Tiger Build up

[TomH]

That model is a CXT, pickup based and with a pop-top. They didn't make very many of those and have not made any for many years.

[ed604]

I was told there were ten made with the cummins. Not very many indeed.

[ed604]

Hey Expo Mike, I do have the 3.55 gears I believe. I was thinking I would probably need a re gear. You say you wouldn't go bigger than 33? Did you find the 33s ok?

Thanks,
Ed

[TomH]

You might want to visit/join the Tiger Motorhome Owners Group:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...torhomeowners/

[ExpoMike]

Hey Expo Mike, I do have the 3.55 gears I believe. I was thinking I would probably need a re gear. You say you wouldn't go bigger than 33? Did you find the 33s ok?

Thanks,
Ed

On the 33's, I find it really no problem at all. On a very LONG, fairly steep grade, I might need to take it out of overdrive (like the long grade going east bound I-8 out of San Diego, between Alpine and Pine Valley) but for the most part, I can cruise along at 65-70mph (~ 1800 rpm's) all day long without any issues.

If all your driving is basically flat roads, you might be fine with 35's with 3.55 gears. For me, living in San Diego, outside of running up the coast, every other direction requires me to go over the mountains.

[ed604]

Hey Mike thanks for the reply,

Here in B.C. every road into or out of this area is over or along some mountain. Coastal range or further east the rockies. I have decided to run the 35in tires and see how they are with the gears I have.

I will be doing a bunch of short trips to get the truck ready. So if I can't stand them I will have time to change them out later.

On another note, I was told today that installing the arb lockers is going to open a can of worms in regards to a bunch of recomended upgrades to the axles and some other parts, I started to glaze over when the guy was going into the details and I couldn't follow him over the phone.

I am thinking that I will go for one rear locker for sure and maybe a front... still thinking it over. Curse this weight, the usually stout dana 60 starts to look not as stout i'm told, when were talking 10,000 lbs. I gotta weigh this thing.

On the tire front I have decided to go with the Duratracs, there is a ton of positive feedback on these tires and for what I am planning, they should fit the bill. I plan on running two spares. Now to figure out where to mount them......and how to lock them up.

thanks again for the feed back Mike,

Ed ( pics after the tires and wheels go on)

[ExpoMike]

No problem. I actually changed the RPM range at the 65-70 mpg. I drove it today so I have an accurate number.

I think I looked at this rig a while, online. Really liked it. Can't wait to see it with 35's on it.

[ed604]

I have completed a few of the must do items on this unit. all new rotors, pads, and calipers on the front. had to fix a leaky seal in the back. Both sets of outer tie rod ends and the panhard bar.

I was talking with one of my buddys about doing all this work but not being able to see any change! But it was needed to run the vehicle through the government inspection. Done and Done. It is now regestered as a B.C. vehicle.

I ran it over the scales, and with a full tank of diesel, propane, fresh water, and me, I weigh a whopping 8,500 lbs. this is good news for me as I thought that I would be much more heavy.

My new duratrac tires are in, but still no wheels yet. hopefully next week for the first batch of cool stuff. thinking about making my own rear bumper and tire carrier. I would use aluminum.

I am taking the family out for the long weekend for our first test run with every one. We'll see how all the little details work out.

Ed

[ed604]

Well got the 35s test fitted on the truck today. wow what a different look ! I love it. The new tires make the old ones (245 75 16) look like a honda tire. But as I was afraid of the tires are rubbing on the fenders. I am going to try and install a 2inch leveling kit to fit the tires on with out rubbing. This kit is a spacer block that fits above the coil and a rear add a leaf to keep it even. I really don't want to jack this thing up in the air! I want as little lift as will accomodate the tires and suspension articulation.

Has any one had experiance running the 3/4 ton Dodge and 35in tires with a set up like this. I would hate to have to change the tires to 33s

I am going to try one of the local 4x4 shops to get their opinion too.

thanks, and can't wait to show the new look tiger with wheels and tires that don't rub!
Ed

[DiploStrat]

In the "Free advice is worth ..." department.

Stress to the 4x4 shop that you want a serious suspension kit that increases suspension travel, not simply some blocks or a re-arch of the springs. (Of course, the Dodge may have front coils.) I remember, back in the day, that the Florida shops simply wanted to raise my Blazer, not actually improve the suspension. The latter is more important, even if you go back to 33 inch tires.

Good luck!