Just make a transfer case. Every 4x4 has one and everyone can find a driveshaft shop to adapt front and rear axles. Could make a 1500, 2500, to you name it version. The more simple you can make it for mechanics and fleets the more you can sell. GL Rich
Edison tried that with their first semi truck prototype, Carl. All it did was snap u-joints, and you can't use Regen on the coast side of the ring gear. Electric axles are straight cut gears. Plus, there is not enough room
I worked for a company that was also bolting a generator to a diesel engine. Instead of a solid rear axle, the vehicles were to use electric hub motors. This allowed the cargo area to be lowered, increasing the volume by almost 30%. The battery pack was nickle-metal hydride and could power the vehicle for 50 miles. With air suspension, the back bumper could be lowered to ground level. Our goal was to make all UPS and FedEx trucks hybrid.
Rich, I cannot express how excited I am for this. I am an engineer with Progress Rail. Caterpillar's locomotive division (previously Electro-Motive Diesel). I work on the Diesel electric systems daily. The fact that Edison Motors is creating this system for heavy haul trucks and now working with Deboss Garage to bring it to the pickup market, gets me really excited. This is definitely the way forward with emissions and work in mind vs the fully electric setups. Keep up the good work guys, I am rooting for you!
Is CAT aware of them working on this? Seems like it could benefit them to work with them a bit. It would be sorta cool if CAT brought Edison up to Fort Mac to do some test runs hauling their equipment from one of the mines back to their shop. Even if they have another truck with them just in case the Edison truck breaks down but it would still be a good test of the truck.
@bobstitzenberger1834 so far it doesn't seem to be working as planned. I have not experienced any. I ran one set that was natural gas powered. That one didn't last long.
SHOUT OUT TO THAT COMPANY WHO DONATED THAT TRUCK!!!!!!!!! They didn’t have to but wow are they awesome people for helping the cause. People need to support them and Edison for what there doing. Cram-a-lot way to go thanks!!!!!!
"I don't think anyone's as excited about a 30-year-old, 2nd gen, gas, 2WD truck as I am" My guy... Twister was the first PG-13 movie I was allowed to watch in theaters. To me, those 2nd gens are the prettiest Ram ever, and I'm pretty sure the one in the movie was also a gas 2WD. I'm RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED to see this one go electric!!
The twister ram was a 4wd, decals on the back and front diff visible sometimes. And i know cummins is the good dodge engine but my god i want a ext cab long bed red v10 ram. Such a beautiful truck.
I love that you guys are thinking of the future servicing. Bringing back reliability into auto manufacturing. A keep it simple approach is what has been lost in manufacturing. Good job 👏
Regarding the CAN bus network, if you all tackle this on your own I would suggest getting a Kvaser leaf or some other USB to CAN device with SocketCAN. There are free or open source softwares such as SavvyCAN or CANable that will allow you to monitor bus traffic and highlight changes to reverse engineer the signals on the bus. Isolating modules so that only one module is on at a time is a good way to identify which module is transmitting at which IDs, then you can manipulate the sensors going to that module to determine which message contains what information. Im a control systems engineer for a large upfitter and I do this at work to reverse engineer chassis signals such as Engine RPM, transmission statuses, HVAC information, etc.
Knowledge envy! Control data is the one that eludes me. I'm putting a 99 Det 6.5TD in my 86 E350 RV. Including the 4l80E. I like ST microcontrollers as they have 2 CAN buses and many other options. I submitted a design to ABS for a submersible using reduntant controllers for the under water comms, audio conversion from sea to air, and emergency backup for life support. It was hand written and in pencil, and passed 1st presentation. Sub failed as they had just doubled life support requirements 2 weeks earlier.
There is TruckDevil too which is an opensource tool built for accessing ECUs that use J1939 on the CAN Bus. The maker even made an awesome tool to show off at DEFCON a few years back to plugin parts to simulate stuff real time outside of the truck (super useful for testing things that might break real things!).
Hey Rich and Crew, my name is Tim and I'm from Springdale, Arkansas and my Great Uncle Jimmy, aka, Jim Ulrich and his good friend and partner, Jack Perry started Cram-a-Lot back in 1978 and I used to do work there when I was 14, sweeping and cleaning. It's SO cool to see what your doing and seeing that truck takes me so far back. I'm looking forward to watching your crew and Edison do all these great things with hybrid diesels. I have a 2009 Dodge 2500 Cummins 6.7 long bed (box) and the wheels in my head have me geting ready to put together a project that will certainly drive her nuts... Boyah! Keep going!
Tim, What a cool connection. I'm Jack's grandson and am running the company. Jim was a great inventor/fabricator. I believe he would be excited about this project.
As a heavy diesel mechanic, it brings me a sense of peace watching your videos, actually seeing your dreams and ideas come to life. Wrenching used to be a passion and I couldn’t wait for more parts to show up to add-on/fix my stuff. Since that’s all I do now for work, it takes all the enjoyment away. I can appreciate your dedication to your builds and the inspiration you’re giving for everyone watching to go out and think beyond the book, make it work the way it does in your visions. Keep up the great work.
I would like to see a setup where the original axles are left alone. Engine, generator, 1 single electric drive motor, and transfer case are mounted sequential of each other. Only the front and rear driveshafts would need to be made to length. That way all the high wear items can be serviced like before and parts are more ‘off the shelf’. Seems like it would be the easiest way to ensure the kit is drop in. Only issue would be finding 1 electric motor strong enough to drive both front and rear axles, and ensuring the original driveline can handle the torque.
Depends on whether the federal statutes allow reliance on the original certification. This isn't just a one off retrofit. It's a company offering a package. I'm not sure how it would be treated, I don't know the onroad regulations well enough. Off road equipment, I'll say it depends.
@@unclesam239 Rich already explained that, doing it that way just adds more strain to the factory parts, the driveshaft and the axle won't be abble to hold the instant torque the electric engine produces for too long, something will break eventually, they have thought this very well, they are not just mashing parts together.
the whistle/scream on acceleration on the l5p says it likely has a blown charge cooler line (left side exhaust pipe from manifold to turbo mount sometimes makes this noise when the flex joint breaks), was driven like that till the dpf got packed, at 140-150% soot the reduced power message hits and it wants a service regeneration to clear the dpf, this requires a scan tool to trigger, if its trying to do a active regen, shift to a lower gear and tach out the engine (i run them 3k or so if i have to drive out a burn) for max effect of the regen and to get it done faster. ase and gm master tech here at a gm dealer
@@JD-yx7benone of that shit on my 12v dodge or my deuce and a half, they just barely need electricity to function, being parked on a handy hill can start em. just because i work on duramaxes for a living doesn't mean i wanna own one
21st century. Where you gotta run a V8 diesel at 3000+rpm to ‘fix it’ I love my 81 vw rabbit with a mechanical tdi swap. It gets 75mpg so my money goes into savings not fuel
@@wdixon27 me too! I have a garage, have to use scanner and computer (worked my hole life in communication business) but my truck is a 68 Ford 350 (brazilian) with a mercedes 6cyl inline diesel. mecanic injection pump (bosch). an pos wwII engine, used in trucks and unimogs (om321). last and first time rebuilt in the 80ies hahaha this stuff were eternal runners. the modern bs passes the warrenty and you can throw them away.
I said this on one of Edison's videos, but I'll say it here too: I've got a 1988 Bronco that's at 200k miles, and for the last decade or so I've been figuring that when the drivetrain eventually wears out I'll convert it to electric or hybrid -- and I've been hoping that by the time that happens, the parts and shop expertise will be there to make that straightforward. I'm really excited about what you all are doing, because this is the first time I've seen something that's looking close to bolt-on for it, and it seems quite likely to be here by the time I need it. (I expect you've probably got 5 years, if not 10; I don't drive it that much!) I really like the idea of a remote setup and/or pumpkin replacement for the front, because the Bronco has the twin-I-beam front suspension and I doubt you or anyone will make a full-axle replacement for that. I'm also not too worried about overtorquing the front drivetrain with an electric motor, because I think it makes sense to put most of the power at the back and put a smaller motor up front that provides about the same torque that the original drivetrain did. The only thing I'm worried about now is how to convince the California DMV that putting a diesel setup into a vehicle that used to have a gasoline engine is a good idea, but maybe in a few years they'll have caught up to this sort of thing.
When you put a radiator in front of the R2.8, make sure you put a nice big radiator. I just put one in my taco and it likes to get warm on the highway. Especially climbing Colorado mountain passes, which is where I live. I have no complaints about the engine so far, it runs great and has plenty of power for me.
do they replace your truck for zero, or convert it for zero,??.. if not, go stik this bs up uranus..the cost of being green, would amount to hundreds of yrs of normal transport. go visit the congo, watch 4 yr olds die mining cobolt, lithium. go vist china, stop them building coal fired power plants, go vist the amazon, stop the de forestation.. not increase the tax on the earth by a said, ''green industry''. that isnt needed.. you know sht..
You wont be so proud when it fails...so dont be counting your chickens yet...because anyone can custom build...this needs to be affordable and simple which it is very far from.
I'm excited, your ideas and Edison's are exactly what I thought would be a better truck. I drove locomotives for 35 years. Wish these would have been available when I started my 68 Fargo on a 1 ton Cummins 4x4 chassis. But I plan on more truck builds.
I have been wanting a nice flat bed farm truck. I’m glad I have held off purchasing a base truck to retrofit just yet. Seeing all those different frames and configurations needed, I can wait and focus on trucks that would be the easiest to covert. The less you have to custom build the faster and more reliable the conversion will be. It’s exciting to watch how this is being built. I’m glad to be a part of it, even if it’s just one E conversation kit reservation.
one thing to note is that there are existing solid axle swap kits available for the IFS trucks, if you can replicate an F350 axle's mounting points not only would it apply to those trucks factory, but also to the wide variety of pre-existing SAS kits for the 2wd or IFS trucks.
People saying “just connect the motor to the drive shaft” the thing is electric motors double or triple the torque a diesel makes. Putting that much torque through old driveline would twist it in a heart beat.
Software could limit the initial torque at driving away from 0mph. Once the mass is moving it can ramp up torque like the ICE engine. That kinda idea. My take would be a transfer case or bolt on pumpkin motor with custom new internals to the wheels.
Really? You ever see 1000+ hp diesels running on stock driveline? Pretty much every Cummins on the road using the stock drivetrain, and holding up just fine
I have been telling people for twenty years running parallel hybrids like you guys and Edison are working on was the way to go and everybody told me it would never work. Thank you for showing people that it is possible. I had this idea to do consumer car conversions and keep the cost down by selling the gas/diesel engines and transmissions out of the vehicles we convert. Unfortunately, you have to prove you don't need money before anyone in Washington State will lend it to you. So maybe the idea is something you guys can do.
Rich, I like the pumpkin swap idea. What I’m thinking is you get a single design motor built that can be used in the front or back. Where the axle tubes plugin, make that size larger than any common axle tube, say 5”. Get machined rings made up that shrink that 5” size down to the actual axle tube sizes. When assembling, remove the stock axle from the truck. Saw cut right at the edge of the existing pumpkin, freeing the axle tubes. Have a jig that holds the axle tubes and e-motor for proper rotation. Press the parts together and weld. Bolt back into stock truck. You just need to ensure the e-motor is longer than the widest stock pumpkin, and small enough in diameter to clear other chassis parts. Then you only need custom axles made to re-assemble everything. Good luck, it’s an interference undertaking.
"Somebody said it couldn't be done, but he with a chuckle replied that maybe it couldn't, but he would be one who wouldn't say so 'till he tried..." I'm excited about this, and i love seeing guys take a challenge head on!
I love it, can't get enough of you guys documenting the process. Also I love the measure twice, cut once approach and future possible modularity to taylor possible designs to their intended uses, specially in the vocational market
Really like that you are documenting the emissions side. Would be really interested to see if CARB (California Air Board) would allow this type of conversion in the future.
I can’t imagine the increase in stress this brings to yourself Rich, we know the Deboss team can handle it and we are all rooting for Edison and DeBoss’s success!
If I could pick one car from any UA-cam channel, it would be the F-350 you built. It's by far my favorite build I've seen. I don't even know what I'd do with a Lamborghini or McClaren anyway 😂. The amount of engineering you did to make that all work was incredible. Love the new journey too. That is the system that's going to take over in the future.
I swapped a 99 3/4 ton front axle into a 96 one-ton dodge, bolted right in, even the 1-ton wheel adapters bolted right on, and even the wheel bearing interchanged.
I know this wouldn't be for the 3/4 ton market but a E Ford 9" dropout would be sweet. There's enough people building housings for the 4x4 community that you should be able to get what ever configuration you need for the application and adapt from there. Also if you could make the carrier compatible with the 9" as well you could have a locker, spool, lsd, or whatever you want in there since someone already makes those
Those crew door are pretty easy to get open. It’s just a couple levers u have to pull on once u get the two hand screw’s off. My 01s door wouldn’t open after a while and it took me about 30 minutes to get em open and fixed. I took extra time to clean/wipe/grease everything that was there.
If you are going to center mount just the pumpkin section to the existing axle, weld flanges on the axle tubes and add flanges on both sides so it bolts in the front axle.
Oh my God this is the coolest idea I've ever seen! I can't tell you how over the moon excited I am as well. I'm just a family man my job doesn't require me to travel a lot but the idea of being able to replace a super inefficient V10 in my Ford Excursion with a more efficient more reliable more powerful Diesel electric hybrid that I can use when I go camping with the family or when I go out on the job site I can weld with it is so exciting!
I think the most universal system you could build would be a divorced transfer case driven by the electric motor. You only need two models. Driver drop and passenger drop. Maybe you could use the same one and flip it over. Then you don’t have to mess with swapping out axles, suspension, steering, parking brake, etc. Then you also avoid having to mess with abs tone rings and stuff. Leave all that factory stuff alone for simplicity. If you can limit the variables you will have a larger market and therefore be able to help more people. New drive shafts and u joints and you’re on your way. Can’t wait to see what you guys do.
Every project has a tendency to snowball into something much bigger, and this one is huge to start with so I can see it really becoming massive quick. My biggest hope/advice with this build is that you try to simplify the swap as much as possible to keep people interested. If it becomes too complicated I think it’ll lose people. Idk how possible it is to simplify this one though cause it’s so ambitious, but I hope it doesn’t turn into something too complex. Either way, I’m excited to watch and I’m glad you’re doing it. I’ve been watching for a really long time and I love how open you are to diving into new things like this. I’m envious of your ability to not be scared off by something you’ve never done before. Keep doin what you’re doin, and I hope you inspire some guys down here in the states to embrace this technology and try to build some stuff like this too.
Very interested in this journey. I don't need to see a ton of the "planning meeting" videos, but this one sure does cast a bright light on the technical challenges of trying to make a conversion "kit". I'm impressed with your ingenuity, level head and drive for this venture.
As someone that used to want to do something like this and realized how out of my realm it is it’s amazing seeing it come to fruition, I remember watching the Edison TikTok videos and dismissing them but here we are 👌
What a huge project. I expected it would be complicated, but there sure are a lot of nuances here. Such a great project and so cool to see the process.
Really excited about this Collab project. Been a long time viewer of Deboss Garage and actually resolved an issue I was having with my 03 Cummins based on Rich's fuel-line cap video. Also interested in possibly converting my 03 to an E-Axel down the road for hauling an RV Trailer once I retire. Massive Support for Rich and his 'can do' attitude.
Electric transfer case that has adapter plates and swapable input shafts and output shafts the meet the entire market. 2wd trucks you mount it divorced like a ford np205 or a “brownie box” auxiliary transmission. Seems that that would allow the simplest solution for shipping, transport, implementation and ease of retrofit. One pallet could hold all components to include driveshafts. Easily marketed to corporations to mass implementation such as U-Haul or Penske (just a thought). Obviously from the battery weight, this would be pretty limited to 2500 or larger trucks initially due to battery weight.
It’ll get me some real nice rust removal stuff can’t remember the name. I’ll find out and get back to you, but it works really nice using on ships in the ocean.
Just getting the motor and pumpkins manufactured a great way to make a more universal NA kit. The independent front suspension trucks are going to be the issue.
As someone who just got a nice 97 F250 Crew Cab with a short bed, the thought of being able to do this someday and swap out the 460 for not only the power, but economy of a DL sounds amazing. I was dreaming about doing this anyways. To have a kit I could do it with would be even better.
I think you should start with the ford kit. They are the best selling trucks and thanks to the 6.0 and 6.4 there are a ton of trucks in great shape for cheap prime for conversion. Then move on to the Chevy and the dodge.
@@denniswobbe3157 Good point, I don't know a ton about GM front end design but I don't see why this wouldn't work. Electric axles could be what saves the diesel industry, at least here in North America.
If the least reliable trucks were the best sellers. That makes me think that the people who know the least about mechanical things are the ones that buy Ford.
I'm looking for an older f350 would be amazing just be gifted one. It's a nice GMC I would take it too. Love how diesels just keep on chugging along even with a major issue. I would totally do this EV axle retrofit if I can get my hands on a diesel.
I am excited about the series hybrid builds. Can't wait. I did laugh when Rich got in the Chevy and said it has a screen and he isn't used to that, when it then jumps later to him driving the F350 with the huge Holley dash.
86’ Chevy 1/2 ton G30 box van. 6.3 diesel. Air Force flight line service truck so almost if not totally rust free. Was great camper! Blows gallon of oil in 250 miles now so, convert me it screams! ? Been looking & thinking. Like what I see of the Edison kit. Contacted a distributor here in Colorado. Hope there’s hope
I really feel like you guy’s should be working with the aftermarket off-road companies because they have 4x4 swap kits and all kinds of solutions for what I’m hearing here. I would definitely consider working with Carli suspension for all the custom suspension systems for this because ride quality matters and they are hands down the best at that and strength. Definitely get rid of ifs and do straight axle swaps with the solid e-axles. There are sas conversion kits all over for every make and model already. 🤙
yes, they are all 8 bolt and 10 bolt, however: *ford, chevy and dodge all had the same imperial 8x6.5 bolt pattern pre 99, but different hub diameters, so the rims are generally not compatible *ford also had different hub diameters between the 16.5" rims and the 16" rims (early 80's) and also switched from lug centric to hub centric at that time. *in 99 ford switched to metric 8x170mm again with a different hub size on their trucks, but kept 8x6.5 on their vans. i believe the other manufacturers did the same at some point, but again i believe the hub diameters are different. *dodge and ford medium duty trucks have the same 10 bolt rims, but chevy has 8 bolt rims. also this 10 bolt is different from other medium duty and heavy duty trucks so basically, if you want to have a 8 or 10 lug pattern on your axles you are either going to have to pick one and people will need to get new rims, or you will have to have a bunch of different patterns to fit different makes / years. it seems simple but it gets complicated, and i think that your idea of a bolt on pumpkin is probably the most logical way to proceed, and then people can just get the 6 bolt axle if they want a whole axle because they have to get new rims anyway, or have say a ford pattern because those are probably more common.
I have a 93 6.5 Chevy 3500. I think this is perfect for the 6.5 trucks. They have no power and hate working and hate getting hot. Mines and 316,000 miles and she let loose a rod bearing back in February. I want to completely rebuild it with upgraded parts because it’s got sentimental value more than anything. It was my father’s truck. I want to make this kit work in a 6.5 truck. It just makes sense for a 3500 frame and body that’s got life left in it that has an engine that doesn’t like working. If all it’s doing is acting as the generator for the whole system, it’ll last another 300,000-400,000 miles easy. Really excited to see what it’d take and what it would look like financially.
I may not have the money for the kit for some time, but I am genuinely excited for it. I feel this is genuinely the future of motoring. I can't wait to see them on the road!
@@Anonihmus2567 All gas/diesel 1/2 ton trucks have a solid rear (Sans Santa Cruz/Maverick/Ridgeline as they are not 1/2 ton). The 3/4 tons are being used due to stronger internals and for Diesel only. They want to ensure that the E-Axles won't break under 600+ Ft lbs.They're prototyping the Repower 2.8 as well.
@@Anonihmus2567 If they build it like I mentioned it can work on any axial they just need to turn down the power to the motor thru the motor controller for a less torx on the drive at motor start
I feel the deisel generated electric drive is the best conversion for OTR and many vehicles. It's better than 100%electric downtime. all rpm torque. No lag. Fuel efficiency due to smaller deisel running at peak efficiency to power output. Can't wait to see the conversion combinations all be fine-tuned and charted for specific applications.
Psh I can totally do this. You know, when I'm sleeping and dreaming of being good at anything in this video which is nothing. Also that haul truck you drove to pick up the $1 truck, that's beautiful.
I would love to see a conversion for my 1993 Ford E150 1/2 ton VAN. You all are missing a HUGE market for van conversions. There are a slew of older vans that are used by thousands of companies that could use a conversion.
This is such a cool idea. Very interested to follow this project. I wish you guys all the luck. I think the electrical/control modules will probably be challenging
I think the chevys a good candidate for the ev axle swap. It’ll give you good publicity for what you guys are doing and it’s got all the newer features that will make someone want to drive it, modern interior modern body design and most importantly it looks just like any other truck on the road. Not a weird non functional pickup that can’t haul anything over 150 miles. Not an older truck stripped and screens added like a resto mod truck with an ev swap. Definitely excited for this project.
So excited, I am making suburban/van so 1973 no smog check, 4 doors with high roof van on back looking like a over roof camper thing, then one of your kits
When you said you need a person experienced with Canbus and diagnostics etc, the first person I thought of was Ivan from Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics. That man has his head screwed on the right way. Good luck with the project.
if i could offer a piece of advice which may or may not even matter to you, it would be to relocate the front axle further forward a couple inches at most. reason, clearing a 35" tire with little to no lift at all. my truck is lifted to clear 35s and it still touches at full lock. id much rather have no lift at all but 35s are nice to have in snow/off-roading country. it would probably also mean a custom front bumper or maybe just shimming the stock front one forward on the mounts depending on wheel offsets. etc
I'm pretty sure on the last video there going to have a long arm installed on the dodge. A long arm kit will have adjustable control arms. So with adjustable control arms your able to extend all 4 of them evenly and maintain proper geometry while sliding the fron or rear axle a couple inches. As long as what ever type of rod end (the hyme joint or whatever the kit is using) has a decent length shank on it that's long enough to do so
Just make a transfer case. Every 4x4 has one and everyone can find a driveshaft shop to adapt front and rear axles. Could make a 1500, 2500, to you name it version. The more simple you can make it for mechanics and fleets the more you can sell. GL Rich
Edison tried that with their first semi truck prototype, Carl. All it did was snap u-joints, and you can't use Regen on the coast side of the ring gear. Electric axles are straight cut gears. Plus, there is not enough room
I worked for a company that was also bolting a generator to a diesel engine. Instead of a solid rear axle, the vehicles were to use electric hub motors. This allowed the cargo area to be lowered, increasing the volume by almost 30%.
The battery pack was nickle-metal hydride and could power the vehicle for 50 miles. With air suspension, the back bumper could be lowered to ground level. Our goal was to make all UPS and FedEx trucks hybrid.
@@mscmtc Sounds like this was a while ago... NiMH is ancient battery tech these days, could probably get 3x range with LiFE. Love the ideas though!
@joelv4495 a lot of mild hybrids still use NIMH because of the low cost and safety margin. Though, I think LFP is replacing those quickly
@@joelv4495 toyota still uses nickel batteries in a lot of their hybrids, or at least did until very recently
Rich, I cannot express how excited I am for this. I am an engineer with Progress Rail. Caterpillar's locomotive division (previously Electro-Motive Diesel). I work on the Diesel electric systems daily. The fact that Edison Motors is creating this system for heavy haul trucks and now working with Deboss Garage to bring it to the pickup market, gets me really excited. This is definitely the way forward with emissions and work in mind vs the fully electric setups. Keep up the good work guys, I am rooting for you!
Is CAT aware of them working on this? Seems like it could benefit them to work with them a bit. It would be sorta cool if CAT brought Edison up to Fort Mac to do some test runs hauling their equipment from one of the mines back to their shop. Even if they have another truck with them just in case the Edison truck breaks down but it would still be a good test of the truck.
And I am a locomotive engineer for a major railroad. Diesel electric makes alot of sense.
I saw something about old locomotives being converted to battery powered. It would be charged but a connected conventional locomotives. Heard of that?
@bobstitzenberger1834 so far it doesn't seem to be working as planned. I have not experienced any. I ran one set that was natural gas powered. That one didn't last long.
@@bobstitzenberger1834 they are very dependent on location and what you are hauling, classic up empty and down loaded.
SHOUT OUT TO THAT COMPANY WHO DONATED THAT TRUCK!!!!!!!!! They didn’t have to but wow are they awesome people for helping the cause. People need to support them and Edison for what there doing. Cram-a-lot way to go thanks!!!!!!
They should send that pickup back to the donor when it's finished!
@@TheRockFarm THIS!!!!!! RICH I HOPE YOU SEE THIS!!! GIVE THE TRUCK BACK FOR SOME REAL WORLD TESTING!!!!!!!!
"I don't think anyone's as excited about a 30-year-old, 2nd gen, gas, 2WD truck as I am"
My guy... Twister was the first PG-13 movie I was allowed to watch in theaters. To me, those 2nd gens are the prettiest Ram ever, and I'm pretty sure the one in the movie was also a gas 2WD. I'm RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED to see this one go electric!!
i swear twister loves and celebrates cars more than fast and furious (and i like f&f btw)
I know it’s wrong with it. I got no gas in it. 2:15
The twister ram was a 4wd, decals on the back and front diff visible sometimes.
And i know cummins is the good dodge engine but my god i want a ext cab long bed red v10 ram.
Such a beautiful truck.
I love that you guys are thinking of the future servicing. Bringing back reliability into auto manufacturing. A keep it simple approach is what has been lost in manufacturing. Good job 👏
Regarding the CAN bus network, if you all tackle this on your own I would suggest getting a Kvaser leaf or some other USB to CAN device with SocketCAN.
There are free or open source softwares such as SavvyCAN or CANable that will allow you to monitor bus traffic and highlight changes to reverse engineer the signals on the bus.
Isolating modules so that only one module is on at a time is a good way to identify which module is transmitting at which IDs, then you can manipulate the sensors going to that module to determine which message contains what information.
Im a control systems engineer for a large upfitter and I do this at work to reverse engineer chassis signals such as Engine RPM, transmission statuses, HVAC information, etc.
Wow, that's some awesome info
Knowledge envy! Control data is the one that eludes me. I'm putting a 99 Det 6.5TD in my 86 E350 RV. Including the 4l80E.
I like ST microcontrollers as they have 2 CAN buses and many other options.
I submitted a design to ABS for a submersible using reduntant controllers for the under water comms, audio conversion from sea to air, and emergency backup for life support. It was hand written and in pencil, and passed 1st presentation. Sub failed as they had just doubled life support requirements 2 weeks earlier.
There is TruckDevil too which is an opensource tool built for accessing ECUs that use J1939 on the CAN Bus.
The maker even made an awesome tool to show off at DEFCON a few years back to plugin parts to simulate stuff real time outside of the truck (super useful for testing things that might break real things!).
Hey Rich and Crew, my name is Tim and I'm from Springdale, Arkansas and my Great Uncle Jimmy, aka, Jim Ulrich and his good friend and partner, Jack Perry started Cram-a-Lot back in 1978 and I used to do work there when I was 14, sweeping and cleaning. It's SO cool to see what your doing and seeing that truck takes me so far back. I'm looking forward to watching your crew and Edison do all these great things with hybrid diesels. I have a 2009 Dodge 2500 Cummins 6.7 long bed (box) and the wheels in my head have me geting ready to put together a project that will certainly drive her nuts... Boyah! Keep going!
Tim, What a cool connection. I'm Jack's grandson and am running the company. Jim was a great inventor/fabricator. I believe he would be excited about this project.
Hey, we use cram a lot at the distribution center I work at. So simple for their maintenance! Glad Walmart buys almost exclusively their balers.
Between you and Edison Motors, great things are on the horizon. The public will finally be able to see what a WELL BUILT hybrid truck can do!
As a heavy diesel mechanic, it brings me a sense of peace watching your videos, actually seeing your dreams and ideas come to life. Wrenching used to be a passion and I couldn’t wait for more parts to show up to add-on/fix my stuff. Since that’s all I do now for work, it takes all the enjoyment away. I can appreciate your dedication to your builds and the inspiration you’re giving for everyone watching to go out and think beyond the book, make it work the way it does in your visions. Keep up the great work.
Not complaining, but seeing the pace of progress on this makes me realize we're gonna get dozens of these videos over at least a year or more
Thank you Cram-a-lot!!!
The pumpkin idea is the best. The idea of having to certify steering and breaking and suspension just sounds like a liability nightmare
Agreed! Trucks being refitted already have diff/axles etc. They just need electric drive. KISS rule for the win.
I would like to see a setup where the original axles are left alone. Engine, generator, 1 single electric drive motor, and transfer case are mounted sequential of each other. Only the front and rear driveshafts would need to be made to length. That way all the high wear items can be serviced like before and parts are more ‘off the shelf’. Seems like it would be the easiest way to ensure the kit is drop in. Only issue would be finding 1 electric motor strong enough to drive both front and rear axles, and ensuring the original driveline can handle the torque.
Depends on whether the federal statutes allow reliance on the original certification. This isn't just a one off retrofit. It's a company offering a package. I'm not sure how it would be treated, I don't know the onroad regulations well enough. Off road equipment, I'll say it depends.
DO IT! TAKE MY MONEY PLEASE!
@@unclesam239 Rich already explained that, doing it that way just adds more strain to the factory parts, the driveshaft and the axle won't be abble to hold the instant torque the electric engine produces for too long, something will break eventually, they have thought this very well, they are not just mashing parts together.
the whistle/scream on acceleration on the l5p says it likely has a blown charge cooler line (left side exhaust pipe from manifold to turbo mount sometimes makes this noise when the flex joint breaks), was driven like that till the dpf got packed, at 140-150% soot the reduced power message hits and it wants a service regeneration to clear the dpf, this requires a scan tool to trigger, if its trying to do a active regen, shift to a lower gear and tach out the engine (i run them 3k or so if i have to drive out a burn) for max effect of the regen and to get it done faster.
ase and gm master tech here at a gm dealer
I am glad for my 7.3 powerstroke cause i don't know what any of that means lol
@@JD-yx7benone of that shit on my 12v dodge or my deuce and a half, they just barely need electricity to function, being parked on a handy hill can start em. just because i work on duramaxes for a living doesn't mean i wanna own one
@@wdixon27 I thought about duramax swapping my hummer H3T, are they such pieces of junk? Lol
21st century.
Where you gotta run a V8 diesel at 3000+rpm to ‘fix it’
I love my 81 vw rabbit with a mechanical tdi swap.
It gets 75mpg so my money goes into savings not fuel
@@wdixon27 me too! I have a garage, have to use scanner and computer (worked my hole life in communication business) but my truck is a 68 Ford 350 (brazilian) with a mercedes 6cyl inline diesel. mecanic injection pump (bosch). an pos wwII engine, used in trucks and unimogs (om321). last and first time rebuilt in the 80ies hahaha this stuff were eternal runners. the modern bs passes the warrenty and you can throw them away.
I said this on one of Edison's videos, but I'll say it here too: I've got a 1988 Bronco that's at 200k miles, and for the last decade or so I've been figuring that when the drivetrain eventually wears out I'll convert it to electric or hybrid -- and I've been hoping that by the time that happens, the parts and shop expertise will be there to make that straightforward. I'm really excited about what you all are doing, because this is the first time I've seen something that's looking close to bolt-on for it, and it seems quite likely to be here by the time I need it. (I expect you've probably got 5 years, if not 10; I don't drive it that much!)
I really like the idea of a remote setup and/or pumpkin replacement for the front, because the Bronco has the twin-I-beam front suspension and I doubt you or anyone will make a full-axle replacement for that. I'm also not too worried about overtorquing the front drivetrain with an electric motor, because I think it makes sense to put most of the power at the back and put a smaller motor up front that provides about the same torque that the original drivetrain did.
The only thing I'm worried about now is how to convince the California DMV that putting a diesel setup into a vehicle that used to have a gasoline engine is a good idea, but maybe in a few years they'll have caught up to this sort of thing.
When you put a radiator in front of the R2.8, make sure you put a nice big radiator. I just put one in my taco and it likes to get warm on the highway. Especially climbing Colorado mountain passes, which is where I live. I have no complaints about the engine so far, it runs great and has plenty of power for me.
The boys at Edison make me proud to be Canadian. Love their no nonsense approach.
do they replace your truck for zero, or convert it for zero,??.. if not, go stik this bs up uranus..the cost of being green, would amount to hundreds of yrs of normal transport. go visit the congo, watch 4 yr olds die mining cobolt, lithium. go vist china, stop them building coal fired power plants, go vist the amazon, stop the de forestation.. not increase the tax on the earth by a said, ''green industry''. that isnt needed.. you know sht..
You wont be so proud when it fails...so dont be counting your chickens yet...because anyone can custom build...this needs to be affordable and simple which it is very far from.
@@djsi38ttoo many people are quick to jump on a bandwagon these days.
@@djsi38t Wet blanket?
I'm excited, your ideas and Edison's are exactly what I thought would be a better truck. I drove locomotives for 35 years. Wish these would have been available when I started my 68 Fargo on a 1 ton Cummins 4x4 chassis. But I plan on more truck builds.
I have been wanting a nice flat bed farm truck. I’m glad I have held off purchasing a base truck to retrofit just yet. Seeing all those different frames and configurations needed, I can wait and focus on trucks that would be the easiest to covert. The less you have to custom build the faster and more reliable the conversion will be. It’s exciting to watch how this is being built. I’m glad to be a part of it, even if it’s just one E conversation kit reservation.
As an EV Field Service Engineer, I am loving this build! Diesel over electric is ideal! Great work!
one thing to note is that there are existing solid axle swap kits available for the IFS trucks, if you can replicate an F350 axle's mounting points not only would it apply to those trucks factory, but also to the wide variety of pre-existing SAS kits for the 2wd or IFS trucks.
People saying “just connect the motor to the drive shaft” the thing is electric motors double or triple the torque a diesel makes. Putting that much torque through old driveline would twist it in a heart beat.
Software could limit the initial torque at driving away from 0mph. Once the mass is moving it can ramp up torque like the ICE engine. That kinda idea. My take would be a transfer case or bolt on pumpkin motor with custom new internals to the wheels.
The idea is to put the motor on the axle to eliminate as much parasitic power loss as possible.
Really? You ever see 1000+ hp diesels running on stock driveline? Pretty much every Cummins on the road using the stock drivetrain, and holding up just fine
These motors probably make 1/3 of the torque of a tuned diesel.
@@johndaughtry3479 unsprung weight is bad
This is the exciting stage. Big props to Cram-a-lot for that donation. I can't wait to see what's next!
I know I'm late to the party but I can't stop thinking about doing this to my old 34' diesel pusher RV at some point... So awesome
Keep up the good work guys, can't wait til I can buy these kits! THE smartest and most practical idea I've seen so far for electrification of trucks!
I have been telling people for twenty years running parallel hybrids like you guys and Edison are working on was the way to go and everybody told me it would never work. Thank you for showing people that it is possible. I had this idea to do consumer car conversions and keep the cost down by selling the gas/diesel engines and transmissions out of the vehicles we convert. Unfortunately, you have to prove you don't need money before anyone in Washington State will lend it to you. So maybe the idea is something you guys can do.
Rich, I like the pumpkin swap idea. What I’m thinking is you get a single design motor built that can be used in the front or back. Where the axle tubes plugin, make that size larger than any common axle tube, say 5”. Get machined rings made up that shrink that 5” size down to the actual axle tube sizes. When assembling, remove the stock axle from the truck. Saw cut right at the edge of the existing pumpkin, freeing the axle tubes. Have a jig that holds the axle tubes and e-motor for proper rotation. Press the parts together and weld. Bolt back into stock truck. You just need to ensure the e-motor is longer than the widest stock pumpkin, and small enough in diameter to clear other chassis parts. Then you only need custom axles made to re-assemble everything. Good luck, it’s an interference undertaking.
Nice to see lots of trucks are going to be saved from the junk yard. Great idea for a 3/4 ton kit.
"Somebody said it couldn't be done, but he with a chuckle replied that maybe it couldn't, but he would be one who wouldn't say so 'till he tried..."
I'm excited about this, and i love seeing guys take a challenge head on!
Just want to say I'm so proud of you guys!
This is a fantastic venture. I believe Diesel hybrids offer the best of both worlds. Power, Reliability and efficiency! Fantastic work!!!
I love it, can't get enough of you guys documenting the process.
Also I love the measure twice, cut once approach and future possible modularity to taylor possible designs to their intended uses, specially in the vocational market
As much as I love power and sound. This is one of the most exciting an economical projects you have ever conquered. I'm so excited
Really like that you are documenting the emissions side. Would be really interested to see if CARB (California Air Board) would allow this type of conversion in the future.
I can’t imagine the increase in stress this brings to yourself Rich, we know the Deboss team can handle it and we are all rooting for Edison and DeBoss’s success!
If I could pick one car from any UA-cam channel, it would be the F-350 you built. It's by far my favorite build I've seen. I don't even know what I'd do with a Lamborghini or McClaren anyway 😂. The amount of engineering you did to make that all work was incredible. Love the new journey too. That is the system that's going to take over in the future.
Huge venture. This should be fun to watch unfold.
I’m always hoping to hear something from this project
And I just realized you’re the one with these updates
Thank you for giving me hope
I swapped a 99 3/4 ton front axle into a 96 one-ton dodge, bolted right in, even the 1-ton wheel adapters bolted right on, and even the wheel bearing interchanged.
THIS is one of the most interesting vids you have done. This brainstorming is really fantastic.
I know this wouldn't be for the 3/4 ton market but a E Ford 9" dropout would be sweet. There's enough people building housings for the 4x4 community that you should be able to get what ever configuration you need for the application and adapt from there. Also if you could make the carrier compatible with the 9" as well you could have a locker, spool, lsd, or whatever you want in there since someone already makes those
Real ppl coming up with real working solutions! 😊
You and Edison are doing awesome job fully support you those.
Those crew door are pretty easy to get open. It’s just a couple levers u have to pull on once u get the two hand screw’s off. My 01s door wouldn’t open after a while and it took me about 30 minutes to get em open and fixed. I took extra time to clean/wipe/grease everything that was there.
If you are going to center mount just the pumpkin section to the existing axle, weld flanges on the axle tubes and add flanges on both sides so it bolts in the front axle.
As someone with a seized IH 3/4 ton this sounds awesome. Wish I could’ve donated my rig 😂
This is 2 awesome I love Edison Motors and now I am following you too.
Oh my God this is the coolest idea I've ever seen! I can't tell you how over the moon excited I am as well. I'm just a family man my job doesn't require me to travel a lot but the idea of being able to replace a super inefficient V10 in my Ford Excursion with a more efficient more reliable more powerful Diesel electric hybrid that I can use when I go camping with the family or when I go out on the job site I can weld with it is so exciting!
I think the most universal system you could build would be a divorced transfer case driven by the electric motor. You only need two models. Driver drop and passenger drop. Maybe you could use the same one and flip it over.
Then you don’t have to mess with swapping out axles, suspension, steering, parking brake, etc. Then you also avoid having to mess with abs tone rings and stuff. Leave all that factory stuff alone for simplicity. If you can limit the variables you will have a larger market and therefore be able to help more people. New drive shafts and u joints and you’re on your way. Can’t wait to see what you guys do.
Every project has a tendency to snowball into something much bigger, and this one is huge to start with so I can see it really becoming massive quick. My biggest hope/advice with this build is that you try to simplify the swap as much as possible to keep people interested. If it becomes too complicated I think it’ll lose people. Idk how possible it is to simplify this one though cause it’s so ambitious, but I hope it doesn’t turn into something too complex. Either way, I’m excited to watch and I’m glad you’re doing it. I’ve been watching for a really long time and I love how open you are to diving into new things like this. I’m envious of your ability to not be scared off by something you’ve never done before. Keep doin what you’re doin, and I hope you inspire some guys down here in the states to embrace this technology and try to build some stuff like this too.
Very interested in this journey. I don't need to see a ton of the "planning meeting" videos, but this one sure does cast a bright light on the technical challenges of trying to make a conversion "kit".
I'm impressed with your ingenuity, level head and drive for this venture.
I really wanna build an RV with this setup. I think it would do awesome.
As someone that used to want to do something like this and realized how out of my realm it is it’s amazing seeing it come to fruition, I remember watching the Edison TikTok videos and dismissing them but here we are 👌
What a huge project. I expected it would be complicated, but there sure are a lot of nuances here. Such a great project and so cool to see the process.
Really excited about this Collab project. Been a long time viewer of Deboss Garage and actually resolved an issue I was having with my 03 Cummins based on Rich's fuel-line cap video.
Also interested in possibly converting my 03 to an E-Axel down the road for hauling an RV Trailer once I retire.
Massive Support for Rich and his 'can do' attitude.
The trailer could have e axles and battery, too.
Axles by Asia
Lyrics by Kansas
Vocals by Chicago
Guitars by Boston
Haven't watched it yet, but this seems waaay more practical than a fully electric truck. Excited to see how this turns out.
Electric transfer case that has adapter plates and swapable input shafts and output shafts the meet the entire market. 2wd trucks you mount it divorced like a ford np205 or a “brownie box” auxiliary transmission. Seems that that would allow the simplest solution for shipping, transport, implementation and ease of retrofit. One pallet could hold all components to include driveshafts. Easily marketed to corporations to mass implementation such as U-Haul or Penske (just a thought). Obviously from the battery weight, this would be pretty limited to 2500 or larger trucks initially due to battery weight.
It’ll get me some real nice rust removal stuff can’t remember the name. I’ll find out and get back to you, but it works really nice using on ships in the ocean.
So what you're saying is, you need a crew cab ford to run a test fit on? 🤔 only kidding! Great breakdown! One heck of a concept and application.
Just getting the motor and pumpkins manufactured a great way to make a more universal NA kit. The independent front suspension trucks are going to be the issue.
Those should be easier because that's how Tesla already does it.
As someone who just got a nice 97 F250 Crew Cab with a short bed, the thought of being able to do this someday and swap out the 460 for not only the power, but economy of a DL sounds amazing. I was dreaming about doing this anyways. To have a kit I could do it with would be even better.
you need to do a Sprinter, most sparkies would love a 4x4 van that could power a jobsite
You are doing Gods work!
You and Edison are putting out some exciting work. Looks like a lot of work, but you seem to have a great plan in place.
I think you should start with the ford kit. They are the best selling trucks and thanks to the 6.0 and 6.4 there are a ton of trucks in great shape for cheap prime for conversion. Then move on to the Chevy and the dodge.
Also, ford has the front and rear solid axles, making mounting of the kit way easier than it would be with a GM.
I was actually thinking with the IFS gm runs, that one might be easier. But if the go with the pumpkin idea, then Dodge and Ford will be easier
@@denniswobbe3157 Good point, I don't know a ton about GM front end design but I don't see why this wouldn't work. Electric axles could be what saves the diesel industry, at least here in North America.
I concur, Ford
If the least reliable trucks were the best sellers. That makes me think that the people who know the least about mechanical things are the ones that buy Ford.
I'm looking for an older f350 would be amazing just be gifted one. It's a nice GMC I would take it too. Love how diesels just keep on chugging along even with a major issue. I would totally do this EV axle retrofit if I can get my hands on a diesel.
I am excited about the series hybrid builds. Can't wait.
I did laugh when Rich got in the Chevy and said it has a screen and he isn't used to that, when it then jumps later to him driving the F350 with the huge Holley dash.
86’ Chevy 1/2 ton G30 box van. 6.3 diesel. Air Force flight line service truck so almost if not totally rust free. Was great camper! Blows gallon of oil in 250 miles now so, convert me it screams! ? Been looking & thinking. Like what I see of the Edison kit. Contacted a distributor here in Colorado. Hope there’s hope
I really feel like you guy’s should be working with the aftermarket off-road companies because they have 4x4 swap kits and all kinds of solutions for what I’m hearing here. I would definitely consider working with Carli suspension for all the custom suspension systems for this because ride quality matters and they are hands down the best at that and strength.
Definitely get rid of ifs and do straight axle swaps with the solid e-axles. There are sas conversion kits all over for every make and model already. 🤙
Hey! I’m from Buffalo!! That’s awesome!!
yes, they are all 8 bolt and 10 bolt, however:
*ford, chevy and dodge all had the same imperial 8x6.5 bolt pattern pre 99, but different hub diameters, so the rims are generally not compatible
*ford also had different hub diameters between the 16.5" rims and the 16" rims (early 80's) and also switched from lug centric to hub centric at that time.
*in 99 ford switched to metric 8x170mm again with a different hub size on their trucks, but kept 8x6.5 on their vans. i believe the other manufacturers did the same at some point, but again i believe the hub diameters are different.
*dodge and ford medium duty trucks have the same 10 bolt rims, but chevy has 8 bolt rims. also this 10 bolt is different from other medium duty and heavy duty trucks
so basically, if you want to have a 8 or 10 lug pattern on your axles you are either going to have to pick one and people will need to get new rims, or you will have to have a bunch of different patterns to fit different makes / years. it seems simple but it gets complicated, and i think that your idea of a bolt on pumpkin is probably the most logical way to proceed, and then people can just get the 6 bolt axle if they want a whole axle because they have to get new rims anyway, or have say a ford pattern because those are probably more common.
I have a 93 6.5 Chevy 3500. I think this is perfect for the 6.5 trucks. They have no power and hate working and hate getting hot. Mines and 316,000 miles and she let loose a rod bearing back in February. I want to completely rebuild it with upgraded parts because it’s got sentimental value more than anything. It was my father’s truck. I want to make this kit work in a 6.5 truck. It just makes sense for a 3500 frame and body that’s got life left in it that has an engine that doesn’t like working. If all it’s doing is acting as the generator for the whole system, it’ll last another 300,000-400,000 miles easy. Really excited to see what it’d take and what it would look like financially.
Hey, I just saw an article about e-beam electric axles from Magna. They are supposed to be available in 2025 for most manufacturers.
I'm sure The Fast Lane: Truck would love to test these on the Eisenhower gauntlet for you. It would also be a great promotion platform.
I would love to keep my inherited '01 Excursion living for the next 30 years as a hybrid!
I hope these are one day shrunk for the smaller trucks. I love my Ranger and would love to do something silly like this one day.
I may not have the money for the kit for some time, but I am genuinely excited for it. I feel this is genuinely the future of motoring. I can't wait to see them on the road!
This is so exciting! Keep the videos coming! I love this topic!
I have a 2016 F150 and I'll sign up in a heartbeat.
3/4 ton
@@jwiereng from what I understood it's any solid rear end truck probably not 1/2 tons right away but in the future
@@Anonihmus2567 All gas/diesel 1/2 ton trucks have a solid rear (Sans Santa Cruz/Maverick/Ridgeline as they are not 1/2 ton). The 3/4 tons are being used due to stronger internals and for Diesel only. They want to ensure that the E-Axles won't break under 600+ Ft lbs.They're prototyping the Repower 2.8 as well.
@@jwierengsolid axles have been swapped under smaller chassis forever bro 😊
@@Anonihmus2567 If they build it like I mentioned it can work on any axial they just need to turn down the power to the motor thru the motor controller for a less torx on the drive at motor start
I feel the deisel generated electric drive is the best conversion for OTR and many vehicles. It's better than 100%electric downtime. all rpm torque. No lag.
Fuel efficiency due to smaller deisel running at peak efficiency to power output.
Can't wait to see the conversion combinations all be fine-tuned and charted for specific applications.
would love to see this for my 2012 ranger
Your shade tree genius is amazing! Simple, modest problem solving excellence!
Planning on having this done for my retirement vehicle
Psh I can totally do this. You know, when I'm sleeping and dreaming of being good at anything in this video which is nothing.
Also that haul truck you drove to pick up the $1 truck, that's beautiful.
I have a small fleet of transit sprinter vans that would be amazing to get this set up for my vans
Very Cool knowing some of the roads you are traveling! Western New York boy here
I’m from the mountains of NY, and the one thing I know about the flatlands of NY is that Wegman’s is a cult.
Right? Never thought I'd see Irondequoit Bay bridge on UA-cam. It's crazy
Soooo cool to see that !!!
I want a 4x4 van or motorhome of sorts - with e axles solar and the genny running biodiesel - that’s been my goal for over a decade
I would love to see a conversion for my 1993 Ford E150 1/2 ton VAN. You all are missing a HUGE market for van conversions. There are a slew of older vans that are used by thousands of companies that could use a conversion.
This is such a cool idea. Very interested to follow this project. I wish you guys all the luck. I think the electrical/control modules will probably be challenging
Most Dodge 3/4 - 1 ton are AAM axles 3rd gen+ have disc brakes and share the rear with GM.
This is an awesome idea… can’t wait for this to take over the industry
I literally cannot wait. I’ve got a 99 f250 that’s perfect for this project.
Yall should check out the tdi swap community. Considering half of them are there for mpg. An E-axle would be an easy sell.
I love watching the logic and thinking stages. So cool.
I think the chevys a good candidate for the ev axle swap. It’ll give you good publicity for what you guys are doing and it’s got all the newer features that will make someone want to drive it, modern interior modern body design and most importantly it looks just like any other truck on the road. Not a weird non functional pickup that can’t haul anything over 150 miles. Not an older truck stripped and screens added like a resto mod truck with an ev swap. Definitely excited for this project.
Watching and learning . To be honest I'm not sold yet but I'm here because my respect for you and your people
So excited, I am making suburban/van so 1973 no smog check, 4 doors with high roof van on back looking like a over roof camper thing, then one of your kits
Love the trip down the process, great update ... I have my reservation ... will be transitioning a Step Van/Delivery Van
When you said you need a person experienced with Canbus and diagnostics etc, the first person I thought of was Ivan from Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics. That man has his head screwed on the right way. Good luck with the project.
if i could offer a piece of advice which may or may not even matter to you, it would be to relocate the front axle further forward a couple inches at most. reason, clearing a 35" tire with little to no lift at all. my truck is lifted to clear 35s and it still touches at full lock. id much rather have no lift at all but 35s are nice to have in snow/off-roading country. it would probably also mean a custom front bumper or maybe just shimming the stock front one forward on the mounts depending on wheel offsets. etc
I'm pretty sure on the last video there going to have a long arm installed on the dodge. A long arm kit will have adjustable control arms. So with adjustable control arms your able to extend all 4 of them evenly and maintain proper geometry while sliding the fron or rear axle a couple inches. As long as what ever type of rod end (the hyme joint or whatever the kit is using) has a decent length shank on it that's long enough to do so