chuckchev
Registered Member
Hey guys I got a big build I am currently building and I am not having any luck finding any info on my questions. To start off with I have a 81 crew cab was a bush/hi way truck with 39s but is gonna be trailered. I got some massive 5 ton steering axles I plan on mounting and a 5 ton transfer case. For engine I have a 3208 cat motor I am gonna swap in. I'll be turning it up and turbocharging it with hopes of 450 hp. . For tranny I'll be grabbing a 7-9 speed international tranny or what ever I can find to mate up. I'll be running at least 60 inch tires. I d like to stay low as I can. Is a 1 ton suspension good enough for a monster truck or should I look for heaver springs? Would the stock frame shortened be strong enough? Should I build a sub frame? Would it be easier/better to grab a 5 ton gmc frame from a grain truck. I want a truggy style trail monster. How would I run the steering? Would a engine mount hydroIic pump power two steering Rams. was planning on using swather steering. Let me know what you guys think. It's gonna take a while to finish the thing but I want to know what I should look for and what to get rid off.
I'm not real familiar with them other than their rather LARGE size being a V8. Highest HP I've seen was 250, turbo'd and intercooled. I would just run an Allison behind a 3208 since they are so common to be matched together. An MT643, or an MT653 if you want a granny 1st gear. They should last okay with a turned up 3208, since you don't have any weight to move around. They are big trannies though, an AT545 is smaller but I doubt it would survive at that HP level. 
Then again with 20" of lift it might flex 2" also?
