Auto-x truck?

Well, I did it. I had to. I sold my Accord, and traded my SM Civic for a 93 GMC 1500 long box pickup. I needed a motorcycle hauler, and didn't really have space for 2 cars anyway, so now I'm down to just the truck.

I have a few parts laying around that I can get from my brother on the cheap, drop spindles, shackles, an axle flip kit, front drop springs, and some shorter shocks. I figure getting the CG down is most important. The truck has a worn out factory LSD, so I'm thinking a mini spool should go in.

Now I think they will let me, but who has auto-x'd a truck?

I did ok when I borrowed a S-10 ZQ8 (4cyl 5spd) for HS. Beat out several Foucuses. This was back in 2001ish. Also used my 92 v-6 Sonoma for a few events. Good tires and lots of practice kept me in the top 3. Open diff as a big issue though.

Big tires and a LSD will be important. Add some ballast out back if you can. Might not be the most compeitive thing in the paddock, but it will be fun.

Old thread titled "Why not a Auto-X Truck? Let's completely hash it out."

5 pages of relevant GRM knowledge

http://archive.grassrootsmotorsports.com/board/viewtopic.php?id=32196

A local guy here used to autox a v8 s10. He wasn't the fastest, but he looked to be having more fun than anyone else. I would get an lsd over a spool if possible.

second the "do not spool" thought unless you like understeer transitioning into dorifto. spool'd 2wd truck + slippery conditions =backwards truck sized holes in the hedges.

I ran a 93 toyota in SM2 when I first started. I had the complete belltech catalog under the car suspension wise, a supra 7.5" LSD and a custom rear disc brake setup. It was fun seeing the looks on people's faces when they saw they got beat by a truck

There was a lightning in SS/FS for a while in STL when I was there... I think we also saw an SRT-10 Ram run a few times.

andrave wrote: second the "do not spool" thought unless you like understeer transitioning into dorifto. spool'd 2wd truck + slippery conditions =backwards truck sized holes in the hedges.

Luckily, I should not be seeing any more slippery conditions, I just moved out of the snow belt. I did drive a 240sx one winter in Iowa, lowered 3" with a welded diff. I think it may have been safer, because you know in advance that EVERY corner requires counter-steer.

The mini-spool has me more concerned with heavy load + tight turns. The 240 never got loaded heavy so the tires slipped easy enough, but I'm afraid the tires might stick with 1000lbs in the bed, leaving an axle to do the 'slipping'.

There used to be a VERY fast 13B powered rotary pickup out there. Heck, it's already got box flares!

Well, it's a full-size pickup, so for diffs you can look to the 4x4 crowd.

My suggestion would be for an OX-locker; it's a "next gen" cable-actuated selectable locker. Spool when engaged, open diff when it's not. No unpredictability as to when it will lock up as it only happens when you pull the lever, full traction when you want it, and ease on tires for the street and when you've got a load on.

I used to get KILLED in the Detroit region HS class by a guy with a V6, 5-speed Dodge Dakota. He was a pretty good driver, but the truck worked pretty well too.

I'd suggest a replacement factory diff over a mini spool, but either is better than an open diff.

I autocrossed my Tacoma SR once. Was severely traction limited w/ the open diff. But it was plenty fun. Beat a handful of poor drivers in much better cars and it has a lot more potential if i were to learn how to drive it better.

Now i've lowered it and added mo'bettah tires but haven't taken autocrossing yet. I think there will be a slight improvement, but nothing earth-shattering. Gotta get an LSD some day....

I have seen a couple of Toyota X-runners doing autox...

I auto-xed in my '94 Toyota 2wd pickup and did very well at the local events. I had Bilstiens, addco sway bars, adjusted front torsion bars, and 1"blocks in the rear. Oh, and some old Motorola Cup slicks :)

I ran one at this years challenge, although it proved nothing due to mechanical problems

Here is my autox truck... ZZ3 crate motor, M21 Muncie, lots of race goodies/suspension... blew the motor at the drag strip a couple of months ago and will likely rebuild this winter.

I wanted an el camino, but the prices people wanted were ridiculous.

xci_ed6 wrote: I wanted an el camino, but the prices people wanted were ridiculous.

Its all about finding the right one. I too have seen some that are way overpriced. But I have also seen some pretty decent examples for cheap on Craigslist where I live.

There's a 10 bolt GM corporate axle under that thing, you've got about the best coverage for LSD's of any axle made, don't put a spool in it. Maybe the Detroit Truetrac?

http://www.jegs.com/p/Detroit-Locker/Detroit-Truetrac-Differentials/1032953/10002/-1

Wonder if the various aftermarket fiberglass hoods really shed much weight or not, might be something to think about. Basically getting weight off the nose, in-bed battery mounted in a good box, etc.

remove bed front drivetrain and rear axle... slap in a caddy 500 drivetrain out back... cut big hole in bed... reinstall bed... install cover over bed... add big tires and have LOTS of smokey fun :)

On my Caballero Diablo (the picture above), the battery is an optima mounted under the bed near the frame. Lower and doesn't waste bed space... .

Do it - it will be fun.

I've never run one, but spools sound tough, I've run a posi on the street and loved it - they aren't that expensive for that rear end either.

Lower it, get some good rubber, get a posi.

Go racing, find out what it needs from there.

oh, and about the engine-in-a-bed thing, it doesn't fit as easily as you'd think. I did break out a tape measure for that exact idea once. It could be done, though, and would be hilarious.

ReverendDexter wrote: Well, it's a full-size pickup, so for diffs you can look to the 4x4 crowd. My suggestion would be for an OX-locker; it's a "next gen" cable-actuated selectable locker. Spool when engaged, open diff when it's not. No unpredictability as to when it will lock up as it only happens when you pull the lever, full traction when you want it, and ease on tires for the street and when you've got a load on.

But wouldn't fisting that lever back and forth on an auto X course be a pan in the butt?

i had a 90 regular cab long bed chevy dropped 3/4 with front springs and rear shackles/hangers. it handled pretty decent, would have been better with a rear sway bar. the 275's all around helped and the 5 speed made it fun. should have kept that one.