Yo Wild,

Thanks for elaborating since I didn't share that I was aware of the DOT grey areas on beadlocks. They become an issue, for the most part, if a LEO decides to make it one or there is an acccident that would/could be related to them.

I'm glad you point out the maintenance. It's critical in my opinion, especially with all the bolted joints I deal with on gubment stuff. You taxpayers would expect such scrutiny. I have buddies that indeed do not maintain and on occasion report leaking....and it's a constant ribbing on my part. Some people just flat out don't understand how the bolts can break.

Yes, Hutchinson's were the ones I was referring to earlier. DOT is just referring to meeting a standard with the wheel manufacturing and performance. It gets the stamp to show that the wheel meets such specifications, then it can be marketed as such for street use. Those w/o DOT stamp are just marketed as offroad or in the case of H1 Hummer wheels, military only (iirc).

I'm glad to hear your good experience with the Stazworks. Put some pics up when you get a chance. No hurry.

The wheels I'm vying for have recently been sponsor for the TTC 2013 (hint). Not all rigs ran them, but some big ones sure did and it was that added impression for me. The rock rings can be removed and are not needed for regular driving.


Thanks dawg.


I've been thinking of moving to texas or back to colorado...

 

Perhaps it's just from inexperience but I HATE going down snow covered hills... Maybe it was just the old Blazer I learned to snow drive in, but you even think about looking at the brake peddle and it was sliding...

My Ram does much better at braking, but I still don't care for it... (downhill snow driving that is)

 

Ok I get what you are saying with that context. It is dependent on 2 things, your snow conditions and your weight distribution.

If your route is regularly driven on, then it will develop ice at some point. New snow covers that awesome stuff and the next time you're on it means you may compact it enough to keep traction. Or you'll go straight through and the ice is alive.

You can't do much with that b/c of 2wd. Even in 1st gear the ratio is still too fast to control the compaction of the snow. Putting roughly 200 lbs in the bed might help. Perhaps you try to experiment with that. Shovel the snow in...4-6" or so.

The other thing is put chains on. I don't recall if you already do that.

The blazer has a much smaller footprint and weight distribution and it matters alot.

Having 4wd for this, putting in 4hi and 4Lo gives that extra speed control to just let it rid on engine braking. Any amount of breaking loose the tires in the snow is bad. Immediately let off throttle. If you feel bumping, vibing in the back, then that means the tires are breaking, grabbing, breaking and that is not good. Let off slightly and then ease into pedal again.

It's hard to tell in my vids, but I had to do that on occasion to keep momentum.

 

I stopped following TTC when they went away from only allowing street legal rigs in it. I just liked it better when it was real world rigs.


I forgot to mention before but yes I did get your emails a while back. I thought for sure I replied to you once or twice.

 

[As for the Redhead....wow, when I called I wasn't provided a choice on the steering ratio. Just gave them year, make, model and I'm very happy with mine. If it helps any (and I'd like to know), then my Item# is 2869 3T (from my invoice). Ask them what that one is relative to the ratio. I'd like to know....]Quote


I just ordered my Redhead steering box. The 2869 3T is the 15:1 ratio. 3T means 3 turns from stop to stop. I explained to Bryce at Redhead about my 1ton axle swap and that I'm running 37" tires and he said that the best way to go would be the 18:1 ratio as it would put less stress on the box. FYI. I kind of wanted to go with the quicker ratio, but decides to follow his advice. He said that they put the 3T's on the half tons but on the heavier trucks they suggest the 4T. I'm sure with their quality it probably does matter.

 

Sweet. Great of you to come back with what that refers to. Yeah, I wasn't anywhere close to the tire/suspension updates. We'll see how it does though. Hydro assist will be done at some point. I'll either port this box or go another route.

I'll find that older thread that compared Borgeson and Redhead to put this info in for people.

 

I'm considering building up a Durango and doing a SAS on it. Either a ford d44/9" or 60s. I may be getting an 02 Durango fully loaded for free.

 

Free? My favorite price.... What's wrong with it?

Would be a fun toy.

 

It's my grandpas and he may be losing his license (he's 89) and he knows I love dodge. Anyways, its mint. 4.7, automatic 4 speed, 200,000km, fully loaded, leather, etc. I only wish it had the 5.2 or 5.9. Not too familar with the 4.7 other than I know it has new electronics. I read about a Durango solid axle swap years ago and I've always thought that would be cool, fun and unique.

 

4.7 = no plenum issues like 5.2 and 5.9