06-05-2008, 10:36 PM
Well, here we go. The installation was very straight forward without any surprises. The directions are very clear and thorough. I decided not to weld the sleeves in because the bar will not be in rough service.
As far as drilling into the frame is was not very hard. Once the bar is connected loosely to the axle (with the vehicle on the ground) you can connect the end links at a height that result in the bar being horizontal (level, not leaning up or down). Once you mark the spots just drill away!
There is nothing in the way other than the oem exhaust mount on the passenger side that you need to clear. So, on the drivers side, the end link needs to move forward slightly. You can see in the pictures what I mean. It took us about two and a half hours going slow and combined with the Titan diff. cover install. So if you know what you are doing it shouldn't take more that an hour and a half to two hours. It was nice to have a lift handy to raise and lower the truck as necessary though.
Now, as far as driving impressions.... I mounted with the suggested position for street use in the opening all the way back on the bar. Currently it is much more stable yet surprisingly supple. It is not rough or harsh. However I would like to try it in another position to see what kind of increased stiffness I can achieve so I may move it soon. One thing is certain....I NEED BETTER TIRES AND WHEELS NOW!
Oh, once more thing. The Titan diff. cover clears perfectly, but I had to disconnect the eBrake line from the old covers mount. I will have to come up with a solution, right now it just dangles there. Here is another pic. The OEM cover was too hot to touch after a drive home from Napa to Sac (freeway speeds, 62 miles) I can hold my hand on this cover without having to take it off! The larger ones like that Mag-Hitec are too deep and won't clear the bar or the spare.
I am sooooo ready for the UpRev now!
As far as drilling into the frame is was not very hard. Once the bar is connected loosely to the axle (with the vehicle on the ground) you can connect the end links at a height that result in the bar being horizontal (level, not leaning up or down). Once you mark the spots just drill away!
There is nothing in the way other than the oem exhaust mount on the passenger side that you need to clear. So, on the drivers side, the end link needs to move forward slightly. You can see in the pictures what I mean. It took us about two and a half hours going slow and combined with the Titan diff. cover install. So if you know what you are doing it shouldn't take more that an hour and a half to two hours. It was nice to have a lift handy to raise and lower the truck as necessary though.
Now, as far as driving impressions.... I mounted with the suggested position for street use in the opening all the way back on the bar. Currently it is much more stable yet surprisingly supple. It is not rough or harsh. However I would like to try it in another position to see what kind of increased stiffness I can achieve so I may move it soon. One thing is certain....I NEED BETTER TIRES AND WHEELS NOW!
Oh, once more thing. The Titan diff. cover clears perfectly, but I had to disconnect the eBrake line from the old covers mount. I will have to come up with a solution, right now it just dangles there. Here is another pic. The OEM cover was too hot to touch after a drive home from Napa to Sac (freeway speeds, 62 miles) I can hold my hand on this cover without having to take it off! The larger ones like that Mag-Hitec are too deep and won't clear the bar or the spare.
I am sooooo ready for the UpRev now!
