Looking for Something Different

Crash666 · Feb 28, 2020

Hello, I'm new at these rock bouncer thing, Its been stock cars and drag strip all my life but my old dad and i need a project and these look like a fun way to waste money on and fill the creative void. Mainly just looking for build tips and secrets so i can build it right first go around. Anything is appreciated. Thank you.

87TPIYJ · Feb 28, 2020

Welcome. Do you have any specific questions? Do you have a build plan?

Crash666 · Feb 28, 2020

So far just getting ideas. Im not looking for extreme racing unit but it still needs to be willing and able. Some I see take these very serious. We don't have anything like here in Alberta. Jeeps is the norm. Are those cage kits worth it? I have a full weld/fab shop with all the goodies. Seems costly from what I can make it for.

87TPIYJ · Feb 28, 2020

Cage kits? You mean a full chassis? Do you want a tube buggy or modifying a body on frame vehicle? I am assuming you mean a production chassis. I would say that come down to what is your time worth? What kind of timeline are you wanting to have it RTR? Being new to the sport I will assume you will have a decent learning curve. So if you build your chassis from the ground up you will probably have some growing pains, re work and stuff when your done you wish you would have done different. With the production chassis most the guess work is done and you build the parts that fit your application. On the flip side building your chassis you can make it exactly how you want it.

Crash666 · Feb 28, 2020

Tube chassis. I need big enough for two and gear storage. I'm using a cranked up 7.3l diesel with an automatic trans of some nature. The 7.3 changable bell housing fits almost all trns. After that I'm just winging it. New to me. What transfer case will stand up for abuse behind a diesel? We have lax regulations so some lights and slide in flaps she can fly down the highway if needed.

Zjman · Feb 28, 2020

Only a Canadian would want to build a tube chassis diesel buggy and blast it down the highway. Crazy Canadians I tell ya :driving:
This should get interesting

Lil ugly · Feb 28, 2020

The secret is to put your money in the fire pit and stop while your ahead. Short of that it is wide open. The 7.3 is heavy so you will need to beef up your tube size a bit. You are probably looking at trying to go with an Allison or 6l80e to handle the torque output of the 7.3 on a longterm basis. Your basic 205 or atlas will handle the diesel as your tranny will absorb most of the initial torque. I would think an Atlas will be your reasonable option with the most adaptability or you could spend some coin and go with one of the straight cases like the hill killers use. This sport is no different than drag racing. every change or improvement you make effects something else down the line and it all has trade offs in some form or another. You can build for your terrain, build around your parts, or build on a certain platform. Regardless best of luck and post lots of pics to entertain the rest of us.

muddinmetal · Feb 28, 2020

Buy a finished buggy at a good price & see if riding is for you. It takes big balls to do big things and life feels different going fast towards trees at a 50 degree angle than it does on flat paved ground. If you buy in at a good price you can ride a year or two and maybe even get your money back on the buggy if you get burnt out. Building one will never work out that way.

Crash666 · Feb 28, 2020

87TPIYJ said:
Cage kits? You mean a full chassis? Do you want a tube buggy or modifying a body on frame vehicle? I am assuming you mean a production chassis. I would say that come down to what is your time worth? What kind of timeline are you wanting to have it RTR? Being new to the sport I will assume you will have a decent learning curve. So if you build your chassis from the ground up you will probably have some growing pains, re work and stuff when your done you wish you would have done different. With the production chassis most the guess work is done and you build the parts that fit your application. On the flip side building your chassis you can make it exactly how you want it.

Zjman said:
Only a Canadian would want to build a tube chassis diesel buggy and blast it down the highway. Crazy Canadians I tell ya :driving:
This should get interesting

Eddyj · Feb 29, 2020

Everyone wants to be a rock bouncer until your sitting at the bottom of a bounty hill...

all the Canadian rigs seem to be huge.

Crash666 · Feb 29, 2020

Well this is first one for me. There will be alot of lessons learned but that is half the fun sometimes. Actually inside of one day most parts are sourced and on way.

tnheadduck · Feb 29, 2020

muddinmetal said:
Buy a finished buggy at a good price & see if riding is for you. It takes big balls to do big things and life feels different going fast towards trees at a 50 degree angle than it does on flat paved ground. If you buy in at a good price you can ride a year or two and maybe even get your money back on the buggy if you get burnt out. Building one will never work out that way.

Some of the best advice you will ever get!!