1956 Dodge Truck Build with OM617 - Page 10 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwnate1 · #**136** 11-07-2015, 11:03 PM

Please post up how well it drives .

I see you've lowered it a bit , anything else done to suspension ? .

t walgamuth · #**137** 11-08-2015, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

Please post up how well it drives .

I see you've lowered it a bit , anything else done to suspension ? .

The entire frame is custom made. It is astonishing.

charliebob · #**138** 11-08-2015, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

Please post up how well it drives .

I see you've lowered it a bit , anything else done to suspension ? .

As Tom W. points out, the chassis is custom, made with Jag-U-War suspension parts. Overload air bags were added at the rear to compensate for any loads that I may haul.

It handles well, especially for a truck, and has a nice ride. I used a Dodge Omni steering rack, which quickens up the steering. A friend who drove it described it as "slot car" handling, although that is an exaggeration ...

The Jaguar IRS does not have ideal geometry by modern race car standards, but it is pretty darn good, especially for a slow "shop truck." The Jag suspension pieces are also very strong and over designed for a car that weighs much more than my truck.

vwnate1 · #**139** 11-08-2015, 08:58 AM

For the details and photo .

I'm impressed .

t walgamuth · #**140** 11-08-2015, 09:10 PM

The frame should be capable of handling 900 hp or so.

charliebob · #**141** 11-08-2015, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The frame should be capable of handling 900 hp or so.

Wish I could find the missing 775 horses!!

charliebob · #**142** 01-08-2016, 05:19 PM

Patina preservation ... with PB Blaster. Lots easier and quicker than washing and waxing those shiny ones!

ROLLGUY · #**143** 01-08-2016, 05:57 PM

Now all it needs is a W123 front bumper.

charliebob · #**144** 01-08-2016, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Now all it needs is a W123 front bumper.

Hmmmm! Had not thought of that. Excellent idea. Maybe one will show up at pull-a-part.

Thanks for the idea,

Bob

ROLLGUY · #**145** 01-08-2016, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliebob

Hmmmm! Had not thought of that. Excellent idea. Maybe one will show up at pull-a-part.

Thanks for the idea,

Bob

It looks like even the rubber ends would fit nicely to the contour of the fenders. Maybe a member in your area has a parts car you could at least get some measurements from to see if it has a chance of fitting.

mopar65pa · #**146** 01-09-2016, 09:35 AM

Love that hood ornament. My dad got one of those off and old guy he was buying farm equipment from for $30. It was pitted so he cleaned off the pits and sprayed it with "cast color" wheel paint.

Then he bolted it to his 92 Cummins truck.

charliebob · #**147** 07-16-2017, 07:25 PM

Update: Nothing but legendary OM617 reliability in a year and a half of driving the shop truck mostly around town.

The truck attracts a surprising and unexpected amount attention in normal use and at cruise-ins. Many people seem somewhat surprised at the MB turbo diesel engine but, so far, no negative reactions (unlike what I experienced with a Toyota 1JZ twin turbo that I installed in a 1936 Nash! Some thought it blasphemy to install a furrin engine in an American hot rod!)

Only change I would make is to install an overdrive transmission and compete the A/C install.

I continue to follow the forum.

The Best,

Bob

vwnate1 · #**148** 07-16-2017, 08:45 PM

Thanx Bob ;

Feedback is very good .

I need to leave feedback on my OM603 job but can't seem to find the tread where I asked for and received good help....

.