Newbie

[Motoguy]

Been debating a crawler for years, but have finally committed to building one. I know I could buy a used one, but for me half the fun and pride is doing what you can yourself. Besides, like most of us I'm on a limited budget. I'm looking to build a suzuki, leaning towards a samurai with yota axles and an engine swap. I've built a few rat rods the build doesn't scare me, but rather excites me as I learn a different type of build.
Being new to this I would love advice/tips on building my rig. Some basic do's and don'ts, good sites (i have already been looking through, pirate4x4, lowrangeoffroad and youtube for ideas) I havent bought my rig yet but have a good lead on a couple. If any of you know of a good donor I'm all ears. Look forward to being a part of this group/forum etc.
I'm not looking to build anything too gnarly to start, but just something fun to start with. Not planning on registering it for road use but as an atv as well.
Thanks and happy trails

 

[sixstringsteve]

welcome! it's great to have you. We'll be holding a training day in January. It'll be the perfect event for ya.

I totally agree with you, building a rig is half the fun. It's crazy how quickly you learn when you start building these.

I LOVE suzukis. I've had 12 Suzukis and 7 Toyotas. If you're going for a really capable rig, in my experience the toyotas are much cheaper to build. You can't go wrong with either though, there's TONS of aftermarket and tons of info on the web about both of them.

See if you can come on an upcoming trail ride and drive a few different rigs. I'd be happy to let you drive my rig on a trail. It has about twice the wheelbase of a samurai, so it's a totally different experience. After sitting behind the wheel of a few rigs, you'll get an idea of what you like and what you don't. I'd be happy to hit up AF canyon with ya sometime. I'll bet we could get a group of 5 or so rigs one of these evenings.

 

[jackjoh]

Welcome on behalf of RME and the U4WDA.
Be sure to read all the instructions in "Introductions & using the Forum".

U4WDA believes the four wheeling community is best served by:
1. Education thru the use of classes, pamphlets, and films to teach responsible conservation.
2. Use Auto Dealerships and suppliers for the distribution of information.
3. Support Utah Counties in obtaining Quiet Claims to roads within their jurisdiction.
4. Stays informed and work closely with all Government Agencies and local law enforcement.
5. Where practical uses peer pressure to keep OHV use within the law.
6. Inform local agencies and law enforcement of illegal OHV use.

We promote the following: BRC/UFWDA: National legislation, action alerts, lobbying, etc
USA-All:- Local legislation, action alerts, lobbying, etc
U4WDA: On the ground actions. Service projects, education, club training, broadcasting the needs of Usa-All, UFWDA & BRC to its member clubs. Require clubs to be members of Usa-All, UFWDA & BRC, tie it into dues.
Member Clubs: Rides, education, hats, jackets, newsletters, raffles, etc. Require membership in U4WDA
Individuals: Join a club and promote responsible use amongst fellow travelers.
BRC:- National legislation, action alerts, lobbying, etc
Usa-All:- Local legislation, action alerts, lobbying, etc
U4WDA: On the ground actions. Service projects, education, club training, broadcasting the needs of Usa-All & BRC to its member clubs. Require clubs to be members of Usa-All & BRC, tie it into dues.
Member Clubs: Rides, education, hats, jackets, newsletters, raffles, etc. Require membership in U4WDA
Individuals: Join a club and promote responsible use amongst fellow travelers.
http://delalbright.com/index2.html

http://www.sharetrails.org/recreation-toolkit

http://www.nohvcc.org/education/education.asp
http://www.u4wda.org
http://www.usaall.org

 

[mesha]

Welcome!

 

[MasterD78]

Welcome!

 

[Motoguy]

thanks for the info, i have been recently considering a toyota 4 runner as well. I just want to keep my rig fairly compact so I can still fit on smaller trails, but it would be great to meet up with some fellow members and ride along to get a feel for some of the other rigs out there. I appreciate your help

 

[TJDukit]

Welcome. A runner I think would suit your needs just fine in Utah. Most of the trails in my experience would be more fun with a longer wheelbase. I drive a Wrangler so its similar to a Zuk as far as the wheelbase goes and I just wish mine was longer. But I have never been disapointed. Which ever route you chose, just make sure it will make you happy.

Lots of great info, people and advise here so don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[1ATony]

Welcome to the site

 

[hoosier]

Welcome from the other side of the MT. you can check out my runner in the 4x4 forums it is the questionable runner and I love my yotas