Anybody prepared an FJ40 for UROC "stock" class, got tech Q's (1 Viewer)

[Roswell Rat]

Specifically looking for feedback on the following:

1. Since 35's are max allowable tire size, I'm thinking SUA is the way to go here. Maybe 2" lift springs max and cut the heck out of the quarters, cut rockers, raise fenders, etc. to keep the rig low, low, low.

2. Wheelbase must be within 3" of stock. So move front axle forward OR move rear axle back OR combination of both?

3. Steering box must remain in stock location. This rule kinda sucks, since the traditional place to mount a saginaw box is forward of the stock location. Would the tech "scrutineers" even know the stock location?

4. Is there any compelling reason a FJ40 would not be competitive? Am I totally wasting my time and money?

And these are just the beginning. The rules are still soaking in. UROC's website has the rules in .pdf for those interested. Keep in mind I come from a background of roadracing motorcycles so I am WAY out of my element.

Any feedback from those who have been there/done that is greatly appreciated.

 

[wngrog]

Specifically looking for feedback on the following:

1. Since 35's are max allowable tire size, I'm thinking SUA is the way to go here. Maybe 2" lift springs max and cut the heck out of the quarters, cut rockers, raise fenders, etc. to keep the rig low, low, low.

SUA would be best in my opinion, I would do 4" HFS springs, that way when I was not running in Comps I could run 37-39" tires. YOu can cut the front but according to the rules you can only cut up to the existing wheelwells, that is why I would do a 4" kit.

2. Wheelbase must be within 3" of stock. So move front axle forward OR move rear axle back OR combination of both?

I would run Scout P/S and trim the front frame as much as possible and then move the front axle forward. Approach is way more important than departure.

3. Steering box must remain in stock location. This rule kinda sucks, since the traditional place to mount a saginaw box is forward of the stock location. Would the tech "scrutineers" even know the stock location?

Probably would not know, but just in case, the Scout box should cover it. Plus, nothing sticking way out front.

4. Is there any compelling reason a FJ40 would not be competitive? Am I totally wasting my time and money?

I asked the question on weight on a Cruiser (stock) just for this reason. I think it could be for sure. Main advantage in comp in this class would be power/weight ratio and "front dig" capabilities.

I would do a light V8 (LS-1), T350, Atlas 4.3 to 4.88's in a Cruiser axle with Pigs and Longs (not the 30 spline, 27 4340) Sunray 9" rear.

Strip the body well and you could get the rig in at around 3500#

2nd overall last year was a CJ-5 with a manual transmission. A rig like the one above would be kick ass.

And these are just the beginning. The rules are still soaking in. UROC's website has the rules in .pdf for those interested. Keep in mind I come from a background of roadracing motorcycles so I am WAY out of my element.

Any feedback from those who have been there/done that is greatly appreciated.

 

[woody]

One thing to check is if UROC is even having competitions with the "stock" class...believe only the upper two tiers have events right now, and stock still falls under the Sportsman events.

I've looked at quite a few events as well, WeRock appears to be starting nicely, and there's RROC (I think) that I may run a time or two this year to see if I'm into it or not....

 

[Texican]

If they are sticky on the rules, the Scout box won't cut it since it is mounted on the frame in front of the axle, at least 2 ft from the stock location.......stock locaton would make you run the mini or OEM and relay rod with bell crank assembly, which would bend or break often......
Butch

 

[SpaceGhost]

Woody hit the class events on target. UROC didn't have any in 03 or 04, but has the regs for them. Sportsman is the only chance for them with UROC, and those are limited to the promoters choices. Note: I haven't read the STOCK Class rules.

Now to your other questions.
Competitive Cruiser, hmmmmmm Damn things are heavy, most of the weight is in front. You will be at a disadvantage to the 4 cyl heaps in climbs where brute HP isn't an issue. Front dig, ummm not in a cruiser, without some kinda $$$ thrown at it. Gears will be too high for technical courses, until you address that.

Axles strength will be an issue even with 35's. Plan for some of the new upgrades, see Longs stuff. The steering may or may not be an issue. I would verify this with UROC specifically, the head tech inspectors. You can find them on the UROC board. They did allow the saginaw mod in Legends back when it was tight, as did ProRock in their stock class. If they do allow it, definetly go SCOUT! I regret having my box up front, and am swapping to a Scout box (thanks Woodrow), before the season starts. Main reason is the bottom of the box and pitman are hanging there waiting to stop you cold, or take a beating from the ledges.

As far as suspension, spring over is a good solution (is it allowed?), and cost wise no more than a spring kit. But if only a lift is what ya want, I liked my SkyJacker 4" after I broke it in, and removed the second shortest leaf from the packs. Leaf springs are still hard to beat! I would go to the 44041 (right #?) pull a leaf or 2, and do it spring over. I would also move both ends apart the 3" allowed. Keep the shackle length as short as possible, and don't do a add on reversal on the front, either reposition the stock hangars, or leave it alone. Technically the shackles in front will tackle the boulders better anyway.

Keep the bottom as smooth as possible, you will be dragging it over s*** on most eastern courses. The western courses don't have the boulder fields, so clearance is not as important. Cut off the s*** you don't need, all of it. Saves weight and frankly it's gonna get torn off if you are competitive. Beadlocks are mandatory, although not in rules. So is rope on the winches. Adjust your steering stops to the min turning radius the birfs will live at. Don't think that lower pressure is always the best for tires, assess the terrain and adjust, to low and you loose the placement control as the tires flex.

And ramp scores are gay and useless. Carrying a tire means that weight is hanging on the end of the axle, might be all that keeps you from landing on your side! Gotta finish to win, ask me how I know...................

Good Luck!

 

[Roswell Rat]

At this point it seems best to wait for UROC to post their 2005 schedule and see what, if any, Sportsman events will be taking place. It would seem that the stock class is how most people would be able to participate in the sport. I can't imagine too many people who are willing to build a full tube buggy with no competitive experience.