We got updates. Louvered hood works good. Intake air temps are down about 10 degrees anecdotally on hot days. Electric fans still cycle on at 185 and off at 175 but seem to come on and off less often. Engine never gets over 185-188. Calling that a win.
Last trip out steering was biggest issue, it seemed underpowered and notchy even with the ram. I had a weird alignment between the tie rod and drag link as things were in double shear but I was concerned about punching out the lower arm to 3/4 for the 7/8 heim. At fall crawl last year, CruiserMatt took one look at it and said yeah hog it out, there’s plenty of material. So I did, and upgraded the all the heims to 7/8 from Barnes4wd. I also put high misalignments on the pitman arm, it had low angle ones before and I’m sure they were partially binding and creating some of notchiness.
End result is really good. The pickup point from the drag link moved forward more than an inch, and I think it lines up with the movement of the ram better and plus has more leverage. Steering effort is down, feel is improved. All good. It aligned well too, 65 mph is straight and stable. Tires and home made bead-locks are limiting factor now.
Put 50+ miles on it so far this weekend, took my youngest fishing. Also toolkit took it to the scales with Dad, needed to see how the F250 towed now that it’s mildly tuned (it rocks). Blue truck weighs 4780, trailer 2180, F250 is 7160.
For now just need to drive it and work out little things. This winter the sliders will get upgraded, cage and frame tie-ins done, LED headlights, and a sheet of aluminum will replace the bikini soft top. But for now, enjoying it as it is.
Need to move the bump stops too for safety and limit it somewhere reasonable to keep the springs alive. Shocks are 14” and do not appear to be the weak link.
