Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

Been poking around your thread quite a bit lately. Are you planning on upping tire size once you re-gear?

 

Just use a Allen head set screw with some locktite. It'll sit flush and not go anywhere.

 

Just got these in. Really excited even though I won't be putting them on for a bit.




Going to hold off installing them until I get my other set of spindles ready. They already have the ball joints removed, just have to weld up the gussets and press the slug adapter in. Also thinking about picking up a set of coil bucket gussets to install at the same time for the hell of it. @Wishbone Runner going to have to spend a weekend in your garage this spring.

Also got Wheelers superbumps for both the front and rear, and some wheelers front brake lines. Parts pile is growing properly now.

At this point, I've more or less settled on not going with a larger tire size. I don't think they're necessary for what I do, nor are they worth the added cost and hassle. At the same time, the cost of regearing is the same regardless of what gears I go with, so it's rather tempting to go 5.29s and 35s, but like I said, almost positive that won't be happening.

I'm also somewhat concerned about tire clearance as is. I've done nearly everything short of tubbing to get my 295/75s to fit, and adding the UCAs will push the top of the spindle back and probably cause issues. We'll cross that bridge when we get there, but gears and a front locker will be ordered within a month or two, so I need to make up my mind pretty quick.

I'd still be concerned about doing something and never be able to get an allen wrench in there. I think the needle zerk is probably the way to go, but I'll reevaluate when I break it off the next time.

 

^^^^ NICE!!!!

 

I don't have decals on my uppers.

 

So I thought you were not going to get uniball uppers because colorado is so rough on joints. But any ways I like the growing list. I got a second set of spindles on their way here.

 

What are you Jelly about with your LT? Although, those stickers are probably good for 5hp or so.

At this point, it's a price I'm willing to pay for performance. I'll probably have to learn how to swap uniballs soon though.

 

Thanks for the response, which leads to my next question. I'm in the market for gears (very soon thanks to tax season), and plan on tubbing/315s in the process. I've read various threads on multiple websites regarding 4.88s or 5.29s for our rigs. I would like to hear your opinion on one vs the other since we live in the same area. My rig is similar to yours. Xtrcab, v6, standard transmission. Im extremely indecisive on which gears to order right now, but plan to order some within the next couple weeks.

 

I'd say especially given our elevations, 5.29s are the only way to go with 35s. Keep in mind I do hardly any interstate driving, nor am I afraid of running a higher RPM. If I do 35's though, it'd be 35x12.50x17s. 315s are probably closer in size to my 295s than a proper 35.

 

Ya that would be a good idea. You are welcome to stay here if you want or need.

 

Damn baller.

 

And regarding balls, just replaced the ones in my LCAs so every set I have had on my truck has lasted a year or less.

 

Hmm. I haven't given much thought to new wheels, but would like to keep the stockers. With that in mind, would 4.88s suffice with 315s as opposed to a true 35? I don't drive it much for commutes, only put 6k on it last year. I do like to make the occasional trip to neighboring states, though, or back home to South Dakota. I'm not worried about high revs. Right now it's an absolute dog just going up I70 with worn out 285s, so the extra pep would be nice. Now you've got me thinking about wheels...

 

I really like the contrast of the blue decals on the uppers.For some reason TC doesn't put decals on the LT kit. But hey I still like the boxed lowers.

 

Maybe using the right lubricant will extend the life?

At least I'll have advice from a uniball changing expert when I need to swap them.

Keep in mind there's other issues you'll start running into with 315s on stock wheels. First, you probably end up at a sketchy tire shop on Colfax trying to find somewhere that will mount it to a 7" wide wheel. Discount might not do it as they are out of the acceptable range of tire manufacturers. I had to fight them a bit to get them to mount my 295s. Also, even with 1.25 spacers, I rub my frame at full lock with the 295s. You could get away with it, but I would image you would want a little more offset.

In regards to 4.88s and 315s, obviously, they would be a big improvement over 4.10s and 285s, just not sure that they would be as good as 5.29s. Better, clearly. Best, not entirely sure. I would just hate to spend that much money and not be entirely satisfied. And trust me, I know the feeling of going up I-70. I spend 10+ minutes at a time pulling 60mph in 3rd at close to 4K RPM to get up some of the climbs.

Did you bring enough for everybody?

They'll probably send you a set if you ask They're just vinyl decals, so we'll see how long they last given my application.

 

I do have a new lube for this go around, T9. I also made a tool for 1" ball removal, cut the ball out of one of the last unis to use the race as a press, works much better than random sockets and pieces of pipe.

Laser cut steel for the win.

 

@Squeaky Penguin
Where could I find that flat black hood mask you use?

 

Every time I come in here and see your rear bumper I get jealous... Haha