POWER DRAGON D150 build
#3054032
06/28/22 08:25 AM
06/28/22 08:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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Just a play on words. Power Wagon Ha Ha
This is my nephew, Christopher's 78 D150 318 that someone put a god awful thumper noisy pig of a cam in. He has been itchin for a big block, big tire truck so his Dad, my Brother Ricky (Copper Dart on Moparts) built him a very respectable 440. I am tasked with the install and fab for it.
It runs but the rear u joint failed so it does not drive, I had to get creative to work very little getting it into my shop😎
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 06/28/22 08:30 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3054038
06/28/22 08:54 AM
06/28/22 08:54 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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Step one is establish stance, so wheels and tires are first on the list and we are doing the van front LCAs. Ladderbar coil-over rear. Tires are 31 13.5 on 12" Prostars replacing 28-12.5 protracs. tubs were my first cut to make space for the rubber. It will have plenty of room to go bigger
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 05/09/23 03:27 PM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3054078
06/28/22 12:12 PM
06/28/22 12:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,102 Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
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If you take passenger car front spring hangers and mount them under the frame in the same location as the truck front spring hangers, then the same for the rear spring hangers and use passenger car shackles. You can put a stock width (B or E body) rear axle assembly on top of the springs and wind up with a "tubbed" truck for minimal effort and cost. The truck pictured had 32X14's
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60 '01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list '60 Willys CJ5 '01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison '64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: W.I.N. Racing]
#3054088
06/28/22 12:44 PM
06/28/22 12:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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That's the first time Ive heard that. very simple solution very clever!!!. I like the Dana too. We decided to go Ladderbar and coil over route for upgrade-ability in the future. i will be centering the wheels in the opening so going to a bigger tire will not be an issue.
NOTE: added a few pics from prior to making this thread, and have edited & inserted some pics for clarity
these pics show the position of a standard front bracket in relation to the rear axle maintaining a level or nose down position for the ladderbars. my new (truck) pattern and the existing front bracket contrasting the difference. ( any interested party I can fab a set for fee PM for detail)
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 05/11/23 08:04 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3056632
07/06/22 12:18 PM
07/06/22 12:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,102 Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
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That's the first time Ive heard that. very simple solution very clever!!!. I like the Dana too. Thats how we did it in 1986!
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60 '01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list '60 Willys CJ5 '01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison '64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: W.I.N. Racing]
#3108352
01/04/23 08:12 AM
01/04/23 08:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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It has been months but work and obligations always come first. I had a few days open so I took the opportunity to get some fab done. I hope to wrap this up by end of February and get this thing driving again. (depending on getting shortened axles)
For driveshaft clearance I sectioned the crossmember, the outer ladderbar brackets were welded on both sides to get complete penetration then I welded the inner bracket to get maximum penetration as welding between the brackets is challenging.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 01/04/23 08:18 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3108356
01/04/23 08:52 AM
01/04/23 08:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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installed the crossmember , modifying and welding the existing chassis members together adding gussets and kickers. there will be more welded in front of the crossmember once i get it off the jackstands.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 05/11/23 07:52 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3108593
01/04/23 08:45 PM
01/04/23 08:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,528 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
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Your rear suspension has a lot of adjustability, why not set up to use both?
The diagonal bar would be stable enough and still allow all the adjustability for the few trips to the strip, but probably lacks the stability needed for the street. The Panhard bar adds the stability for the street, but will reduce the adjustability for the strip, but it would have to be added after the primary rear end set up for the street use, for the best street set up.
You can use the diagonal bar to get both the strip and the street set ups, then add the Panhard bar for the street set up. A simple two bolt removal would eliminate and two bolts added would cover which ever option you do or don't need at the time. If you mark the best street set up, and the best strip set up, both could be different, and you could use the best rear stabilizing set up for either use, Panhard bar for the street, diagonal bar for the strip, and the strip setup can still be adjustable for the strip conditions.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3110264
01/09/23 08:53 AM
01/09/23 08:53 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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Before I weld the brackets to the housing, I am pursuing the upgrade to a Dana, but its not my money being spent Anyway I tacked the shock mount for placement and went ahead into fabbing the upper shock mount and crossmember. Since it is more street than race and its an easy upgrade to coilovers, We did coil springs over a shock absorber set up, this will let us get running and driving on a smaller initial budget.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 01/09/23 08:54 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3127072
03/06/23 08:33 PM
03/06/23 08:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,528 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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So, I reconsidered the idea of the 8-3/4" with this big a tire and the eventual 650-700hp big block. Found a narrowed Dana 60 a few hours away for a decent price with trac-loc and 3.73 gear, had to cut off the brackets and pads it had welded to it. Took the 8-3/4 out, cut the spot welds off the axle brackets and fit the Dana in its place. it is only an inch narrower than I had planned to cut 8-3/4 so just some 1/2 spacers will all it may need. Man how the differences in a guy's background produces different insights! Seeing tires that close to the frame still gives me the willy-nilly's! . I come from an old dirt track racing background. In that world, the hard rock sidewall tires that close to a frame rail wouldn't last 2 laps! Even with leaf springs and a panhard bar we wanted to see at least 1 1/2" (2" would be better) between the tire sidewall and anything the tire could make contact with. Between the twist in the frame rails, and the tire sidewall flex of the tires coming off the turns, the tire sidewalls could quickly move an inch or more towards the frame/body on the inside of the curve. I've seen the results of that, on a dirt track, sheet metal is the least of your concerns. I haven't had a dirt track car in nearly 20 years, but some things we just don't get completely over. You might be OK, but I couldn't do it.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3143142
05/08/23 08:07 AM
05/08/23 08:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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After a Day of welding and giving myself a bit of "Sunburn" I lightly used flap wheels on the welds just to even it out a bit and several styles of wire brushes to remove all the loose material from the rails in prep for POR-15 I really like the stuff but messy! and the S**T dont come off your skin if you let it dry. I brushed the first coat on to get around and behind all the corners and cubbys. the second coat i sprayed with my primer gun. Ill say again i do like POR-15. for this type of build.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 05/08/23 08:08 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3144648
05/15/23 07:22 AM
05/15/23 07:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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plumbed new axle brake lines,finished install of fuel cell and feed line, the vent line need the bed to find placement, I rebuilt w/ all new parts rear brakes , got the Park brake cables in, drive shaft and all the suspension hardware tight (I still will need to add jam nuts or lock nuts after final adjustment when the truck is back together)
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 05/15/23 08:02 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3184314
10/16/23 09:03 AM
10/16/23 09:03 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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its been 4 months of work and other time eating life to-dos. So I'm back at it for a good final push. The build left off with too small a tire and wheel width and the 318 was ready to come out. this is the new tire wheel difference, just under 3" of additional width
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 10/17/23 07:58 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3189259
11/07/23 07:39 AM
11/07/23 07:39 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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everything is buttoned up below and behind the camshaft, the front of the engine and accessories are next, a bit of wiring and some gauges, complete the brake system then its run in and play.
there is only .100 distance from the valve cover to the brake booster for those curious. hope to never remove the valve cover:) 1984 D250 booster and master, had to shorten the push-rod by 5/16" and ream the master cyls bolt holes out to 3/8"
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 11/07/23 02:50 PM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3189568
11/08/23 08:45 AM
11/08/23 08:45 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,102 Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
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everything is buttoned up below and behind the camshaft, the front of the engine and accessories are next, a bit of wiring and some gauges, complete the brake system then its run in and play.
there is only .100 distance from the valve cover to the brake booster for those curious. hope to never remove the valve cover:) 1984 D250 booster and master, had to shorten the push-rod by 5/16" and ream the master cyls bolt holes out to 3/8" had the same valve covers/Power booster issue.. wound up grinding the fins off the covers adjacent to the booster
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60 '01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list '60 Willys CJ5 '01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison '64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: W.I.N. Racing]
#3190569
11/13/23 08:50 AM
11/13/23 08:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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Getting the underside wrapped up, my nephew had supplied me with a pair of dirt track mufflers on a 3" headpipe with a handful of bends that was installed under some car and I had a few little pieces from some other build. It was decently made with really nice smooth bends so it was up to me to break humpty dumpty apart and piece it back together again,
I cut a muffler off with part of a bend and it became the outlet, cut the other muffler out and matched the down pipe, now I am starting with a matched pair to build the rest of the system. I built the driver side choosing within my inventory of bends, then used the remaining bits for the pass side. they are a bit different from side to side since I had to use what was remaining and the crossmember on the pass side needed a soft double curve for clearance.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 11/13/23 09:36 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3190571
11/13/23 09:05 AM
11/13/23 09:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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Time to start on the dash and fix some wiring, My brother Ricky (Copper Dart) remade the under-hood wire harness and re-engineered some bulkhead connections for clean install of MSD ignition. I started with cleaning up the rats nest and backwoods retarded hillbilly wiring that was done by the previous owners. This is only a couple of examples of what I found.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 11/13/23 09:06 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3192141
11/20/23 09:31 AM
11/20/23 09:31 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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I gutted the gauge cluster cause we are using mechanical gauges, the speedo had a broken needle and we dint want to buy a replacement plus the Tach was not wanted on top of the dash. I created a support panel with room to add future functionality and house what we have. I made a pattern for an aluminum face plate which i will cover in a faux carbon fiber vinyl.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 11/20/23 09:32 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3193836
11/28/23 09:20 AM
11/28/23 09:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
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only a few items remain under hood and waiting on a replacement temp gauge so I can finish the dash. then Run-in and drive here is how it sits on all 4s. Still gonna do new cab mounts but it is mostly how it is gonna look.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 11/28/23 09:26 AM.
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3201572
01/02/24 10:04 AM
01/02/24 10:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
modelmakerinc
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Got the truck 98% done. needs a few small items that my nephew and my brother will take care of. It needs body mounts, a new steering wheel, the tach stopped working im glad cause it should match the other new gauges, the MSD needs the advance plates installed, the Trans dipstick is seeping, Needs an alignment, and the rear suspension needs all the finish locking hardware, and a few other little nit picky type stuff. MY JOB IS DONE
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Re: POWER DRAGON D150 build
[Re: modelmakerinc]
#3201595
01/02/24 11:34 AM
01/02/24 11:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,343 west palm beach, florida
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Trying to upload videos but i am unsuccessful nothing seems to get them to work. My Brother (CopperDart) Ricky built the engine so he did the run in, other than the timing being a bit retarded on startup it went flawlessly, Engine never went above 190* the fans cycled perfectly only needed some temperature adjustments, 50 lbs of oil pressure at +/- 2000 rpm, after 30 minutes adjusted the idle down and the mixture screws a bit. Drove the truck a few miles and been pulling it in and out of the shop everyday without any hiccups. it is off to the alignment shop (HOPEFULLY SOON) i need my space back! and my brothers lift to do the little things i wrote of a couple posts back.
Last edited by modelmakerinc; 01/02/24 12:16 PM.
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