Project: Handle Like a Porsche!

[Trupiano]

Plate I believe goes between the leaf pack and the axle, since the perch will be on the other side, and the new ubolts attach the caltracs to the newly flipped axle. Ill eventually get a mount to weld to the axle for the flip kit, but I didn't get one yet.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Plate I believe goes between the leaf pack and the axle, since the perch will be on the other side, and the new ubolts attach the caltracs to the newly flipped axle. Ill eventually get a mount to weld to the axle for the flip kit, but I didn't get one yet.

CalTracs are dead simple to mount, you don't need plates or new U bolts.

 

[Trupiano]

If you dont need the Ubolts... then what holds them onto the leaf pack, and onto the axle? The new U bolts! They're a ton stronger. And the Plate goes between the axle and the leaf pack, there's a small little circular notch that sticks up on a non-flipped truck. That notche usually seats into the spring pack, but since it'll be flipped, it will get in the way of the axle and the leaf pack sitting flush. So the plate acts as a spacer, and seats around that notch... That's why theres a hole in the middle of the plates.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

If you dont need the Ubolts... then what holds them onto the leaf pack, and onto the axle? The new U bolts! They're a ton stronger. And the Plate goes between the axle and the leaf pack, there's a small little circular notch that sticks up on a non-flipped truck. That notche usually seats into the spring pack, but since it'll be flipped, it will get in the way of the axle and the leaf pack sitting flush. So the plate acts as a spacer, and seats around that notch... That's why theres a hole in the middle of the plates.

Trip, Those U bolts and plates look like they came with the CalTracs and are not part of the flip kit. The flip kit will have the new spring perch that also braces the bottom of the original perch which in turn positions the axle at the proper pinion angle. The problem is the original perches are designed to be clamped to the spring and now have rotating force being applied to the opposite side. This doesn't make for the strongest setup and it has been reported that some axles have rotated under acceleration. I welded mine to prevent this from happening. All this is difficult to explain but look at my picture and you should see what I am trying to discribe. I used the original OEM "U" bolts and the CalTrac brace replaces the bottom spring plate. No O/L of course. Hope this helps..

 

[Trupiano]

Trip, Those U bolts and plates look like they came with the CalTracs and are not part of the flip kit. The flip kit will have the new spring perch that also braces the bottom of the original perch which in turn positions the axle at the proper pinion angle. The problem is the original perches are designed to be clamped to the spring and now have rotating force being applied to the opposite side. This doesn't make for the strongest setup and it has been reported that some axles have rotated under acceleration. I welded mine to prevent this from happening. All this is difficult to explain but look at my picture and you should see what I am trying to discribe. I used the original OEM "U" bolts and the CalTrac brace replaces the bottom spring plate. No O/L of course. Hope this helps..

The ubolts and steel plates are part of the caltracs. I said I hadn't received the Flip kit parts yet. Anyways, I'm not using the stock U-bolts, Im going to upgrade to these bolts they sent anyways. The problem I think I might have... is if you compare my picture VS yours... They send me different parts. The back part that hooks under the spring pack that connects to the rod... Mine looks completely different then yours. I think they send me the parts for a non flipped axle. And also, they send squared U bolts, not actual U-shaped bolts.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

I think you are right in that you have a non-flipped version.

 

[Trupiano]

Yeah, I called Moes today, but I guess they're off for Veteran's day, so I left a message. I know the one I ordered on there site was for the flipped version. It actually says "This price is for Rams with FLIP KITS(rear springs under the axle), if your rear leaf springs are in the stock location(over the axle) you'll need to have special U bolts for an additional $40. Gave him the flipped part number and everything, and I never payed the extra $40 for any special bolts/perches.

 

[Trupiano]

Starting the spindles, and complete poly eurothane bushings for front sway bar, rack n pinion, and control arms. Wish me luck!

 

[OklaHemi]

good luck buddy. take plenty of pics.

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Good luck bud and deff weld the rear like Redtruck said. There tons of threads were even 4.7s twist the axle the first time they romp on it, not a good feeling to send the drive shaft flying and beating the hell out of your truck.

 

[Trupiano]

Well... Finished the spindles up friday. Tried to press the control arm bushings out, but they wont budge, so I bought a set of new upper control arms. Had to notch the spindles a lil too cause the 4x4 beefy lower control arms were hitting the inside of the spindles, No big deal.

Yesterday I finished the drop on the rear. Flip kit, shock extenders, and took off the overload spring. Then put the sway bar on, and started drilling into the frame for the airbags. I didn't get to finish the airbags, so I might try and wrap them up today, or wait till tuesday. Not sure, but Ill post some pics up in a few. DEFINATELY HANDLES WAAAAAAAAY BETTER! YOU DONT EVEN KNOW!

 

[Trupiano]

Also... the caltracs I ordered came in right on time with the other parts, but they sent me the mounts for a non-flip-kit truck. So it has squared U-bolts and cupped lower mount. It should have had round u-bolts, and flap lower mount. So as soon as I get a hold of moes, Ill see about getting the correct hardware.

 

[0212353]

Pics?

 

[03MopaRamman]

Can't Wait to see the new look!

 

[Trupiano]

Airbags are installed and aired up! This thing is wicked! Still have to get the exhaust re-routed tomorrow, and then throw the bed on. Ill post pics up here pretty soon.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Where's the pictures.......

 

[Trupiano]

Here's the finished product:

Right side Air Bag



Left Side Bag



Fill Point



Rounted AIr lines



HellWig Sway Bar



Flip Kit (Notice Axle is now on top of the spring pack)



Spindle (Notice the part I notched on the lower half of the spindle, so the lower control arm wouldn't rub. It wouldn't fit without cutting that section out)



Video Walkaround

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[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Man toss the bed on that bad boy and see how it rides.

 

[Trupiano]

I have to wait till all my friends get off work. Even without the bed, it rides beautifully. But it definately needs that weight back there, so I can stop spinning out everywhere.

 

[Oefootball_70]

Would you mind taking a photo of the new stance of the truck? I am wondering how high the 4x4 dropped sits stance wise.

Thanks!

BTW looks sweeeeeeeet and I bet you are in love again with the truck.