| Author |
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Crash (Crash)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 09:29 am: | 
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Don't get me wrong--I say kit, but I am not selling it--I am giving it away (the idea, that is).
It is operated by a linear actuator. The "delux" idea incorporates a timing relay as well, but that is not necessary.
It is simple, won't introduce cabin noice, is cabin operated, does not have large amperage draw, and does not have a need for constant amperage draw during operation.
I have located the best I could find, and mine is on order. I have included both the URLs for the actuator and the timing relay below.
The actuator seems bomb proof and has integral limit switches, so the timing relay would not be necessary, but I want to flick a switch instead of holding it for three seconds, which isn't bad either.
I choose the 75lb, 2" thrust and it is $160. (they are made to order and take 3 weeks) The relay is $50. These are top of the line components--not something you would find off the shelf at a hardware store.
All the other systems seemed to have problems, like increased cabin noise, cost, constant amperage draw(and high amperage initial draw) or inconvenience. I think this is the best idea going.
I have a bar mounted to the CDL nut which require a 2" pull to activate, the actuator is between the frame and side rail, and then wires up to the switch and battery with in line fuse. Totally simple. I have done a prototype and it works fine, but this new actuator will make it the bomb. The actuator is in a box with a round SS shaft going out the end, this box mounts to the frame. I am using the 75lb version so that I can easily overcome the friction of the sealing grommet that the shaft passes through. The rod connecting the actuator and the CDL linkage goes between the frame and the body through a little tube to prevent chafing on the wiring loom.
Word of warning--I have a working prototype, but I have not got the new actuator which is on order. If you wait a couple weeks, I will give a full run down, although this companies reputation is such that I can't imagine it being anything less than great. If someone else has a better actuator company, let us know.
When I install the actual thing, I will photograph it and post it.
Everyone seems to want to sell everything--I hope this might spur others to share new ideas without a $$ attached.
Cheers and here are the links!
http://www.ballscrews.com/html/7/2.html
http://ecatalog.squared.com/catalog/html/sections/21/17221039.htm |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 11:00 am: |
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I wouldn't trade a mechanical lever for an electronic actuator. The minor cabin noise is nothing and to be honest I don't even notice it with the noise from the roof rack. I would imagine that if you're running MT's or even AT's it would be hard to hear the extra noise from the mechanical linkage too. On the up side... the system you describe is much cheaper.
Just my two cents. |
Crash (Crash)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 11:35 am: |
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Since I don't run a roof rack and my BFG ATKO's are pretty quiet (and I put on 30K miles a year!), noise is a huge deal to me. I have been in a car with the modified linkage and I could definetly hear the difference--although the reason I was there was to try and come up with a way to sound deaden it a bit. That linkage rocks--I like it alot. If I could find the parts cheap enough and was not such a gadget guy, I probably would have done that.
Again, I have no stake in if people want to do it this way--that is why I give the info. If there are better ways to do it, I am all ears--that is why I posted it; to see if there are more improvements to come from minds that love to tinker!
Thanks for the input. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 02:33 pm: |
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sounds good. |
ken
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - 09:20 pm: |
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Nice idea. I'm suprised that this is not a standard feature . I have a 95 so this isn't really an issue for me but, isn't this how most other 4x4 trucks come these days ? It would seem to make sense if that's all that is required. Looking forward to seeing the final photos when your mod is done.
Ken |
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