Duramax in a Half Shell

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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Ive looked thru all that ruffstuff offers. They do make very nice parts. It is an option.
Yes, looking at adjustable bracketry.
 

clrussell

pro-procrastinator
Sep 23, 2013
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Im lost in the world of 4 link.

I've been tossing the idea around in my head on a 4 link with pan hard and air bags on mine. But I probably never will


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Hot COCOAL

May the farce be with you
Jun 9, 2012
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I do have a question or two about the hubs.

I know the latest generation 4x4 Timken hubs are usable in a 2wd application, and I understand they are now set up to not need an axle to "hold them together" like the original hub design was, but would it be wise to run a bolt thru the middle anyway? Also, it there some sort of dust cover available to cover the hub.

Tom, this project looks awesome bud!

I have a quick question for you about the hub, how do you know wether you have the old style or new style? cuz I'd like to remove my fromt diff and still be able to drive the truck while I rebuild it/send it in as a core...

thanks
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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408.Luke's truck is what Im using for inspiration
IMG_3232.jpg



IMG_3155.jpg


That DBRods guy can build amazing things, but I cannot afford that. I also use Trent's homemade 4 link for inspiration, too. But I wont use as heavy of parts as he did.
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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Tom, this project looks awesome bud!

I have a quick question for you about the hub, how do you know wether you have the old style or new style? cuz I'd like to remove my fromt diff and still be able to drive the truck while I rebuild it/send it in as a core...

thanks

It has to do with how the bearings were captured within the hub housing. Timken shows the same hub for both 2wd and 4wd, so Im pretty sure they are all the "new style" now.
 
Oct 16, 2008
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Its the same width as the 10 bolt, both WMS-WMS and spring flanges. (Its out of a 2001 Chevy 2500LD truck).

I was looking for 1.5" bars. Most of the kits are for gassers and use smaller dia bars and 3" axle tubes. The ones I was looking at turned out to use 9/16" bolts, and Id rather be using 5/8" or larger. I always keep torque in mind when thinking about parts.

Tom I think you're over thinking it. I think a 9/16" bolt at your goal weight is plenty. If you can shear them off you're probably making more power or leaving harder than any diesel on the planet.
 

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
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Tom I think you're over thinking it. I think a 9/16" bolt at your goal weight is plenty. If you can shear them off you're probably making more power or leaving harder than any diesel on the planet.

yeah im with Levi, Tom. a 9/16 bolt setup in double shear will be EXTREMELY hard to shear. if it was a single point taking all the load, i can understand the concern but ive watched guys in rock buggies with built gasser motors punch it to make rock climbs, slide back down as the tires are spinning, slam the ground and bouce the rig back up on 42" or bigger tires and generally a link bends or axle breaks before they break a 9/16" bolt in their 4 link setup.
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
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Apr 19, 2008
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I sure hope you guys are right.

(I know you are, but Im also paranoid...this is my first time building something even remotely like this and am trying to be very careful.)
 

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
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I sure hope you guys are right.

(I know you are, but Im also paranoid...this is my first time building something even remotely like this and am trying to be very careful.)

if it doesnt work, send me the bushings or rod ends and i will have them machined to a 5/8" bolt but im very confident it wont be an issue :D. i even have a 5/8" drill bit ill send back to you that fits in a 1/2" chuck to drill the tabs out
 

RickDLance

Active member
Feb 14, 2007
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Tom, don't do a 4 link for a drag truck WITHOUT making it adjustable. Decide on what you want and I'll make it for you. We can make it about as thick and stout as you think you need.
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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Mid Michigan
Looking forward to seeing this project going down the track! Hard work and ingenuity. Two things I lack.... :)

You're kidding right? Two time champion in any sport takes both -- in spades! :thumb: Verlon, you're another guy who inspires me to keep going.