Option/question 1: would an 88 with the portals be too much on lets say 36s?

Figure I just bolt them on and go out there and try to get it.

No lengthening, no regearing, stock 303 wheels stock body w/ PU cab, stock drivetrain, SUA.

I guess what I am asking is this a good idea or is Noah going to become a stink bug and roll?

Option/question 2: How hard would it be to put mounts on them and run them under the range rover?

Would the stock A frame, radius arms, and panhard hold up to portals on road to/from the trails? My gut says yes but there is some serious distance between the hub and axle so there is a lot more force on the mounts/links than stock.

Could I live with drums on a Range Rover?

Option/question 3: Build the 109 they deserve. This is my dilema. I have too many projects already but now THIS is what I really want. The 110 is cool but it is too nice and I am making it sort of a never ending project. And if I wrecked the dormobile top I would never forgive myself. Noah, the 88 is also really nice and not flopable and if I build up the range rover I will have nothing to drive.

Basically I would want something completely beater, and something I could build quick and somewhat cheap with mostly parts I have. Either use the 109 frame I have (not sure how much work it would need, no holes but seems "thin") or buy an EX MOD 109 frame. Buy some parabolics or just decent springs. Stock drivetrain with maybe an iron duke for a few more hp. Some 325 80 R16 michelins or 38in boggers or SXs. Chassis cab style using a hacked off 88 bed and a flat bed and chopped up forest rover style front fenders. Bobbed rear frame. PTO winch.

Sooooooooo what do you think?

Ron

Ron,

I would opt for option (redundant?) #3. The project will be a huge undertaking no matter what you decide to do. Beit simply plopping the axles under the 88 or the RR...Unless your like Sam, who can swap bodies from an Series to a RR chassis, locate D44 axles, bulid wheel spacers and mount and RUN 42's...All in one week...:flipoff2:

I don't know how savy your fab skills are, but I've found that with a shop with BASIC fabrication tools (cheep drill press, a couple of angle grinders, plasma cutter and a MIG) that it can take hours to do simple work (me).

I dunno'...Ulitmately it's got to be your choice, but I vote for doing what really lights your fire...Not something you know you'll be not satisfied with a year or two down the road.

--D

i say you cannot decide, get all worked up, and say to hell with it and you sell the axles to me (for a MAJOR loss, btw) so i can put them under my rig and you can continue to drool over them. :D :flipoff2:

cause without you even saying it, i can tell that you only REALLY wanted those axles because you couldnt have them. now that you have them, its no big deal. i know the feeling, pal :p

build what you want
don't skimp on price
you'll be happy if you do it right the first time and if you spend the money

I agree with FCFred.

You could opt for option #4 which wasn't mentioned...

Use my Series One 109 inch pick-up frame, some seriously long-ass Chevy leaf springs, drivetrain of choice, and build a serious cage around the lawn chair that you'll sit on.

Do it the way YOU want, and take your time. Half the fun is figuring out if it'll work.

Michael

PS The frame is really for sale....

lets see,
make a list of your "needs"

38" or larger tires
150 or more hp.
lt230 tcase
100" or longer wheelbase
series/defender "style" body.
Suspension type(I pick coils)
etc.


So based on what I'd want and a guess of what you have/ can get
rover V8/trans/lt230 *option* 350/sm465/ala timm adapter/lt230
109 frame-add metal plating on sides or bottom or where ever you question the strength of your frame. or start with a coil chassis.
Shorten the wheelbase as much as you can without major frame work(to between 100-105)
Custom links to locate axles fashioned after stock rover or Rockrover
Add coil buckets and springs.
radius arm will work in the front.
add series body
bob bed/tub to fit wheelbase and desired rear overhang.

Originally posted by Serious One
PS The frame is really for sale....

email me.

After talking to my importer and some people who have done it I have decided to set them up under my 88.

Realisticly, while I probably could figure out the mounts and put them on the range rover or even the 110, it would be a ton on work and it might not get done right and generally it just seems hard.

With them under my 88 I could be rolling in less than a weekend of work, giving me time to finish the 110. Once the 110 is done I will think about the 109 I want to build for the axles. The front is the same on the 88 as a 109 (so the bulk of the work will be done) and the rear all I will have to do is move the springs outboard.

The 88 is already on a marsland galvy chassis so no beef issues there and mechanically it is in great shape. Plus being a rarely driven truck drums and no top end are fine. And finally, given the choice I like wheeling the 88 best.

Ron

I would think that if your going to use leaf springs, then they would have to be extremely stiff to prevent axle wrap under even mild acceleration in the soft stuff. Your gonna' probably have to make some sort of traction bar(s) to prevent this. Of course time will tell.

--D

Excellent choice. This is the first time Ive read this thread and that is what I would do. Throw them at the 88 and wheel it.

Then after you are getting a feel for how its working and have some time to do more work on it what I would do is pull the rear leaves move the rear axle back (to get to 100+ WB) and run links and coils (RR stuff is easiest although lengthen the lower control arms) Leave the front spring under cause with the portals you will never want SOA. Also the front has already got the shackles at the back so this will be the perfect setup.

Stay with the stock motor/box for a while cause with your axle gearing it will move fine until again you get more time to do an engine upgrade.

I think that a portal 88 with SUA front and coil linked rear at 100+ WB is about as ultimate as you can get (in my books it would be up there with Dougs. I just love the way leaves work on front axles :smokin: )

Sam

PS on my rig I think my front axle is in the stock 88in location so running a 100in WB on your 88 will be no problem with the stock front end running the portal.

Thanks Sam thats what I needed to hear. I figured if anyone would validate the idea it was you.

Doug, the 88 have almost new stock 88 springs, they are stiff and fairly short and it will be SUA. I have ZERO experience with portals. The stock 303 had leaf springs and SUA w/o traction bars and the leaves looked longer so I think it will be ok.

The only "challenge" of the project will be mounting the axles to the springs. I have a pretty good idea how I am going to do it.

I have gotton conflicting info on the flange pattern on the DS but the pinion looks close enough so a worst it is a redrill or an adaptor. Brakes should be easy enough. The drag link and track rod both fit on a 109 so they should fit on an 88. Just going to make a custom drag link from a stock LR on and whatever end I can make fit the axles and then sleeve it. Not too hard and with a little pre work should be doable in a weekend. Pics when I get them (few weeks or so)

Ron

Right on Ron! I love to see plans starting to gell. What ever you put those bad-boy axles under it's gonna' be killer. I really can't wait man! You better get started right away, or I'm gonna' have to come over there and help ya'! And Lord know's you DON'T want that! :flipoff2:

--D

Hello Ron

Whether you go for the 109 (preferable) or the 88 build it on leaf springs mate. It gets lonley on here sometimes being a leafsprung guy and another radical leaf sprung rig would spice things up a bit.

Then all you need to do is make the leaf springs flex to their full potential and you have a killer leaf sprung rig instead of following the coil spring route.

just my thoughts and yes I am an incurable leaf spring person

Originally posted by gon2far
It gets lonley on here sometimes being a leafsprung guy and another radical leaf sprung rig would spice things up a bit.

hey!!!!!! youre not alone. can i join the club? :D

suddenly it seems there is a bunch of leaf spring people in amongst the coil spring people.

Looking forwards to seeing some built leaf spring rigs on hear:smokin: