What I was trying to convey was not the axle being off-center on the spring, but that the axle is off-center in the wheel well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Frank

I got your meaning, Frank. The rear axle placement and spring orientation are being re-thunk...Thanks for weighing in.

Russell, I didn't know that about leaf springs. I'm glad you said something.

In the end, as NathanC said above, I need to get some wheels and tires on it. That's the only way this is going to truly be settled in a way that we can truly see what needs to be where. They're being built and will get to us as soon as the guy can get them done.

Jon,

How about some 11.00-16 Michelin XZL tires on your silver truck? You have the mil-tech hookups, right?

For the 'centering' issues above - ah, now I see. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Secondly, if you decide to run Mitsu coil setup in the rear, I have a donor frame for all the bits.

Russell

I don't have a "hook up" per se. I got a helluva deal on some 12 bolt HMMVV beadlocks with PVC inserts (locking inner and outer beads) that have the centers cut out and rewelded with the correct bolt pattern for my axles and more appropriate backspacing than the stock 7" that the HMMVV uses. They also are two tone powder coated and have rock rings welded to the outer rim. They come with the HMMVV Goodyear 37s. The guy who makes them has a contract with the gov to liquidate old stock. I essentially get replacement 37s at under $75 a piece with near perfect tread...I bought 5 to start.

There is a guy in SOCAL, though, who deals in the bigger tires. I'll see if I can dig up a link to his site.

Regarding the coil rear, that may be the way to go. I had a chance to run coilovers back there and am now kind of kicking myself for not doing it...

good thing you're putting a v8 in it that tire/wheel combo is going to be HEAVY <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


You're the first I've seen to put 60s under a monty... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Good thing I've got a strong back and counterweight up front for when I have to change 'em out.



I know this wasn't the point of your comment, but here it goes...

People keep asking why I'm hung up on 60s. I don't know if I'm the first. I know they're obnoxiously wide and heavy and overkill and blah blah blah...Whatever. I want 60s. If I'm going to the trouble to put a V8 in the Raider, why would I underbuild in the axle dept and break 44s all day long (I'm not an expert driver who can do everything on 33s and pencil sized axles)...essentially I suck behind the wheel, so I'll overbuild this rig, drive it for a long, long time without spending money on the same parts many times over and have a great time doing it.

In short, I reiterate...I want 60s.

Really, this build has been a long wait. I just want to drive the dayum thing. I'm still waiting on an estimated time of completion for the wheels and delivery of a transmission. I also still need to order the D300 RAC from Stak. I hope to have some kind of real update soon.

I see comp cut rear and 42s in your future <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
What spline axles are they?

This is the mentality I built my truck with. I'm still a mediocre driver, but getting better.

Awesome build Jon, and even if we're not all commenting, we are all reading and enjoying. You've been away a long time, and obviously planning all that time! Glad to see it coming together for you. Very unique approach and one we'll be referring back to for years to come, methinks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the nice comments. This has been a long process, but will be worth it once it is back on the road. I'm looking forward to driving it if we can get past a few current challenges. The guy I bought the engine and trans from hasn't come through on the trans yet. Very irritating as he's had my money for quite some time. I've filed a dispute with Paypal, but will see where it goes...

That said, here's the heart of he beast waiting to go in



Here is the front D60



Just chatted with Jason for a while. Looks like he's got a plan to cut out the crossmember for the stock tank and move it up and to the rear so we can keep it smog legal and still get rid of the axle interference as well as increase the departure angle a little. Jason will also make a beefy gas tank skid plate to keep fuel capacity in the tank for that V8. I'll post pics of that progress as they become a available.

As far as the spline count on the axles go, I think they are 30 spline, from what I've read. I don't know for sure as they aren't here with me, but should be pretty stout. The front is an F350 D60 front and rear is out of an F250 (I'm trying to confirm whether it is a Sterling or D60).

More to come...