First attempt at buggy build

[Greg]

... It also has a 4-speed automatic which is supposed to be pretty strong for its size, and I just read on "some guy's" website that you can just unplug the TCM and shift the tranny like a manual w/o a clutch.

Do you have a link to this information? That would solve a lot of issues with some ideas I have knocking around in my head.

 

[I Lean]

Carl, you raise the point of the rear link angle. Here's my thinking:

Having read a LOT about antisquat, instant center, axle steer, and roll axis, I decided I can't have the best of everything in every regard and that my first priority is to have slightly over 100% antisquat. I would like the rear to lift just a tad on acceleration to keep the rig from nosing upward on steep climbs. This meant aiming the links upward a little bit to put the instant center slightly above the center of gravity. I can live with some axle steer on articulation since I won't be competing and trying to avoid cones. The upward link angle also lowers my roll axis a bit, but I tried to get the thing low to the ground anyway to keep a good deal of the weight lower than the roll axis so that I can (hopefully, maybe, crossing fingers...) get away with not using sway bars.

Think of two situations: One is climbing something loose or with limited traction. The higher amount of anti-squat will cause the rear end to raise and lower as it grabs and releases traction, which can cause or accentuate hopping.

Two is just a simple, steep, crawlable climb, maybe off-camber a bit. Higher anti-squat combined with rear steer leads to lifting the left front wheel rather than driving the vehicle forward.

 

[Vonski]

I would like the rear to lift just a tad on acceleration to keep the rig from nosing upward on steep climbs.

I wouldn't worry a whole lot about issues with the front end "lifting" on verts (in regards to making your squat/anti-squat choice for the rear).

After all, you can use your front winch to suck down your front suspension during those steep climbs. So, simply do what is best for the geometry of the rear. It looks like Carl has some good info above to kick around...

 

[drtsqrl]

It also has a 4-speed automatic which is supposed to be pretty strong for its size, and I just read on "some guy's" website that you can just unplug the TCM and shift the tranny like a manual w/o a clutch.

My buddy Jim has that tranny behind a 1.8 in his sammi buggy, and he just shifts it manually also. He doesn't even have the TCM. It works great for him.

 

[CSR]

Thanks for the info on the tranny! Greg, here's the web page about the tranny.

http://carfix.stufftoread.com/slush-pump.html

 

[spaggyroe]

Props for planning well ahead of time. :greg:

Cool looking design, I'll be watching your build.

 

[LT.]

COOL build! I just found it and started reading. I can't believe how far you have come in such a short amount of time. I guess that is due to your planing ahead and keeping your build just as your plans indicate.

LT.

 

[Greg]

Thanks for the info on the tranny! Greg, here's the web page about the tranny.

http://carfix.stufftoread.com/slush-pump.html

Thanks much, that is really good info!

 

[CSR]

I got home and spent the evening pulling the wire harness from the Sidekick. What a PAIN! The only positive part of the evening was being able to experience some catharsis when I used the sawzall on the dash because I didn't feel like removing the steering wheel to get it out. I was a mechanic in a past life, and there were times when it was a good thing there wasn't a sawzall nearby.

Here's a pic of the gracious donor and the thankful recipient side by side on the concrete operating table...

 

[CSR]

update

Here are some more pics. I've built and tacked the engine mounting in place. The tube work around the left side of the engine is a little funky because I had to work around the exhaust while keeping it easily removable. The hydro ram is positioned and its mount is cut and mocked up. I fabbed and tacked together a bolt-in firewall so that I can get the drive train in and out, which I will need to do once everything is mocked up in order to finish weld the chassis and paint it. You will see in the photos how I compare to the buggy size wise. I'm 5'11" 170 lbs. This will give you an idea of its size.

The radiator fits pretty well with its fan and a big tranny cooler while leaving just enough room for the winch mount plate and 4000 lb Viper Max atv winch I'm using. Things are coming together really well without any fitment issues so far (I'm knocking on the wood desk as I write this).

The engine sits really well right down between the front upper links and everything clears at full stuff. The stock ps pump worried me because it hung down low and interfered with the left upper link, but the saints and PSC supplied me with a suzuki bracket that raises the the PSC pump way up where it replaces the stock belt tensioner and it is well out to the way. I'm in the process of building a skid plate that unbolts and spans from the front of the oil pan back to the front section of the belly skid.

BTW, the wheel base is 107". Don't know if I ever mentioned that.

I'm using a radiator from a 2000 civic because it fits in the front and is made to cool an engine of the same displacement and valve count, and I think a little more horsepower than the 1.6 I'm using.

I'm still waiting for the t-case adapter from OTT Industries. It's been a month since I ordered it and the guy won't answer his phone or return calls, so I'm a little worried. Anyone ever deal with OTT?

I sent off the stock harness to Trail Tough to get modified for simplicity of use in a buggy. Hoping that comes back soon. The seats are on their way too and I'll work this week on getting the floor structure in as well as the brake booster and gas pedal, more gusseting, radiator mounting, winch installation, etc.

More later...

 

[Maverick]

Cool project for sure!!! I am impressed with the planning and execution. Love the solidworks action.

I would agree with Von & ILean on the anti-squat. I recall thinking ILean and Rockmonkey were daft for "neutral" anti-squat...and have since changed my thinking. If you have to spin the tires at all to climb something you don't want the bounce that the loading and unloading will give you as the tires find and lose traction.

 

[I Lean]

Back to the top, for two reasons: First, I want to see updates.

Second, I saw a video that captures EXACTLY what I was referring to. The black jeep starting at about 1:25 shows the rear-steer/wheel lifting tendencies, as well as the hop when gaining/losing traction.

[YOUTUBE]EUh8FAnCq0o[/YOUTUBE]

 

[CSR]

Progress is slowing as it always does when details and fitment come into play. I mounted the radiator in the front and it fit ok, but it required me to install a cross bar over the top of it for mounting and protection. This changes the sleek nose look I was hoping for, but it still looks ok. The stacked tranny cooler, radiator, and fan all fit ok with barely enough room for the winch plate and winch. I think it will work.

I'm now working on finishing the chassis gusseting around the engine compartment and passenger compartment. I'm also working on mounting the brake master, pedals, and steering valve. Hopefully I'll get all that done tomorrow. I might even be able to get the exhaust in, then I can finish the floor and see where the seats will end up. I ordered poly seats from Summit that should be here any day. The covers and harnesses already arrived. After the seats, all that remains before disassembly for final welding is attaching tabs in the chassis for rocker skids, fuel lines, brake lines and reservoir/cooler mount brackets. Lots of nickel and dime stuff, but it should go pretty quick.

I was hoping to get most of the buggy done before school starts here in a week and a half, but it doesn't look like it will happen. So I think the project will drag on for awhile.

Carl, I see your point. But I think I''ll leave the links where they're at right now just to see what happens. I'm one of the those types who has to touch the stove to know it's hot. The link mounts will be easy to move down if it comes to that anyway.

Here's a couple pics of the front with the radiator and winch installed for mockup.

 

[Meat_]

...The black jeep starting at about 1:25 shows the rear-steer/wheel lifting tendencies...

That's bad enough that it's comical

 

[Tacoma]

Even Kelsey could see that was messed up-- "Dad, did it break??"

 

[Bart]

Back to the top, for two reasons: First, I want to see updates.

Second, I saw a video that captures EXACTLY what I was referring to. The black jeep starting at about 1:25 shows the rear-steer/wheel lifting tendencies, as well as the hop when gaining/losing traction.

[YOUTUBE]EUh8FAnCq0o[/YOUTUBE]

Wow, that was painful to watch.