LML Silverado Duramax C-Max build thread part 4

[Flyin6]

X2. I would have thought the rear would be the place to start. What was the cost of the kit?


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I'll look into it Tex
Only reason I stay away from messing with the rear is that 70%-80% of suspension articulation occurs in the rear. I need that with the nature of the off road I did yesterday and 2X times a week. But a smaller rear bar might not adversely affect that since this is mostly a on road truck and the country road driving it the predominate negative to the feel of the thing.

Who has one? Addco?

[Armalite]

Don, I just noticed you have the ball joints on top of the arms. I believe they go on the bottom (push on the arm vs push on the bolts).

It may affect the geometry a little, but Safety is a bigger thing!

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/media/pdfs/7054.pdf

Holy Smokes!

WOW!!  I just looked back on my install from about 50 years ago seems like, and I did the exact same thing Don.  Had them mounted on top instead of on bottom... 

Glad to see the black truck still putting in work.   

[TexasRedNeck]

X2. I would have thought the rear would be the place to start. What was the cost of the kit?


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I'll look into it Tex
Only reason I stay away from messing with the rear is that 70%-80% of suspension articulation occurs in the rear. I need that with the nature of the off road I did yesterday and 2X times a week. But a smaller rear bar might not adversely affect that since this is mostly a on road truck and the country road driving it the predominate negative to the feel of the thing.

Who has one? Addco?

Hellwig
http://www.xtremediesel.com/hellwig-7885-lifted-rear-sway-bar.aspx?gclid=CK-SgN-ohtQCFQsvaQodFOwMaw



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[JR]

That is not bad and fits the bill perfect for CM.

[EL TATE]

Obviously this is more for your wife's and Shawn's jeep, but maybe something like this you could fab up? https://www.amazon.com/JKS-2034-Swaybar-Quicker-Disconnect/dp/B005TTZ78M that way you can maintain your articulation off road and manners on street.

[Flyin6]

Don, I just noticed you have the ball joints on top of the arms. I believe they go on the bottom (push on the arm vs push on the bolts).

It may affect the geometry a little, but Safety is a bigger thing!

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/media/pdfs/7054.pdf

Holy Smokes!

WOW!!  I just looked back on my install from about 50 years ago seems like, and I did the exact same thing Don.  Had them mounted on top instead of on bottom... 

Glad to see the black truck still putting in work.   

Hey Ash!I thought some gator ate you a year or two back!

Glad to have you around

Spread some news...What about that Dodge?? (Or Ram??)

I'd like to see what you've done to it lately

And what of you?

[rpar86]

Hey Don, what about a disconnecting sway bar. Best of both worlds.

[EL TATE]

Hey Don, what about a disconnecting sway bar. Best of both worlds.

Maybe it's just a PNW thing, but I think we're on to something. I actually researched this a bit, and couldn't find anything, but there's nothing stopping you from fabbing up some poly bushing heim jointed custom bad boys. think these but way bigger:

[TexasRedNeck]

I'm not sure that crawling through the mulch at the mall causes enough articulation to warrant QD but if it ever became a problem, there is the solution.


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[Flyin6]

Hey Don, what about a disconnecting sway bar. Best of both worlds.

I don't think this truck reaches that level. It's a driver, and a hauler. I just end up in the mud and on uneven terrain at the end of the drive, that's all.

Remaining practical about it all, there is no need to go all off road with this truck. The biggest factor affecting its drivability are the twisty roads which motorcyclists come in from two states to drive just because of all the twisties.

[Flyin6]

Now, having said that

You may see a Ram PowerWagon in my stable some day as well. Disconnecting sway bar and all

I already have the GJ Ruby with the disconnecting stuff. Thing about that jeep is that it feels disconnected from the road like as in all the time :-0

[EL TATE]

since the differentials for the Ram Power wagon and the duramax are the same now, you might "acquire" a QD set from one to test it out, you know for posterity and all. I think what Ryan and all are trying to get at is you commented you didn't want to lose articulation in the rear where you needed it most, but also wanted to add a sway bar. with the QD concept you get both. You're not doing more than you need, or converting it into a mulch bed destroyer, just enough to get what you want out of it. (I wonder if I sound like you to your wife trying to sell her on some new piece of equipment you "need" to purchase).

[Flyin6]

since the differentials for the Ram Power wagon and the duramax are the same now, you might "acquire" a QD set from one to test it out, you know for posterity and all. I think what Ryan and all are trying to get at is you commented you didn't want to lose articulation in the rear where you needed it most, but also wanted to add a sway bar. with the QD concept you get both. You're not doing more than you need, or converting it into a mulch bed destroyer, just enough to get what you want out of it. (I wonder if I sound like you to your wife trying to sell her on some new piece of equipment you "need" to purchase).

Point of order:
Axles do not disconnect, the saw bar does
and
Dodge has a solid front axle
Chevy has the IFS

Not exactly the same

And its the front sway bar which disconnects

Does the PW even have a rear sway bar???

[EL TATE]

since the differentials for the Ram Power wagon and the duramax are the same now, you might "acquire" a QD set from one to test it out, you know for posterity and all. I think what Ryan and all are trying to get at is you commented you didn't want to lose articulation in the rear where you needed it most, but also wanted to add a sway bar. with the QD concept you get both. You're not doing more than you need, or converting it into a mulch bed destroyer, just enough to get what you want out of it. (I wonder if I sound like you to your wife trying to sell her on some new piece of equipment you "need" to purchase).

Point of order:
Axles do not disconnect, the saw bar does
and
Dodge has a solid front axle
Chevy has the IFS

Not exactly the same

And its the front sway bar which disconnects

Does the PW even have a rear sway bar???

You're talking to the axle and gear guy, but I'll take it on the chin.

Was always referencing the sway bars, not the axles.
IFS and Solid axle are VERY different, but both applications can benefit from anti sway bars as you've seen in your installation recently.
TBH, I have no idea if the rear axle has a sway bar, let alone one that disconnects, but you commented on it and got my wheels turning.
Sam (I believe) mentioned something about the rear being more effective in anti sway, you said I want to keep articulation for the farm, viola, we have arrived here.
This comment: "since the differentials for the Ram Power wagon and the duramax are the same now" was in reference to the 11.5 rear axles we had been discussing, although I did not specify.

I like spitballing ideas because I sometimes get to see those ideas come to fruition through you old timers with more time on your hands.

[Flyin6]

Copy all

BTW, I make these clarifications for the benefit of everyone, Like, for example, that young guy reading this for the first time.

Moving on, doesn't the ram 2500 use a AAM 9.25" front diff? I was thinking the D60 front was replaced by the AAM 9.25 in a solid axle form some time ago, am I wrong?

[rpar86]

FWIW, I was thinking disconnecting sway bar for the rear since you stated " 70%-80% of suspension articulation occurs in the rear", as well as JR's comment about the weight in the rear - a sway bar on the rear might make you feel more planted to the road when towing.

Anywho -- carry on :)

[EL TATE]

Copy all

BTW, I make these clarifications for the benefit of everyone, Like, for example, that young guy reading this for the first time.

Moving on, doesn't the ram 2500 use a AAM 9.25" front diff? I was thinking the D60 front was replaced by the AAM 9.25 in a solid axle form some time ago, am I wrong?

10-4.

Front diff has been 9.25 AAM since 2003 on all 3/4 & 1 ton flavors for Dodge/Ram 2014 saw some MAJOR changes to their rear drivetrain, but front remained the same for the most part.

[Flyin6]

FWIW, I was thinking disconnecting sway bar for the rear since you stated " 70%-80% of suspension articulation occurs in the rear", as well as JR's comment about the weight in the rear - a sway bar on the rear might make you feel more planted to the road when towing.

Anywho -- carry on :)

I am ordering a Hellwig rear sway bar as soon as my military discount approval shows up at XPD Diesel.

I had no idea they offered that, a 10% discount, and a price match + $5.

XPD had it for $302. I found it for $296

296 - 5 = $291

- 10% = $262

That works for me!

[TexasRedNeck]

Looking forward to the AAR


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[stlaser]

Poor lonely SQ D

[Flyin6]

Poor lonely SQ D

Not lonely

Has all sorts of things piled all over it! ;-))

[Flyin6]

Looking forward to the AAR


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Parts ordered!

[JR]

Poor lonely SQ D

Whats that???

[Sammconn]

Poor lonely SQ D

Not lonely

Has all sorts of things piled all over it! ;-))

I think there's a bike or two on it or in it...no wait under it...

[Flyin6]

Poor lonely SQ D

Not lonely

Has all sorts of things piled all over it! ;-))

I think there's a bike or two on it or in it...no wait under it...

Cat nest ontop of the fuel tank

Mud daubers in the fenderwell

Some kind of singing bird in a nest on the roof

And the normal assortment of spiders who set up camp everywhere

Oh, and an old dog underneath along with all the fluid spills...

It has become a virtual community!

Are there such things as cat nests?

[Flyin6]

Concerning the sway bar I ordered,
I Just got this:


Dear, Donald
We're sorry to inform you that the following item(s) you've ordered are temporarily out of stock from the manufacturer   We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We're working quickly to get the product(s) shipped to you at the earliest possible date.

To substitute another item or cancel the out of stock item(s) from your order, please contact our Customer Service department. If we have not heard from you, your item(s) will ship once available. Should you have questions on possible alternatives, please call to speak with one of our knowledgeable Performance Specialist.   

[EL TATE]

Do you want me to reach out to Dan at XDP?

[Flyin6]

Do you want me to reach out to Dan at XDP?

Sure, lets see what he says
Tell him that his stuff is about to be featured on this web site
I think its out of his hands though, seems the manufacturer is out

[longball]

I've never faced your exact situation but I have dealt with customer service at XDP before. They were very helpful. 


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[EL TATE]

Do you want me to reach out to Dan at XDP?

Sure, lets see what he says
Tell him that his stuff is about to be featured on this web site
I think its out of his hands though, seems the manufacturer is out

I was not able to reach him, but I've found the same kit on backorder with other vendors and it does appear that Hellwig is out of stock currently. They are stateside so it's not like they're waiting for overseas shipments to land. I'd just wait it out, but continue to follow up.

[Flyin6]

Do you want me to reach out to Dan at XDP?

Sure, lets see what he says
Tell him that his stuff is about to be featured on this web site
I think its out of his hands though, seems the manufacturer is out

I was not able to reach him, but I've found the same kit on backorder with other vendors and it does appear that Hellwig is out of stock currently. They are stateside so it's not like they're waiting for overseas shipments to land. I'd just wait it out, but continue to follow up.

OK, works for me

Danke' for checkin' up on it!

[EL TATE]

Any time. Specially if I know the guys anyone's working with.

[Armalite]

Don, I just noticed you have the ball joints on top of the arms. I believe they go on the bottom (push on the arm vs push on the bolts).

It may affect the geometry a little, but Safety is a bigger thing!

http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/media/pdfs/7054.pdf

Holy Smokes!

WOW!!  I just looked back on my install from about 50 years ago seems like, and I did the exact same thing Don.  Had them mounted on top instead of on bottom... 

Glad to see the black truck still putting in work.   

Hey Ash!I thought some gator ate you a year or two back!

Glad to have you around

Spread some news...What about that Dodge?? (Or Ram??)

I'd like to see what you've done to it lately

And what of you?

Would clog up your thread to give all that information...  All is good here.  Lot's of changes, lots...  Dodge is gone, and I will never own another new one.  Will stay with Duramax from now on...

[Flyin6]

Well, there's a story there ^^^^^

[Sammconn]

Definitely a story there...

[Bigdave_185]

Open a new thread I like good stories


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[JR]

Well, there's a story there ^^^^^

 

[Flyin6]

I have an inbound on the sway bar...Should have it this week!

Next up: Tires

OK, almost since new, about 70,000 miles ago, I have only run Toyo MT's, 35 12.50R18. Every so often I replace two of them and continue the rotation cycle. I rotate maybe every 10,000 miles.

I now have a significant shimmy in the steering wheel and a pretty good inbalance shaking the truck. The two front MT's are down to about 30% and time to send them on their happy way. The back two MT's are 75%.

I want to step aside to another brand tire which is less expensive. I just see no benefit to paying for a premium tire when that tire is only giving me 25,000 ish before it is 30%-40%.

I have looked over the mastercraft Courser, but availability is not so good in my area. But my other choice, the new General X3 MT's are available. They run around $269 in the 35" fitment, while the Toyos near $400. There is really no choice to make, the less costly tire is clearly the smart bet.

I do not know, however, if I should just buy two or, go for all four, then purchase number five when its time to rotate. In my former Armee life when I drove a stick shift F250 powerstroke truck, I only ran the General tire and with decent results.

[Sammconn]

Might be worth only two to see how they hold up.
My only concern would be overall diameter.
Yeah there both 35's but how do they actually measure.
Some difference can be tolerated, but I'm no expert on how much.

[JR]

You have also said the truck is over geared and have been wanting to up the dia some?

No I have been more than happy with my Coopers and they tend to be very price friendly. With that said I had Generals I liked, but they wore fast.

I say go for the whole set.

[stlaser]

Following, the f150 will need new more aggressive shoes before winter.

[BobbyB]

Following, the f150 will need new more aggressive shoes before winter.

Duratracs.

[stlaser]

Following, the f150 will need new more aggressive shoes before winter.

Duratracs.

I have them on the jk, sidewalls are the weak link.....

[Bigdave_185]

I have had good luck with wear of my nitto terra grapplers.   No complaints.   I can't remember the cost sorry


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[BobbyB]

I have them on the jk, sidewalls are the weak link.....

Never had a problem with mine, but I think you might do more things that could puncture the sidewalls.

[stlaser]

I have them on the jk, sidewalls are the weak link.....

Never had a problem with mine, but I think you might do more things that could puncture the sidewalls.

Yes, & we added a diamondback SE truck topper so we can store & haul gear on camping trips. So I see a few backwoods adventures with this truck.

[Flyin6]

They came in, but the Pep-Boys shop can't get to them until NEXT SATURDAY!

Service?? What service...

Tires look typical of mud tires from yesterday that worked like champs.

[Flyin6]

Man, this tire thing just won't die!

So it is next week. I went to Pep boys to get the tires mounted.

Guess what?

They didn't have balance beads...AGAIN!

One more time they ran all over creation trying to get some but failed. I grabbed the manager and told him I didn't want to do business with him. I had told them three times to get the balance beads, They had scheduled me three times to get the tires installed, although I missed my first appt. It takes some special crew according to them to handle these "Big" tires. Any other place would have them on in a jiffy.

I told him that I thought they were incompetent, and when he told me he had his very best guy on the job because of the balance beads, I knew they didn't have the first clue what they were doing or talking about. I would be done with them for good...Amatures.

So from the parking lot, I call another place. They agree to go get the tires and mount them within an hour if I could drive up to Ohio, so I went. I arrived and verified which tires I was purchasing and looking at a picture of the new Grabber X3's I told them to break the tires down, I was in a hurry...Had a wedding to go to in four hours.

Something around an hour later I saw my truck pull into the parking lot, all done. I walked out to check it out and as I approached, something was looking very wrong.

They had mounted up a set of 33" tires, not the 35"!!!!!!!!!!!!

My truck looked like it was on roller skates! I told them to just yank them back off and reinstall my old tires. I think God is trying to tell me something. So an hour and a half later, I was back in the same configuration I had started the day in.

I drove it home, and guess what? It was riding a whole lot better. I got to looking at the tires. Two are better than 50% and two are maybe 30%-40%, so I'll just drive on them for awhile I guess

So much for tires!

[Flyin6]

Next up: Rear sway bar.

The thing finally came in. It arrived in a beat up box direct from Hellwig.

I opened the box to discover this:

[Flyin6]

Yea...Missing most of the parts!

Guess there won't be a rear swaybar happening.