I've been too busy to do any posting, but here's an update. We're adding JE Reel Drivelines to our list of sponsors. Jim at JE Reel made a new, tough, rear driveline for the buggy and sent us a new 1350 rear yoke so we can switch from straps to u-bolts. Thanks a bunch, Jim!
The 40" Creepies are mounted up, and we grooved the center tread blocks. They seemed to work fine last weekend while doing some pre-running, but we didn't really get to test them. Also got the new belly pan from Rigworks installed (thanks again to Capt Ron and Scrappy). The Fox airbumps are installed, and they sure made a difference. I also made another change to the rear springs, and now it really rides nice. I had broken the tail pipe and mount on the last run, so I fixed it and added another mount to the muffler......it can take a real pounding now with no problems. Also made a slight change to the front track bar and used Locktite on the steering jam nuts.
We went to JV last weekend to do some pre-running. Sat we ran Outer Limits, Aftershock, Sunbonnet, and both up and down Sledgehammer before I found a cracked frame around the UCA frame mount. I decided to call it quits and fix it right, at home. We made it from the lakebed to the top of Outer Limits in 35 minutes, and ran Sledgehammer to the very top in 9.5 min. Not the fastest they've ever been run, but I didn't think it was too bad.
The rig handles great on the trails and on the slower rough stuff on the access to the trails, I can fly over that stuff.........at least fly based on what I'm used to. It doesn't do so well on the whoops, but there's only so much you can do with the monstrous unsprung weight. We're making adjsutments to the bump stops, and further fine tuning the front coilovers. In the rear, I'm having problems with the handling at speed due to the 3 link and very high roll center. I'm going to lower the axle side rear track bar mount 4" and see what difference it makes. We're also making a rack for the rear, and will carry a heavy tool bag back there to get some more weight on the rear to help the high speed handling. We might make another valving and spring rate change after I see how that works.
Still have a long list of things to do, but making steady progress. I'll try to get some pics posted up of the new stuff. Pirate4x4 has announced that they will have live race coverage on both Thurs and Fri of the race, so check that out.
Just 3 more weeks.......
logo to go across your hood I already have it on the computer ready to go. I haven't made any due to copyright crap but it's there if I get the go ahead. I figure it'd be ok since I'm not making money and it's for you guys.
