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Some folks suggested I post this here, since many of the central themes will be familiar to Zuk folks... anyway, here goes.
I should finally be swapping out the stock Jeep CJ narrow-track axles.
Anyway, knowing that these aren't exactly a hot commodity, I'm toying with the idea of using them as the basis for a tube-framed, single-seat rock buggy. This probably won't be a competition rig, just something low-buck and fun.
Still trying to work out how everything will fit together.
Here's general thoughts on the specs:
AXLES (definite)- front D30, rear M20, 4.10, NT, welded (well, might not weld the D30)
POWERPLANT- something in a 4-cylinder, preferably FI. There are enough 4-cyl Ford, Chevy, Toyota, or Jeep trucks that this should be an easy find. Might convert to propane if its feasible. Still have to research such a thing. Another thought was to use a Harley V-twin or other bike engine, but I'm thinking adaptation to a transmission might be problematic.
TRANNY- preferrably an auto, for simplicity (no clutch linkage to bother with) and so the driver doesn't have to sit on a shifter
REDUCTION- dual TC setup, if possible
SUSPENSION- I'm thinking the easiest/cheapest for this case will be coilovers, possibly located (at least in the rear) with a single half of a leaf spring. Not too versed on coilovers or non-leaf-sprung setups, so also an area for further research
End plan is for something with low CG, single seat, smallish tires (31-32"), light weight, maximum approach/depart angles, and minimum length/width. Minimum cost is also a priority.
Any thoughts from folks that have experience building such a thing (even if it's on a larger scale) would be appreciated. Thanks.
I should finally be swapping out the stock Jeep CJ narrow-track axles.
Anyway, knowing that these aren't exactly a hot commodity, I'm toying with the idea of using them as the basis for a tube-framed, single-seat rock buggy. This probably won't be a competition rig, just something low-buck and fun.
Still trying to work out how everything will fit together.
Here's general thoughts on the specs:
AXLES (definite)- front D30, rear M20, 4.10, NT, welded (well, might not weld the D30)
POWERPLANT- something in a 4-cylinder, preferably FI. There are enough 4-cyl Ford, Chevy, Toyota, or Jeep trucks that this should be an easy find. Might convert to propane if its feasible. Still have to research such a thing. Another thought was to use a Harley V-twin or other bike engine, but I'm thinking adaptation to a transmission might be problematic.
TRANNY- preferrably an auto, for simplicity (no clutch linkage to bother with) and so the driver doesn't have to sit on a shifter
REDUCTION- dual TC setup, if possible
SUSPENSION- I'm thinking the easiest/cheapest for this case will be coilovers, possibly located (at least in the rear) with a single half of a leaf spring. Not too versed on coilovers or non-leaf-sprung setups, so also an area for further research
End plan is for something with low CG, single seat, smallish tires (31-32"), light weight, maximum approach/depart angles, and minimum length/width. Minimum cost is also a priority.
Any thoughts from folks that have experience building such a thing (even if it's on a larger scale) would be appreciated. Thanks.