How Do I Not Destroy My Truck?

snowy87

New member
Aug 3, 2010
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Nebraska
Ok so here goes I am going to pull my 03 Duramax this next monday at the county fair. I have installed tierod sleeves and have read to turn the torsion bars all the way down and to pull in low range third gear. I am curious what else I need to do so that I dont make an idiot out of myself and dont destroy the front end in my truck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 

custom8726

Active member
Feb 25, 2008
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Upstate N.Y
You got the basics covered:thumb: A couple sets of spring clamps would help. You have a tune in the truck now? What kind of tires?
 

ripmf666

Active member
Sep 20, 2006
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Wentzville Mo
These arre spring clamps

DSCF3483.jpg
 

custom8726

Active member
Feb 25, 2008
2,784
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Upstate N.Y
Just a make shift clamp that compresses the overload spring to the rest of the pack reducing wheel hop... Theres a few guys that sell them or you can make your own with a couple pieces of plate steel and some grade 8 bolts... search around the forum and Im sure you can find a pic for a visual... Good luck...
 

duramaximizer

#1 Abuse Enabler ;)
May 4, 2008
1,187
1
38
Edgerton, Ohio
Blocks will help more than clamps. You should be good though. Tow Haul I think helps oh and pick the hardest spot in the track. If you pick a good line, that will help you as much as anything.
 

TNRGreene

Kicked to the Curb
Sep 2, 2006
2,911
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Bradenton, Florida
All the above advice is sound but if you are afraid of breaking or can't afford to fix it...leave it in the parking lot. Pulling is very addictive AND expensive :thumb:
But what do I know? :D
 

bubba2400

New member
Jul 19, 2009
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Union Grove, WI
Do not run blocked suspension without traction bars or spring clamps! Bad things happen. The rest of these guys pretty much covered it. Good luck and have fun.
 

JMK777

16's, but i keep em clean
Mar 20, 2008
1,433
5
38
Moss Beach
you probably will run in work stock class so most likely you wont be able to block the rear solid, probably have to leave 2" of travel. but it sounds like everything has bin covered.
If it starts hopping you better back out of it quick or you will be towing it home.
Good Luck!!:thumb:
 

Iceman56

New member
Jan 19, 2009
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Madison, SD
block the rear end if you can and get some spring clamps made or bought. Also I would get a set of Cognito braces or straight centerlink coming ASAP and get it on before your pull..

Also if the track is tacky and hard pulling I don't think you will be able to pull 3rd gear with your power.
 

05stocklly

New member
May 7, 2010
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CNY
Do not run blocked suspension without traction bars or spring clamps! Bad things happen. The rest of these guys pretty much covered it. Good luck and have fun.

What's wrong with blocking the rear solid? Do you have pictures of the carnige.
 

Iceman56

New member
Jan 19, 2009
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Madison, SD
Depends how big the edge is, he should still be able to use 3rd it'll just unlock the converter sooner, or not lock at all.

Why would it unlock the converter? Why would it not lock??

Everyone say third all the time like it is the end all be all gear for pulling no matter what. I can tell you first hand around here on our tracks/sled if your not in 500hp range you will not hang 3rd gear.
 

05smoker

I'm officially done!
Mar 30, 2007
2,379
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36
Lebanon, OH
Please strap the front end! I've seen Chevy's all summer at pulls/tug-a-trucks without a straight centerlink or strap that break right away or crab walk the entire length of the track.:mad:
 

millerman04

< The Man Cave
Jul 14, 2010
1,039
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38
Clearville, Pa
Does strapping the front work? Ive heard from some guys that have our style of trucks, and they say NOT to strap the front end? Im curious as to why they say that. And also for the first time puller, dont be a smart guy and get cocky and try to throw it in neutral at the end of the pull and rev it up. Seen a ford guy do it once, missed neutral, and straight into reverse. Back right into the sled!! Its was hilarious!!! :happy2: I have my video somewhere of mine pulling for the first time I need to load up. One with the torsion bars cranked, and one with them lowered. I love my big tie-rods!!! :thumb:
 

05smoker

I'm officially done!
Mar 30, 2007
2,379
0
36
Lebanon, OH
Does strapping the front work? Ive heard from some guys that have our style of trucks, and they say NOT to strap the front end? Im curious as to why they say that. And also for the first time puller, dont be a smart guy and get cocky and try to throw it in neutral at the end of the pull and rev it up. Seen a ford guy do it once, missed neutral, and straight into reverse. Back right into the sled!! Its was hilarious!!! :happy2: I have my video somewhere of mine pulling for the first time I need to load up. One with the torsion bars cranked, and one with them lowered. I love my big tie-rods!!! :thumb:

Do a search on here. Strap the front the right way and your are fine. The key is keeping the centerlink from rolling, not limiting upward travel.

An allison will not slam reverse like a Ford or Dodge trans. It is smarter than that.;)