RRR
- Thread starter R3
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Little update on the Red Jeep.
Getting to know the LT6.2 and Alison 8 speed has been an experience to say the least. Driving on road cruise control is my friend as this thing is happy around 2500-3500 RPM and that equates to Felony speeding
. Shifting is still getting comfortable as it is a learning transmission. First gear shifts are a bit abrupt and there is no defuel or depower in the lower gears now. Yes Alice that means it will smoke the tires from a standing start thru at least 4 gears. At $600 per, that was a one time demonstration.
Coming up on it first oil change, what I have noticed is the ease of which it moves in traffic. the 3 inch exhaust depending on how hard one stands on the skinny peddle Puts the "loud" in the phrase. At cruise it is very quiet in the cab thanks to some muffler wrap and a layer of Dyna mat sound deadener.
Fuel mileage is a bit down from the 3.6 but not by much. It pulls a steady 14-15 MPG on longer runs. Considering this thing weighs around 7000# and has a haunting 450hp under the hood I can say I am happy with this. Some more tuning on the trans is on teh list.
Need to sort out a skid plate system to cover the trans and oil pan. Have a used skid ( Thanks @zuke) that will require a kustom mounting solution. Nothing a few hours on a lift can fix yes?
Atlas shipped a new transfer case back in Oct. Now that it is installed the rear output is leaking slightly.... Nothing a few call to Advanced adaptors can't fix. Sight tube had a bad fitting and the folks at advanced sent a new one with just a phone call. I can't say enough about service like that. Bravo folks.
Schedules being what they are time to get the balance of the suspension done will have to be piece by piece as time and schedule permits. I have a lot of stuff that needs work right now and priorities are stacking........
Going to run a snow ride at AoAA this coming weekend to see who the beast works in the snow. Driving home Monday night on snow covered roads was easy even in 2WD.
Look for the Red Jeep on a trail near you this year. We are ready to play.
Getting to know the LT6.2 and Alison 8 speed has been an experience to say the least. Driving on road cruise control is my friend as this thing is happy around 2500-3500 RPM and that equates to Felony speeding
. Shifting is still getting comfortable as it is a learning transmission. First gear shifts are a bit abrupt and there is no defuel or depower in the lower gears now. Yes Alice that means it will smoke the tires from a standing start thru at least 4 gears. At $600 per, that was a one time demonstration.Coming up on it first oil change, what I have noticed is the ease of which it moves in traffic. the 3 inch exhaust depending on how hard one stands on the skinny peddle Puts the "loud" in the phrase. At cruise it is very quiet in the cab thanks to some muffler wrap and a layer of Dyna mat sound deadener.
Fuel mileage is a bit down from the 3.6 but not by much. It pulls a steady 14-15 MPG on longer runs. Considering this thing weighs around 7000# and has a haunting 450hp under the hood I can say I am happy with this. Some more tuning on the trans is on teh list.
Need to sort out a skid plate system to cover the trans and oil pan. Have a used skid ( Thanks @zuke) that will require a kustom mounting solution. Nothing a few hours on a lift can fix yes?
Atlas shipped a new transfer case back in Oct. Now that it is installed the rear output is leaking slightly.... Nothing a few call to Advanced adaptors can't fix. Sight tube had a bad fitting and the folks at advanced sent a new one with just a phone call. I can't say enough about service like that. Bravo folks.
Schedules being what they are time to get the balance of the suspension done will have to be piece by piece as time and schedule permits. I have a lot of stuff that needs work right now and priorities are stacking........
Going to run a snow ride at AoAA this coming weekend to see who the beast works in the snow. Driving home Monday night on snow covered roads was easy even in 2WD.
Look for the Red Jeep on a trail near you this year. We are ready to play.
Good morning It has been a while since I have posted anything on the big Red Jeep. It has been a learning experience with the V8 and Auto trans driving styles needs some adjustment now.
On road, the V6 with the trailer was working at 100% to try to maintain posted speed limits. With 450hp under the hood Cruise control is my new best friend as skipping along in excess for posted limits in just a moment of inattention away. Still with all that it is "happy" around 65 mph. Not bad for a rig with all the aero dynamic properties of an old Hay barn. Fuel mileage is 11-12 towing the trailer (800lbs). Having the extra power make this a fun machine to drive spirited on the road but it does wake the sleeping Johnny Law.
Off Road. Torque, great big buckets of torque are on tap with a simple tap of the loud pedal. the 3.8:1 low range and 4.5:1 first gear will easily twist the big 40 inch tires. The 8L90E I have to look into programming. Currently the selector limits how high the shift go not select a specific gear like a manual valve body. So If I select 3 that means it will work in 1st, 2nd and stop at 3rd. In Low range this is constant shifting base don ground speed/engine torque demand.
Biggest improvement is the ability to manage power/traction on climbs. With the V6/Manual this would have required to slip the clutch ( not good for longevity). This has lead to some new techniques in climbing challenges. The Throttle is sensitive and a little laggy making for some interesting adjustment in driving style and the occasional "run-away throttle" if not caught fast enough.
At GER we spent a lot of time idling and with a big 6.2 motor under the hood we experienced zero over heat issues. Transmission ran flawlessly but I did find out the slow crawling was best done in 1st
Atlas T-case, Still getting comfortable with this monster. Shift from Hi to lo and back again take s a bit of practice and anticipation of use.
If you are thinking of going this route the LT6.2 motor is a beast. I think the 5.3 would be a better choice if you rig is not as fat as the Red Jeep (7200#) The 8 speed is a complicated trans from GM with a lot of "Safety" programing that is really not required but integrated into the shift programing. Programing is based on torque demand still wrapping my head around this programming.
A weekend of running hard Red Trails really proved out the new build very well.
Cheers
On road, the V6 with the trailer was working at 100% to try to maintain posted speed limits. With 450hp under the hood Cruise control is my new best friend as skipping along in excess for posted limits in just a moment of inattention away. Still with all that it is "happy" around 65 mph. Not bad for a rig with all the aero dynamic properties of an old Hay barn. Fuel mileage is 11-12 towing the trailer (800lbs). Having the extra power make this a fun machine to drive spirited on the road but it does wake the sleeping Johnny Law.
Off Road. Torque, great big buckets of torque are on tap with a simple tap of the loud pedal. the 3.8:1 low range and 4.5:1 first gear will easily twist the big 40 inch tires. The 8L90E I have to look into programming. Currently the selector limits how high the shift go not select a specific gear like a manual valve body. So If I select 3 that means it will work in 1st, 2nd and stop at 3rd. In Low range this is constant shifting base don ground speed/engine torque demand.
Biggest improvement is the ability to manage power/traction on climbs. With the V6/Manual this would have required to slip the clutch ( not good for longevity). This has lead to some new techniques in climbing challenges. The Throttle is sensitive and a little laggy making for some interesting adjustment in driving style and the occasional "run-away throttle" if not caught fast enough.
At GER we spent a lot of time idling and with a big 6.2 motor under the hood we experienced zero over heat issues. Transmission ran flawlessly but I did find out the slow crawling was best done in 1st
Atlas T-case, Still getting comfortable with this monster. Shift from Hi to lo and back again take s a bit of practice and anticipation of use.
If you are thinking of going this route the LT6.2 motor is a beast. I think the 5.3 would be a better choice if you rig is not as fat as the Red Jeep (7200#) The 8 speed is a complicated trans from GM with a lot of "Safety" programing that is really not required but integrated into the shift programing. Programing is based on torque demand still wrapping my head around this programming.
A weekend of running hard Red Trails really proved out the new build very well.
Cheers
People laugh when I say I’ve thought about carbureting an LS motor, but that throttle delay really drives me nuts. I have the 6.2 in my truck. Great motor, but I chipped it not for any extra power or anything, just to get the throttle to be better. It is better but not perfect like I would want in the Jeep. Maybe put a carbureter intake on it and get a Holley TBI setup or something so I can have an actually throttle cable.
Glad it’s working out.
Glad it’s working out.
Interesting thought process, The LT is a direct injected motor where as the LS is a port injected motor. I know the last thing I want to deal with on the trail is a carb, Ther ehas to be a way to program the "return spring " better.. But I do like the idea of a cable throttle control...
Wouldn't want a carb, But the DBW issue is a biggy! Here's a write up lt1swap.com about converting an lt1 to DBC (Drive By Cable), I thinkk I would start there..... But I've never done it myself (So far!)
Yeah, I have no interest in carburetor really, but I want to mimic the mechanical nature as much as possible. I also want to stay away from the 29000 psi of direct injected. However, a TBI style system on a 5.3 sounds great. "Low" fuel pressure, mechanical butterfly opening, remove drive by wire. It's not just the mechanical of the throttle cable, it's the direct interaction with fuel along with the throttle cable. Want to eliminate the fuel reading the drive by wire system at the throttle body before doing anything. I do understand, fuel mileage and efficiency will be hampered, but.....
Well, Rob (spnkzyj), why not just keep it really simple and go with a basic small block? LS = better. 6 bolt splayed main cap. Power forever. Light. Easy. More aftermarket support now, etc, etc,etc.
Anyways, not trying to hijack. Looking forward to getting out with your rig again soon. Probably Camp Heep.
Be interested in how that woudl interface with teh TCM they area talkign older tech 4L80/90 transmissions not the newer 8L90 units..
It would be a challenge with a newer transmission that has the TCM inside the Valve body , For sure... But if you've already got something like that built, (And I know you do
), Unique solutions have to be found!Zero Gravity makes some unique stuff for such situations. Their TCM2650 would fill the bill, but is pretty pricey. Even then you're still going to have to add a TPS setup to feed into it, and an IAC to keep the throttle/idle steady.
Truthfully? Probably not worth the expense for crawling, but if you start finding yourself in a lot of about to tip over backward situations where you want to slam into reverse and have instant throttle it might be worth it!
I find that you have to anticipate the throttle response in technical situations. with the gated shifter a quick shift from M1 to R is not so quick as a revers shifter where M1 and R are right next to each other. Still learning to drive this monster and enjoying every bit of it. Pedal Commander is now in house. will give it a try and see if that give a better drive by cable feel. Drove Galactica for a brief stint the throttle response is much different in the LS 3 than the LT 6.2.
Happy Hump day.
Red Jeep update. One of the things that has always been a goal with this build is the ability to go anywhere and be self-sufficient. Expanding into camping with the homebuilt Ruk the natural evolution has been point toward exploration and overlanding. Well Leave it to Nate we now have a new branch in the 4WD sport called Rock Landing. Nate and Colin plus a few others are now building routes for anyone to follow that are around 300 miles long and incorporate two of our most favorite parts of this sport, Rock Crawling and Overlanding.
To this end the Big Red Jeep is undergoing some simple modification to make life on the trail a bit more comfortable. For you tough guys (&Girls) sleeping on the ground is no big deal, I have found a 4 inch memory foam mattress to be much more to my liking. The RTT that is currently on the RUK has proven itself worthy and comfortable. For the wild west trip being planned in 2025 the RTT will find a home atop the Red Jeep vs pulling the Ruk over the Rubicon. The trailer will need some modification Axle and suspension wise before it s up to that kind of abuse. Front runner make a cool quick steal mount system that make removing the tent an easy process.
Adding two sets one to the Jeep Roof rack and one to the Ruk will make swapping the RTT an easy(?) process.
Sun/weather. It is always good to be able to get out of the weather on the trail. in the summer the sun can be fairly hot and draining and then there are those pesky rain showers right in the middle of the trail side lunch. To that end and no thanks to @JustOnlyME for showing the wife his new 180 awning, the Red Jeep now has a 270 Overland systems Awning for just such occasions. We tried it out at PA Jeep in Carlisle and just loved it.
ICECO dual zone cooler is next to be installed for the west rip. Always wanted Ice cream on teh trail and love to cook fresh food too. This provides ample storage for both cool and frozen food in a fairly compact set up. Some rear compartment redesign will be happening over the winter.
It is a good thing I put Red Jeep on a weight reduction plan a couple years ago LOL... the goal for all of this is to explore some of the Rock Lander Routes Nate and Colin are putting together and truly enjoy the great outdoors in places that we have not been before.
Red Jeep update. One of the things that has always been a goal with this build is the ability to go anywhere and be self-sufficient. Expanding into camping with the homebuilt Ruk the natural evolution has been point toward exploration and overlanding. Well Leave it to Nate we now have a new branch in the 4WD sport called Rock Landing. Nate and Colin plus a few others are now building routes for anyone to follow that are around 300 miles long and incorporate two of our most favorite parts of this sport, Rock Crawling and Overlanding.
To this end the Big Red Jeep is undergoing some simple modification to make life on the trail a bit more comfortable. For you tough guys (&Girls) sleeping on the ground is no big deal, I have found a 4 inch memory foam mattress to be much more to my liking. The RTT that is currently on the RUK has proven itself worthy and comfortable. For the wild west trip being planned in 2025 the RTT will find a home atop the Red Jeep vs pulling the Ruk over the Rubicon. The trailer will need some modification Axle and suspension wise before it s up to that kind of abuse. Front runner make a cool quick steal mount system that make removing the tent an easy process.
Adding two sets one to the Jeep Roof rack and one to the Ruk will make swapping the RTT an easy(?) process.
Sun/weather. It is always good to be able to get out of the weather on the trail. in the summer the sun can be fairly hot and draining and then there are those pesky rain showers right in the middle of the trail side lunch. To that end and no thanks to @JustOnlyME for showing the wife his new 180 awning, the Red Jeep now has a 270 Overland systems Awning for just such occasions. We tried it out at PA Jeep in Carlisle and just loved it.
ICECO dual zone cooler is next to be installed for the west rip. Always wanted Ice cream on teh trail and love to cook fresh food too. This provides ample storage for both cool and frozen food in a fairly compact set up. Some rear compartment redesign will be happening over the winter.
It is a good thing I put Red Jeep on a weight reduction plan a couple years ago LOL... the goal for all of this is to explore some of the Rock Lander Routes Nate and Colin are putting together and truly enjoy the great outdoors in places that we have not been before.
Next up....
Suspension, yes the final frontier is in the cards. Working with my good friend I think we have nailed down a time frame to install the 2.5 kings and the Double triangulate rear suspension. Why 2.5 kings? the stock EVO supplied 2.0 King coil overs are not valved correctly. They are essentially set up for street use and the valving really needs a good going thru. The EVO set up uses a proprietary King Shock that is an unusual length. One that only King will support and not having a degree in black magic ( required for shock set up) I am relying on the good folks at Filthy Motorsports for the set up. Installing the new 12 inch travel shocks in the rear requires some reconfiguration. First off the track bar is in the way..... not going to miss that... No I will need a way to keep the axle centered. Using the Motobilt double triangulated rear suspension kit. This will free up space atop the axle for shock mounts.
Changes beget changes... So to go with a triangulated rear set up the fuel tank in its OEM location has to go... Enter the Motobilt 22 gal rear mounted tank.. (Think TJ stuff here). That will give the control arm a place to live in this double triangulated system. One more little bit O kit is a new cross member to locate the frame end control arms. This comes with a new skid to help locate the rear crossmember.
The biggest effort will be cleaning up the control arm mounts on the frame and axle. Lots of grinding will be involved. The initial control arms will be DOM steel. These can always be upgraded to aluminum later. Why Steel first. time frame. Once we start his project it will take up space on a lift for about a week. Setting up the rear control arms will be much easier with steel.
When looks like early Nov. Not likely to be 105* in the garage and hopefully no broken rigs that need to get fix ahead of the big Red Jeep.
Suspension, yes the final frontier is in the cards. Working with my good friend I think we have nailed down a time frame to install the 2.5 kings and the Double triangulate rear suspension. Why 2.5 kings? the stock EVO supplied 2.0 King coil overs are not valved correctly. They are essentially set up for street use and the valving really needs a good going thru. The EVO set up uses a proprietary King Shock that is an unusual length. One that only King will support and not having a degree in black magic ( required for shock set up) I am relying on the good folks at Filthy Motorsports for the set up. Installing the new 12 inch travel shocks in the rear requires some reconfiguration. First off the track bar is in the way..... not going to miss that... No I will need a way to keep the axle centered. Using the Motobilt double triangulated rear suspension kit. This will free up space atop the axle for shock mounts.
Changes beget changes... So to go with a triangulated rear set up the fuel tank in its OEM location has to go... Enter the Motobilt 22 gal rear mounted tank.. (Think TJ stuff here). That will give the control arm a place to live in this double triangulated system. One more little bit O kit is a new cross member to locate the frame end control arms. This comes with a new skid to help locate the rear crossmember.
The biggest effort will be cleaning up the control arm mounts on the frame and axle. Lots of grinding will be involved. The initial control arms will be DOM steel. These can always be upgraded to aluminum later. Why Steel first. time frame. Once we start his project it will take up space on a lift for about a week. Setting up the rear control arms will be much easier with steel.
When looks like early Nov. Not likely to be 105* in the garage and hopefully no broken rigs that need to get fix ahead of the big Red Jeep.
Been planning this for about a year and some now. one thing or another has cropped up to derail the process. Maybe if I was 25 again the heat and humidity wouldn't bother me as much.... sux getting old. This was all to put the 2.5 Kings on... one thing leads to another and 8 grand later ......
Wow that was from the way back machine. Been using Rockslide engineering step sliders for a few years. great product and with the additional armor pretty strong and durable.
That is awseome! Love the LS.
