Rock buggy chassis

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 03:40 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, 03:59 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, 04:03 PM

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

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 04:06 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, 04:06 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, 04:07 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, 04:12 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, 04:14 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, 04:19 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, 04:27 PM

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

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 04:31 PM

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

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 04:39 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, 05:29 PM

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

brokenparts · 12-27-07, 05:34 PM

No go on tonight...

CreeperSleeper · 12-27-07, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokenparts

No go on tonight...

I see how you are...

Jimbro · 12-31-07, 09:31 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, 10:12 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, 10:55 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, 12:00 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, 12:01 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, 12:15 PM

Tfab in tahoe city

coolcruiserfj40 · 12-31-07, 12:31 PM

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

Mace · 12-31-07, 01:10 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, 01:18 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, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolcruiserfj40

the caddy on dubs foolio

Looks stock to me...

Chris

wngrog · 01-03-08, 07:36 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, 07:56 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 fucking around with that motor.

woody · 01-03-08, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radd Cruisers

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

Mike Knorr ran that in his Twisted Customs chassis buggy for a couple years...he now runs a stroked 302 and is WAY happier with the motor performance...they always seemed to have issues with the Lexus motor in there....not sure what all those issues were offhand....

I'll see if I can get him to post up on it....

Mace · 01-03-08, 08:10 AM

Yep 347 Ferd as I recall.. Awesome motor..

Mike Knorr · 01-03-08, 08:29 AM

That lexus 4.0 is underpowered. Never had any issue's with it running. Pretty reliable if properly maintained. Only motor issue I had was bad plug wires. Trust me if your plug wires go bad in Moab with that motor you cannot go down to anyplace in town and get a set. You must have them overnighted in.

My motor was absouletly free and I still pulled it and spent $$$ on my new 347 stroker ford motor. It is the best money I spent since the Twisted Customs chassis. There is not even a hint of comparision.

The factory lexus 4.0 can be made to work in a buggy fairly inexpensively. But the AW4 transmission with its electronic shifting was never ideal. A manual gear body is much more suited to a rock buggy. The car that motor comes from has 3.92 gears in the rear end with tiny tires. With the change to 5.13's and 39's this motor is completly out of its power range in an off road rig. The motor has very little torque. In low range it was acceptable off road but only for crawling. It never could seem to generate wheel speed off the line. High range was unusable. With the length of the transmission using a doubler would make for a very long chassis.

While I'll admit I am not even remotely close to be being brand devoted to any one brand. So I don't understand the keep it all one brand mentality. Use the best parts available to you if your building a rock buggy. You'll be much happier in the end. Hell at one time I had an all AMC Jeep. Now my rig is more Ford one ton than anything else. Don't make any choice on your buggy, other than hood and grille, on brand loyalty. Use the best parts available to you.

That being said if you have to use Toyota parts use a tundra motor. Either the 4.7 or the new 5.7. Either would be a better choice.