Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR... aka "Tooth and Nail"

[CheapThrills]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Any progress on the rear end narrowing project? Are you going to use some kind of jig to hold the axle tubes straight while welding? I picked up a 9" Ford housing last summer and I need it narrowed. I have been going back and forth on doing it myself or paying a shop to do it for me.

[BetterWithBoost]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Ha. I need a T-shirt that says:

"It's a fine line between brave and stupid" ;D

You make one, I'll buy it

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Ha. I need a T-shirt that says:

"It's a fine line between brave and stupid" ;D

[TheSilverBuick]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

You are a braver soul than I! That's a clean cut though, I look forward to more pictures of this.

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

A friend on another forum made it for me.

Next project: Narrowing a diff at home

I researched methods of narrowing housings and since I am a DIY guy, I decided to do it the old way....with a large pipe cutter I bought at HFtools for $20 and a little bit of muscle. While I do have a chop saw, I was not comfortable with it's ability to make a straight, square cut.

The BBR's axles have enough spline to narrow it 1". Believe it or not, 1" per side will make all the difference in the world. It will allow me to use a 'normal' 15x8 rim with 5.5" of BS with plenty of fenderwell and leaf spring clearance. I *should* have done this before I built the last housing, but I did not anticipate the wheel fitment issues I ended up with. Live and learn I suppose. Anyway I had the B-body housing sitting over in the corner so I decided to cut it down to the correct width.

First I measured and marked the axle tube cuts. 2.75" will be coming out of each side. Then I scribed a horizontal line to use to realign (clock) the tube ends back on after the cuts. Surprisingly, the distance from the axle flange to the centerline of the spring perch is already correct, so I decided to take the 2.75" out on the inside of the spring perches.

Beginning the cut.


Close up.


Finished cut.


This thing leaves a great finish on the cut and it *might* already be beveled enough for welding. All 4 cuts have been made and it is almost read to weld them back on. This housing will be getting a backbrace and shock mounts very similar to the other one. The plan is to get it all ready and just R&R the other housing.

[milner351]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Nicely Done!

Did you vacuum form that shroud?

that looks really cool - I'll be interested to hear how it cools the beast.

[Brian Lohnes]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Man that's some trick stuff!

Me thinks you and your pal can sell those babies!

Brian

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Almost done.









I had to use the blind nut thingys because you have to put the fans on after the shroud is in. It is a *little* cozy in there.

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

I hope so, especially at our elevation and the crappy DA's we have here.

I have upgraded to 3way adjustable drag shocks on all four corners. I do not have any drag tires for it yet. I think my first passes at the track will just be on street tires. Track opens in March!

[kyhunter89]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

add some ballast behind th etires and you should spin your way to over 10.99 in my opionon...

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Traction is going to be a never ending chase I think, but one I will happily deal with. ;D

[kyhunter89]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR scares little kids.

If it goes 10.99 I will be doing back flips off the tailgate.

worried about traction that much?

[RyanWalker]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

I love this little truck ! Good luck with the traction at the track ! Also very refreshing to some real do it your self-ness with the homemade traction deal. Very cool !

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR.

Got a sneak peak at the shroud:



Looks awesome.

[BBR]

Re: Big Motor, Little Truck. The BBR scares little kids.

If it goes 10.99 I will be doing back flips off the tailgate.