Competition Best for street encounters? dually, srw, 4x4?

[MAX A/C]

Newbie here (to making a truck quick)... am tossing around the idea of buying and building a truck to win the stoplight grand prix against the usual PSD's, Mustangs, ricers... What would you guys suggest for accomplishing this?



I'm thinking of a '96-'98 12-valver. I used to think lowered duallies (as street machines) were worthless, but now I'm thinking one would look cool becuase of the traction advantage of 4 tires... or does the dually really have any advantage over a 2wd srw with super-wide tires? Do I need a 4x4 for this task? If so: srw or dually?



I'm not looking to run in mud or sled pulling, just asphalt. Have always been a stick shifter, but a built auto is sounding like it'd be much easier to drive.



Let me hear your thoughts! TIA.

Scott

 

[Sticks]

Traction is the key, and if you build the engine up enough, you will break loose RWD. 4x4 launches, lots of boost, and shift back to 2wd down the road.

 

[KennyM]

I am starting to lean toward 4x4 for the strip. My 3500 2wd would break the tires loose in third on the street, and that was already rolling. If you plan on running over 500 HP and launching with boost, 4x4 the way to go.

 

[KLockliear]

If the race is the key, you want the lightest 4x4 you can get. Standard cab, short box, if they built such a beast. I have the standard cab long box.

 

[PaulG]

i've seen duel wheel trucks converted to one wide rear tire roughly the same as the two wheels if you run a sticky tire whats the differance right? or am i wrong on thinking this

 

[Sticks]

Weight over the rear axle.

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by KLockliear

Standard cab, short box, if they built such a beast.

To my knowledge, that configuration is only available with gas power. Have an ucle that has one.

 

[CumminFast]

'98 12 valve regular cab 4x4 auto would be your best bet. Or if you are planning on getting a Piers stupid pump you could get any year '94-'98. Stick shifts eat up that track time, but breaking the tires loose in 4th is fun!

 

[MD500E]

I would recommend 4x4. I have won many light to light races with cars that would whip my behind in the quarter mile because I had better traction off the start. Nothing like 20psi 4 wheel launch

 

[RichBennett]

how/when (what gear , and at what speed) do you change back into 2wd ? Does it have any affect on the transfer case ? I never had a 4WD.

 

[Smokin Dodge]

With my 2wd 5spd daully it was actually better stop light to stop light but on the drag strip it would not catch traction for nothing I would have to let out on the clutch at idle just to keep from losing traction right out of the whole but when boost came up I would still loose traction. Now that I have a 4x4 I cant wait too see what I can do.

 

[MAX A/C]

Thanks for the replies all...now more questions

Smokin Dodge: Why was the traction with your 2wd dually good on the street but not at the track? I would think the traction problem is at the lower speeds which would be what you're working with stoplight to stoplight?



MD500E: I can see advantages of 4x4 for s-to-s. No wheelspin-- just leaping forward leaving everyone wondering how the h&^% you did that.



As far as doing a quick 1/4 run, why do folks shift back to 2wd halfway down the track? Is it to reduce parts breakage? But I would think the most strain would be in the first 1/8, so why not leave it in 4wd?



Lots of great ideas have been presented, and I am learning all I can. Keep 'em coming!!! Thanks.



Scott

 

[Reb.B]

my truck, i built a pro street dually with 14. 5" in the back. I run a cheat slick and haven't had any problems hooking up. I gutted the truck and put a fuel cell behind the rear end.

 

[KennyM]

Reb,



What kind of power are you running? What kind of boost do you launch at? I still may go with a 3500 2wd.



Also my 3500 did not break traction at all on the track. We painted a stripe (shoe polish) on my tires and watched with a video camera. That was launching at idle. But on the street I could bust them loose in 3rd.

 

[MD500E]

I am not sure but I think a dually 2 wheel would brake traction with a 20psi boost launch. I have even hopped in 4x4 a few times.

 

[Reb.B]

i can't launch with any boost, snaps the intermediate in seconds. Happened twice so far, not much fun any more. Getting new shaft made soon. My drag truck dynoed at 574, but has a couple of modifications since then

 

[kaptn]

I launch with 5-10 #s of boost in 4x4. I have went to the line and the truck didnt make it into 4x4 and all I did was sit there spinning. Output shaft will be done soon so I can launch at higher boost pressures. I take it out of 4x4 after 2nd gear. I also am looking for 2 large tires in the rear for the strip without much luck, I am still looking.