2wd vs 4wd for the track

[KCTurbos]

We are looking to build a show truck next year that we plan on launching down the track. We are hoping to be in the 10s on fuel only. Details on the motor/tranny build will come later. First we are trying to decide what platform to start with.

2wd vs 4wd??? Are the weight savings of the 2wd worth the loss in traction? We already have a 2006 rclb 2wd that we were going to use... but now we are thinking about getting a 4wd? Anybody have good luck with 2wd, slicks, and big power in a heavy truck? I know the typical answer is that drag cars do it all the time... but I was hoping to hear from a few guys that have tried with our trucks.




We were thinking the 2wd for weight savings and less rotational mass. Also not having to worry about the transfer case... but we don't want to always be fighting traction issues.

 

[johnp115]

Hopefully BOSS450 (Taylor O) will chime in. Im not sure if his truck is 2wd or 4wd..but i know he runs 6.5 1/8th mile and 1.5 60'.... With a shorty 6.4.. so i know he could help you out with the proper info.

 

[william_ace]

I mean I realize that it's a completely different set up, but isn't deranged a 2wd truck?

Also, it's really easy to build a 2wd into a 4wd. I say start with what you have and go from there and if you don't like it or it's not meeting your needs, you can convert.

 

[KCTurbos]

How light is deranged? He is 2wd and seems to do pretty well.


EDIT: lol double post

 

[cbf9703]

We are looking to build a show truck next year that we plan on launching down the track. We are hoping to be in the 10s on fuel only. Details on the motor/tranny build will come later. First we are trying to decide what platform to start with.

2wd vs 4wd??? Are the weight savings of the 2wd worth the loss in traction? We already have a 2006 rclb 2wd that we were going to use... but now we are thinking about getting a 4wd? Anybody have good luck with 2wd, slicks, and big power in a heavy truck? I know the typical answer is that drag cars do it all the time... but I was hoping to hear from a few guys that have tried with our trucks.

We were thinking the 2wd for weight savings and less rotational mass. Also not having to worry about the transfer case... but we don't want to always be fighting traction issues.

At that power level you can fight traction issues with either set up. Part of it depends on your goals for the truck. If you stick with the 2wd RCLB, you will want to look at your suspension set-up for weight transfer at the launch and I would strongly consider gutting the bed, narrowing the rear and tub it... not only to cut weight, but to keep your slicks in the groove on the track.

And I'm just going to leave this here since Deranged keeps coming up... http://powerstrokearmy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57512&highlight=deranged

 

[sootie]

Will this truck see the street at all?

imo 4x4 is better because when you are trying to test products or set limits, the less variables the better. it reduces the margin of launch error considerably.

Devdiesel on here is running a 2wd 6.4 and was cutting real good 60's at rudys on drag radials i believe.

Mike Haller is also running a 2wd 6.4 on slicks but i believe his is back halved if i'm not mistaken.

these transfer cases are not prone to having issues-they can handle a ton of abuse.

if you want to convert your 2wd to 4wd i have most of the parts to do it i would LOOVE to get rid of it before christmas...

 

[bft blue oval boys]

Hopefully BOSS450 (Taylor O) will chime in. Im not sure if his truck is 2wd or 4wd..but i know he runs 6.5 1/8th mile and 1.5 60'.... With a shorty 6.4.. so i know he could help you out with the proper info.

Taylor's truck is 4x4

 

[KCTurbos]

Thanks for the replies...

Truck will be mostly for the track but we will keep it street legal and plan to drive it every once in a while.


We are not looking to break any huge records... but want to get some good times. Truck will be a show/track/test truck. We have not decided how much we will gut the truck for weight savings. We did think about shortening the frame to rcsb, gutting the inside of the bed, narrowing the frame, etc... we are still looking into that.

 

[sootie]

what does narrowing the frame accomplish?

 

[KCTurbos]

what does narrowing the frame accomplish?

I am no pro when it comes to the track. This is a new venture for us. From what I understand it helps fit wider drag slicks and keep in the best part of the track.

 

[cbf9703]

Thanks for the replies...

Truck will be mostly for the track but we will keep it street legal and plan to drive it every once in a while.


We are not looking to break any huge records... but want to get some good times. Truck will be a show/track/test truck. We have not decided how much we will gut the truck for weight savings. We did think about shortening the frame to rcsb, gutting the inside of the bed, narrowing the frame, etc... we are still looking into that.

Just to clarify... you are talking 10s in the 1/4 on fuel, right? Most guys would think that's better than just "good" times. LOL If that's the case, you're talking big power that may not have the best street manners or be the most comfortable once you have it set up for those times... it's easier to keep it a show/dedicated drag truck. (Just my .02) You'll be adding the weight of the cage and other required safety precautions, but can cut weight gutting as much of the interior as you're comfortable for a show truck, going to a roll pan, fiberglass body, fuel cell (or at least only keeping a few gallons in the tank), etc. Once you hit a certain point, cutting weight becomes easier than adding more power. Start playing around with a hp calculator and see the difference even a couple hundred pounds can make.

I am no pro when it comes to the track. This is a new venture for us. From what I understand it helps fit wider drag slicks and keep in the best part of the track.

Yes, narrowing the rear axle (narrowing the frame is optional depending on the look you want) keeps your drag slicks in better contact with the best traction on the track, the 'groove' or 'line' where most of the cars race. Think of how much wider our trucks are then add fat slicks on top of that... not where you want to be to put the power to the ground especially with the heat that we see at most of our summer races when the track can be at 150 degrees before noon. The goal is always traction, otherwise drag racing starts hiding horsepower like sled pulling.

 

[sootie]

I am no pro when it comes to the track. This is a new venture for us. From what I understand it helps fit wider drag slicks and keep in the best part of the track.

i thought the axle got narrowed, i didnt realize the frame changed at all.

 

[Cutting-Edge Diesel]

No need to modify the frame. Just narrow the axle. Traction will not be an issue for 2wd if its set up right and has slicks. Back half with 4 link with diagonal would be best. Plus it would be faster but it also takes alot more time to set up. 4wd is easier if the truck is already 4wd because you just need to add some traction bars and go. But it is heavier, axle, front drive shaft, transfer case all add up to quite a bit of weight.


Most of the time this is determined by the class you plan on running it in, goals, and how far you want to cut something up.

FWIW I cut 1.4 60s in the ranger. Morroni has cut 1.4s with drag radials in his 4wd. So at that level they are pretty even as far as traction.

 

[KCTurbos]

I know our goals are ambitious. We are hoping to hit the 900-1000hp mark... so hopefully that gets us into the 10s. We want it to look nice, make good power, and drive around on the streets.

I already have a 600-700hp DD ccsb. Using anything over 600hp on the streets is pretty useless. Its hard to keep traction under 50mph and keep from clearing a couple lanes of traffic. Not many places to do 50-100mph in a big city.

With this project truck we just want the ability to drive it on the streets, with the understanding that you cant really use 1000hp on the streets. Drag racing is not very big where we are from. We are doing this for R&D purposes... maybe we will catch the bug and start competing.

 

[KCTurbos]

No need to modify the frame. Just narrow the axle. Traction will not be an issue for 2wd if its set up right and has slicks. Back half with 4 link with diagonal would be best. Plus it would be faster but it also takes alot more time to set up. 4wd is easier if the truck is already 4wd because you just need to add some traction bars and go. But it is heavier, axle, front drive shaft, transfer case all add up to quite a bit of weight.


Most of the time this is determined by the class you plan on running it in, goals, and how far you want to cut something up.

FWIW I cut 1.4 60s in the ranger. Morroni has cut 1.4s with drag radials in his 4wd. So at that level they are pretty even as far as traction.

Thanks Matt, I was hoping you would chime in

 

[swinky]

If you're going to drive it on the street 4x4 will be much safer/easier. You're going to have a hard time getting a long bed to hook even with slicks.

Haller is having good luck with his as well as the shorty dodges that have been running around forever. Fuel only in the 10s is going to take a serious motor. Are you planning on doing this with a single?

 

[ChattyCathy]

There are price and simplicity advantages with 4 wheel. But I personally would never build anything but a 2 wheel drive for racing.

 

[swinky]

My thoughts are just if it's driven on the street. No street legal tire that you can get any sort of mileage out of will last. Your 10 second race truck turns into a 12 second truck.

 

[Jeremy @ No Limit]

How light is deranged? He is 2wd and seems to do pretty well.


EDIT: lol double post

I believe Matt stated it was 4600 (not exactly sure) with him in it.

 

[cbf9703]

My thoughts are just if it's driven on the street. No street legal tire that you can get any sort of mileage out of will last. Your 10 second race truck turns into a 12 second truck.

And that's why you have 2 sets of wheels and tires. If you're building a 10 second truck, your class won't require DOT approved tires anyway unless you have some sick need to run an ET pass.