Re: combat rim help


[Follow Ups] [Post Followup] [Dodge Power Wagon Forum]


Posted by Vaughn on Monday, December 04, 2006 at 10:27AM :

In Reply to: Re: combat rim help posted by Dwight in Ft. Worth on Monday, December 04, 2006 at 9:08AM :


With our hobby, there are no standard procedures when it comes to modifying or updating our vehicles and no manufacturer can guide us because the vehicles are just too old – so we learn as we go. We update units for various reasons and in doing so we give it our best shot to do it safely. We use tires and tubes not meant for the era of part, will they work - sure, are they safe, well based on the posts on the forum, that becomes debatable. Most us aren’t automotive engineers by trade, so we bolt up later style parts and make modifications as needed. I doubt Chrysler would agree to us cutting a “V” section in the frame flange to accommodate a power steering unit, installing “V8’s” in a frame and driving a drive train not designed for them, but we do all this anyway, and things seem to work. We are by necessity “Back Yard Mechanics” and anything we want to try, we do.

Because we all share our successful and not so successful experiences that did or didn’t work doesn’t mean we are an over night expert/failure in modifying these trucks for safe operation, it just means we were able to successfully/unsuccessfully mix match parts and parts did or didn’t break. Most of us don’t drive our trucks at high speed, which is a blessing in disguise.

I’m sure we are not pioneers when it comes to modifying vehicles. We are neither the first nor the last set of “Back Yard Mechanics” trying to improve on a successful design. If hot rod and drag racing folks said “you can’t do that, it’s not in manufacturer specs” we wouldn’t be where we are today. If we are afraid to do things, then my suggestion is don’t modify your truck, keep it stock!

Jim had to modify his caliper to make his work by taking a little off. Taking some off here or there is not a problem when it comes to upgrading. It’s when we have to significantly modify a part that it can because a safety issue. He offered a solution that we can choose to use or not use.

P.S. – My using 750-16 truck tube in 900-16 tires actually came from a truck tire repair shop. I was looking for 900-16 tubes and they said, we don’t have those but you can use 750-16 and bend the stem. They gave me directions to do it. Stem only bends one time.

Enough of the soap box




Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:
Subject:
Message:
Optional Link
URL:
Title:
Optional Image Link
URL:


This board is powered by the Mr. Fong Device from Cyberarmy.com