Competition finding info for truck pulling

[JDKammin]

I have been kicking the idea of entering my 96 truck in some stock type truck pulls. I was wanting to find some info on setting up my truck. I have some mods done and a few boxes of parts to add to the engine. The transmission is a 5 speed with the Southbend big input shaft and 3600 # sprung hub double disc clutch. The transfer case and driveshafts have been rebuilt, but know the driveshafts and u-joints are a pulling trucks weak links. Can anyone lead me to a good source of info? Thanks.

 

[MMcCowan]

I don't know exaclty what issues, but in recent months Diesel Power magazine ran a 2 or 3 part series on setting up your truck for pulling. It also recommended what gears to use and so on. I think it was in the fall, October/November. I'll try to look it up.

 

[MMcCowan]

I may be eating crow on this one. I checked a bunch of my back issues and I can't find the series I'm talking about. I'm missing a few so I guess it could be in one that I am missing. Sorry.

 

[PSU-CE]

Depending on how serious you are about pulling will depend on your set up. Depending on your mods you may not be "stock". I'd check the class rules for where you plan on pulling if I were you. Most classes are either 7500lb or 8000lb but for a "stock" class you probably won't have to worry about hanging weights on the front end, usually they will make you put the weights in the bed. Most places will have a 26" hitch height and the opening must usually be a minimum of 3. 5". Make sure you check the safety requirements, but most likely for stock they won't have anything special. You probably want to run at least an all-season type tire for most tracks, more air pressure in the rear and less up front. More than likely the driveshafts will not be an issue and as long as your u-joints aren't junk they should be fine too. Depending on your mods will determine how to spool your truck to take off. I prefer slipping the clutch off the line versus just dumping it. Hope this helps. What other info are you looking for?

 

[JDKammin]

I see where the Interco Trxus STS seems to be a popular tire. Any ideas on where to start with tire pressures? I have the 3. 50 gear ratio and 305 Firestone Destination M/T tires on the truck now. Where do I want the final ratio to be? Somewhere I read that third gear in the low side of the transfer case. That sounds pretty deep ratio to me. I am trying to do some homework so I am not going in blind and look like I do not know what I am doing.

 

[SRadke]

You want the maximum wheel speed you have power to run. Tire pressure is track dependent. Where are you located? Showing up at a pull and talking to the guys could help you tremendously.

-Scott

 

[JDKammin]

I am in central Iowa. There are two or three associations that run in the state. I agree with you about going to some pulls and talking to some people. I am sure I can learn a lot by walking thru the pits. Thanks to all for the info.

 

[PSU-CE]

The Firestones would be ok for a soft or wet track, but yes the STS would be better for a clay track. Roughly the air pressure for the front would be between 20 to 30 and the back 40 to 50, as a place to start. With your gears and tire size, third low would probably be a good place to start. Like Scott said the final ratio will depend on your power. Do a search of the organizations that pull out there, a lot of them post the rules on their website. Another thing about the websites is that they usually have pictures or videos that you can look at to see what kind of set up other guys run. A quick search turned up ECIPA and I'm sure you can find the ones in your area.