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I have an idea I'd like to share (OFF ROAD)


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Hello all fellow OFF ROAD lovers!

 

I have had plans for a while to build an ALL FUJI OFF ROAD BEAST. I wanted to build it for WCSS6 but I went with the Toyota Axled XT6 instead because it was faster to build. I am having a blast with the XT6 and don't want to part with it so I am having trouble justifing building another beast for myself.

 

So, I would like to share the idea with everyone else to see if anyone else likes it. It would be really cool if someone out there would like me to build it for them. But in any case I'd just like to see this thing built.

 

Here is the plan:

 

Car: Hatchback w/Dual Range Tranny and Nissan Transfer Case

Frame: Custom Tube Frame

Suspension: Custom Dual A-Arms Front and Rear, R-180 Differentials F&R (4.375:1 or more), Datsun Truck Axles (all the long side), Datsun Truck Spindles/Hubs/Brakes at all four corners.

Tires: ~31"

 

This design would have excellent wheel travel due to the long axles, however the car would need serious fender flares to be street legal.

 

It would have welded diffs front and rear and would still be streetable due to the manual locking hubs on all four wheels. It would also be able to have four wheel steering due to the Datsun Spindles at all four corners.

 

One weakness of this design is the R-180 differentials. They use the same size stub axles as the R-160 so this would still be the weak link. However, I think given the long travel independent suspension set-up, 31" tires would allow plenty of rock crawling ability and not overstress the stub axles too much.

 

So what do you all think?????

 

Mike

 

BTW: I have all the Datsun parts besides the car if anyone is interested in building this themselves.

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I love the idea of unlocking a hub for to/from transit, great idea. For the diff why not step up to the R-200, there pretty easy to find in the Datsun/Nissan Z/ZX cars and came with u-joint or CV half shafts, I'm sure they could be made to work with the truck axels.

 

Gary

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Sounds good at this end, also...

 

Been contemplating "Double A-arm suspension on the front of my '82 BRAT, with either a coil-over shock (Koni) or, the shock inside the spring, mounted ontop of the upper A-arm where the strut would've been. Thinking it would make "alignment" easier that way, seeing as I'm doing a 12" lift under it.

 

Have to contemplate on the "rear-steer" part abit more. Sounds abit scarry to me, as in having it want to, "Left turn, Clyde" at highway speeds. :eek: Double "A-arm" on the rear does sound like a good idea though. So does a 4-link set-up. What the hay is a 5-link set-up anyways? Heard of them, just ain't seen one.

Thinking 31" tires here also. Planning on using front/rear 4.11 diffs powered thru the Nissan T-case. Not liking the problem of snapping axle stubs, period!!! Thinking going anything taller on the tire, would put to much stress on the stubs. But what do I know............

 

All is still in the planning stage right now. Amassing needed parts and what not. If I ever get off of these "kill-ya" work hours, (60 - 70 + a week), I'll start putting a wrench to some of it. (Only worked from Wed. to Sat. this week, and still did 64 hours). I'm getting to "OLD" for this crap!!!!!!

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traditionally rear-steer rock buggys have hydraulic ram steering using a double ended ram, and hand lever control, with a thick pin that can be inserted by hand to lock the rear end in center.

 

I wouldn't stick with r180s unless you can put stronger stubs in. I would consider the r200 or r230 (nissan 300zx/infiniti q45) If you're going that far, you should build something that would hold up to 33s at least under abuse. I would drop using stubs all together and use flanges. Then make axle shafts with nissan u-joints and PTO slip yoke shaft. On PTO shafts the entire shaft is one giant slip yoke so you'll have tons of travel possibilities with good high-travel u-joints. Making axles is not as much of a worry as making driveshafts, all you need is patience. Axles rotate slower and have their center of mass closer to the axle so vibration is much less of a problem.

 

heres a pic of the kinds of shaft I'm talking about

 

benzihri.jpg

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I wonder how many of us have been thinking of a machine like this?

 

Tires...Come on and go bigger. 33's at least and everything else stout enough to drive them up a waterfall without busting.

 

Fenders? It don't need no stinkin fenders. Just enough body to look Subaru'ish.

 

R200a, R230 or bigger. Maybe cheat and go non-Fuji on the diffs?

 

Does Fuji make PTO shafts? Great idea in any case. Axles are the part that's been bothering me. I've got a set of Datsun 510 axles but the U-joints don't have much flex and the Nissan truck axles don't flex much than Soob axles.

 

How about a UD turbo diesel? I hear they're made by Fuji.

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if you are planning a project like that... i'd definately say go for the bigger diffs. as aperson who has grenaded the spiders and stub axles... i don't suggest low gearing and that diff in the rear end. i haven't blown anything up in the front end yet. but you don't need as stong a diff in the front anyways. the only thing i've busted on the front with mine. is i grenaded the outer cv on the front axle... but i was being stupid at the time. so otherwise it wouldn't have broke. the back just needs to be a lot stronger! after the finishing touches are done to lil' roo... she'll probably be sold. that's if my new project goes as well as planned......

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Thanks for all the good info guys! Despite the weakpoints of the R180, I'll still probably use them at first. Only because I happen to have six of them laying around!!!!! I'll just make sure to carry a few extra stub axles with me.

 

Jared, it's good to hear from you! I know that whenever any of us here in Eugene hears anything about Iraq, we think of you! When are you going to be home??? I hope I can help you and John build your new beast. I had a blast building my XT6, it kicks booty! I can't wait to see what you have planned.

 

Thanks,

Mike

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Jared, it's good to hear from you! I know that whenever any of us here in Eugene hears anything about Iraq, we think of you! When are you going to be home??? I hope I can help you and John build your new beast. I had a blast building my XT6, it kicks booty! I can't wait to see what you have planned.
i can't tell you when i'll be home especially on the board... but i can tell you it's too soon in the aspect of a load of money... but i'll be able to pay cash for all the expensive stuff. and i can tell you this much. i've been talking to john via email... planning and waiting!!! if Lil' Roo turns out the way i'm planning... you won't be dissapointed... can you say the ultimate roo.... ;) i should be in Eugene for a few hours or a day around christmas time... need to put the finishing touches on design and drop some parts off at john's house. i'm supposed to be driving down from washington... i'm planning on buying a truck and car trailer to tow around my offroad projects. and i'll be driving it home from washington.
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