The statements made so far by B2B, are accurate, so far as my personal knowledge goes. Daniel Little, formerly USA 6x6, IS Liventry. Mr. Little has gone to work in some capacity, for Grand Parie Ford, to what extent, however, I don't know for sure. He has personally made claims that he has sold his business,(Liventre); to GPF. He has also recently moved from Lawton, to the Grand Prarie area. The axles used on the F554 project are the brainchild of Daniel Little, a good idea for sure, but far from brilliant, and the whole project still suffers a few bugs. Compatability issues with the traction control system, and matching speed sensor input with the speedo, and ecu, still need to be worked out. Mind you, these issues are, to the best of my knowledge, only associated with the planetary axles, and I believe should be easily cured. As far as Daniel claiming to be the engineer on this project, see page 10 of this blog; Dan holds no engineering degree that i'm aware of. He does however, according to him, hold two degrees; and you will love this...one in public relations,...the other in broadcast communications...i can't help but say this with a grin on my face, Dan has two degrees in BS!
Now understand this, these axles are well built. 3/4 inch thick axle tubes, dana 80 housings, used ones so far, new gears, factory Ford "C"'s, and all factory Ford outer knuckle/spindle components. As for the 12,000lb rating, guestimation on Dan's part. The 80s housing, and factory components limitations, are in question here, so far as i'm concerned. The planetaries are "rebuilt" military surplus, and should prove to be more than adaquate in this application. I can tell you, anybody with moderate mechanical ability can duplicate these axles, like I said, a good idea but hardly brilliant. Now you might ask how I could possibly know about these axles, well it's simple, I helped to build them.
Now, I must ask why GPF appears to be denying Dan's involvement in the project, while only actually denying he has "control", of anything to do with the project. Daniel Little lacks integrity, and has made some poor decisions in his life, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that the axles under the F554, are still a good idea, even if still under development.
Now, in regard to Jim Cline, and AirCTI. My experience with this system, leaves me with only great things to say, about the system, and Jim. The system is Mil spec, and is easy to use, and install. Jim has always been ready to help, if neccesary. He should be enthusiastic, as a vendor for this project, because i'm sure GPF pays it's bills, unlike at least one former customer. I hope to see more of Jim, and his AirCTI systems in the furure.
I hope this will clarify any issue in regards to this topic, and, I hope GPF profits from this venture, as well as Jim Cline. I also hope Daniel Little's involvement doesn't cast a shadow on this project.
Sincerely, Richard A. Knottek
