Building The FIRST Modular Dana 80 E-Axle for a 4x4

[@devil2jz500]

Your channel is an eclipse where blue collar and rocket science meet together. I absolutely love watching all those videos. I’m currently working on a 12 valve swap into my Land Cruiser, and an M57 turbo diesel swap into my 72’ BMW 2002. Thank you for the inspiring content.

[@stephanematis]

Speaking of the RV market, that is a brilliant place to start small and grow the rolling chassis setup. In fact, perhaps the best place. I can imagine Overland style rigs with 4x4 from electric, max torque and small diesel being a Unicorn setup with great demand too.

[@robtheknob7791]

Absolutely

[@TheJestercraft]

Pulse the RV industry just got hit with Banns in California and 5 states followed. New hybrid power train Edison motor-home makes lots of sense. No need to a Aux generator. Big battery for the week of camping, then fire up the generator and head home.

[@MrBenstero]

Even a bigger RV would benefit from that. You don't need the small generator anymore and really most people buying those wouldn't mind adding 40-50k on top of a 400k RV if they can double their fuel efficiency and remove a lot of the drivetrain that needs servicing. Even if you just do the class C chassis there's a huge market for that. Class A would benefit from the same tech as your logging trucks. Retrofit or install on a new frame before it goes to the manufacturer to have the body built.

[@klapaucius77]

Great to see something actually being developed and built in North America!

[@Fall2Caine]

The slow breakdown into "should we just build a truck and sell it as a body swap kit?"😂

[@rangerismine]

Scope creep is a dangerous thing. Just like in the movie Pentagon Wars.

[@calebkz]

I think there is a definite use case to build the chassis as a middle ground. It would be a platform that could be used by a cab building partner for a proper truck, a retrofit kit, and it sounds like there is potential for other partnerships (rv’s) to help offset the development cost.

[@optiquest86]

​​@@calebkzThe RV market would be huge, as there's so many people who would be charging the battery pack from their photovoltaic systems and then using the generator as a backup to that.

[@SirAnderw]

​@rangerismine People mention that movie and book but forget to mention that the Bradley is an extremely successful vehicle. In many battles, it got more enemy tank kills than the M1Abrams and can still carry troops.

[@rangerismine]

@ You’re definitely right. I think the point of the movie was just to show the expensive continual development and moving goalpost in a lot of government projects.

[@theonly9]

Might I recommend Grede. I know you guys might want this as Canadian as possible, but Reedsburg, Wisconsin might as well be Camada. I'm actually a project engineer in foundry engineering there, and we frequently discuss Edison and what ya'll are doing with a great level of admiration. We can make a thousand tons/day of automotive ductile iron castings and own some of our own machine shops.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thank you for reaching out! Can you send us an email to [e-mail]?

[@ToasterrBath]

Nice!

[@Trinitybolduan]

@@DEBOSSGARAGEif you need another foundry close, Badger Foundry in Winona MN makes or has made parts for many cars/trucks.

[@jameslathrop7226]

Badger foundry and Winona welding could make that stuff quickly

[@dalefearman6289]

Make sure your dif cover hugs the ring gear enough to splash the oil up to the top components. I've seen these shiny finned covers destroy the pumpkin because the openness of the cover didn't draw oil up far enough. Love this project!

[@notimportant5205]

Gale Banks does a whole video with a clear cover that makes your point very clear... good catch!

[@Zipppyart]

This! I remember when Gale Banks designed his own, that was one helluva rant!

[@optiquest86]

Is it possible to partner with Banks for the pumkins?

[@jcar1417]

Wonder how straight cut gears carry oil , would be interesting to see if there is a difference. Plexiglass diff covers for some R&D!

[@g6qwerty]

They did get it close but it don't look like a smooth transition from housing to back cover of the diff.

[@jonathanjones3053]

My favorite part about sundays is watching deboss work on his project trucks while i procrastinate working on mine

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thanks for watching brother!

[@hitempguy]

Honestly, this kit would be an amazing retrofit for RV's. That would be BIG money

[@georgemarino5327]

What a great video, The talent in this is unbelievable

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thank you for that!

[@Rossco139]

I love seeing "regular" people build stuff. I can't get enough of this RnD/build! Regarding the rolling chassis idea... I know it's a totally different situation, but when I originally bought my 1967 C30, I was planning to do a Ford 4X4 swap on the original chassis....however after alot of thought, I realized it would be MUCH less work to start with a complete Ford chassis. Especially since I was going to be using a ZF6/manual shift tcase, on top of the Ford axles/driveshafts. Not only would I be starting with all original mounts, transmission crossmember, etc. But it saved me from having to completely fabricate all new custom suspension, and allow me to utilize already engineered aftermarket Ford suspension options. (which I plan to do.) Not only that, but i was going to have to modify and shorten the c30 frame ANYWAYS. I'll still have to swap the cab over, but now I have a complete (albeit shortened) chasis, suspension, steering, etc. Anything underneath the cab is going to be available off the shelf from Ford, outside of the steering column, wiring, and shortened rear driveshaft. (And of course the old Deutz under the hood!) I'm not saying that a universal chassis makes sense, but it might be reasonable to have some sort of core, or exchange program where you have 2 or 3 models of pre-built chassis that can be utilized. Build up a chassis, swap the customers body on, keep their chassis, and start the process over again. It would dramatically reduce turnaround times, as well as potentially eliminate any unexpected surprises that arise when modifying/dealing with miled-out rigs.

[@Rossco139]

Sorry. That was a bit long winded 😂

[@brycestewart3181]

When I worked at CAT we used a freezer to shrink the timing gear shaft to slip fit it into the hole. Heat / cold can do the same thing, very cool.... Thx for sharing , very nice work.... We used hydraulics to pull the shafts out when needed.

[@3vil8unny]

I would do this to my 2012 ram 2500 and use my 1.9 tdi diesel as a generator cant wait to see how this plays out incredible so much talent

[@Sah-o5m]

I would enjoy seeing this :)

[@matthewgray3375]

Love your work, especially enjoy seeing the engineering people involved in the process, you work with seriously talented people

[@TJ-oi5qe]

I love to see this process and am especially proud to hear how dedicated you guys are to, Made in Canada! This is what our country needs.

[@Prairietrucker]

The idea of making a universal rolling chassis definitely makes the most sense from a logistics stand point. You can have all your part shipped to one assembly line and the just ship a chassis to the installers. Obviously cost is going to play a big part but I think the "Edison Motors universal chassis" has some big potential

[@timgolub7508]

So much for retrofitting…

[@konobikundude]

I'd even suggest inviting and co-locating a separate business to do the rolling chassis option. It would provide really high quality, immediate and detailed feedback. You don't need to do everything yourselves upfront and it's worth concentrating on what provides the best returns based on your differentiating value proposition.

[@MudOilnGears]

@Prairietrucker a universal chassis isn’t possible.

[@AbominableJoshie]

That works more for a semi. A modern pickup truck chassis is tailored to the body and crash tested. Crumple zones are added for safety, the body mounts are in specific places for specific reasons. Putting a universal chassis (and thus likely VIN number) on the road would probably require crash testing and that would make it ultimately impossible. Medium duty trucks and larger are just two flat beams with crossmembers. A 'trim to fit and go' solution would fit that way better.

[@OpTicBossaru]

​@@AbominableJoshieThere's company's that currently sell replacement and custom frames for street trucks. You'd make the frame an adjustable length with a slip joint and some holes in the outer rail for plug welding. Movable cab mounts. There's only so many different setups to accommodate. There's like 4 gens of f series to fit. Some probably share the same mounting points. then the few different cab and bed lengths. So maybe 20 options per mfg. You just need to go measure all the trucks you can get your mits on and see what mounting holes you need to drill in the frames and what brackets to sell to accommodate said setup. Repeat for the big 3 mfg's Even if they do a drop down tree of your trucks year, make, model and config and weld up the frame to the right length and ship you all the brackets you need, it would be fine.

[@AndrewSpencer-z2n]

These guys in the machine shop have serious skills

[@humboldthillbilly1848]

Your comment about not wanting to run on the coast side of the ring gear during regen to avoid premature failure makes me wonder why trucks that engine brake (exhaust brake, holding in 3rd, etc) don't have premature ring gear failure. They are taking power from the wheels and sending that power back to the engine through the coast side of the ring gear. What's the difference between engine braking and regen braking? I love what you're doing, and I'm always excited to see the process in your videos.

[@verteup]

I'm interested in the answer to this as well.

[@572hemi2]

"The Edison Way"...great new paradigm!!

[@rangerismine]

Building a generic front and rear 8 lug axle would be the easiest option. Then you would weld on the appropriate brackets/spring pad spacing for each specific application.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

By doing it this way, all the parts for each truck is still stock. ABS sensors, brakes, and bearings etc.

[@rangerismine]

⁠@@DEBOSSGARAGEI understand that way of thinking. It all looks great though. Can’t wait to see more videos on it!

[@quartamile]

Wow, can't wait to see what kind of conversion kits y'all come up with! Bless up!

[@shawnsack1]

I think building axles is more beneficial because then you still have value in the used axles to sell and recoup some money and I think, atleast with front axles, the resale value is greater than the excess cost of building a complete axle.

[@apersunthathasaridiculousl1890]

Been excited for this update! Retrofitting literally anything gets me excited!

[@Velkanis]

well, RV's with a more standardized frame size, space and already somewhat custom built would make more sense to have a universal rolling chassis for them as they have a much larger flexibility, its the most similar idea to what the Edison Semi Truck is more or less. However, half, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks have a much more customized frame, cab and other specs for their very own packaging needs and they are wildly different making it so modular axle assemblies for everyone would make independent modifications to fit whatever they have without inspections, insurance or anything getting in the way, for example, we here can modify any vehicle before '92 however we want but after that it can only be either an engine/powertrain offered with it or newer and better emissions compliance; once done to get registration you HAVE to get the vehicle inspected that it isnt a hazard on the road for everyone else, and then insured... and insurance companies hate custom cars..

[@outintheboondocks1466]

YAY!!! I've been clicking on my subs list for what seems like an eternity, hoping and praying for an update! Finally, today was the day! What a great surprise after church. So many things I could say but everyone else seems to have them covered. You guys are next level though and I can't wait to see how this all comes together. My 79 F-250 is just sitting there, waiting to be born again... lol

[@cannonroberts5129]

You can tell this is a group of designers, fabricators, and mechanics that will just get shit done AND the solution will outlive their grandchildren!!!!

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thanks man!

[@thunderbolt10031]

This project is a dream from a fella working for an electrical engineering degree who also loves trucks. Can't wait to see what comes next!

[@Scoots1994]

23:22 Princess Bride reference. I approve.

[@cdnkitesurfer]

Amazing work. When's the IPO? Where do I put my name in for a rolling chassis?

[@calebkz]

Building a rolling chassis makes sense from a business case if you have partners from RV companies etc. it can be a platform to build the components and allow the retrofit kits to have interoperability with those components. It seems like you have done 75% of the work on designing a chassis anyways!

[@coronapack]

What about non 4x4 versions? Alot of us have no use for 4 wheel drive as our work trucks are on highway trucks.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

The beauty is the axle setup will cost you 1/2! You don't need the front axle, but for prototype we definitely want to prove it works

[@marcelbroesky4945]

Please commit to a rolling chassis. I'm ~3yrs from needing to replace my truck. I'd like to choose a favourite cab and box to place on a brand new modern chassis!!

[@ACatKrom]

For the rear, I'd do all new everything, order all new tubes, with new spindles friction welded to an o.d. ground tube (make them all the longest length) cut the tube to order, weld on new mounts in the correct place for application. I'd also press/weld the tube to the center section, instead of bolting them on. Axles shafts can be ordered for the longest normal length, with long enough splines on one end so all you need to do is cut to fit. Do as little in house custom work as possible, and order as many exactly alike parts as possible, larger order=cheaper per piece cost.

[@denniswobbe3157]

FINALLY an update on the Ram!!!!! I’ve been waiting for this!

[@pjthatsfine3591]

43:26 - is that a 70 series land cruiser in the background - in North America!! Watching in Australia, can anyone explain?? I didn’t think they were available there.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

We are building one for a mining company! Update coming soon

[@vmoney9106]

This was a great episode, but I was distracted by that Land Cruiser in the background at 43:35.

[@APatchworkCanvas]

You guys are doing amazing work. Great job to everybody involved!

[@bilttokarse5296]

I like the idea of the new frame. R&R cab and add your payload / uitlity body. Quick adapters for electical and other equipment. Looks Great !!!

[@rangerismine]

Dynatrac would be a good American company to contact about casting the center chunks. The company builds their own custom axles.

[@persistentwind]

Thought they moved to China? Where is their casting plant these days?

[@rangerismine]

⁠@@persistentwindTheir website says that everything is manufactured in the USA.

[@persistentwind]

@rangerismine i see that but I can't find anything to confirm besides their website... still i wonder who casts the parts for them.

[@rangerismine]

@@persistentwindI can’t find anything either about it 😂

[@persistentwind]

@@rangerismine i only wonder because China is buying up so many us businesses so fast...

[@alowitiousmckay5563]

I love watching you guys win. You've all worked so hard and deserve every victory. Good luck and Godspeed!!

[@johnerdis5094]

That's an exciting project. Some really smart fellas there coming together to make it work.

[@custommolding349]

Good Day Gentlemen, a new chassis from a dealer for most of us is priced out of the question because of the cost. For the next 10 years, we need retro kits for existing chassis. I'm not sure I talk for everyone who is waiting to see the kit, I would focus on that for the next 5 years. Then, come up with a chassis of your own with a three cab and box modular system that can be built wherever it needs to be assembled. Like getting a kit car. Have fun, I like what you are doing.

[@williammontie7058]

That is awesome, my 2 dodge 3500's would be happy in a new pair if legs, lol. Keep up the great work

[@CAF51]

A ladder chassis for RVs could really work. Battery half keeps the house running overnight, diesel half keeps it running along the big stretches of interstate. Coach builders is truly an uncontested market in gas vs ev.

[@shaneallen2395]

Alumco Inc is a aluminum Foundry in Cayuga, Ontario. They may be able to help you guys out.

[@jondoe2542]

9 years in the making! Friggin rights boys!

[@MartinHurley]

Super impressed with that build and how it was executed to align everything. You got the right partners involved.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

TNK are awesome to work with and 5 minutes down the road

[@Zipppyart]

@@DEBOSSGARAGE Just got a pair of their boots. loving em so far!

[@mrscottcheek]

So I really hope that the line “design to retrofit any truck from the last 60 years” isn’t just a tease. I’ve got a few 80s model full size jeeps that are just screaming to be electric diesel. This particular video is very exciting to watch your process and different directions you are looking to go.

[@EyeMWing]

You really have 10 addressable markets: New build trucks (vocational heavy, on-highway heavy, medium, maaaybe light); conversions of existing trucks (heavy, medium, light); rolling chassis (heavy, medium, light). The rolling chassis markets are an easy 'do this last' - once you have running production for the other categories and a library of parts configuration, it's as simple as an RV or bus or step van company making contact, and paying you for some engineer hours to take your existing parts catalogs and match them to their needs and designing out a a set of frame rails with the parts in the places they need, and then just slotting that half-a-truck into your production schedules (or shipping them a pile of parts and letting them assemble the whole thing). Vocational heavy and conversions are the places where nobody else is playing, so they're the places you should be starting, for sure.

[@ericdincauze3984]

Love the idea of the universal chassis ... hopefully it won't be too much more costly to produce than the retro kit. Either way I know you guy's will come up with the best system in the end!

[@davidbush1706]

Hello DeBoss, RV market guys would beat your door down for this set up

[@PhantomHelix]

How is a standard Truck suspension going to deal with the increased twisting moment of that heavy thing hanging off the front of that diff?

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Traction bars

[@livingeveryday777]

Now that’s the kind of partnership I like to see, Deboss and Edison. Not a full EV fan, but I’d buy trucks off you guys

[@josephbuescher6293]

Would it be easier to have a standard edison axle and have hubs for ford or dodge/gm bolt paterns. Then weld spring hangers on as needed

[@jfroux1]

Wow! I hope you'll make a kit for Early Bronco soon! Keep up the good work!

[@ridhobaihaqi144]

I never see an automotive engineering project like this in my country.

[@McCanicScot420]

I’m just amazed that Canada has actually made something besides the Canadian arm.

[@Rewind15Seconds]

Nice work.

[@this_guy6965]

I was just thinking this afternoon about how cool it would be to body swap a tri-five onto a Trailblazer chassis, then I see this

[@mattgraham1983]

🤔 the idea of buying a frame ready to go makes a lot of sense but also having the option to retrofit a frame would be ideal. I also think a ready to go frame will be overall cheaper to produce on a production level and a body swap might be faster

[@ToasterrBath]

I’m thinking the same thing, there’s reasons for both. I can see a body swap saving time and money assuming the computers don’t create a lot of problems.

[@benconverse6158]

@@ToasterrBath I think that the body swap option would be good for a guy wanting to build a custom rig in his garage. If the majority of the components were in place so you just had to make the body fit and necessary control connections, then you dont necessarily need to even work with the 400/800v electrical. Also, if you were converting something like a Ford F5 or Chevy C50, you could get a modern suspension setup from the "factory," rather than having to convert all of that yourself!

[@ToasterrBath]

@ I can see that. I’d rather have components if I was converting my own stuff at home. Shop trucks or service trucks, I could see both depending on the situation.

[@jaycrank8163]

Make a frame with all wires and batteries done so you can plug in the rest of the generator.This will make it easier to ship with out the wheels. The rest can be added or brought at the owners

[@Jdmorris143]

This is super exciting to watch. I can only imagine how you feel about it coming much closer together.

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

You are building an E axle here in North America?

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Yes we are!

[@markskowronski499]

like someone else said a rolling chassis is an excellent idea as another side line of the company but for pickups and all the different designs out there, i say keep it simple. Rear end swap is simple and can be the same design between all pickup models but varied by width of frame and include ABS sensor mounting. The front ends will have to be vehicle specific. This in my view is the simplest solution with the least amount of down time and machining required at installation. Keep it simple so a guy in his garage can install them because that will also be your market/customer. Like me!!

[@mikescott1307]

Mind blowing..Great work guys! 🇨🇦

[@Buddha_the_Pug]

This is amazing work. That truck is going to be awesome

[@staceycook7352]

Just as I'm sitting here with a coffee wondering what I'm going todo today...well I just made another coffee and going to enjoy this! Thanks rich! If yall are around I'm just at TMP in cayuga and can swing by for a visit

[@iangourlay7896]

Wow! Thats some work, congrats guys. A rolling chassis would be great but thinking of overseas clients, like myself, I see an axle replacement a better option. Registering vehicles is so different in other areas, for instance, here, I need the original number plate to match the original chassis number to be able to keep it on the road. The fewer new parts, the easier I would see it being. Keep up the great work 👍

[@nearenuff8796]

If you do decide to build complete axles, then base them on an existing popular axle where parts like brakes, bearings, ball joints, etc. are readily available (preferably driveshafts too). One thing that will put off business customers is lack of parts availability

[@KDlGG]

I think both should be an option for sale, that being the rolling chassis and retrofit because both have their application. People who have a perfectly fine truck but just want to convert the retrofit will be perfect. But for those with a frame that lets just say is weak or rotted or less than ideal, the frame would be perfect as those would typically be older trucks and their frame I don’t think could handle the power or load well

[@DrewUlmer-ls6pt]

I would definitely allow you to convert my 1994 chevy k3500 to these axles, just let me know, you would probably need to do tests when you were done, however long it takes, but I could take it back and display it for you guys at various conventions and related car shows. You guys are sitting on a gold mine! Lets talk

[@averysenior6571]

I will be doing some trucks at some point and I would prefer a core system personally even if you have to ship your axles and wait on the machining and you send them back. Glad you guys are doing what your doing!

[@1944chevytruck]

AMAZING CONGRATS!

[@jordang94]

can i drop off a resume? you wont be disappointed im one of few good honest and reliable workers , im 30 so just past the lazy know it all kid era lol. my current job i got a take home truck in 6 months because they wanted to keep me , it took the senior guys ten years to get a take home truck . anyways love the content !! and the ram ! p,s im a ram/cummins guy lol

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Send some more info to [e-mail]

[@calebheberling6364]

Make a rolling chassis, it will be better in the end. You will have less quality control issues and can confirm that is installer error if you take that variable out, it will then give you more room for advancement and volume.

[@jcar1417]

Except it would have to pass safety and crash test standards which would mean a lot more time and a lot more dollars.

[@scottlagasse3182]

Could a straight cut ring and pinion be make to replace the factory set. Flange made mount smaller motor about the same torque as stock, to the pinion side. Like you were saying electric motor to the pinion.

[@spacee3249]

I'm excited to see how this turns out - id honestly like to do a hybrid - electric snowmobile, but i got a bigger project to finish first

[@fully_retractable]

The rolling chassis idea is gonna be a winner imho, especially if they could be modular. We kinda need to be real when it comes to the necessity for something to fill the gap between fossil fuels, and electric. Hybrid designs are going to fill that void and possibly take over until we figure something else out.

[@jamessizemore7103]

45:43 is that exhaust gonna clear?

[@nickabel8279]

Ignoramus here... Think you should start with full kids for cab swaps. This way you know ppl have complete kids for the amount of power. Plus you'll be able to figure out programming as ppl put on more bodies. Then start supplying the parts for diy and you'll have answers for the inevitable flood of questions

[@StormbringerMM]

Hell yea would love to see as much as possible manufactured here by’s

[@jazzerbyte]

Fascinating build! I think the burger ended up at 0.020 undersized. 🙂

[@young11984]

I think when it cimes to using 20-30yr old truck parts there has to be a certain level of liability risks on that old abused metal for a front/rear diff with more torque than was available back then. I would prefer to buy complete axles with all new parts. Im patiently waiting for a kit for my 2WD 2000 f250

[@brandonadams136]

Hey Rich, you might want to look into how Banks Engineering designed their ram air diff cover. There is a lot of insight into how the gear oil flows inside the diff in their videos. As well as a lot of information on how aftermarket diff covers don't run much cooler because of how they disrupt oil flow.

[@dfro7159]

Yes build chassis and sell with appropriate body mounts for whatever cab and front ends the customer wants would be best and probably the cheapest when you consider labour costs associated with doing this type of work at different facilities. I’ll take a 4x4 version for s aluminum ford f250. With dual rear wheels. I want it for a ramp truck wrecker.

[@theskydiverdriver7193]

Crazy fascinating stuff ! Blazing new trails...hell yeah!

[@firebry23]

If you're making custom axles for the front axle, why not move the diff to the center of the axle?

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

It gets in the way of the steering and track bar, and the oil pan

[@gotthumbs2235]

As he explained it... existing steering components in the various potential swaps.

[@cherylweber1246]

Don't forget the filler and drain plugs.

[@bruceeggleston2871]

I'm in Texas i have both market here, I'd say for the rolling chassis do a swap you send one and get the core from the customer, or for some cost kits are better

[@950rpm]

I think a core system would be great, and then possibly have different product lines, ie a stock daily driver line where its model and year specific, but you are able to get a direct replacement axle. Then the custom line could be for people to choose how their fully built custom axle is done with all the options, like with or without airbags, wheel speed sensors, disc brakes, lockers, custom widths, all the stuff. Would come with a longer lead time and a more premium price.

[@Joe-xq3zu]

16:40 Well that's certainly the most inventive parts oven I've seen.

[@traviscarr2295]

Rich I believe that extra weight sitting on the front of the differential is gonna cause havoc on the leaf springs and ride quality... My f250 struggles with axles wrap/recoil already without the added load of the motor hanging off the front .

[@codyd3082]

the biggest issue with the body swap chassis for edison motors especially the pickup chassis is the safety certification, the current frame that comes with the chevy, ford, ram, and etc. is the frames are rated for the impacts and are tested. The U.S. gov is going to look at that and if the chassis swap frames aren't tested the govt wont let them through, so I say for saving money in that sense stay with the stock frames

[@Sah-o5m]

? It seems like jeep guys replace the frames all the time and uncle Sam only cares about the original Vin tag

[@zarkeh3013]

9:00 -ish ... Okay! Now do Oil Flow Analysis! Is oil going where it needs to? Is it Frothing up and not getting where it needs to? What amount of oil? Minimum and maximum? ... I feel that Oil is a part of the machine as any hard part is! Oil RIght Matt... uh lol.

[@Th3Mast3rL0ck]

+170 lbs of rear tire traction, in my view im saving bed space

[@andrewlippincott]

Honestly a body swap makes more sense from a manufacturing standpoint or make it so you can cut the center of the frame out and add a new frame section bolted in. Then all the components are fitted as a kit. Wider frames are also safer and ride better. But for someone that wants to do this in their spare time and has time to build it then go with a standard frame

[@xozindustries7451]

I’m surprised you didn’t go with a sheet metal fabricated rear axle housing for cost savings. Are you going to do some sort of rear torque arm to keep the rear springs from wrapping with all that weight on the front of the axle where the pinion would usually be?

[@MADAmechanical]

Is there a gasket or silicone used to seal the axle tubes to the gear case on the sides?

[@kevinjohnson5389]

I would guess they will use an anerobic flange sealent

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

The groove was for an o-ring

[@badasschassis4407]

I think the ev axles make sense for the 5-10 yo truck but full frames would be great for vintage bodies and custom builds

[@benstrait333]

You're talking about lots of different options you could offer. Maybe long term you can grow into making lots of different ways to market your idea, but I think you would be best off to pick one concept and get that up and running and add other ideas later. My advice would be to commission a market study to try to figure out which option will be the widest market and/or the most profitable.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

First option is to get 450 and 550 trucks down the road. Once we prove the kit, Dana already makes an electric S110. While we get money rolling in, we can pay for the development of our dual motor

[@chadstocking9848]

Rolling chassis