LWB or SWB for buggy base?

[Deano]

Going for GQ buggy build.

To get to 102-104" WB would it be easier to chop a LWB or extend a SWB.

I'd like to use a LWB as a base, as they are about 2k cheaper from the wreckers due to being more common.

Will be longer 4 link on the rear and 5 link front.

One other question, anything stopping me pushing the front axle fwd a few inches using longer links in the 5 link front? (Full hydro steer)

Cheers, Deano.

[turps]

Would be easi'er to make a MWB out of a shorty than a LWB. Due to the shape. The LWB would need the middle cut out, then weld it all back together. Where as with a shorty. Just remove the fuel tank and push it back as far as you want.

As for the front to make it longer, would need maybe a 4 link front so no panhard rod to worry about. Also need the steering box to be moved forwards. Should be doable though. Then just get a new steering shaft made.

[Wendle]

it would be quicker in the long run to start the whole chassis from scratch with tube. and much better when it is finished.
i have done exactly what you are thinking of doing in the past, and you gain nothing by using the original chassis apart from creating a shitload of work cutting off body mounts, link mounts, crossmemberes, etc.. if you are going to be bending up a cage, bending 2 new chassis rails shouldn't be a problem...

[Deano]

Hmm, OK interesting.

I was thinking that having the chassis & firewall would have been a labour saving thing, less brackets, mounts & do-dads to make up.

Being honest, Id have to say that starting from scratch (even with a pre built tube frame) scares me a hell of a lot more, than having a rig to start with and going from there. So many more ways to completely stuff it up!

EDIT - Just to clarify, when you stretch a SWB to MWB, is it longer links, chassis extension , or a bit of both?

Thanks, Deano.

[Wendle]

if you are keepign the firewall, there is not much point in building it up as a buggy. it is still going to be about 300mm wider than it needs to be, and it will still end up really tall due to the seat mounting height. have a look at your pedal assemblys, there are VERY easy to remount into a vertical firewall panel in a new frame.
what i was trying to say before was that i spent 4 or 5 long afternoons cutting all the un-needed crap off a GQ chassis, when it would take no more than 4 or 5 hours to bend up 2 new chassis rails and make up new engine and transmission mounts. that is all you are saving by using the chassis. if you stick to the original suspension mounting points when you build this into a buggy you have rocks in your head.