Building a Tow Rig - Page 2

splitshot · 09-19-07, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

JJS & Splitshot

One of you guys need to buy this.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=167470

Or let me know if you are interested in a completely virgin, bone stock 1971 Ford Bronco w 24k miles on it. The factory hub caps are still on it and the jack is still under the hood.

Yes I have pics

I've got too many irons in the fire (sound familiar?). A friend of mine has a '69 55 series that he's talking of finding a good home for and I still have alot of money to dump into the 40.

Those Broncos are worth good money in that condition, one locally sold for 30k.
There is one in Oracle that has been sitting in someone's yard for a couple of years, I just can't seem to bring myself into stopping and checking it out.

JJS, it's up to you

DWitcher · 09-19-07, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

I will be running 35's and some of the freeway speeds are 70mph when not pulling a trailer in California. In Arizona and a few other states it is 70mph or 75mph. I think Texas has a daytime and a night time speed limit.

For the RPM to be in the torque band, from my rough calculations I think I need to run 4:56's.

I have the sierra nevada mountains that I will be pulling my 40's, 45's or 60's through. Some of the grades like going from Sacramento to Deer Valley is an 8,200ft climb in elevation in about 60 miles. I want to keep up with the rest of the tow rigs and the rigs that are diving.

You do not want 4:56's. 4:10 and 35's will be perfect for towing and still be able to run 70-75mph. Optimal cruising RPM should be 2000-2250 RPM. I'm running 4:10 with 37's and at 75mph I'm running 2250-2300 with a 5spd.

D'Animal · 09-19-07, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWitcher

You do not want 4:56's. 4:10 and 35's will be perfect for towing and still be able to run 70-75mph. Optimal cruising RPM should be 2000-2250 RPM. I'm running 4:10 with 37's and at 75mph I'm running 2250-2300 with a 5spd.

Thanks for the info.

How is your rig for stopping and starting going up hill while pulling?

I've heard horror stories about towing up the Grape Vine or to Tehachapi or to Shaver Lake and getting stopped do to construction. When you try to take off the power train is geared too high to get the rig moving forward. You literally have to dump the clutch to get going.

I personally have had no problems with the companies F450 pulling a 38' trailer.

DWitcher · 09-20-07, 08:41 PM

1st gear is too low for anything but taking off from a dead stop with a heavy load. These engines produce incredible torque so having one under geared if you don't tow heavy is a good thing. I can take off in 2nd towing 12,000lbs but it's a little hard on the clutch. My truck towed better with 35's.

fj40charles · 09-20-07, 09:39 PM

Looking very nice Dan... It is going to be real funny seeing the look on the Chebby guys when they hear the mighty Cummins........

D'Animal · 09-20-07, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fj40charles

Looking very nice Dan... It is going to be real funny seeing the look on the Chebby guys when they hear the mighty Cummins........

At Katemsey 2008!

D'Animal · 09-22-07, 06:29 AM

Over the weekend I'm hoping to install the new sheet metal on the front clip and get the radiator installed.

If the rain holds out I might even get the lift installed.

DWitcher · 09-22-07, 08:07 AM

You keeping the GMC grille or going to Chevy? I'm a big fan of GMC with the dual headlight.

D'Animal · 09-22-07, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWitcher

You keeping the GMC grille or going to Chevy? I'm a big fan of GMC with the dual headlight.

Keeping the GMC 4 headlight set up.

I had to buy a new Chevy radiator support. The truck Shop in Orange and LMC do not carry the GMC radiator support. I have to move my 4 headlight buckets from the old support to the new chevy support. I then have to cut and section the new support to fit the radiator and the inter cooler.

These "little things" are the most time consuming.

DWitcher · 09-22-07, 08:28 AM

"These "little things" are the most time consuming"
Tell me about it.
A word of advise on that 5 spd that there is a lot of talk from guy's running that tranny that have said to add 1 extra quart of fluid in at the top PTO cover bolt due to oil starvation to the input bearing when pulling big hills.

D'Animal · 09-22-07, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWitcher

"These "little things" are the most time consuming"
Tell me about it.
A word of advise on that 5 spd that there is a lot of talk from guy's running that tranny that have said to add 1 extra quart of fluid in at the top PTO cover bolt due to oil starvation to the input bearing when pulling big hills.

I heard the exact same thing. I already added the 90 degree elbow to the fill plug when I had it sitting on the ground.

DWitcher · 09-22-07, 08:57 AM

I added these to my 4500 which will work on any 6bolt PTO and are good for 1 extra quart. They came from an old big truck 5+4spd combo. A magnet can be added to the passenger side to collect unwanted metal.

D'Animal · 09-22-07, 09:01 AM

How does the extra capacity with the wing tanks help?

I thought the reason to add the extra oil was so the bottom tips of the gear is bathed in oil and does not rely on the oil climbing up another gear.

With the wing tanks as seen in the picture wouldn't the oil level be the same in relationship to the fill plug?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

DWitcher · 09-22-07, 09:13 AM

In the case of the Getrag you would want to raise the oil level. The wing tanks would also give you another extra quart capacity prolonging oil life and hopefully stay a little cooler.

Stumpkin · 09-29-07, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWitcher

1st gear is too low for anything but taking off from a dead stop with a heavy load. These engines produce incredible torque so having one under geared if you don't tow heavy is a good thing. I can take off in 2nd towing 12,000lbs but it's a little hard on the clutch. My truck towed better with 35's.

I agree with you, I never use 1st gear unless I'm pulling my trailer, and I've got 3.54 gears with 33s. Tom

nat · 09-29-07, 02:49 PM

That's a pretty cool buildup. Nice work so far

DWitcher · 09-29-07, 08:32 PM

Stumpkin, Nice 1st gen

D'Animal · 09-30-07, 08:16 AM

I installed the 4" Skyjacker srings on the front and the axle has much better orientaion in relationship to the fender openings. I'm not going to install the lift in the rear until I get my flatbed on it.

The adjustable drag link I installed is at a bit of an angle. I may have to install an adjustable drag link for a 6"lift.

I dropped off my spare Dana 60 yesterday to have it rebuilt as needed. I decided on 4:11 gears. The cutting a fabing of the radiator support has been thought out but I have not started the cutting yet.

DWitcher · 09-30-07, 09:24 AM

Install a 2wd steering box and run crossover steering.

Wile E Coyote · 09-30-07, 11:59 PM

Cheese-and-rice! Dan, you sure are making this Toy drivin, Mopar guy feel even more at home. Wrench on, brotha.
I agree Dwitcher, nice ride there, Stumpkin.

D'Animal · 10-01-07, 09:21 AM

I was told this was done by Redneck Taggers.

fj40charles · 10-01-07, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

How does the extra capacity with the wing tanks help?

I thought the reason to add the extra oil was so the bottom tips of the gear is bathed in oil and does not rely on the oil climbing up another gear.

With the wing tanks as seen in the picture wouldn't the oil level be the same in relationship to the fill plug?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

Dan,

You can order some fast coolers like these. I know there is another variation which comes with the top installed (better than Fast coolers).

http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo....er=FC-6-SPD-DG

I had these fast coolers on my NV5600 transmission, but I could not get it stop leaking so I got rid of it (sold it.)

Installing regular PTO cover providing additional fluid capacity is a good idea. I guess it couldn't hurt, but don't install until you have your front driveshaft and exhaut routed first.

Charles

DWitcher · 10-01-07, 08:08 PM

I doubt there would be a problem with the front driveline using the Dodge chassis but the exhaust could be a different story although the GM cab is close to the original cab design. Dan post those pic's of the core support mod.

DWitcher · 10-01-07, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wile E Coyote

Cheese-and-rice! Dan, you sure are making this Toy drivin, Mopar guy feel even more at home. Wrench on, brotha.
I agree Dwitcher, nice ride there, Stumpkin.

There must be something about Dodge/Tow rigs and Toyotas

.

greenfox · 10-01-07, 08:57 PM

Dan if you need some measurements for the radiator for the 6.2 I can give them to you. Because that's what I have in my tow rig.

D'Animal · 10-01-07, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWitcher

There must be something about Dodge/Tow rigs and Toyotas

.

I just like the looks of an Old School GMC. But I love the Cummins.

09-20-07, 08:41 PM	#34
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	1st gear is too low for anything but taking off from a dead stop with a heavy load. These engines produce incredible torque so having one under geared if you don't tow heavy is a good thing. I can take off in 2nd towing 12,000lbs but it's a little hard on the clutch. My truck towed better with 35's. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!". Last edited by DWitcher; 09-20-07 at 09:40 PM.

09-20-07, 09:39 PM	#35
fj40charles IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,109	Looking very nice Dan... It is going to be real funny seeing the look on the Chebby guys when they hear the mighty Cummins........ __________________ 69 FJ40 with some minor mods... 2000 Cummins powered Dodge with some power enhancements. DO NOT SUPPORT TRAIL GEAR!!!!! bad ethics = bad business! http://www.paypalsucks.com

09-22-07, 06:29 AM	#37
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 8,640	Over the weekend I'm hoping to install the new sheet metal on the front clip and get the radiator installed. If the rain holds out I might even get the lift installed. Attached Images __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan) My Tow Rig = http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-cor...g-tow-rig.html

09-22-07, 08:07 AM	#38
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	You keeping the GMC grille or going to Chevy? I'm a big fan of GMC with the dual headlight. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

09-22-07, 08:28 AM	#40
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	"These "little things" are the most time consuming" Tell me about it. A word of advise on that 5 spd that there is a lot of talk from guy's running that tranny that have said to add 1 extra quart of fluid in at the top PTO cover bolt due to oil starvation to the input bearing when pulling big hills. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

09-22-07, 08:57 AM	#42
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	I added these to my 4500 which will work on any 6bolt PTO and are good for 1 extra quart. They came from an old big truck 5+4spd combo. A magnet can be added to the passenger side to collect unwanted metal. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

09-22-07, 09:01 AM	#43
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 8,640	How does the extra capacity with the wing tanks help? I thought the reason to add the extra oil was so the bottom tips of the gear is bathed in oil and does not rely on the oil climbing up another gear. With the wing tanks as seen in the picture wouldn't the oil level be the same in relationship to the fill plug? I don't know, that's why I'm asking. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan) My Tow Rig = http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-cor...g-tow-rig.html

09-22-07, 09:13 AM	#44
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	In the case of the Getrag you would want to raise the oil level. The wing tanks would also give you another extra quart capacity prolonging oil life and hopefully stay a little cooler. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

09-29-07, 02:49 PM	#46
nat IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm in like Flynn Posts: 823	That's a pretty cool buildup. Nice work so far __________________ 1972 FJ55 "Geirdriful" named after one of the Valkyries Check out my build thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=165633 Some more good pics of the Pig here too: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pi...-iron-pig.html Maid Marion, "Why, you speak treason!" Robin Hood, "Fluently."

09-29-07, 08:32 PM	#47
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	Stumpkin, Nice 1st gen __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

09-30-07, 08:16 AM	#48
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 8,640	I installed the 4" Skyjacker srings on the front and the axle has much better orientaion in relationship to the fender openings. I'm not going to install the lift in the rear until I get my flatbed on it. The adjustable drag link I installed is at a bit of an angle. I may have to install an adjustable drag link for a 6"lift. I dropped off my spare Dana 60 yesterday to have it rebuilt as needed. I decided on 4:11 gears. The cutting a fabing of the radiator support has been thought out but I have not started the cutting yet. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan) My Tow Rig = http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-cor...g-tow-rig.html

09-30-07, 09:24 AM	#49
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	Install a 2wd steering box and run crossover steering. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

09-30-07, 11:59 PM	#50
Wile E Coyote IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lake Havasu and Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,011	Cheese-and-rice! Dan, you sure are making this Toy drivin, Mopar guy feel even more at home. Wrench on, brotha. I agree Dwitcher, nice ride there, Stumpkin. __________________ ="Are you gonna sit there on that friggin computer all day or what?" The desert dwellin, roadrunner chasin, soooper-genius! '90 FJ 62, '08 Scion head unit, chopped quarters and rockers, bedlined exterior, and mostly stock. My soft wheeler and DD. '85 Dodge Ramcharger a little built, and a little beat. My hard wheeler.

10-01-07, 09:21 AM	#51
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 8,640	Damn Vandals! I was told this was done by Redneck Taggers. Attached Images __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan) My Tow Rig = http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-cor...g-tow-rig.html

10-01-07, 08:08 PM	#53
DWitcher IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 178	I doubt there would be a problem with the front driveline using the Dodge chassis but the exhaust could be a different story although the GM cab is close to the original cab design. Dan post those pic's of the core support mod. __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".

10-01-07, 08:57 PM	#55
greenfox IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Stockton, CA TLCA# 13526 Posts: 632	Dan if you need some measurements for the radiator for the 6.2 I can give them to you. Because that's what I have in my tow rig. __________________ 73 FJ40 Green - Original 74 FJ40 Red - (BMFCAGE) SOA 36X17IROKS weldedrear ARBfront and what ever els you can think of 97 FZJ80 Green (the wife's) - locked 67 fj45lwb in the works