Posted by Pieter on Thursday, October 02, 2003 at 7:53PM :
In Reply to: Help Design the Ulitmate Off Road Power Wagon posted by Paul(in NY) on Thursday, October 02, 2003 at 5:29PM :
Well, Here would be my design criteria...
Engine, either a Big Block or a hemi. A diesel would work well. If it is a gas engine stick with Dodge. Diesel a cummins, you have experience there.
To stay true to the PW name, I would stay with a manual(prefer a 5 speed)7:1 1st gear.
transfer, I would stay married and I would go for a 203/205 doubler. If wheelbase/dimensions worked out better and a divorce set-up worked better then go that route.
Axles, Dana 60 front, 70 or 80 rear. Dana 70
with closed front knuckle is weak unless you could swap out to a 30-35 spline shafts.
No real reason to go to Rockwells unless were running 54" dia or bigger.
If you want the wheelbase to remain about the same, you can stay with leaves but use something on the 1/2t to 3/4t range.more flex. Don't go to high arch springs!
If you want to run the axles closer to front and rear of vehicle, go to coils or airbags.
tires, run 44 or larger tall skinnies. Michelin or the new truxus by BFG. If you want tons of ground clearance w/o getting really tall tires you could get mog axles... price difference I am not sure of
mount PTO winch right behind the cab and run cable to rear bumper, then up to front bumper. that way one winch can run either direction and keeps weight in the center of vehicle.
I won't say why I know all this **grin**
Pieter