Flatbed24v

I would like to get into sled pulling but want to minimize the damage. So what are the things that break and how do you keep them from breaking? I know you can't pull forever without some breakage but I want to try and fix all weak links first. I plan on a dd clutch, injectors, and some traction bars. Is the anything else I need.

Bluedually4x4

Lots of spare U joints lol. You would want to upgrade the input and out put shafts of the transmission and install some drive shaft loops. Better to have the drive shaft contained encase it breaks, and save some damage from that.

1stGen545

#1 every thing

#2 by not pulling

William12Valve

Factory front control arms

Flatbed24v

is there a beefier u-joint and drive shaft to put in and same for front control arms?

Redliner

I would worry about your clutch and input shaft. Your sig says its almost fried, so its gonna be your weak link I think

blackdiesel

i believe i'd keep the stock "weak" u joints in the truck. because maybe just maybe they will be what goes, and u joints are much much cheaper than rear ends, transmissions, clutches, blocks, etc etc etc.

but if your wanting to go "hardcore" you going to constantly be broke down, so upgrade all the weak links and bring a trailer

NCYZ1V

I have snapped the drive shaft in two at the tail shaft pulling...
then QUIT pulling....
P.S i won 5 years in a row at the local pull.then Broke and quit on top!!!
Oh yea i had won diesel that night and was also running Pro. the pro guys left some deep holes (even after the tractor cleaned up)and when the rear fell in one of them holes the drive shaft SNAPPED.i got 3rd out of 15 in pro that night!


Miss it but cant afford to waste the trucks anymore...

J Lent

A big knock on wood from me, but I've pulled about 15 times now & haven't broke anything. Well, unless you count a busted intercooler boot as broken parts. Other than that, I fried 2 single disc clutches the first 2 times I pulled. This is only my opinion, but I think the stock or close to stock powered trucks break the most parts because they don't blow the tires off at the line.

RowJ

You have the main points covered. All you can do is try it and see. Keep off the hard packed tracks for your first couple of pulls (The soft, indoor track at Alvarado, Tx is as gentle on your drivetrain as it gets).
As stated above, go with a friend, pulling a trailer.... just it case.

RJ

Flatbed24v

thanks guys, keep it coming

Flatbed24v

if you read my first post it say that I will be putting in a dd clutch. That includes upgraded hydralics and inputs and outputs. I have an other thread for that

1997-12v

First off be prepared for the worst, get some u joint shields to protect the fuel tank, what gear ratio are u running what gear are you going to pull in? That can play a big part in what is going to break.

But remember you dont hook to the sled the sled hooks to you!

Flatbed24v

I have 3.55 gears and I don't know what gear to run it in. Maybe 4 low in 4th gear?

kas83

3rd low. 4th low is too much gear for what you have.

Also, what type of tires, and size? Stock 265 all terrains will be pretty gentle on parts, whereas 35" mudders will tend to break alot of stuff. Nothing is harder on drivetrains than the wrong tires on a tight track. Even PSI can play a big part in breaking stuff. So many variables just in this realm alone.