Rock crawling is very much about ground clearance, but even more so is the way that weight and gravity can play out when your rig is on the rocks. There is no mistaking this. This simple matter of science shows up time and time again every time a rock-buggy rolls, flips, slides or slips ass-backwards. First, take into consideration the weight of the entire vehicle. Some say that super-light-weight is the way to go, while others may feel that a more hefty vehicle will get better traction and help with stability. Just look at the pro's. Walker Evans's latest crawler runs a 2.2L EcoTech motor in front of a 2-speed powerglide transmission. The engine and the tranny together likely weigh in at less than 350lbs! Others will gladly use a cast-iron V-8 and TH400 transmission, that likely weigh damn near 700lbs. What is the truth? Should a rock-crawler be as light as possible, or is extra weight not necessarily a bad thing???
The science of weight???
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I believe both types of rigs can do fine, so long as the proportions are kept optimal... enough power, clearance, ground contact, traction, and low enough COG are universal regardless of vehicle weight.
Weight alone doesn't really matter.
Weight alone doesn't really matter.
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I think that heavy things are ok, as long as they are low- ie, axles, tires. I think the higher things should be lighter - motor, etc.
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Just like anything, less weight = less wear on parts, i.e. less brakage. better power to weight ration etc. In racing losing weight is the same as adding horsepower. I'd think that lower weight would be benefical, but like was stated b/f it depends on center of gravity, distrubution etc. I don't run a buggy nor am I a pro rock crawler, I'd be curious to hear their opinions on the subject.
I personally think having WEIGHT is a rockcrawlers friend.....it's all about traction. But - this depends on the situation and where the weight is located.
Ideally, the weight should be closest to the wheels and located low to the ground.
Sure - lightweight is good for race cars for more horsepower. But this is rockcrawling. Not racing.....
A 4cylinder can drive 35" tires pretty well if its geared properly with less chance of breaking shit.
Just build a rig and go wheeling!!
Ideally, the weight should be closest to the wheels and located low to the ground.
Sure - lightweight is good for race cars for more horsepower. But this is rockcrawling. Not racing.....
A 4cylinder can drive 35" tires pretty well if its geared properly with less chance of breaking shit.
Just build a rig and go wheeling!!
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