Fishnerd’s Build Thread

[jetrinka]

Thank you for the kind words! Modding is definitely an obsession and I cant stay idle for long. +1 on those crimpers I have a similar set for butt connectors, etc…nothing like have a proper set of tools for the job at hand!

cheers!

Fishnerd,

This is an awesome set up and I am looking to do very similar things on my truck but I have never set anything up like this before. You said the solenoid packs inflate/deflate the airbags? Are those outlets front and back for hooking up air hoses to to inflate/deflate tires? If so is there a secondary hookup to the compressor that these get fed from?

Please excuse my ignorance. Love the setup!

 

[Fishnerd]

Fishnerd,

This is an awesome set up and I am looking to do very similar things on my truck but I have never set anything up like this before. You said the solenoid packs inflate/deflate the airbags? Are those outlets front and back for hooking up air hoses to to inflate/deflate tires? If so is there a secondary hookup to the compressor that these get fed from?

Please excuse my ignorance. Love the setup!

Thank you! Apologies in advance for the crude diagram (im horrible at drawing)
I basically have 1 main line going from the compressor to a manifold connected via quick coupler. I purposely designed it that way in the event something goes wrong downstream, I can quickly disconnect the line and connect any hose directly to the compressor. The manifold has 3 daisychained solenoids (normally closed position) in the diagram they are labeled A B and C. A and B are tied independently via air line to the driver and passenger air bags (i didnt do single line to avoid air transfer). Solenoid C is used for exhaust to deflate. All solenoids are triggered via switchpros. Up arrow turns on compressor and opens up solenoid A and B and fills the bags, down arrow leaves compressor off and opens solenoids A B and C and air is exhausted via C. I hope that all makes sense, please let me know if you have any questions.

 

[jetrinka]

Thank you! Apologies in advance for the crude diagram (im horrible at drawing)
I basically have 1 main line going from the compressor to a manifold connected via quick coupler. I purposely designed it that way in the event something goes wrong downstream, I can quickly disconnect the line and connect any hose directly to the compressor. The manifold has 3 daisychained solenoids (normally closed position) in the diagram they are labeled A B and C. A and B are tied independently via air line to the driver and passenger air bags (i didnt do single line to avoid air transfer). Solenoid C is used for exhaust to deflate. All solenoids are triggered via switchpros. Up arrow turns on compressor and opens up solenoid A and B and fills the bags, down arrow leaves compressor off and opens solenoids A B and C and air is exhausted via C. I hope that all makes sense, please let me know if you have any questions.

View attachment 21189

Thats amazing! Thank you for that. I will likely be unashamedly copying this setup -

 

[UglyViking]

This is an awesome setup, I'm always jealous of someone who takes care with wiring. I've got a 66 continental I'm slowly rebuilding and it's currently a rats nest of 50+ year old wiring, plus the previous owners hacks, and a bunch of old vac tubing. Looking into doing a full rewire on it in the coming years once I get the space.

I'm toying with the idea of bags but I just recently bought timbrens to try as a cheap no maintenance option for the times I'm towing my camper around. I'm curious to how that ARB compressor holds up to airing up 37s, especially sitting in the engine bay. I've got a diesel so I don't have the option of engine mounting but curious to how well it works. I'd love to fab up a full set of air up/down connectors so that I can perma mount the compressor (I think it's a viair 450) and then just plug in all 4 wheels and let it pump up. I'd like to have a single compressor and air tank so I can mount a few items, curious what you used for controlling the air from the cab? (I see the switch, but I am unfamiliar of what solenoids you used)

Anyway, awesome stuff man, looking forward to seeing more!

 

[Fishnerd]

This is an awesome setup, I'm always jealous of someone who takes care with wiring. I've got a 66 continental I'm slowly rebuilding and it's currently a rats nest of 50+ year old wiring, plus the previous owners hacks, and a bunch of old vac tubing. Looking into doing a full rewire on it in the coming years once I get the space.

I'm toying with the idea of bags but I just recently bought timbrens to try as a cheap no maintenance option for the times I'm towing my camper around. I'm curious to how that ARB compressor holds up to airing up 37s, especially sitting in the engine bay. I've got a diesel so I don't have the option of engine mounting but curious to how well it works. I'd love to fab up a full set of air up/down connectors so that I can perma mount the compressor (I think it's a viair 450) and then just plug in all 4 wheels and let it pump up. I'd like to have a single compressor and air tank so I can mount a few items, curious what you used for controlling the air from the cab? (I see the switch, but I am unfamiliar of what solenoids you used)

Anyway, awesome stuff man, looking forward to seeing more!

Thank you!!
Definitely a valid concern when it come to heat! I was a little more comfortable this time around since ive been running the same set up in my other rig for the past couple years and still have not run into any issues.

Here are a couple more pics of the set up when i was doing the install and dry run




here is the solenoid used

Cheers!

 

[Fishnerd]

Thats amazing! Thank you for that. I will likely be unashamedly copying this setup -

No problem at all! When you start your build feel free to reach out with questions and id be more than happy to walk through them with you.

 

[Etoimos]

Maybe I missed this, but how are you regulating the amount of air going into your airbags?

 

[Fishnerd]

Maybe I missed this, but how are you regulating the amount of air going into your airbags?

Right now its nothing fancy since I only air up the bags when the bed is fully loaded with gear. The switch is momentary so i eyeball the rear end as I air up, if i really need to dial it down to an exact psi i can check via schrader valves. Been contemplating adding the arb pressure control module, but been doing fine without it.

 

[Fishnerd]

Xmas in September! The beginnings of my suspension setup. I also decided to document my mod progress in one thread, so I retitled the post, I hope i didnt break any rules…

 

[Fishnerd]

Thuren Rear Trackbar:

This is definitely in the top 5 of my most difficult mods/installs list. I knew it would be challenging going into it just from reading about other peoples experiences.

Despite the difficulty I have to hand it to Thuren, their manufacturing/construction is one of the best ive seen. The welds are almost like art:


Difficulties:

-Alignment: I had to loosen, tighten, take apart numerous times to get the hardware and mounting holes to align

-Space constraints: getting the hardware to torque specs was extremely difficult esp given the torque requirements (100-160lb/ft) this could have probably been easier if i had more specialize tools but most of my torque wrenches for those ranges are 1/2in and bullky which were hard to maneuver around. ***update: while doing my shock install i found it was easier access the hardware with the wheels off, instructions indicate wheels dont need to be removed. I should have done this from the start***

-Power wagons require drilling 9/16 hole, I wish there was a power wagon specific one that used existing mounting.

Couple of Tips:
-To get easier access to the oem passenger side bolt, use a ratchet strap

-To assist with bolt alignment of the bar to the mount, use a jack to lift the axle to shift the bar.

-Use a stepbit for enlarging hole vs drill bit

Here is a shot of the semi finished install (still waiting on a 9/16 drill bit to get to the rear of the mount)



Still havent got a chance to drive it around, but hoping the blood sweat and tears were worth it.

Happy Modding!

 

[el_barto]

Will be curious to hear what you think after install! Our trucks are modded similar as far as weight, tire size, lift (though don’t have the airbags)

 

[Etoimos]

Those are some nice looking weld, and damn your truck is clean underneath!

 

[Fishnerd]

Will be curious to hear what you think after install! Our trucks are modded similar as far as weight, tire size, lift (though don’t have the airbags)

Im curious myself! Amazon is taking forever to deliver the drill bit!! but I will for sure report back once I get to drive it around. My shocks come in Friday so I want to get some wheel time with the OEM setup, in case there are issues (I dont like dealing with multiple mods at once, because its harder to trace root cause)

 

[Fishnerd]

Those are some nice looking weld, and damn your truck is clean underneath!

I was definitely impressed with the quality. Ive always heard good things about Thuren, and was glad to experience it for myself. I like manufacturers that take pride in their products and it clearly shows.

Truck is still under 2k miles, hence the underbody. Havent used it in the dirt yet, my other rig has been my go to since its already built out.

 

[el_barto]

Im curious myself! Amazon is taking forever to deliver the drill bit!! but I will for sure report back once I get to drive it around. My shocks come in Friday so I want to get some wheel time with the OEM setup, in case there are issues (I dont like dealing with multiple mods at once, because its harder to trace root cause)

New shocks too?!

If I ever decide to do this mod we have a huge box of 9/16” drill bits at work…. They’re all smoked and dull though haha!

 

[Fishnerd]

New shocks too?!

If I ever decide to do this mod we have a huge box of 9/16” drill bits at work…. They’re all smoked and dull though haha!

I was fortunate to find a set in-stock so i snagged the last set they had, otherwise I probably would have been waiting months (6-8months according to distributor).

That last remaining hole was a PIA! even with a new bit it took forever, I even used a BFD!

 

[Fishnerd]

First impression review of the Thuren Rear Track Bar:

Background (why I purchased it/what I hoped it would accomplish) - Since driving off the dealer lot, I noticed (occasionally) that when taking long turns, it would feel as though the rear of the truck was starting to drift/shift from my lane. It was a little unnerving at first, especially in smaller lanes with vehicles on either side. I eventually got accustomed to it and could anticipate it, but after reading various threads and watching vids about the benefits of installing the Thuren Rear Track Bar, I figured it was worth a shot to try to remedy it.

First Drive - It was "Different" I know its a wishy washy response, but for me it was neither good/better or worse. I have driven various cars over the years from beaters to high-end sports cars and from small trucks/suv to full size, so I kind of know what to realistically expect from the vehicle im driving.

- Did it fix my issue: I could tell the handling difference right away, I drove through my normal areas, using same driving habits, and the rear truck felt a tad bit more planted.
- Did it make it better: Not really, while it did feel a tad bit more planted, I could still feel the drift though not as bad
- Did the product solve what I intended it to accomplish: no, deep down inside I was hoping it would, but going into it i knew my reason for buying it might be different than the intended purpose of the product
-Would I do it again: Probably not (Again this is my first impression review and my feelings could change as I get more driving time). The effort involved wasnt worth the "gains" at this point
- Am I disappointed: Not really, I knew what I was getting into and the reasons why. The product and quality I think justified the price. Modding for me is more of hobby and getting more time to wrench (no matter how difficult it was) is always a WIN.

As I get more drive time, if my experience changes, I will add to the review.

Cheers!

 

[Etoimos]

Thanks for the honest initial review. Do you think upgrading the rear sway bar would have been a better option for the conditions you were feeling?

 

[Fishnerd]

Thanks for the honest initial review. Do you think upgrading the rear sway bar would have been a better option for the conditions you were feeling?

Good question, honestly I never considered replacing the sway bar for the truck. The only experience Ive had with beefing up sway bars was during my “ricer” (JDM) days. While they did tighten up the the maneuvering they were horrible in wet/rainy conditions (they were so stiff that it would induce drift) once I moved on to different classes of vehicles I havent touched sway bars since.

 

[Brewbud]

Is your truck lifted @Fishnerd ?