buggy considerations

[sixstringsteve]

sounds like you're in good shape.

 

[Craig S]

Twisted customs makes a decent chassis (about $4K). Get the non-roller version. Put all your junk in except the dual t-cases and go with an Atlas. This should take about a year to finish after work and working weekends.

 

[LT.]

sounds like you're in good shape.

Thanks. I know I am in for an uphill battle but, other than the small pieces, that add up quickly, it will come together soon enough.

Twisted customs makes a decent chassis (about $4K). Get the non-roller version. Put all your junk in except the dual t-cases and go with an Atlas. This should take about a year to finish after work and working weekends.

I had never thought about Twisted Customs. Thanks for the idea. I'll check them out.

LT.

 

[rockreligious]

A member is going to send me some photos when they get the chance. I don't have any details right now. I was almost set on a Bruiser 5 chassis from American Rock Rods but, I am open for ideas.

As of now I have a Chevy 454, dual T-cases (203 & 205), Dana 60 with 5.13's and a detroit, Corp 14 B FF with 5.13's and a spool, both axles are already set up for four links, 42" Pitbull Rockers, bead locked wheels, coil over shocks with springs, all the four link joints, jam nuts, tube inserts, and material, and a line on a wrecked Blazer with the tranny and adapter I need. I also have drive shafts that may need to be lengthened or shortened and all are 1350 joints. I think I have all the expensive parts. All that would be left is the chassis, and all the little nickel and dime parts that will add up quickly. I also have four bays in the shop with a two post lift or a 4 post lift when I am ready.

LT.

sweet, your almost there. Ive done 203/205 and it worked great...that said unless you are running a monster wheelbase, and a 4 seater, Id do like Stumph says and run an atlas...I would go 4 seater chassis if youve got kids going with. dont forget to shave...the 14 bolt its an anchor.

 

[ID Bronco]

LT, I have only met you once and there is no disrespect meant in this comment. I think you should wheel the beater for a while and get some seat time, enjoy that pig. You spent tons of time on it and it sounds like you haven't really enjoyed it yet. The more you wheel the more you will know what you want in a buggy. What you want is much more important than all the opinions of others out there. (it is good advice though)

 

[LT.]

sweet, your almost there. Ive done 203/205 and it worked great...that said unless you are running a monster wheelbase, and a 4 seater, Id do like Stumph says and run an atlas...I would go 4 seater chassis if youve got kids going with. dont forget to shave...the 14 bolt its an anchor.

Right now I am at 118" and it is not bad at all. My goal was somewhere between 112" and 116". I got those figures from a really cool fella on Planet who's sign on name is Ricochet. It will need to be a family chassis and will need to be built accordingly. I have a member curious about my doubler now. I'll see if it is going to work for him and then we will work out a price.

LT, I have only met you once and there is no disrespect meant in this comment. I think you should wheel the beater for a while and get some seat time, enjoy that pig. You spent tons of time on it and it sounds like you haven't really enjoyed it yet. The more you wheel the more you will know what you want in a buggy. What you want is much more important than all the opinions of others out there. (it is good advice though)

No disrespect at all. I understand where you are coming from and this is exactly why I posted up. I am looking for some words of wisdom and direction. The buggy will not happen until next year, that is the plan anyways. The beater needs to survive this year and maybe even the first part of next year. I don't really know for sure so please don't quote me here. I have spent a lot of time on it and most of the parts I have the most time and money in will be pulled for the buggy.

LT.

 

[LT.]

The phone number for Twisted Customs is no longer in service. I had a few questions that I wanted to ask. Anyone have a different number than what is on their website?

LT.

 

[xtremexj]

The phone number for Twisted Customs is no longer in service. I had a few questions that I wanted to ask. Anyone have a different number than what is on their website?

LT.

I've e-mailed them a couple times and Jason is always quick to respond. Maybe try that.

 

[LT.]

I've e-mailed them a couple times and Jason is always quick to respond. Maybe try that.

Okay, sounds like a plan. I see that they have a standard receipe when it comes to their builds. LS motors, Spider Trax axles, Atlas T-case, 39" Krawlers, and the like. I wanted to know if I was off my rocker thinking about using my drive train that I already have.

LT.

 

[CSR]

I just finished a four-seat buggy, and it actually went pretty well because I designed all of the critical stuff in SolidWorks CAD software first. I finished from scratch in about ten months worth of evenings and weekends. Design using 3D modeling software was the key. It makes all the difference in the world when it comes to eliminating re-work and fitment problems, and you know exactly how the suspension will fit and flex. You also know the lengths/angles of the bends for the chassis.

I did what the other guys on here suggested: bought a YJ with a 60/14 bolt, 37" trepadors, 4.3 Atlas, and a host of other useful stuff. Then I designed the chassis in the computer program based on my components and desired wheel base. I got an inexpensive, low miles 5.3L and turbo 350 and put the drive train together. I only spent about $3,000 more than I expected (which is low)-including a new full hydro setup-and it all turned out pretty slick.

You can do it, especially when you already know what drive train you're using. Also, like the other guys say, you will hit an emotional wall repeatedly during the build. I asked myself several times during my build "What have I gotten myself into?" The key is to not be in a hurry to get it done, and to focus on each step of the build as though it were your little pet project, rather than looking at the whole thing as your massive project.

 

[CJ Matt]

The phone number for Twisted Customs is no longer in service. I had a few questions that I wanted to ask. Anyone have a different number than what is on their website?

LT.

They recently moved. If needed I am in the area and could swing by sometime. I beleive he on the Black Hills 4 Wheelers site too. I might be able to contact Jason on there.

 

[LT.]

I just finished a four-seat buggy, and it actually went pretty well because I designed all of the critical stuff in SolidWorks CAD software first. I finished from scratch in about ten months worth of evenings and weekends. Design using 3D modeling software was the key. It makes all the difference in the world when it comes to eliminating re-work and fitment problems, and you know exactly how the suspension will fit and flex. You also know the lengths/angles of the bends for the chassis.

The key is to not be in a hurry to get it done, and to focus on each step of the build as though it were your little pet project, rather than looking at the whole thing as your massive project.

Great advise. I will try and stay focused and I am going to look at that software.

They recently moved. If needed I am in the area and could swing by sometime. I beleive he on the Black Hills 4 Wheelers site too. I might be able to contact Jason on there.

I contacted him through email. Jason has said that he could do it and it would not be much more involved than his regular chassis. But, he also told me that it would be best if he had my parts there so he could build a chassis around my parts. He did not want to just sell me a chassis and make a quick buck. That is the kind of honesty I appreciate.

On another note, I contacted Kyle here on the board through PM as well. He and I are going to get together on the phone and see what I want. His fab skills are really out of this world. Right now I am just trying to get my options laid out and figure out which way would be best. I am really tired of having to do everything multiple times. I really love the Twisted Customs look. The lines, are killer and I think it it would really look killer with my pieces.

LT.