I have another set of terrible fenders (that came with the original Gladiator), somebody torched the flares off them. They might be good enough to cut the needed pieces out of. We'll see, it's going to be a while before it matters, I would have to show the full extent of how bad the cab is so it's apparent how much work this will be.bigun wrote:Maybe someone here will have some usable fenders or can supply the piece cut out. Word of caution stay away from M-715 fenders they aren't worth the hassle.
I'm hoping so. I just need to put some priority on it so there is some progress, which then will keep me motivated.66stepside wrote:I'm digging the start. However long it takes, it will be worth it in the end.
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The third gen trucks actually use 'normal' (flipped) orientation shackles, and they do not have stability issues. I believe people cite stability issues with flipped shackles because they normally do it to lift the truck (taller will always be less stable), or they do something that's terribly bojang, or the parts they use are not up to the task. That said, I've been wrong before, and will be wrong again (or if I'm not wrong again, then I'm wrong about saying I'll be wrong again). I think if I flip it I will buy new shackles that are a bit beefier than those ones, and I'm not likely to reuse the stock hanger (or if I do I will cut it down and brace it). Also, I'm doing it to pull the block, and blocks are inherently unstable themselves, IMHO. Honestly, Dodge really dropped the ball with the way they set up the rear suspension on these things, along with a bunch of other stuff, but I'm working with what I have.Stuka wrote:Honestly, I would look for some lift springs to go in the back to get rid of the block. If you plan on any towing, you don't want a shackle flip. The stock setup there is much more stable.
Great start though!
I can't decide if I like them enough to consider finding some. I like my Comanche because it has the boxy fender flares like the FSJs. I think I'd rather stick with that look.bigun wrote: Crom
Yeah, the original plan was to use the Cummins like you are. But I wasn't working on it and just kinda got fed up and sold all of the Cummins stuff and related bits. It wasn't that I needed the money, it just bothered me to be sitting on stuff. I actually still have one 24V engine left, but it doesn't have the adapter plate on it, and I sold the much adored NV4500 to bolt to it, so I think I'll just sell it off and so be it...jaber wrote:Man, that second and third pic looks familiar...
I'm subscribed.
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Thanks for the offer, but it would be quite the drive to go get them. I'm in the northern half of BC, so it's a long ways.230ohc wrote:I got some j4000 fenders if interested
You can make compression style shackle work, but you need a track bar for towing. Or, a shackle with a very wide mount and thin bushing to prevent deflection. A tension setup auto centers, and gets more stable with more weight. A compression gets less stable with more weight.MJMadness wrote:The third gen trucks actually use 'normal' (flipped) orientation shackles, and they do not have stability issues. I believe people cite stability issues with flipped shackles because they normally do it to lift the truck (taller will always be less stable), or they do something that's terribly bojang, or the parts they use are not up to the task. That said, I've been wrong before, and will be wrong again (or if I'm not wrong again, then I'm wrong about saying I'll be wrong again). I think if I flip it I will buy new shackles that are a bit beefier than those ones, and I'm not likely to reuse the stock hanger (or if I do I will cut it down and brace it). Also, I'm doing it to pull the block, and blocks are inherently unstable themselves, IMHO. Honestly, Dodge really dropped the ball with the way they set up the rear suspension on these things, along with a bunch of other stuff, but I'm working with what I have.Stuka wrote:Honestly, I would look for some lift springs to go in the back to get rid of the block. If you plan on any towing, you don't want a shackle flip. The stock setup there is much more stable.
Great start though!
My reservation with lift springs is that I'd be paying a LOT of money for them, being in Canada, and my experience with most aftermarket lift springs is that they tend to be garbage. Not the right height, not the right rate, no anti-friction pads, improper steel/treatment and they sag out, etc. I am going to look into what the Dodge guys who wheel them do, as they may have some good ideas, but most of them that I've seen so far flip the shackles or stack the blocks (UGHHHH!!).
I checked and both the 3rd and 4th gen Rams use a compression shackle. No track bar. Some have a rear antisway, some do not. They are wider springs (and hence bushings) than most Jeep guys would deal with at 3.5". They probably are using a harder durometer bushing than older trucks or many of the aftermarket parts though, since they typically will last about a half million miles. Like I said, those trucks are fine, I've driven them enough to say they certainly aren't worse than the 2nd gen truck is with the blocks.Stuka wrote:You can make compression style shackle work, but you need a track bar for towing. Or, a shackle with a very wide mount and thin bushing to prevent deflection. A tension setup auto centers, and gets more stable with more weight. A compression gets less stable with more weight.MJMadness wrote:The third gen trucks actually use 'normal' (flipped) orientation shackles, and they do not have stability issues. I believe people cite stability issues with flipped shackles because they normally do it to lift the truck (taller will always be less stable), or they do something that's terribly bojang, or the parts they use are not up to the task. That said, I've been wrong before, and will be wrong again (or if I'm not wrong again, then I'm wrong about saying I'll be wrong again). I think if I flip it I will buy new shackles that are a bit beefier than those ones, and I'm not likely to reuse the stock hanger (or if I do I will cut it down and brace it). Also, I'm doing it to pull the block, and blocks are inherently unstable themselves, IMHO. Honestly, Dodge really dropped the ball with the way they set up the rear suspension on these things, along with a bunch of other stuff, but I'm working with what I have.Stuka wrote:Honestly, I would look for some lift springs to go in the back to get rid of the block. If you plan on any towing, you don't want a shackle flip. The stock setup there is much more stable.
Great start though!
My reservation with lift springs is that I'd be paying a LOT of money for them, being in Canada, and my experience with most aftermarket lift springs is that they tend to be garbage. Not the right height, not the right rate, no anti-friction pads, improper steel/treatment and they sag out, etc. I am going to look into what the Dodge guys who wheel them do, as they may have some good ideas, but most of them that I've seen so far flip the shackles or stack the blocks (UGHHHH!!).