Rock buggy chassis

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 04:40 PM

Well, I got the okay from the wife to build a buggy as soon as our cars are paid off (within 2.5 years)... After much thought, I want it to be a two seater running all Toyota running gear (supercharged 3.4l V6, auto, dual marlin cases, LC axles...), 39.5" - 42" rubber, approx 110" WB, linked front and rear w/ Sway-Away coilovers, etc.

My problem is, I would like to start with a pre-fabbed chassis. Any recommendations? Or should I start with a Toyota frame and go from there? Basically, I'm afraid that I don't have the skills to build my own chassis from scratch...

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

Well, I got the okay from the wife to build a buggy as soon as our cars are paid off (within 2.5 years)... After much thought, I want it to be a two seater running all Toyota running gear (supercharged 3.4l V6, auto, dual marlin cases, LC axles...), 39.5" - 42" rubber, approx 110" WB, linked front and rear w/ Sway-Away coilovers, etc.

My problem is, I would like to start with a pre-fabbed chassis. Any recommendations? Or should I start with a Toyota frame and go from there? Basically, I'm afraid that I don't have the skills to build my own chassis from scratch...

I'd start with an fj-80 base...

D'Animal · 12-27-07, 05:03 PM

How much of the build do you want to do on your own?

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 05:06 PM

I don't mind doing most of it on my own, I just want the main chassis provided for me so I don't die.

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokenparts

I'd start with an fj-80 base...

I will if you start with a FJ-60 base...

redcorn · 12-27-07, 05:07 PM

I'd consider the Formula X chassis from Hendrix as a great start.
Dump the 80 series running gear into it and go from there.

Build as the funds allow

woody · 12-27-07, 05:12 PM

lots of options for chassis out there....one of my favorites is still Twisted Customs...Blue Torch also does a nice one...

I'm considering a pair of rectangular mandrel bent rails from Throttle Down Kustoms....they've done one set of custom rails for an FJ45 project. Start with the outside rails, add a cross member or two, and build from there....

IMO, do NOT start with a stock frame....too heavy and too flimsy for a from-scratch buggy....my plan is a 4.3-700-atlas with 7075 links and SAW airshocks over cruiser axles....part of it assume i scrap my existing FJ40 to scavenge some parts tho, which I haven't talked myself into quite yet....

awp_cruiser · 12-27-07, 05:14 PM

Creeper,

I can't image that you would be saving any money by building your own chassis. So unless you are looking for the zen like experience of building a chassis I think you are on the right track to just buy one. Making brackets and components is one thing - but to build a whole chassis is a huge process with big learning curves. I personally think buying a chassis from any one of the sponsors or venders here would be money well spent. Once you have the chassis it is pretty easy to mix and match or customize per your needs/budget.

I am looking forward to the build thread!

Andy

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awp_cruiser

Creeper,

I can't image that you would be saving any money by building your own chassis. So unless you are looking for the zen like experience of building a chassis I think you are on the right track to just buy one. Making brackets and components is one thing - but to build a whole chassis is a huge process with big learning curves. I personally think buying a chassis from any one of the sponsors or venders here would be money well spent. Once you have the chassis it is pretty easy to mix and match or customize per your needs/budget.

I am looking forward to the build thread!

Andy

I agree... I just am wondering which chassis to go with.

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 05:27 PM

what's wrong with the one you sit in between now?

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 05:31 PM

hi-jack.. you still pullin that head tonight?

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 05:39 PM

Nothin is wrong with the 80... What's wrong with your 60?!?

Yep, head is being pulled tonight. I got beer if you want to come help!

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 06:29 PM

I'm just givin ya crap... I know what your getting at. A rock buggy chassis would be sweet.

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 06:34 PM

No go on tonight...

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokenparts

No go on tonight...

I see how you are...

Jimbro · 12-31-07, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody

lots of options for chassis out there....one of my favorites is still Twisted Customs...Blue Torch also does a nice one...

....part of it assume i scrap my existing FJ40 to scavenge some parts tho, which I haven't talked myself into quite yet....

Why scrap a rig that has been so 'gently' broke in?

X2 on the Twisted Custom chassis!

Jimbro

bustanutley · 12-31-07, 11:12 AM

Twisted customs chassis are sweet. Extream Engeering's wrath chassis are very nice as well and work very well. Check out Nicks 500hsp 4whlstr wrath chassis

I personally would change a few things about your build, build around an atlas and shoot for a wheel base a little shorter if is going to be a 2 seater.

CreeperSleeper · 12-31-07, 11:55 AM

Yeah, I really would like to keep this Toyota running gear, but the 350/700R4/Atlas/Dana60s drivetrain def sounds like more fun!

bustanutley · 12-31-07, 01:00 PM

nothing wrong with the rest being toyota, 3.4 is a good motor, and if I had the option of supercharged 3.4 vs. 350 I would choose the yoter. If it is lite yota axles can work out and if you break them it isn't that big of a deal, but breaking t-cases really really sux, I know X3

The big thing is once you get dual yota cases built will all the "big" parts you are almost in as deep $$ wise as a atlas and you still can't front dig!

woody · 12-31-07, 01:01 PM

my build will be a 4.3/700R/Atlas with a front Cruiser housing and a rear centered mini/Cruiser hybrid....despite my best efforts, I'm incapable of breaking my 30-spline Longfield setup...and believe me, I've tried....

peesalot · 12-31-07, 01:15 PM

Tfab in tahoe city

coolcruiserfj40 · 12-31-07, 01:31 PM

my buggy is all toyota drivetrain and people still think its a stock 40

Mace · 12-31-07, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody

my build will be a 4.3/700R/Atlas with a front Cruiser housing and a rear centered mini/Cruiser hybrid....despite my best efforts, I'm incapable of breaking my 30-spline Longfield setup...and believe me, I've tried....

You do know what is going to happen dontcha? You are gonna build the buggy the way you just described and then kill axles left and right.

You HAVE the D60 stuff. Use it silly

And CoolCruiser, what buggy exactly are you talking about?

coolcruiserfj40 · 12-31-07, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

You do know what is going to happen dontcha? You are gonna build the buggy the way you just described and then kill axles left and right.

You HAVE the D60 stuff. Use it silly

And CoolCruiser, what buggy exactly are you talking about?

the caddy on dubs foolio

DHONDAGOD · 01-02-08, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolcruiserfj40

the caddy on dubs foolio

Looks stock to me...

Chris

wngrog · 01-03-08, 08:36 AM

I tried the buggy with Toyota stuff thing and it just does not pay off in the long run.

I was running the 2.7 Taco motor (excellent buggy motor), W56 tranny, Dual Marlins with stock inthe reduction and 4.7 in the rear case with Longfield 4340 output shaft.

I broke the Tcase 4 times starting with the small inputs all the way to the Longfield "bulletproof" output shaft.

I never broke the Tacoma 8.4 rear with the Polyperformance axles.

So, do the Toyota thing, but stick an Atlas in there.

I would do a 3.4/Auto/Atlas 4 speed/Toy Front with Diamond housing and 8.4 with Diamond housing rear.

I speak from experience here and this will save you money in the long run.

Finally, Woody....4.3's are gay. Get a V8 and stop fucking around with that motor.

Radd Cruisers · 01-03-08, 08:56 AM

Its kinda pricey but is the 4 litre lexus motor becoming popular in the buggy scene?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wngrog

I tried the buggy with Toyota stuff thing and it just does not pay off in the long run.

I speak from experience here and this will save you money in the long run.

Finally, Woody....4.3's are gay. Get a V8 and stop

12-27-07, 05:03 PM	#3
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 11,362	How much of the build do you want to do on your own? __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan) FJ40.5 Build - http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-cor...ly-begins.html http://www.fcfabrication.com/

12-27-07, 05:07 PM	#6
redcorn IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: near my girls Posts: 590	I'd consider the Formula X chassis from Hendrix as a great start. Dump the 80 series running gear into it and go from there. Build as the funds allow __________________ if you can cut a Tcase in half with a cheap circular saw you can do anything. BIG WAGONS RULE

12-27-07, 05:12 PM	#7
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,687 Blog Entries: 2	lots of options for chassis out there....one of my favorites is still Twisted Customs...Blue Torch also does a nice one... I'm considering a pair of rectangular mandrel bent rails from Throttle Down Kustoms....they've done one set of custom rails for an FJ45 project. Start with the outside rails, add a cross member or two, and build from there.... IMO, do NOT start with a stock frame....too heavy and too flimsy for a from-scratch buggy....my plan is a 4.3-700-atlas with 7075 links and SAW airshocks over cruiser axles....part of it assume i scrap my existing FJ40 to scavenge some parts tho, which I haven't talked myself into quite yet.... __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln

12-27-07, 05:14 PM	#8
awp_cruiser Rookie with a torch. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 281	Creeper, I can't image that you would be saving any money by building your own chassis. So unless you are looking for the zen like experience of building a chassis I think you are on the right track to just buy one. Making brackets and components is one thing - but to build a whole chassis is a huge process with big learning curves. I personally think buying a chassis from any one of the sponsors or venders here would be money well spent. Once you have the chassis it is pretty easy to mix and match or customize per your needs/budget. I am looking forward to the build thread! Andy __________________ 1973 FJ40 - Rimrock - 2 FJ40 - 0

12-27-07, 05:27 PM	#10
brokenparts IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hillsboro, OR TLCA# 16127 Posts: 2,467	what's wrong with the one you sit in between now? __________________ "Just bump it" I am offended by reality all the time. http://www.cascadecruisers.com/ http://www.myspace.com/zachsu ROTW: http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/198064-rotw-brokenparts-fj-60-a.html

12-27-07, 05:31 PM	#11
brokenparts IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hillsboro, OR TLCA# 16127 Posts: 2,467	hi-jack.. you still pullin that head tonight? __________________ "Just bump it" I am offended by reality all the time. http://www.cascadecruisers.com/ http://www.myspace.com/zachsu ROTW: http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/198064-rotw-brokenparts-fj-60-a.html

12-27-07, 06:29 PM	#13
brokenparts IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hillsboro, OR TLCA# 16127 Posts: 2,467	I'm just givin ya crap... I know what your getting at. A rock buggy chassis would be sweet. __________________ "Just bump it" I am offended by reality all the time. http://www.cascadecruisers.com/ http://www.myspace.com/zachsu ROTW: http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/198064-rotw-brokenparts-fj-60-a.html

12-27-07, 06:34 PM	#14
brokenparts IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hillsboro, OR TLCA# 16127 Posts: 2,467	No go on tonight... __________________ "Just bump it" I am offended by reality all the time. http://www.cascadecruisers.com/ http://www.myspace.com/zachsu ROTW: http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/198064-rotw-brokenparts-fj-60-a.html

12-31-07, 11:12 AM	#17
bustanutley IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: CrAwLoRaDo Posts: 1,612	Twisted customs chassis are sweet. Extream Engeering's wrath chassis are very nice as well and work very well. Check out Nicks 500hsp 4whlstr wrath chassis I personally would change a few things about your build, build around an atlas and shoot for a wheel base a little shorter if is going to be a 2 seater. __________________ FJ-40 on FO-DEEs just a lil guy HOMEGROWN

12-31-07, 01:00 PM	#19
bustanutley IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: CrAwLoRaDo Posts: 1,612	nothing wrong with the rest being toyota, 3.4 is a good motor, and if I had the option of supercharged 3.4 vs. 350 I would choose the yoter. If it is lite yota axles can work out and if you break them it isn't that big of a deal, but breaking t-cases really really sux, I know X3 The big thing is once you get dual yota cases built will all the "big" parts you are almost in as deep $$ wise as a atlas and you still can't front dig! __________________ FJ-40 on FO-DEEs just a lil guy HOMEGROWN

12-31-07, 01:01 PM	#20
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,687 Blog Entries: 2	my build will be a 4.3/700R/Atlas with a front Cruiser housing and a rear centered mini/Cruiser hybrid....despite my best efforts, I'm incapable of breaking my 30-spline Longfield setup...and believe me, I've tried.... __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln

12-31-07, 01:15 PM	#21
peesalot IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: in a house Posts: 1,585	Tfab in tahoe city __________________ John on the hawgs

12-31-07, 01:31 PM	#22
coolcruiserfj40 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: burbank ca Posts: 666	my buggy is all toyota drivetrain and people still think its a stock 40 __________________ anti-christ of cruiserheads

01-03-08, 08:36 AM	#26
wngrog IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Canton, Mississippi TLCA# 8121 Posts: 2,538	I tried the buggy with Toyota stuff thing and it just does not pay off in the long run. I was running the 2.7 Taco motor (excellent buggy motor), W56 tranny, Dual Marlins with stock inthe reduction and 4.7 in the rear case with Longfield 4340 output shaft. I broke the Tcase 4 times starting with the small inputs all the way to the Longfield "bulletproof" output shaft. I never broke the Tacoma 8.4 rear with the Polyperformance axles. So, do the Toyota thing, but stick an Atlas in there. I would do a 3.4/Auto/Atlas 4 speed/Toy Front with Diamond housing and 8.4 with Diamond housing rear. I speak from experience here and this will save you money in the long run. Finally, Woody....4.3's are gay. Get a V8 and stop fucking around with that motor. __________________ Rock Midget Motorsports www.rockmidget.com 2009 Calendars at www.rockmidget.com