webber 2525

Does anyone think that lowering the tailgate down to the frame like people do on the trucks, is a good idea or bad?

I could see where it would help, but I'm a little concerned that it will put to much pressure on the frame and make it belly faster.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Bart
2525

A&W_DEMO

smith58truck

I wouldn't sugest lowering the tailgate. I left stock bumper on it and just little straps welded from the bumper to the tailgate and I hit with the frame all night. I wouldnt sugest hitting with the front AT ALL....they blow out right behind the a-arms

A&W_DEMO

never seen one blow out.....they like to bend sideways at about the firewall though.....but theres ways to make them alot tougher

webber2525

Thanks. I didn't lower the tailgate on the last one I built but I was just thinking of new ideas. I probably should stick with the way I built the last one. 7 derbies, 4 wins, 2 2nd's and a 5th. I must have done something right, LOL

Bart
2525

shaggy

OK, I have a question, maybe stupid, but never built or ran a burban yet ..

the bed or floor of my burban is fine with no rust .. but above the wheelwells on the interior it is seperating/rusty ... how to fix? or anything to help strengthen it there?
might be a mute point, building for a pretty stock derby ... thanks for responses if any ..

derby111

you got any afters of that?

A&W_DEMO

I got some somewhere, really haven't got to put it to the test yet, first derby we ran it at had 5 or 6 trucks (been 2 years ago) and took 2nd, ended up knocking the tranny out, haven't ran it again since, planning to run it again this next year....i have pictures of the full build, every little thing that was done if i can find some after pics of the first run I will post them

basb5253

i just recently ran a 3/4 ton burb and i would suggest switching the the front bumper i twisted my front frame rail so bad my steering box was turned upside down lol but i still got 4th in it twice lol

lilrookie4q2

where is the best place to add extra body mounts????

A&W_DEMO

How many extra can you add?

lilrookie4q2

im allowed 8 extra mounts

A&W_DEMO

try to space them evenly in between the original mounts, make sure you use the biggest plates possible top and bottom so they almost touch....on ours i can't remember how many we added but i know the plates inside are less then 1/2 inch apart firewall to the tailgate

pacman23

BEFORE

BUILD


Locking up the dif

NEARLY FINISHED

After running mine, these are the tips I would add. Do not chain the bumper like I did. All the other bumpers were hitting right on those chains and it turned my bumper and rear frame rails into a mangled mess. The stock body mounts are crap rust free or not. My rules would not let me change or add any so i was pretty S.O.L there. The body will peel off the frame unless you do something about it. I would suggest using the thickest metal strap you are allowed to go from the rear doors, weld it to the bumper directly over the frame rails and if rules allow weld them to the frame to hold the bumper on. This will help the bumper not to be pulled up into a /\ shape. Then if your rules allow make as many extra body mounts as you can with the biggest washers you are allowed. Depending on the year of sub you have I have more tips but those are the biggest issues. use the rear end mostly but I was able to you the front a lot too and it held together. I think out of pure luck though.

The metal straps should also help hold the body to the frame too a lot better than my chains did. However my chains are now the only thing holding the back down the all the mounts tore off the body clear up to the ones were regular truck cab would be. Also cut out the inner wheel wells/fenders in the engine bay to roll them back they are pretty much useless unless you bolt or weld them in better and then fold them back. If you leave them they will take out all your electrical and/or stock brake lines and power steering hoses.

derbydriver7

just got a 91 suburban..2wd 3/4 ton basically rust free...been 3 years since i ran a truck and ive never ran anything this new...i am plannin on switching front suspension out with a 4wd axle...was wondering what the best front axle would be to put in there and if anyone had ran anything this new and had any tips...my rules are basically just replace the stock body bolts and box in front 8 inches other than that is all stock...any tips at all would be great thanks

pacman23

Is that still TBI? If so make sure that you move the wiring harness that goes into the fuse box away from that front fender. That's what put me out. Took a hard hit to the front left fender and the inner wheel well got shoved up and sheered those wires right off.

Aftermath after 2 derbies one 3rd place finish and one 4th

derbydriver7

it was! its getting lil baby 305 and 3 speed though