Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Actually been tossing this idea around in my head for a few months now. In March, Heather got me the NZ Winch Chanllenge Video. One of the entrants who unfortunately you don't get to see for long was driving a SWB Rocky. Okay...so what..well...the Rocky had a V8 in it

So this got me thinking...you can find Rockys around for real cheap...so last night and today (it's friday hehe) I've been putting together what I reckon could be a cheap, powerful, and capable Rocky...

Base Vehicle : ~84/85 Daihatsu Rocky SWB with removable rear hard top.
Engine : Rover 3.5L V8
Gearbox/Xfer : Hilux. Pretty sure this can be done with fairly cheap adapters.
Axles : Not too sure on this point, but think swapping in Hilux ones would be a good idea for ratio's and lockers. Even better (few more $$ tho) swap in an IFS rear end and chuck in an IFS widening kit on a hilux front end to get width back out to 58 inches.

Do an SPOA, either keep the Rocky springs, or mod to put longer ones in (YJ? Toy?) maybe even slightly lifted springs. 5.29 R&Ps would be nice. With 2" Backspaced wheels your gunna be WIDE! but stable.

Driveshafts : Hilux ones cut/lenghtened as need to suit.
Rockcrawler gears for the Xfer case. You won't have the length for dual case in a SWB but if you went a LWB then that might be the way to go.

Rap it up with 35" Tyres, guards cut to fit, but with SPOA dunno if much would be needed..

I think this would be one capable beast. Grunt to go, low range, locked, clearence, flex to boot, decent wheelbase and pretty bullet proof.

Cost would depend on base vehicle could find body/chassis from junk cheap, or buy a running rig and sell the drive train as spares...still pretty damm cheap. Only fabbing would be for engine/gearbox/xfer and SPOA/shocks.

Thoughts? Ideas? Should I go back to drinking now? heheheh

Well............now that you live in QLD.....you can forget about doing a SPOA, it won't be registerable !!!

Otherwise sounds quite EXCELLENT

How 'bout adding a second T-case into the equation

Well the 2nd Tcase would depend on length, don't think the SWB will have it, you'll end up with a nasty driveline angle...and budget $$ would be a factor as well.

As for living in QLD...my Feroza is registered in NSW, I have a NSW drivers license...I'm just visiting!!

SPOA solution solved hehehe.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

As for the second case.............just get a long slip yoke on your tailshaft !, Angle the diff up......problem solvered !!

Actually...if I was to build this, I'd rather go an auto gearbox than a 2nd xfer case. Auto will help slow things down, 4.7 in the xfer will help with crawling...V8 helps when needed

Anyone know the distance of the Rocky front spring perch centering holes? ie from center of spring to center of other spring? Just wondering how far they are off a hilux which from vague memory is around 48.5-49"

Dunno the length of Rocky springs either

How about buying Besty's Feroza (Ferozas are cheaper with broken windows ) and dropping in the supercharged Commodore V6. That would be nice as they are a very torquey engine and compact, plus all the conversions already done!

the Rocky ute has a longer wheel base than a cruiser ute..... have a think about that.

Hmmm......

Would like to model it off this rig in the video, SWB, roof off the back and the cab sealed behind the front seats, rear turned into a sort of tray..looked real sweet with the roll bar out back...

Have a few more drinks mate

If I was 2 build up a rocky I would buy a ute.

Mods: V6 turbo diesel more TORQUE than a V8
Dyna gearbox
Dual hilux transfer cases with reduction gears in the 2nd case
dana diffs or something thats strong
F & R lockers
Coil over shock suspension
Chassis chop & custom tray
Custom tube winch bar
37 inch MTR tyres

Yeah....you could go that option....but mine could be done for almost under $10,000 which is pretty awesome!

well get cracking

Here's some some info that will help you. Call Peter Woolford in Casino - 02 6662 1866 (workshop). He built a similar Rocky ute - V6, Hilux running gear, 33 claws - talk to this guy, he will give you all the accurate info you will need.