The Dana 50 Twin Traction Beam (TTB) axle is a legend in the off-road world, renowned for its strength and durability. But when you're talking "long travel," you're entering a realm of serious off-road capability, requiring modifications beyond the standard setup. This article delves into the specifics of Dana 50 TTB long travel setups, exploring their benefits, common modifications, and things to consider before embarking on such a build.
What is a Dana 50 TTB Long Travel Setup?
A Dana 50 TTB long travel setup refers to a modification of the Ford Dana 50 Twin Traction Beam axle system designed to significantly increase suspension travel. Standard TTB axles have limited articulation, hindering their performance on challenging terrain. Long travel modifications extend this articulation, allowing the wheels to move up and down much farther, dramatically improving performance in rough conditions. This usually involves custom fabrication of components including longer control arms, custom radius arms, and upgraded shocks.
Why Choose a Dana 50 TTB Long Travel Setup?
The benefits of a Dana 50 TTB long travel system are substantial for serious off-road enthusiasts:
- Improved Articulation: Increased suspension travel dramatically improves the axle's ability to navigate obstacles, keeping all four tires in contact with the ground for better traction and stability.
- Smoother Ride: Longer suspension travel absorbs bumps and impacts more effectively, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride, even on extremely rough terrain.
- Increased Ground Clearance: Greater articulation allows the vehicle to maintain more ground clearance, preventing high-centering and improving overall off-road capability.
- Enhanced High-Speed Stability: While counterintuitive, longer travel can actually improve stability at higher speeds on rough terrain by reducing the impact of bumps and maintaining tire contact.
What Modifications are Involved in a Dana 50 TTB Long Travel Build?
Converting a Dana 50 TTB to a long-travel setup is a complex undertaking requiring significant mechanical expertise and fabrication skills. Typical modifications include:
- Longer Control Arms: Extended control arms are crucial for accommodating the increased suspension travel. These are often custom-built to the desired length and geometry.
- High-Travel Shocks: Standard shocks are insufficient for long travel applications. High-performance shocks with increased travel and valving are essential.
- Custom Radius Arms: Radius arms need modification or replacement to accommodate the longer suspension and maintain proper geometry.
- Steering Modifications: Modifications to the steering linkage are typically required to maintain proper steering geometry throughout the extended travel range. This might include high-steer knuckles or custom tie rod ends.
- Brake Line Extensions: Longer brake lines are needed to accommodate the increased suspension travel.
- Driveshaft Modifications: Extended driveshafts, often custom-made, are necessary to compensate for the increased axle articulation.
How Much Does a Dana 50 TTB Long Travel Conversion Cost?
The cost of a Dana 50 TTB long travel conversion can vary significantly depending on the level of customization, the components used, and the labor involved. You can expect to invest a substantial amount, ranging from several thousand dollars for a more basic setup to tens of thousands for a highly customized and professionally-built system.
What are the Potential Drawbacks of a Dana 50 TTB Long Travel Setup?
While offering significant advantages, long travel setups also present potential drawbacks:
- Increased Complexity: Long travel setups are significantly more complex than stock systems, requiring more maintenance and potentially more prone to issues if not properly designed and installed.
- Higher Cost: The cost of parts and labor for a long travel conversion is substantially higher than maintaining a stock system.
- Reduced On-Road Performance: While improving off-road capability, long-travel suspensions can sometimes negatively impact on-road handling and ride quality. This depends heavily on the setup.
Where Can I Find Parts and Services for a Dana 50 TTB Long Travel Conversion?
Numerous off-road shops and specialized suppliers offer parts and services for Dana 50 TTB long travel conversions. Research is key to finding reputable suppliers who can provide quality components and expert installation services.
This detailed overview should provide a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of Dana 50 TTB long travel setups. Remember, this is a significant undertaking requiring specialized skills and knowledge. Always consult with experienced professionals to ensure your build is safe, reliable, and performs as expected.
