Have A Question?
Straight from a professional gear head's mouth.
Submit a question, if our pro selects it, we'll feature it in our Q & A.
Mar 11th, 2008 Q&A
Submited by Anonymous
What is the typical transmission setup in a pro racing desert truck?
We use a production-based transmission in our truck because of the class we race in. Most off-road race trucks these days use automatic transmissions of various brands, and each class has rules that dictate what you can or can’t use. Our Fabtech Ford F250 Super Duty truck uses a stock Ford Torque Shift 6-speed automatic transmission – the same unit you would get in a new truck from a Ford dealer if you buy a Ford F250, F350, F450 Super Duty Truck.
Submited by Anonymous
Why would an off road racer choose two-wheel drive over four-wheel drive?
Two-wheel drive has been more popular in the off-road racing arena for a few reasons. Weight is always a factor in any race vehicle. The four-wheel drive components add lots of weight in the front of the truck, which is not always a plus. With four-wheel drive also comes more moving parts that can fail or become damaged. Because they don’t have the front drive shaft and other moving parts to deal with, two-wheel drive trucks can achieve more front wheel travel to help handle bumps. Historically, two-wheel drive trucks have been very successful in off-road racing. Some stock production trucks used in racing, however, do maintain four-wheel drive components, which the manufacturers use to see how the components live in the extreme environment of off-road racing.
Submited by Anonymous
Do I need to run a separate battery for a winch or can I use the starter battery?
We don’t use a winch on our race truck at this time, but we do have two Optima batteries on board all the time. We have a battery switch that lets us choose either one or both batteries to be connected to the system at any given time. If you are using a winch and plan on moderate to heavy usage, I would suggest that you have a separate Optima battery just for the winch. You should also choose a different battery – an Optima YellowTop – for your winch, since winches typically use power differently than your starting system.
Submited by Anonymous
How much lift can I typically install on my vehicle without having to change brake lines and drive shafts?
This mostly depends on the lift kit you are planning to install. The manufacturer of the kit will provide recommendations for how to keep your vehicle safe. Some kits that are in the 4 to 6-inch lift range may not require you to change brake lines and drive shafts depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Again, the maker of the kit will know best and you should always call the manufacturer’s customer support if you aren’t sure. Improper installation can cause serious and dangerous issues. In cases like this, be extra careful; better safe then sorry stands out here.
Information contained in this communication is of a general nature and is subject to change without notice. Information is not intended to provide professional advice or to take the place of licensed professionals. You are encouraged to consult with a licensed professional about your particular circumstance prior to acting on any of the information contained herein. OPTIMA Batteries, Inc., makes no warranties, express or implied regarding the accuracy of information contained in this communication, and assumes no liability for loss or, damage (including death) resulting from the use of information herein.
