2 Big Broncos Forums

John Robert Miller · 2003-10-02T16:08:58-06:00

Alright folks, I need your help in setting up a game plan for Hoss. As many of you know, I have had Hoss for going on one year (this month actually). As of now it has spent literally more time in the shop than I have had possession of it. I've had a good bit of work done to it and spent ALOT of money on it. The majority of the work has been fixing someone else's mistakes and oversights. I need ya’ll help in figuring out what to do from here on out. I have decided to do one of two things: either get new axles and put them under it, or sell it and get a mid 90’s F-350 and build it up. I know many of you say I need to get rid of the 44”’s, but once you’ve been big, it’s hard to go smaller. If I do keep Hoss, I know it’ll need new axles; they’re my weakest link. From the little research I’ve done, I think the biggest I can put up front is a Dana 60 with little modification. As far as the rear goes, I suppose it’s nearly unlimited-I have no idea. Some current problems I’m facing are that I just found out today that my front passenger U-joint is evidently missing a “cap”(no idea what this is). I was also told my “lateral link” has a lot of slack, more than likely due to binding. Also the “power valve” on my carb is blown. These are little things that aggravate me. What it all boils down to is that I have $15k+ invested in this rig, and I have yet to enjoy it. I don’t know how much more money I’m going to have to put into it until I can finally play in it and get something back. If I did sell it, I couldn’t take less than $7k; that would be my absolute minimum. If I sold Hoss, I’d buy a mid 90’s F-350 and lift it enough to clear 44”’s (more than likely Boggers). I’d purchase some re-tread 37” to run on the street and to runs. In my mind, this seems like a simple build up; new leaf spring, drive shafts, gears, locker, brake lines, and steering geometry. But, I don’t now much about all this, so I’m sure that I am simplifying it. I need ya’lls help in determining what to do. The only input I’m getting from others is that this is a mechanics truck; and I’m sure as hell no mechanic. If ya’ll think swapping new axles in would be the best way to go, please recommend which one’s and why. My goal with this rig was to be as “bulletproof” as possible. Here lately, it’s been the exact opposite. I would appreciate any feedback ya’ll would offer.

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2 Big Broncos Forums > Trail Runs and Events > Delta Chapter

Game Plan For Hoss

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LOCKED UP

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA

• Registered on 9/29/2001

• 1,256 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 12:46

Well, since I've never had either of them I can't say with any certantity.... I'd guess the Radials would be more aggressive with a more open tread pattern, but the SSRs seem to have more/wider tread and sidebiters ... and are a lil bigger...

I think the SSRs look a lot better ... that's what I'd go with....

MY WEBSITE / DELTA 4X4 CLUB

edited 10/6/2003 12:47

John Robert Miller

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA

• Registered on 12/21/2002

• 596 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 13:36

Woulnd't the bigger tread on the Swamper be better in what I'd face? I'm still learning here so I don't know. But I do agree, the SSR looks damn good.

I guess I'll do more research on it and get more decisions before I make a purchase.

edited 10/6/2003 13:42

Bowtie Blazer

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA

• Registered on 5/27/2003

• 1,220 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 13:44

Since i've only driven on one set of mud grips I will say the SSR's drive like a normal set of mud grips, at highway speeds they still feel stable and are much quieter than the TSL's....the TSL's i did drive on wondered around even in the rear...didn't like that much, plus the swamper roar on the road.....boggers, never driven on them but i hear it makes you a very aware driver...

John Robert Miller

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA

• Registered on 12/21/2002

• 596 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 14:27

I'm not too worried about wandering or noise, I have more than enough of each now. It can only get better. I've pretty much ruled out the Bogger on ya'lls recommendation. My main concern is off road use.

Stuck

• Gretna, LA, USA

• Registered on 7/22/2003

• 96 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 14:34

Don't feel bad about Hoss I have been going thew a lot of problems with my tranny and Kris keeps telling me to take it to the shop but I am to hard headed lol. I think I got it licked after I reset my T/C and reinstall my tranny.

Stuck

LOCKED UP

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA

• Registered on 9/29/2001

• 1,256 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 16:45

You already know my vote ...... SSRs. Next set of tires I want to get are SSRs .... either 33x14.5s on a 10" wheel or 35s on my 8" wheel....

Like I said & you can see in the pic, the actual tread area of the TSL is narrower at 11.8" where as the SSR is wider at 13.1" and looks like it has some grip on the sidewalls.

I also think the SSR would preform better on slicker surfaces(rocks) and sand ... but that's just an opinion from looking at the tread design.

Either way its a swamper and is going to kick butt so.....

MY WEBSITE / DELTA 4X4 CLUB

edited 10/6/2003 16:49

schmuck

• nola, XX, USA

• Registered on 5/21/2003

• 1,187 posts

• 1

Posted:10/6/2003 17:45

back spacing is determined by the rim not the tire, the 15.50 wide tire should fit on a 14" rim but would probably work better on a 12" rim to protect the beed

nucking futs

lee Alessi

• Denham Springs, LA, USA

• Registered on 6/3/2003

• 192 posts

Posted:10/6/2003 19:21

my 1100x16's are 11 wide at the tread (12 overall), 38.7 tall and wear great! plus they fit on STOCK chevy rims. that way IF you ever upgrade axles the rims are fairly cheap

John Robert Miller

• Baton Rouge, LA, USA

• Registered on 12/21/2002

• 596 posts

Posted:10/7/2003 08:09

Picked up Hoss last night. It was like driving a completely different vehicle! I guess actually getting fuel to the engine helps!

Rob Fetters