Switching over from drag racing

[Josh2002cc]

Hey guys, I know I know I am crazy.

I think I may have been bitten by the sled pulling bug. I really want to change my trucks setup to better suit sled pulling. I currently have the rear lowered about 3" with shackles so they will have to go, but what other things should I do to maximize my efforts?

BTW I have tierod sleeves, trans, turbo and tuning already so the obvious things are covered. I also plan on getting traction bars really soon.

Also, Somone told me about making a hitch that is kinda like a "drawbar" on a tractor, something you build in the middle of the frame twords the center of the truck by the crossmember and then run back to the rear of the truck....guess it works good???

[BudTX]

Eric Merchant got bit by that same bug hard after last year's Spring Fling. That first hook got him hooked.

You have already lost your rear bumper and added a roll pan, correct? That hitch that you describe will get the weight better distributed versus just hitting the rear. You will also want a front weight hanger, and some tractor weights.

[Josh2002cc]

I have the rear bumper still, no rollpan. Wish I could find one that would be cool.

Does that add anything of value other than look?

[neversatisfied]

I have the rear bumper still, no rollpan. Wish I could find one that would be cool.

Does that add anything of value other than look?

Makes it much easier to work with a different hitch design.

[minisub]

What sled pulling class are you shooting for and what are your goals?

IMHO, you can have a DD truck that does both to your expectations, depending on what those expectations are...;)

Might need to change tires and play with your suspension for each category.

Depending on your goals, you might be able to keep your drop shackles and add air bags and an adjustable pulling hitch that gets you to your max hitch height. Spring clamps instead of traction bars, etc.

Really, it depends on your goals. I mean, my major upgrades this year were getting a better drink cooler and a portable "camp kitchen" to make the whole pit area experience more convenient....(well, okay, I did the trans and got EFI, but I really just want to show up, have fun, eat well and not embarass the GM contingent..)

[Josh2002cc]

I really do not have many goals for this year since I will be new to the game however I would just like to go out and put on a good show.

I plan on getting a eaton locker for the front and cooper sts tires(285/75/16). I talked to my buddy last night about the hitch and that sounds easy enough. I am also looking into a roll pan.

I would really like to get in the 6500lb class but not sure if I can get down that far with my crew cab. I will hit the scale at the local cement yard and see if that is possible. If not I guess the 8000lb class would be my next and only option.

[Diesel Tech]

Josh

Most of the sled pull rules I have seen require the hitch to be so many inches behind the furthest part of the rear of the truck. So by ditching the bumper you can move the hitch father to the front to help with moving the weight toward the front of the truck. It's not a lot but every three or four inches helps. It also helps drop the weight as the roll pan is much lighter than the bumper and brackets.

[racinmike77]

what is a drawbar hitch and how should I make one?? anyone have any pics?

[Josh2002cc]

Racinmike, I do not know for sure however it is steel welded between the frame rails that is actually mounted twords the front of the truck, like say under the axle more or maybe alittle more forward than the stock hitch.

Ask Moss for pictures.

[Schwinn68]

I thought you were going to sell that smokey old truck! You'll have to come back to the Land of Lincoln and pull with us this summer

[Josh2002cc]

I was planning on selling my truck, and ofcourse for the right amount my truck is for sale.

I won't be coming that way to pull, no reason to spend all that money in fuel to lose against some of the best trucks in the country.

[Schwinn68]

very well said