Bought an old BTF U4 buggy

For simplicity and ease of swapping spare parts I’d probably just stick with ‘99-‘04, but they’ll have to be bored out to accept 35 spline shafts. They won’t off the shelf. So any spare would have to be modified too.

Are your Spidertrax housings already built to length? I have two sets of double splined 35 spline 300m rear shafts. One set is CTM that I screwed up a measurement on, the other are Branik. They’re for a pretty narrow offset housing that was in my buggy. I can get you measurements if you’re interested in seeing if any of them would work.
 
Hokie_YJ said:
For simplicity and ease of swapping spare parts I’d probably just stick with ‘99-‘04, but they’ll have to be bored out to accept 35 spline shafts. They won’t off the shelf. So any spare would have to be modified too.

Are your Spidertrax housings already built to length? I have two sets of double splined 35 spline 300m rear shafts. One set is CTM that I screwed up a measurement on, the other are Branik. They’re for a pretty narrow offset housing that was in my buggy. I can get you measurements if you’re interested in seeing if any of them would work.
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I'm aware, replaced all of them on the blue buggy a couple years ago. Thought about setting up a jig to do it myself and save ~150ea that way.
 
Joe_U4 said:
I'm aware, replaced all of them on the blue buggy a couple years ago. Thought about setting up a jig to do it myself and save ~150ea that way.
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I’m sure with the right equipment it wouldn’t e hard to do.
 
On the unit bearing front, I've ran a 1.5" drill bit through the bore to clear 35 spline shafts as long as your not running hubs where you need a spindle bearing. Just picked up a 1/2" shank 1.5" bit and did it on the drill press. Seemed to give it just enough to slide on.

I also seem to remember that the factory replacement unit bearings had enough meat in the spindle to bore them to 40 spline. The outer diameter of the spindle is 2.285 so that leaves over .375 of thickness after boring. Just remember to tack the nut so they don't back off.
 
NCJeeplover said:
Just remember to tack the nut so they don't back off.
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Already learned that one 👍

NCJeeplover said:
I also seem to remember that the factory replacement unit bearings had enough meat in the spindle to bore them to 40 spline.
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Interesting, had not heard that and will investigate. Does anyone make a 40 spline slug for 99-04 UB? I've never seen one 🤔
 
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I am going to make a few changes and wanted to mock up the drivetrain.

How friggin cool is this 😎

Dimensionally correct fake LS 😁

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TH400 & Atlas mockups should arrive shortly.
 
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New skid plate underway. Old skid plate was made from mild steel and it bent all to hell. Picked up some AR500 from Metal Supermarkets and fabbed up a new one.

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Time to do some sketchy shit do da do da.... hope I get away with it 😂 Bending the welding warp out 🤔

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Well it fits as it should, engine, trans, & adapter plate all mount up. The 3D printed Atlas arrived today but have not had time to assemble it. One thing I had questions about were two unused poly mounts on the frame. I suspected they were used for a mid mount engine plate and I'm fairly certain now as they line up with the rear of the block. Debating whether or not to make a mid mount plate and would it be worth the effort for this application.

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To mid mount or not to mid mount is the question 🤔
 
Looking closer I think the PO added a frame mounted cross member for the trans that was not part of the original design. The Atlas has a support from the top and mounts on the rear of the case. Looks like there is a provision for another top mount where the trans and atlas mate. I think the entire drivetrain was mounted from above and did not use a trans cross member. Another thing to ponder 🤔
 
Joe_U4 said:
One thing I had questions about were two unused poly mounts on the frame. I suspected they were used for a mid mount engine plate and I'm fairly certain now as they line up with the rear of the block. Debating whether or not to make a mid mount plate and would it be worth the effort for this application.

View attachment 448900

To mid mount or not to mid mount is the question 🤔
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Those are for head plates. Not mid mount.
I don't use them but a few racers do.

Joe_U4 said:
Looking closer I think the PO added a frame mounted cross member for the trans that was not part of the original design. The Atlas has a support from the top and mounts on the rear of the case. Looks like there is a provision for another top mount where the trans and atlas mate. I think the entire drivetrain was mounted from above and did not use a trans cross member. Another thing to ponder
🤔
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That's how I like to set mine up too.
Both Atlas and Trans from the top.
 
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