Buggy Build Input

Yay!Gurrr

Yay!Gurrr

Better Faster Stronger
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Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
N. N. Raleigh, NC
I've had a long term paper project in my head for the last few years. Now that my jeep is wheelable. It's been ringing in my head more and more.. Seeing all the new ones being built doesn't help either..

The buggy has no real form as of yet, only some things I'd like to incorporate, that list changes as I see other things that seems to work or not work..

If you have some input or insight please add it.. Please shoot down any ideas I may have or give any opinions.


Some random thoughts..
* 100% trail/offroad
* Overall design will be to hit some sweet spots on the strength vs cost curve.
* target tires size 36"-38" Lighter weight tires. (or bigger)
* Light weight - I'll use that loosely as its all relative with cost increasing as weight goes down.. But basically simple strong design vs pretty design. Lets say target under 2500#
* creative chassis design and component placement to keep size and weight down. Have many pencil drawings looking similer to a spring car chassis.
* Suzuki 1.6L engine, I love the all alum engine (~250# full dressed) and the power is pretty good for its size.. And some cool cycle carbs being adapted for offroad use...
* toyota axles - strength /weight upgradeability etc.. Possibly rear steer option after initial implementation. Seeing PJs rear steer setup on his buggy seemed to work very well in that configuration..
* engine placement - I see so many pro/cons to each. With a light weight alum. zuke motor it would mainly come down to packaging and reduced costs of implementation. Rear would allow for easy flipping of axles for high pinion..
* Suspension - links, but who knows, I saw one on PBB, that was cross wise mounted, leaf clamped in the center with shackles connecting it to the axle on the ends.. it had lower links, but the leaf served as the upper(s).
* torn between a single seater and 2 seater... 1 would be easier, and provide tightest packaging. If 2 possibly dual inline seating, possibly offset staggered seating to keep it narrow, depending on drive train placement..

Time line - none.
Budget - cheep, Mainly use used parts. As little new items as reasonable possible.

I'm making one of my trips to NY in a few weeks, and will have some time to scrounge some parts if needed...
 
Problems I see...Buggy=cheap doesn't work. There is so much crap involved in building one that keeping it below 7k would be a helluva feat. I'd buy this and be way ahead of the game, if you really want something capable and cheap. I've seen it in action and I know it can't be reproduced for the asking price. Or if you suddenly come into a lot of cash...27k will buy mine..

http://nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28942
 
You are 100% correct most buggys are $$$$$$. I'm not talking about a buggy even on par with the standard muddevil high hp, rockwelled crawling machine...

More of a de-chassis'd built up rig. But with more prior planning than simply cutting off body panels and adding more tube as time passes on..

In line with the core concept of a F-toy minus the F-toy class rules. Move main components to a very simple tube chassis. Reuse stock components where possasble. Creating strength through lighter overall weight and reduced bulk.

TiredIrons buggy is definitely cool and has some nice old school features like the relocated brake booster. But as with most other buggys... They just aren't what i'd build..

Yours is outside my price range, I had hoped to spend at least 50k.. :flipoff2:
 
Just get Jim to build you a chasis! :D
 
Sounds Like Brad Headricks (Atomic City) "Termite"... granted it looks like a chopped Sami, but seems to be more for appearance...

Don't quote me on the specs, cause I don't know rice...

1.6Swift mill on propane
Locked/alloyed Toy steering axles at each end
Lot's of other frufru... It works VERY well from what I've seen.
 

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x2 on the build a samurai. They work great and are cheap, light, easy to work on.

I'm a sami guy though.
 
yes i agree with the sami. 'concept'. I've also owned a few (greyzuki, yazuki, zukipuke) My last one started off as an otherwise good reliable solid zuke on 31s. Locked both ends with 4:1 etc.. I basically hacked it apart and morphed it into a buggy on toy axles..

What I learned from that was either make a buggy or not. The whole back half concept is cool and looks trick, but unless you hack the floor/sides, move seats, adjust the frame etc.. Your just wasting time/effort/money. I did just that one section at a time from the back forward and it did nothing but limit things..

But yes the plan would be to start with a donor vehicle that had good/cheep parts availability and had the most usable components. Sidekick, toyota p/u. etc.. Keeping in mind the target engine (1.6) and drivetrain parts adaptability.

I'm know Jim does great work, but my kink-o-matic still has a few good bends in it..
 
Way out there elec powered, two motors mounted on top of the axles delivering power via chain and sprocket. It's been rolling around in my head a long time. I'm thinking in a few years when batteries tech up some it may be much more possible. Small 12 or 15HP engine to run steering and some charging duties as needed. Now back to earth
Trail only- no transfer but a dbl row of chain right off whatever tranny you use. Hooked to a shaft with some big ole pillow blocks, then run your F&R shafts from there. Changing ratios would be fairly simple and you could use whatever kind of vehicle you wanted. I think some mud machines use that kind of setup I'm sure a search would turn up results.
I would for sure start with some wort of running vehicle just so you had all the small parts that eat up $$$ like fuel, puter or whatever.
 
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