Hi guys. I own a 61 Mighty Mite that is in need of a major overhaul. Should I restore to stock or tweak it with a custom drivetrain, replace the plastic propeller shafts with some shafts from Jess, and beat it in the woods? I know it does not have the size or wheelbase that so many guys require but I think it could be a blast in the woods and make everything a new challenge. Plus it only weighs 1500 lbs. I was thinking of a D-4D Toyota diesel mated to some tranny that is tough and tiny. Shockingly, the stock differentials actually look pretty beefy so I might keep them. Any thoughts?

Sounds like it could be a really fun and different build. Just make sure your cage is STOUT because from that wheelbase and track width, seems like you will roll it easily. I say build it and beat it.

Keep that sucker stock... yes, this is a hardcore 4x4 site but some things should just be left alone.

Agreed, keep stock.

If things are just unobtainable or you otherwise simply have to, I'd think a Sami drivetrain would be the natural donor.

How bad is the condition?
If you're going to use it, I'd hate to sink a ton of $$ into it, and still have the original weaknesses (aluminum air cooled V4, plastic U-joints, 55MPH max).

I love the size & weight of this thing, but how easy (& $$$) are replacement engine parts to get?

Any conventional 4cyl would make more power, but add weight.

With a something this light, I'd be tempted to try a big motorcycle engine, like a Busa's (= 10 more ft/lbs, and TRIPLE the HP)
http://sportrider.com/bikes/146-0110-SHOW-14-zoom.jpg

Might take a little more work, but you could get a driveshaft flange from one of the midget car suppliers, and use a Sami case.

Might even come out lighter in the end, though you'd want really deep gears to keep the RPM's up, and not having reverse would suck.

I guarantee it would go faster than the original 55MPH max tho :smokin: