Fuel Efficient Mud Truck - EcoMudder

[Johnny Mullet]

I had a busy weekend and finally got the needed work done on EcoMudder and all my parts ready to go including the new control arms, welded transmission, and high-stall torque converter.........





After a few hours, I got the old transmission out and removed the control arms............







Installed the tranny and torque converter all by myself which was a pain in the ass, but it all went together easily when all lined up...............



I bought just regular, cheap, Dextron/Mercon fluid at AutoZone and installed a new pump seal and axle seals. I also pre-filled the torque converter before installing it. I then decided to take it for a drive.......







I have no idea why some people are saying it is going to be hard to steer this car with a welded differential, but I had no problems steering it even on the paved road. The high stall torque converter has to be the best modification I did to this car. The car drives like a normal car with an automatic transmission when driven normally, but if you punch the gas from a stop, there is a major difference in power! I can now break both tires free in the dirt or on wet roads!

After driving it around for a while, I brought it back and modified my washer fluid bottle and mounted it where the battery would normally sit.............



More updates later, but in the meantime, this car is ready for action at the mud park!

[elhigh]

I can't decide if this is hilarious or brilliant. Or both.

Probably both.

Man, it looks really good. Loved the Cat Yellow paint on the block just to sass things up.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

I have no idea why some people are saying it is going to be hard to steer this car with a welded differential, but I had no problems steering it even on the paved road.

On paved roads, the welded differential leads to a more irregular wear of the tyres, and it is more intense over 35 MPH.

[Johnny Mullet]

I got my 3Tech Performance racing cam and 10 degree advanced gear in the mail today along with my fuel pressure regulator and block off plate...........



Now to get the thing together and tune in the fuel system for the best power combo, but I think I am going to run it with the stock engine for the first event and then swap the cam and gear for testing purposes. The engine right now is bone stock except for an underdrive pulley (more power and less mud slinging than the stock one) and .020 oversized pistons.

With the current setup it performs quite amazing with the high stall converter.

[Johnny Mullet]

Got my trailer to haul the Ecomudder to the mud parks.........

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Which vehicle you use to tow that trailer?

[Johnny Mullet]

My old 95 Chevy 1/2 ton 4X4 should do it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

My old 95 Chevy 1/2 ton 4X4 should do it.

GMT400 is still one of my favorite Chevy truck bodystyles. BTW which engine is yours fitted with? 350?

[Saskwatchian]

BaHaHa, I love it!

Let us know how it goes running with the big boys. I bet it will raise some eyebrows with it's lighter weight and ATV tires. Despite being FWD it should pull along quite well in the sloppy stuff, as long as you don't stop. Actually with your mods it should launch itself pretty well. Man that thing looks like fun.

Did you add any recovery points? Do you know the current vehicle weight?

I think the welded diff should be more than OK for your intended purpose. It's not like a fully locked 4x4 and should handle much better than a locked RWD vehicle.

I had a B2200 with poor-mans traction control (handbrake to each rear wheel) and while it definitely helped getting unstuck it wasn't that easy to use on the fly and would not recommend it.

Talking about hand brakes, Have you considered rigging a brake to lock the rear tires for super-sharp turns like some rockcrawlers with a rear-disconnect?


Anyway love your project and have fun on the trails.

Try not to get run over

[Johnny Mullet]

Recovery chain installed.........