Theoretical Rally Question (Here's looking at you, Dusty)

"Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey" (dingersghost) 01/27/2014 at 18:06 • Filed to: None

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My ultimate goal with my truck is to run it at least once in the Rally America circuit, specifically STPR because I've been there before and it's here in PA. Now if that were to happen, it would definitely be getting a four wheel drive long travel suspension kit, most likely this one here. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! 14" of travel and 4.5" wider track. Basically I'd be building a four wheel drive prerunner, with flared fenders and the like. I'm not sure on the tires I'd run. The other specs would include:

-Auto unless swapped. Most likely swapped if rallying.

-A (by then) lightly modded 3.0 V6, N/A making about 150-200 HP

-If engine swapped, I'd go with the 3.3 V6 stroker from Tom Morana Racing, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I'd use it because it's based on the same engine I have, a 3.0 Vulcan.

-(By then) LSD rear end with current 4.10:1 gearing unless ratio is changed

-Unknown weight, if needed

-Of course, cage and other req'd mods.

My question is the 4WD. I want to keep it because I'd more than likely still use the truck regularly. But for the race, would I have to leave it off and run a 2 wheel drive class? Or while on stage would I be able to use it in a 4 wheel drive class, and then drive in transit between stages in 2 wheel drive? Of course I'd want to drive transit like that because transfer cases don't like paved roads.

I'm just wondering so while I'm trying to get everything together (read: a very very long time down the road) I can get an idea of what class to pay attention to.

And this is all just thinking for now, if this happens it will be a very long time down the road.

The truck in question:

daender > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 18:11

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I know there's a regular in the Southeast that runs a wicked RWD Ranger. Never wins but he doesn't care because he's having fun. Also these things can approach speeds not recommended for Ford's stock 4WD system, as in probably 70-80 mph.

daender > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 18:11

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http://v8rallyranger.com/photos.html Here's a link to the team's website since I can't edit my posts.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > daender 01/27/2014 at 18:13

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That guy's got the same idea I do. I wouldn't worry about winning. It would all be just to say I've done it.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > daender 01/27/2014 at 18:14

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Thanks bro!

Milky > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 18:18

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But they look so good when done up full baja style.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Milky 01/27/2014 at 18:30

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Mine will be about the same, only 4x4

Dusty Ventures > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 18:50

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First off, that much travel would be completely unnecessary and more than a little terrifying on the narrow, twisty roads of STPR. STPR is a rally of 10 foot wide roads with cliffs on the one side, embankments on the other that if clipped will flip you and send you off the cliff, numerous hairpins, and trees that will jump out onto the road (seriously, there are some in the road) and are there solely for the purpose of fucking your shit up good. Tall, top-heavy, swaying long-travel truck is definitely not the ideal at this event.

Next, I would say you definitely want to run it in 2WD. If you go AWD you'd have to run an engine restrictor, and when you're already only around 200 HP in something of that size and weight you don't want to have to cut your power even further. Stay in 2WD and you can do anything up to a 5.2 with no engine restriction. Also, just a heads up, IIRC there's a size limit on tires (31 or 33 inches I believe).

Milky > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 19:21

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Oooooo that sounds even better.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Dusty Ventures 01/27/2014 at 19:27

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The whole death by too much suspension doesn't sound too much fun... I was thinking it would help with the jumps but I do see your point and it is very valid.

And I was thinking run in 2WD, I feel like the four wheel drive would make the truck too much of a boat around the tight turns anyways. And the tire limit seems easy to get around if I find the right tires.

And yes, a power restriction really would suck.

Dusty Ventures > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 20:13

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There really aren't any jumps at STPR. I mean there's that one on the Waste Management super, but that's about it. STPR's more of a technical rally, all about navigating the tough corners and (relatively smooth) narrow roads. Here's a typical STPR stage:

Now New England Forest on the other hand, that's a rock garden, especially when they run the Sturtevant pond stage . Travel would definitely come in handy there.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Dusty Ventures 01/27/2014 at 20:15

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And since I'd only be running (well more than likely) at STPR, long travel is out of the question. That's ok, I can get another Ranger for STPR!

Dusty Ventures > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 20:32

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I'd say maker 'er low (though not too low), light, and fast, like John Black's truck.

Grindintosecond > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 01/27/2014 at 21:02

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Group 2 (2wd) allows you to run a 3850cc pushrod motor. the 3.8 mustang v6 is infinitely a better engine to run than the 3.0 stroker. The 3.0 never had aluminum heads...3.8 does...3.8 also has the power of that older 5.0 fox mustang. If it fits, then hell yeah stuff that in there. You could built it into a SCORE class-7 truck and that would qualify as long as it's got the engine size limits. Supersix is also the other v6 builder that does alot of offroad building.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Dusty Ventures 01/28/2014 at 19:44

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I appreciate the insight! It was one of those "I'll do this! Wait I have no idea what I'm talking about moments"

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Grindintosecond 01/28/2014 at 19:48

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I have a little experience with the 3.8, my mom's mustang has one. I want to use the 3.3 because it's what I know best. I like the input! I'll have to look at Supersix.