Adding 4 Link Suspension to a Bobbed Deuce - Xtreme 4x4 S6, E7

Our Military 6x6 is now a huge 4x4 and gets airbags and link suspension. We flip the rear hubs to match the front wheelbase, relocate the battery box, and finish up our 100% fabricated pickup bed. Plus, we'll put our fuel-saving street truck on a diet!
Part 1: • Building a Bobbed Deuc...
Part 3: • Bobbed Deuce: Big Truc...
PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Accuair: eLevel Air Management Package
Ballistic Fabrication: Rockwell Axle Brackets
Ballistic Fabrication: Rod End Tubing Adapters
Ballistic Fabrication: Ultra Duty Ballistic Joints
Boyce Equipment: RF Fender
Boyce Equipment: Two Battery Tray with Step

[@PowerNationTV]

We'll continue to post these episodes here on KZbin. If you can't wait for the rest of the build, visit our site to binge-watch: www.powernationtv.com/shows/xtreme-4x4

[@akilla4reala669]

PowerNation being that you have $3500-$4500 in it, how about taking this $5000 I have , and make me the happiest person on the East Coast!

[@Aint1S]

Love these and I'm tempted to just buy one to start my own grocery getter!

[@whome3744]

Tracey david did this a few yrs back .

[@jedd1004]

@@whome3744 Stacey David

[@SWOcustoms]

Why not a badass 6x6?

[@ianhayes9676]

I've watched every episode first airing. Was blown away at the time. Now I'm a mobile truck repair tech. Now rewatching this I totally understand it all. I can do alot of this with my eyes closed now. Amazing how time changes and simple shows like this influence us all. Thank you for putting these up so I can relive the awesomeness. I Don't think anyone is going to read this and care but this show is part of what groomed me as a person and I hope we can all just find what makes us happy and do that. Thanks Ian and Jesse we miss you

[@joemwas1]

So Syndrome from the Incredibles survived and was adopted by Power Nation

[@sinformant]

😂😂

[@popsjalopyemporium504]

"MY NAME IS NOT BUDDY!"

[@donutoplack2436]

With a little guy feiri

[@SpencerLemay]

I bet in high school this guy looked like Bobby Hill.

[@andrewerickson6690]

That was funny af . I read it and shot coffee out my nose

[@andyworks5428]

Already has built in air compressor and air tanks, adds air suspension with very expensive compressors and another air tank. Am I the only one scratching my head here?

[@siggyincr7447]

Product placement.

[@2litrepeter.]

It would be impossible for the existing system to run the additional components. You'd lose brakes.

[@andyworks5428]

@BearScoutFeelTheRush didn't know they were that bad.

[@jnic2003]

@@2litrepeter. uh how so??? they are air assist and the engine driven compressor is already way over powered for the truck???

[@geepuller1]

At least you can scratch your head. This guy cant even reach through the hair spray.

[@sirforsa]

Man, these Discovery Channel style shows blows hard. It's all so unauthentic, and that speaker voice awakens a deep rage in me.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

HOST: "Almost anyone can afford to buy and build these." ALSO HOST: "Custom 4-link, super heavy duty air bags, dual air pumps, custom wheel modifications..."

[@lukeunruh7102]

Joseph Turner only 350-4500 bucks. When you get all the tools and parts and labor for free.

[@DanielSmith-uy3yg]

So say you go out and blow the wad on tools, $10000 for a welder, fab tools and a bunch of hand tools. Say double his estimate for parts and materials plus a bit for other mods, another $10000. 20k and a month of weekends. Now a new half ton is probably running 30 to 50k. You could build this truck have all the tools for your next project and enough to buy a used but fairly new more fuel efficient daily driver for less than the cost of a new bone stock pickup... Doesn't seem like such a bad deal. And if it doesn't work out you could probably sell everything and break even...

[@Troph2]

@@DanielSmith-uy3yg All the fabrication I have seen could be done with a torch, angle grinder and welder. for $1000, nothing they did was complex.

[@DanielSmith-uy3yg]

@@Troph2 oh don't get me wrong if you were really dedicated you could shop garage sales and pawn shops and harbor freight ( or princess auto up here in the great white north) and easily gather all the necessary tools for quite a bit less than 1000 even. I was more just saying people will complain they don't have the money to go buy tools but will spend enormous amounts of money buying a new truck.

[@Ken19700]

He never said you could afford the finished product.

[@danareynolds1786]

Regarding the shock travel measurement: not that there would be a tremendous amount of articulation in the rear, but it seems like even a small amount of angle in the rear due to articulation would extend the shock beyond it's limit. I would add a couple inches to shock length & travel.

[@tcmtech7515]

Yep. I'd go further though. Fully inflate one side then completely deflate the other then jack the axle up on that side as far as the suspension travel will allow then do the measurement. On a truck that size you might find you need 3 - 4 more inches so shock travel to keep things working right.

[@64maxpower]

You guys built a bad ass truck. The military should be buying those

[@BlvdMinSS]

Cool build! Question...if you measure 8” of travel for the shocks, wouldn’t you want to go with a shock with a....let’s say a 10” travel so the shocks won’t bottom out?

[@markogilvy9939]

This guy really takes me back to the 90s

[@gregorygordon]

Keep these videos coming

[@stevenjennings8347]

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls God Bless Ya 🙏

[@Greaner762]

Rebuildable with derlin bushings! Sweet!

[@stepupauto]

Make extreme great again. Bring back Ian!!!!

[@redmunchkin]

Why add compressors for the air bags when there is already an engine driven compressor with air tanks that were just tucked up to the bed?

[@jesusisalive3227]

I've always wanted an old army 6x6!

[@williamhelus3522]

Really glad to see those leaf springs gone. Would love to do the same to my '98 S-10 pickup. BullyBilly.

[@ronniewilliz153]

Dang i thought more would hold the hubs to the drum. Killer vid tho. 👍💪

[@johanneskaufmann1593]

Why don't you use the existing compressed air system, and instead install 2 separate pumps?

[@jamessheets9205]

Because sponsors want their products seen.

[@GipDuece]

Same reason they put an elaborate 12v system on a 24v truck lol

[@elonmust7470]

To sell chit.

[@LilJim2031]

Yeah yeah Frosted tips!

[@rhubarbpie2027]

Ian Johnson is Guy Fieri in disguise after his show Diners, Drive ins, and Dives fell off. 😂

[@randyterrell682]

You took out the thing that made it cool. But I still like the show.

[@danielramsey1959]

I would have cleaned everything, sand blasted and then paint it.

[@americanpatriot2.06]

You would have to find a shop that is certified and equipped to remove, collect, and properly dispose of the CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) paint. It is a highly regulated paint due to it's highly toxic properties that can cause severe health issues and cancer if you inhale or ingest it. It is a hazardous material you do NOT want to deal with on a DIY level, nor do you want to deal with the EPA. I was a mechanic in the Air Force for 20 years and anytime we had to have our tactical vehicles refurbished and/or repainted, they had to go to a Government Depot Rebuild Center. We are not authorized to sand, scrape, or remove any of the paint. We can rust proof with regular paint to a certain point. If any repairs or rust proofing is needed, but does not require the vehicle to go to the Depot Center, they will send a mobile team out to perform the proper repairs and EPA guidelines are followed.

[@Tableaux15]

It looks to me that when you let the air out of the bags you are not getting near as much travel as you were talking about. It looks like those fender wells are bottoming out on the tires after only a few inches.

[@donaldmills4201]

I was thinking the same. Ass dropped like 4"s lol.

[@zukjeff]

suggestion that you mount the air bag ECU with the electrical connector at the bottom not at the top @9:00. That way you don't have to worry about water getting in to the electrics even though the connector looks to have a seal.

[@guardrail2897]

It would have been cheaper to hook the airbags into the compressor on the truck. You only need a splitter valve and ride height valve. And a switch inside to drop the airbags. With the ride height (leveler) valve, it doesn't matter how much weight is in the bed, it will automatically adjust.

[@hntrhckr4613]

Love your series! I think a great episode would be to do a 1994 Ford F-150 how to convert I beam to solid axel

[@tcmtech7515]

Just get the suspension from a similar year F250 4WD and or other heavier solid axle truck and refit but with less leaves in the spring stacks. Most of it will just bolt in. I have a 94 F150 4wd, F250 2wd and a F Super duty (450 - 550 equivalent) dually with solid front axle and all appear to have identical base frames regarding factory suspension and body bolt hole and related locations. Odds are the F Super duty front suspension and axle would drop right into the other two. It would just need less leaves in the springs and maybe a hub and related part down conversion to fit the 1/2 ton brakes and hubs on.

[@whitieford_rc948]

Or use the front axle from an f100 from like 68 until they made it ifs it’s the same width and uses coil springs

[@kevinjohnson9372]

If u wanted a stroke hard to break set up u could do the front and rear axels from a 250 4x4 and use the wheels from the 250 as well and u would never have to worrie about breaking the axels with the stock engine

[@nathanieldegeneffe3571]

You’d need to source an axle from a F350, F250 of that same generation used the twin traction beam (just a beefier version of what’s in your F150). I don’t believe adding leaf springs is a bolt on process, the frame from a 150 to a 350 is not going to be the same. I’m sure someone has logged their solid axle swap on a forum online, shouldn’t be too difficult to find.

[@whitieford_rc948]

my version you can use your same wheels and tires and is mostly bolt in and will cost you a third

[@trevin1691]

I can see it now a new class for the everyman challenge vehicle contained by vehicle as a spare

[@PatriotPainter]

The style of Guy Ferraro with the voice of Elmo. Awesome.

[@magnumcipher4971]

Canadian Elmo...

[@darylphipps890]

02 silverado, Z71 4x4...5.3, weights in about 6,200 (with tool box's and camper top) gets 18.9 - 19.2. But I drive only about 60 mph. And it has 263 k (plus) on the clock.

[@drsethsr]

With an air system already installed, why bother with more compressors for the air ride?

[@adamm2716]

cuz the sponsor said so

[@andreyalihov7621]

Cool

[@aiden7694]

11:14 kilroy was here - a world war 2 reference, the allies would put that all over the place. Eventually it made even Hitler himself question it and set up and investigation on it due to thinking Kilroy was a spy and that was his tag. Cool to see it pop up here on a chalkboard.

[@richardcornelius1050]

Aiden Jager-Crneck Kilroy was a munitions plant inspector and that was how he signed his work .

[@variousengineering1965]

I remember watching this show when I was little, helped encourage me to build. So what happened to Ian?

[@nghttrn001]

Is the bed hitting the tires before the bags deflate all the way? Lol

[@paulkushnir2224]

Why wouldn't you make that deck so it would tilt ...?

[@BR54966]

I have a 1966 US Army Bobbed Duece multi fuel, painted to Honor WWII VETS

[@Troph2]

Unless you had those tires and rims just laying around, there is no way you only have $3500 into this.

[@fadhilfashhan647]

Troubel is a friend man ...

[@H86250RR]

DERLIN!

[@MEANSBC]

Derlin.. It's Delrin... :P

[@BiitchSlapper]

R.I.P. Jessie

[@nate0765]

17:23 they slowed down the video just for that picture lol.

[@thatclintguy]

the shock length needs to be longer than the travel of the airbags - you also need to consider the travel of the axle under suspension articulation! Your shocks will bind and limit travel offroad if you fail to account for this..

[@ElectroAtletico]

Wow, it's "Extreme"!!! (rme)

[@beanz8630]

This guy sounds like a life smoke

[@danzmitrovich6250]

Boyce equipment there very good company and like Memphis equipment as well and they have the books about them

[@edwardmyers1746]

I woulda put bigger air tanks on. Also nice ford height sensor LOL

[@edwardmyers1746]

@bigtx77 no ford height sensor. Not leveling valve. Hight sensor, two different things

[@edwardmyers1746]

@bigtx77 I'm afraid you dont quite understand how the system works. It's only a sensor which relays info to a main computer, then the main computer can tell the valves what to do. The sensor isnt a valve. They are two separate pieces the valve body is mounted on the back of the cab. The sensor is mounted to the frame at the axle.

[@davusmaximus231]

Thanks for watching PowerNation, Ian's hair by Guy Fieri

[@miken.4693]

I thought the hair was done by adding a gallon of hair gel to your hair and having a fat guy fart in your face.

[@donaldshura1427]

nice what you've done but if it was me I would have left the two back axles and work from there

[@brownwrench]

Why the extra air compressors?

[@rat4spd]

I was thinking that. The brakes don't take much air since they are air assist.

[@AtomicReverend]

Because the compressor was a sponsor.

[@Winglessflight97]

Yeah. Kinda dumb when you've got an engine driven compressor that is super reliable.

[@jnic2003]

@BearScoutFeelTheRush what! the brakes are air assist, so they dont even use that much air. and Ur gonna try to tell me two electric pumps are more powerful then a super reliable engine driven one.

[@Winglessflight97]

@BearScoutFeelTheRush not true. That compressor was made to run and air system for an extra axle that he deleted plus two more axles for another 30 thousand pound trailer in toe. So yes it is strong enough. We drove these things on the regular when I was in the military and I know what they're capable of

[@texasbystander6533]

When cutting any parts that are painted with CARC paint I would recommend a respirator. The fumes are nasty for your health.

[@miken.4693]

He will figure that out in about 10-20 years when he’s in the cancer ward.

[@markleman8649]

Best way to watch your videos is turn sound off and fast forward around you.

[@OffGridOverLander]

I have the younger, but bigger brother, the M939. I’ve been thinking of changing out my front leaf springs for a 4 link. Do you think this would be a viable option with a front end that weighs just under 10k#? I’ve already sourced airbags that I want to use that are rated for 15k#.

[@Cragified]

You will be very unhappy with airbags. Airbags are for ride comfort. They seriously inhibit articulation and travel, which as your project is to make a RV overlander on the M939 5-ton you don't want to do. The only real suspension upgrade that was designed for the M939 was the TAK-4 double wishbone independent but never went to procurement instead the project became the MTVR. I would honestly suggest you spend your money and time more on making sure the 6x6 system is working properly along with the front axle override and get a wench to help you if you get stuck. The M939 and it's variants where not designed for speed. 55mph was the top and for most of the service life it was actually mandated limited to 40mph due to how accident prone it was.

[@onecanadianchip]

Where did you guys get the Deuce and half from?

[@crazyeyez1502]

The ramp idea is still cool for the tailgate, but why the hell not just make the damn bed 10ft to match the intended cargo, the Suzuki....

[@robertmiller5735]

You ask a guy who cut the back 1/2 of a 6x6 why he didn't make the bed long enough ? ROTFLMAO

[@ChuckUFarley90]

They're gonna take the Duece off-road. If the bed is super long, the rear departure angle is gonna be shit. Folding the tailgate while on the trail improves the angle slightly. If they moved the rear axle backwards to compensate, they'd be increasing the wheelbase, which isn't all that great on tight trails. Granted, the truck itself isn't going to be great on trails like that anyways, but every bit helps, I guess.

[@allenmckinney9533]

.15mpg can be the difference between driving styles.

[@karroome]

Opposing vee 4link suspension?. Doesn't this cause binding during heavy axle articulation? Or the "opposing" part takes care of that

[@witcher71]

Double triangulated links. Self-centering.

[@karroome]

@@witcher71 if they are not opposed there will be binding when articulated. And for self centering, only one set of links (upper or lower) needs to be triangulated. But for both to be triangulated, they have to be opposed

[@witcher71]

@@karroome I know.

[@sethmaki1333]

Personally I think I would have kept it the original length and kept the second rear axle.

[@Ozmandius]

Delrin! No such thing as derlin!

[@robertbeckler5058]

So what's the pressure in those tires?

[@caniwitech]

should've left the long bed and extra axle. i mean it was already perfect for hauling your off road toys. You cut the payload in half and then shortened the bed so much you need a heavy tailgate because the suzuki wont fit. didn't really think that one through.

[@josephholmes8518]

Want one

[@williamclark6900]

Does anyone know if the dumbed air is set for return to the tank or wasted out

[@MrJeep75]

A shorter original 9ft bed wouldn't look to bad

[@hunternelson3018]

Probably gonna want lockable diffs instead of a pdl

[@AndreRodrigues-ud3ub]

Anyone else notice he had ONTARIO plates??

[@benjamin5028]

Can a Humvee be made to burn the tires off and drifting?

[@rookie12101988]

Why not get a troop carrier and take the bench seats out?

[@mattedwards7788]

Drop the deuce!

[@Manche1989]

Why would the not utilize the 20 square feet of free space under and behind the seats to mount the air ride electronics that don’t like to be left out in the elements?

[@ikerobbins1264]

Anyone else notice he put the battery’s on the concrete floor

[@Nobody-U-Want-2-Know]

Ike Robbins And??? The myth of batteries on a concrete floor is related to long term storage. And it’s been disproven.

[@ikerobbins1264]

Greg Fulton calm down bro I only say it bc my dad allways told me it would drain them chill tf out

[@otsenres1636]

Is it me or the host is the coop character from megas xlr cartoon? 🤔😁

[@trebuchet1269]

If the Deuce is 24 volts how are you running your air suspension? Are the compressors 12 or 24 volts?

[@Mike-wc7em]

They probably just hooked up to one battery

[@GipDuece]

Mike1343 that much load on one battery will cook some shit real quick tho

[@Mike-wc7em]

@@GipDuece Actually just realized they could've just ran the 2 pumps in series, or both of different batteries, otherwise it wouldn't really be a permanent solution

[@mrap4709]

only thing i would have done diff is beef up pimp under hood qn add bigger tanks instead of pumps

[@XxTheNegotionxX]

Dropping your spare tire and tools out of the truck for MPG actual comedy

[@teamidris]

I live 3000 miles away and can’t do anything about them welding to the frame rails. If one of you USA guys or gals could pop round and stranglise them with the mig torch that would be great :o)

[@jonblack2656]

Also wanted to point out that it started hammering towards the end of the weld when they were putting on the airbags. God I wish someone would of just stopped them and shown them how to weld correctly

[@teamidris]

@@jonblack2656 I think here it would fail the yearly test. I was nearly failed for welding across the box section on the van chassis rather than along it. I got away with it because the bottom was replaced with 3mm steel when it rotted out. (Was 1mm)

[@danielbargas3377]

Did he forget it has on board air?

[@genestarwind4610]

Jersey Shore watched way too much Xtreme 4x4

[@dc-zk8th]

That's one of the most-american things I've seen this year. Not only the narrator and how big it is, just that nothing looks like it is planned and engineered. Just put some ready-to-install kits on it and there you go.

[@h2oskiaddict]

I hope Ian is getting some royalties on this. Sure miss him on this show. So is it Tommy Spy that we have to blame for the terrible direction that xtreme 4x4 went to?

[@deejayimm]

Is that a deuce? Looks like a 5 ton.

[@williamworth2746]

I would have honestly just replaced those tanks they're original to the truck probably

[@jackludlum6700]

Why not use air compressor and tanks that came on the truck

[@wallysonbsb2424]

Brasil Brasília 🇧🇷

[@johnathansmith9059]

79 pounds? In that little box? Maybe with the pallet..

[@kevspss]

Those sensors are called leveling valves in the trucking industry.

[@coltonhoffman9547]

Straight frame trucks have heat treated frames. Welding between front and rear most suspension points is not a great idea...

[@chriseason2785]

This guys voice is everyone's EX GF voice.

[@nicolasraage]

You said you have $3500 in it, and then talk about your 50" tires. Can you tell me where you shop for tires? Nice rig, btw

[@TonyBrainerdMN]

He explained that in the previous episode. There timed out military tires. Think he said a hundred bucks a piece

[@vallevaan]

watch the previous video, they said it there.

[@BFTEgodswarrio5939]

Someone called the hundred dollar guy believe he's in Texas

[@nghttrn001]

$100 each

[@Ulfstigandr]

This was also years ago. Dont be surprised if your $3500 doesnt get you as far.

[@marcioantoniozelayarodrigu3746]

Hola AMigos estoy en Honduras me Yamo Marcio soy fanático de hese tipo de modicion y me fascinan esos caros si yo compraría uno de heso ustedes me ayudarían con los respuestos donde se piden comprar y son militares como lo asen particular gracias

[@IRONHEAD12701]

The red fender looks like a bad case of diaper rash.

[@Raysboostin]

Why are you welding on truck chassis rails?

[@allianceofsteel]

moves air tanks up and away from obstacles, puts battery box back close to the ground..... 'smh'

[@tech4pros1]

also they welded to the frame, big no-no!! they should have drilled the flipped brackets for the existing bolt holes. if DOT see that, you're screwed.

[@tcmtech7515]

~17:00 WTF? "Every ~100 #'s takes off ~ 2% fuel milage." Okay so if I am hauling 1000 #'s in the back and pulling a 4K trailer at the same time, I get 0 MPG? Gotta be a ram issue cause my 1/2 ton Fords maybe lose 20 - 25% doing that. 🙄

[@ruebenoverton2996]

I have a hard time believing that they only have $3500 total into it, the cheapest 6×6 I've seen online was 7k and it was falling apart.

[@DeepOwl1073]

I just got 2 of them for 4k ea. They both run and drive.

[@IeeIee778]

Into it not for it

[@jeniferwilcox1334]

You made them suspension more complicated than it had to be the truck already had air with an air dump valve would have been all done

[@jeniferwilcox1334]

Lets take a simple easy air suspension and throw all the this extra electronic crap at it that's completely unnecessary you added so much extra crap it's unreal and not to mention you welded that shit to the frame just wow would not want this guy working in my shop I'd get sued the first week

[@brownwrench]

A simple leveling valve would eliminate the need for preset setup.

[@SteveSmith-we8gs]

It has got to be sin or crime or something to add a computer to a deuce and a half.

[@artardFTW]

why not just run the air bags off the compressed air tanks it already has?

[@HellTriX]

Are the 6x6s street legal?

[@PorousShark7688]

yes you nead to have a normal driving license no CDL