Picked up some new tires....

[TroutRunner]

Rock Ware 4 Seater

I just picked it up Monday from a guy in California, he met me half way. I'm keeping the LX as it serves a completely different purpose and will still get the primary time up in the easy stuff of Colorado. Can't wait to hit the harder stuff in CO now!

I'm pretty fired up. The pics are from yesterday, the first time out. I ran my usual cruiser trails and it makes them all seem silly.

When you guys coming up?

G

 

[SteveLCetc]

Shotgun.

 

[SteveLCetc]

Maybe later this month? That's a topic for the meeting Saturday...

 

[TroutRunner]

Sounds good, Steve. Let me know what weekend you guys are thinking, I'm off only half the weekends the month. I do have weekdays off some for those that may also.

G

 

[OGBeno]

Wow.

This vehicle definitely fits better in the direction that you have been wanting to go in for awhile Graham.

Congrats.

 

[evanz80]

Very cool! How about some details? I don't have a clue about buggies. What's the drivetrain (engine tranny/transfer case)? Is this a kit sort of thing where somebody buys the frame, then adds the drivetrain? Was it built by the guy in California? Are those speakers on the back of the frame above the heads of the rear-seat passengers?

I assume you will have to trailer it to the trailhead? Do you have a trailer yet, and can the LX pull it? I wouldn't imagine that it weighs a whole lot - well there's another question for you.

I can't wait to see it in person. That just looks like too much fun.

Congratulations!

 

[TroutRunner]

Specs

Specs:

Rock Ware 4 Seater Chassis (They are out of Colorado Springs)

LS1 with a 400hp tune
Powerglide 2 Speed Tranny
Atlas 5.0

Dana 60 Kingpin front - Chromoly Shafts with CTM Joints
14 Bolt Full Float rear - Chromoly Shafts
King Coilovers 14" front, 14" rear
Cage Radius Arms front/back with Panhards
Disc Brakes front/rear
Cutting Brakes rear
Full Hydro Steering with Single Ram

39" Competition (Sticky) BFG's on Walker Evans Beadlocks

Stereo with rear speakers
Removable Rear Cooler Rack
Warn 6000 with dash controls and suckdown feature
PIAA Front Lights with side and back Rock Lights
15 Gallon Fuel Cell

Estimated Weight #3700

It rode great the other day, sucks that it started raining. I ran it pretty fast in the wash in 4h then dropped into low and it crawls super slow. Feels very stable and makes you want to try other stuff. This same chassis has run King of Hammers and finished in a v6 variety. It is a proven crawler chassis/suspension and is known to be quality and very tough.

Only thing it is missing is shoulder straps up front and all belts in the rear. I ordered some Crow harnesses today and should get them next week. Looks like I will add another bar behind the front seats to get the straps to align proper so I don't hurt myself in a roll.

When you get a buggy you can do it many different ways. You can build your own from the ground up starting with tube for the chassis to completion. You can buy all different levels of chassis: some with basic frame; some complete with bracing; some with motor and drivetrain mounts; some with everything including axles, tires, but without motor and drivetrain. You get the level you want and finish it. Or...You can buy brand new turnkey rigs.

I looked into building my own, priced the whole damn thing out down to the mounts and tabs to put skins on. It adds up and then you still got to spend the time to build the beast. After itemizing it out, I decided to buy used since you can basically get a car for the price of the parts but have it finished. I've been camped on Pirate4x4 for a while and finally found one that fit my criteria and then some.

Will need a trailer and I won't use the LX. Short distance the LX may work but the Tundra will get the load of the work.

G

 

[sl33p3]

sounds cool. i'd love a ride in the rock/roller coaster someday too

 

[TroutRunner]

I keep saying it would be fun to have the crew come up for a weekend. I've got some good challenging trails but still fun trails for everyone to run.

G

 

[sl33p3]

I keep saying it would be fun to have the crew come up for a weekend. I've got some good challenging trails but still fun trails for everyone to run.

G

well i'm game but pretty sure i don't want to drag my 80 through the stuff i've seen your vids of...

 

[lurch]

Picked up some new tires...

They look slightly used better take them back, I'm guessing you didn't get them at Discount Tire?

I'd like to come up, always wanted to ride in a buggy Seen some of the trails in Farmington when I was there for a UROC comp but never made it back to run the trails, same year you could win the "BFG Karnivor"...didn't win

 

[TroutRunner]

Lurch,

This could be yours: The original Karnivore is for Sale! - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

G

 

[evanz80]

Awesome - thanks for the specs and the education on buggies.

I'd love to see it in person. We'll see if we can't get a club trip going up to the NW corner of NM soon.

 

[alia176]

Well done G, this is how it should be done: one vehicle for cross country and another one for rock crawling. It is NOT possible to combine the two and have a decent rig that does either activity well. Hopefully I'll get to DRIVE it someday......

 

[TroutRunner]

Once you ride or drive in one you will want one. Very tame to drive, I thought it would be a little more of a rodeo. Steering is responsive, ride is trucklike, gets it done.

If you want to drive, you have to come up. I think I'll be messing around at CM this year. Not enrolled, but I think I can show up. To bad its a Mini Cooper hood instead of a FJ40. I think about changing it if it gets destroyed, until then....at least it isn't a Jeep.

G

 

[Beowulf]

Nice rig Graham. Area BFE should be wide open for you to play in. It would be great if you can make it to CM this year.

We really need to plan a club wheeling & camping trip to your area.

-Mike-

 

[alia176]

Once you ride or drive in one you will want one. Very tame to drive, I thought it would be a little more of a rodeo. Steering is responsive, ride is trucklike, gets it done.

If you want to drive, you have to come up. I think I'll be messing around at CM this year. Not enrolled, but I think I can show up. To bad its a Mini Cooper hood instead of a FJ40. I think about changing it if it gets destroyed, until then....at least it isn't a Jeep.

G

cool. I'll be crashing CM this year as well, will stay at Slick rock campground with Isabelle.

 

[OGBeno]

cool. I'll be crashing CM this year as well, will stay at Slick rock campground with Isabelle.

When are you heading up?

 

[TroutRunner]

PM me the plans guys.

 

[BionicCruiser]

May 21st weekend for a trip up to Farmington work for you Graham?