Hello guys. Interesting listening to all the ideas. I will jump in with my project as I am doing a few things that may be of interest. I am starting with a 160 inch wheelbase 2 ton frame, 302 GMC, 205v Clark 5 spd main, 5831B spicer auxiliary, Dana 80 from a 98 GMC 3500 HD with 10 bolt wheels and rear suspension from a 2002 Ford with a GVW of 15000 Lbs. The rear suspension is rated at 11000 lbs. I picked this rear suspension because it fits so perfectly on the frame and Dana 80. My frame width is 36 inches and when all together the spring ubolts sit about 1/2 inch inside the rear calipers. My biggest concern is that of driveshaft RPM/ujoint angle. I will be ending up with about 11 degrees of ujoint angle between the A box and rear diff which is getting a bit excessive depending on the RPM that shaft will be turning. I hope to regear the rear diff to get the driveshaft RPM as low as possible and yet not put that 302 into a lugging situation. I will be running the 8R 19.5 rubber and am considering either 3.73 or 4.10 rear diff ratio. If someone has advice on optimum RPM to run a 302, I would like to hear what you have to say.
Front suspension is a 1990 Grumann straight axle with the 19.5 wheels/tires. I went with the grumman front springs so had to fabricate new spring hangers, placing the shackle at the rear. From how the suspension feels from bouncing it, it should have a much smoother ride than the original. Springs are about 16 inches longer than the originals. It has all gone together well so far but waiting to get the engine together before body goes on.
GasHog
