Eric
RIP 10/6/2022
I first started spending $ on this project 7 years ago and the build itself started about 3 years ago. Now that the project is almost finished I figured it was time to start a build thread!
My goal from the start has been to build a capable and reliable trail rig that maintained the full-bodied Jeep look. I have no interest in racing or keeping up with tube buggies and various design decisions have been made accordingly.
Although the end product will look like a Jeep I’m posting this thread to General 4x4 instead of Jeep because the only Jeep in this project amounts to some sheet metal skin.
Key Spec’s
The chassis has been modeled in Solidworks and includes appropriate kinematic joints so that the suspension can be digitally flexed to check for interference. My goal was to manufacture the chassis within 1/8” and 1 degree of the as-designed geometry and this goal has been largely achieved.
Here is a video walkaround of the more-or-less completed rolling chassis:
Going forward I will add posts that detail key areas of the project including frame, cage, motor, suspension, and axles.
Stay tuned!
My goal from the start has been to build a capable and reliable trail rig that maintained the full-bodied Jeep look. I have no interest in racing or keeping up with tube buggies and various design decisions have been made accordingly.
Although the end product will look like a Jeep I’m posting this thread to General 4x4 instead of Jeep because the only Jeep in this project amounts to some sheet metal skin.
Key Spec’s
- Motor: 2001 GM 5.3 truck motor (LM7), bored 0.020”, Comp Cam, F-body intake & accessories.
- Transmission: Hughes Performance Turbo 350, full manual valve body, compression braking, 1500 rpm stall, 850 HP rating
- Transfer case: Altas 2 speed, 4.3:1 low range
- Front axle: 1995 Ford Dana 60 front housing w/ ’02 Super Duty knuckles, Grizzly locker, 5.38 gears, RCV 35 spline shafts, PSC full hydro steering
- Rear axle: 2002 Ford Dana 60 from Super Duty van, Grizzly locker, 5.38 gears, Branik 35 spline alloy shafts
- Front suspension: 3 link w/ panhard bar, 14” King coilovers, Fox 2” air bumps
- Rear suspension: Double triangulated 4 link, 14” King coilovers, Fox 2” air bumps
- Tires & Wheels: 39.5x13.5x17 BFG red label Krawlers on 17x9.5 Raceline beadlocks (summer/rock crawling)
- Tires & Wheels: 39.5x13.5x17 Super Swamper IROK bias on 17x9.5 Raceline beadlocks (everything else)
- Other: Custom built frame and roll cage skinned with various bits of Jeep sheet metal
The chassis has been modeled in Solidworks and includes appropriate kinematic joints so that the suspension can be digitally flexed to check for interference. My goal was to manufacture the chassis within 1/8” and 1 degree of the as-designed geometry and this goal has been largely achieved.
Here is a video walkaround of the more-or-less completed rolling chassis:
Going forward I will add posts that detail key areas of the project including frame, cage, motor, suspension, and axles.
Stay tuned!
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