a 2wd go harder in the quarter than a 4x4. Sorry I cant help then.

No problem Mick. Thanks for responding and good luck with the 42. If it helps you any, I have seen what could be a consideration for you, it appears to be traction bar/overload kit.

Perhaps you want soft at the track? then pull a trailer with mat'l on weekdays? I dunno what you'll want. This "thing" looks like an old 4 link with a cantilevered bag on the end. It appears it could fit a need for you, if it's stout enough and wouldn't have an elevation issue (relative to asphalt).

Good luck again:)
 

Rhall

Old Skooler
Aug 12, 2006
2,241
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Texas Y'all
With the stock cp3 and turbo and a ppe hot +2 Et I ran consistant 12.9's at 103's on fuel only. I ran 285/75/16 nitto terra grapplers on stock rims. Lowered my tbars all the way, clamped my rear springs, and aired my tires down to about 20psi front and 30 rear. I ran consistant 1.6's 60'. I havent made it out with my mcrat tune yet or my new mods, but im hoping too friday.;)
 

02freighttrain

Team Salad Bartender
Aug 13, 2006
911
0
0
sootville, Fl
With the stock cp3 and turbo and a ppe hot +2 Et I ran consistant 12.9's at 103's on fuel only. I ran 285/75/16 nitto terra grapplers on stock rims. Lowered my tbars all the way, clamped my rear springs, and aired my tires down to about 20psi front and 30 rear. I ran consistant 1.6's 60'. I havent made it out with my mcrat tune yet or my new mods, but im hoping too friday.;)
Nice 60's
 

LB7Diesel

Oh Boy!
Sep 3, 2006
1,355
0
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Melbourne, F.L.
Is anyone else running that low of psi in the fronts?? I'm going to the track again friday Finally, and i usually run 28 front 30 rear. 1.7, 1.8 60's on the cheapest 285's i can find!! I go through them to fast to pay for name brand. I've never noticed a difference anyway.
 

sweetdiesel

That's better
Aug 6, 2006
10,390
0
0
52
Thailand
Joey
26psi in the front 32 in the rear but the best 60 ive ever had was a 1.7
believe it or not i had 20psi in the rear suspension air bags when i got this and the springs clamped

Also, I leave the torsion bar one less turn on the PS
 

Kat

Wicked Witch of the West
Aug 2, 2006
17,899
13
38
60
Norco, CA
Pat told me the other day I screwed up because I had less in the front then the rear. He said I should have had more in the front since the weight of the engine.
 

BigWill_21

~BULL HURLEY Look-A-Like~
Aug 28, 2006
193
0
0
Greenville, NC
Yea, I usualy run 5-10 less PSI in the rear than my fronts..

With my BFG M/T's I still got a 1.83 60'.. I was very happy with that considerign my conservative launchign since I only have sleeves and no centerlink!!!
 

MAXLLY

No Lemming Here
Aug 15, 2007
1,063
0
0
San Diego
With the stock cp3 and turbo and a ppe hot +2 Et I ran consistant 12.9's at 103's on fuel only. I ran 285/75/16 nitto terra grapplers on stock rims. Lowered my tbars all the way, clamped my rear springs, and aired my tires down to about 20psi front and 30 rear. I ran consistant 1.6's 60'. I havent made it out with my mcrat tune yet or my new mods, but im hoping too friday.;)

Rhall, Very nice 60', may i ask what RPM or boost you staged at? This (i'm told/agree) is most of the issue behind my less than stellar 60' times.

Mick, "Ive already got bags and a 4 link in the rear with tuned shockies front and rear and its hooking just fine at the moment - just working on the hp thing at the moment" Mick, used to be a 4 link on the street was hardly streetable, respectfully what's changed? is it drivable or do you tolerate it? It appears to be a grand solution.
 

sweetdiesel

That's better
Aug 6, 2006
10,390
0
0
52
Thailand
Max
anoter thing is PRACTICE !

Pat & Idaho Rob are 2 of the racers that i truly respect:hail:

a pen and paper is a must have tool! Experiment but write it down!
so you learn what works and what doesnt

It seems simple, But works!

I built a spead sheet for racing and print out a dozen before i go racing to evaluate everything once the races our over
 

mick

Try anything
Aug 15, 2006
482
0
0
Forestdale. Brisbane.Australia
.

Mick, "Ive already got bags and a 4 link in the rear with tuned shockies front and rear and its hooking just fine at the moment - just working on the hp thing at the moment" Mick, used to be a 4 link on the street was hardly streetable, respectfully what's changed? is it drivable or do you tolerate it? It appears to be a grand solution.[/QUOTE]

I drive it every day. Drives like a train on rails. The higher the speed the tighter it feels. Suspension wise it rides as comfortable as stock. I have Large Firestone Airbags. The thing that really makes it so good is the adustable Koni Shocks - Set up takes 5 minutes to change from street to track. When I say I drive it every day - sometimes I dont, like when Im messing with it - like in todays pic
 
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MAXLLY

No Lemming Here
Aug 15, 2007
1,063
0
0
San Diego
Max
anoter thing is PRACTICE !

Pat & Idaho Rob are 2 of the racers that i truly respect:hail:

a pen and paper is a must have tool! Experiment but write it down!
so you learn what works and what doesnt

It seems simple, But works!

I built a spead sheet for racing and print out a dozen before i go racing to evaluate everything once the races our over

agreed, the first 2-3 runs i went i just got adjusted, so did the Ally. Then i logged all the runs to determine boost at launch (way to low), air pressure, and a few other criteria. Idaho Rob? Is that Nathan? or is the name Rob?

Thanks for the input, grateful.
 

MAXLLY

No Lemming Here
Aug 15, 2007
1,063
0
0
San Diego
.

Mick, "Ive already got bags and a 4 link in the rear with tuned shockies front and rear and its hooking just fine at the moment - just working on the hp thing at the moment" Mick, used to be a 4 link on the street was hardly streetable, respectfully what's changed? is it drivable or do you tolerate it? It appears to be a grand solution.

I drive it every day. Drives like a train on rails. The higher the speed the tighter it feels. Suspension wise it rides as comfortable as stock. I have Large Firestone Airbags. The thing that really makes it so good is the adustable Koni Shocks - Set up takes 5 minutes to change from street to track. When I say I drive it every day - sometimes I dont, like when Im messing with it - like in todays pic[/QUOTE]

Understood, thanks for the feedback. You use the grommets or heim joints? Adjustable Konis and bags... COMPLETE adjustability! take a little out of the bag... less preload in the shock... and you saved what? 150-175 lbs? Very smart idea. Did you consider a 9" (assuming they weight less than the 80?)

So this setup in conjunction with the drop spindles netted you the stance/"hook" the truck has now, nice.