GQ SHORTY WHEEL BASE EXTENSION

[MEGATROL]

hey, everyone
looking at cutting a GQ shorty into a tray back wich is no dramas and then extending the wheel base by 10-12 inches to create a mid wheel base, iv had a bit of a look and i think ive got it sussed but just want to here other peoples ideas and any pictures of buildups or even the finished product would be great.
My ideas sofar are 2 remove fuel tank, make all new arms to desired length, cut off panhard mount and move it back to suit and set up a rear hoop to mount coilovers. seems fairly simple to me but if anyone has done this before or can contribute any info that would be great.
also any info on coilover setup, such as spring rates, mounting angles and heights.

MEGATROL

[toughnut]

It'll add a fair bit of fab work but If you're going to this extent then I'd look into moving your engine and gearbox etc back in the chassis. Its not a small job but like it'll make it much more stable and will balance the car a lot better. As I said. It depends on how much fab work you're comfortable with.

You can definately just extend your rear arms to suit. Just be aware that your chassis drops down a little after the rear axle but this may well be a bonus if you're lifting the car because it will mean that the panhard will be more horizontal but be aware of your bump stop spacing.

[A.J.]

If you're going to put in that much effort, don't muck around with a panhard mate....
Triangulated 4-link, especially if you want to go coilovers.

That's just my opinion, but if you make custom arms, you might aswell link it to get the best out of the setup.

[Mosko111]

thanks guys

na moving the engine/driveline back is not an option as it has a 5litre holden V8 already and it nearly touches the firewall as it is.

still chasing any pics of other peoples set ups if possible

MEGATROL

[gudge]

Would a triangulated 4 link be suitable for winch challenge style events? I've always thought that they where More suited to crawling? Don't need massive flex, just need power to the ground For climbing. All good ideas Guys, would love some pics

[turbo gu]

A 4 link isn't about flex. They are used in road cars, drag cars etc.
Its about finding the best set up to put the power down.

[gudge]

Thanks turbo gu, We will definaly be considering the 4 link. How would we go about calculating the control arm angles? I've read on outers a few times guys talking about anit squat and roll centers and stuff like that, a bit over my head but would love to learn how to set up suspension properly.

[hokey]

you need some sort of calculator aye. try googling the 4 link calculator

[gudge]

Lol should of known that was coming, but thanks hokey I will do that.

[zookimal]

There are a few excellent threads on Pirate. Read, read and keep reading. After you've done that you'll be confused and overloaded with tech.

Take some measurements from your car and try and put some figures into the 4link calc that are realistic within the chassis constraints and see what the results are. Do your best to get weights and heights accurate. Use this as a base to work adjustments from.

[BrettInUte]

cut + shut the chassis to extend the wheel base ?

[gudge]

Thanks Brett but Not interested in cutting the chassi, want longer control arms anwyay and increased departure angle. not to mention I just don't like the thought of cutting the chassi, I'm sure it's been done many times Before but even if its welded propelry it will always be 2 halves of car stuck together I'm had a quick glance at them calculators and i think i will have to sit down and do a bit of study

[toughnut]

No need to cut the chassis when you're going to custom mount some coil overs as the chassis really doesn't drop down that much after the axle and it also adds a weak point unless braced a fair bit. If you were going to do that you'd be better to cut down a long wheel base chassis from a wagon or ute so you only have one join.

[gudge]

Exactly our plan. Thinking triangulated top arms. Extennder lowers and coil overs on a custom shock hoop. Easy!

[toughnut]

Won't be as big an issue with the longer arms but make sure that the mounting points on your shock hoop don't pull the top of the shocks so far forward that the shocks hit on the axle housing when at full droop. If you're going to mount the shocks on the top of the axle housing then disregard.

[MEGATROL]

toughnut, we will be running coilovers so shocks rubbing wont be an issue, and has anyone got any pics of this style of setup or sumthing similar, but 4 link seems to be the way to go and shouldnt be too hard, and dnt stress gudge your only a sparky, we cant expect you to understand angles and stuff, you just wire up the winch and 24V and let me worry about the ass end and well be sweet

[toughnut]

toughnut, we will be running coilovers so shocks rubbing wont be an issue, and has anyone got any pics of this style of setup or sumthing similar, but 4 link seems to be the way to go and shouldnt be too hard, and dnt stress gudge your only a sparky, we cant expect you to understand angles and stuff, you just wire up the winch and 24V and let me worry about the ass end and well be sweet

The coil over is what I was refering to. If you mount it similar to where the factory shock mounts are then you will run into problems if you don't take into account the axle wrap when at full droop. Its a mistake that a few people have made and only found out when they mangled their expensive bling and had to start again. But as I said if you mount them on top of the axle you won't have a problem with it but it won't be as stable. Which is why factories usually mount the shock down low on the axle.

[ezzman]

i extended my wheelbase by using longer control arms mounting from the factory crossmember. then i cut up a rear cut to use all the factory shock and spring crossmember, and the factory panhard mount. the minor issues i had with the chassis dropping down at the back won't be an issue for you if you're going to run coilovers. i would still use the factory shock crossmember though as it helps brace the panhard mount. it was all pretty easy and works really well.

[MEGATROL]

can we gets any pics guys

[ezzman]

i can't post photos on here, but i can email em to you. pm me your email or they are on my fb account if you want to hava a look there.

[Tiny]

i can't post photos on here, but i can email em to you. pm me your email or they are on my fb account if you want to hava a look there.

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