New Builder... Need some Advice (go figure)

[bart9078]

I'm a new builder, and am attempting to design a four seat General all terrain buggy. I am on a budget as I'm sure most are, but I want to build it right, and not rush into things, so I don't mind paying more money for better parts if they will make a better quality product. I have been modeling a frame on solid works, so if anyone has any advice in that area, I'd really appreciate any tips.

also, tips in general would be appreciated.

Here are my main questions:

1. Is it acceptable to use CV joints from a used car, or should I fork out the $$$ for new ones?

2. Is there a better trans axle than VW, or is it pretty good?

3. I'm thinking of mating the trans axle with a 2.3 ford turbo if I can find one at a reasonable price, would you recommend something different?

4. are spindles from a junker car usable, or are they not strong enough?

I will have more questions, but these are all I can think of at the moment.

Thanks!!!

[fabr]

1 Used,good,cv's will be just fine and maybe even better in some respects such as less internal friction due to aready being broken in.
2 Sure there are better trans but how good are you needing? Info needed.
3 Dunno. More info needed.
4 Again. More info needed.
 BTW,WELCOME! Post that SW stuff up.

[SPEC]

Yup...
More info Please
How's the weather in Michigan?

[Carlriddle]

Yup... How's the weather in Michigan?

 

Welcome to DTSfab, best buggy site ever.  We LOVE pictures.

[fabr]

Well,thank you,Carl. We appreciate that.

[Doug Heim]

He is in Idaho  :P

Welcome to DTS!

[SPEC]

 

[bart9078]

It's not letting me upload the solidworks file, so feel free to email me or if there's a way around it, let me know. It's a really rough draft, but it's all I have at the moment.

More information:

     1. I want it to handle 4 225lb or better people, plus obviously it's own weight

     2. Want to be able to go at least 65-70 without putting more stress on the engine or transmission than they can handle

     3. Want to be able to spin the tires pretty well (Not huge burnouts or anything, [although it would be nice if it could] just spin em enough to look cool)

     4. Also for that kind of weight, should I use power steering, or will hand power do the trick?

If that's not the kind of info you're looking for, let me know.

For anyone who wants to look at the solidworks file, realize it's not completed. I'm just looking for some advice on what I have done, overall design, possible weak points, .etc.

Thanks for your help!

BTW: I am currently in Michigan for an SAE collegiate design competition, but I live in Idaho.

[fabr]

Save the sw stuff as a jpeg and post it up.

[bart9078]

I put the frame design on an outside site:

http://www.adrive.com/public/87a708c248e1c97056d5b888f4963340311a75bca8a96ef6dffba5500b532dc8.html

let me know what you think!

Thanks.

[fabr]

Unless we have SW we can't open it.

[bart9078]

Here is a jpg of the file as well.

[Grimm Reaper Racing]

Welcome to DTS!  I think you'll find everything you need here.  This is a good group of people with a lot of knowledge to share.  Good luck with the build!

[chrishallett83]

To start with, personally I would change this:



Replace the bars I highlighted in green with the ones I drew in in red.

[fabr]

I'd suggest deciding on an engine and driveline and modeling around that. You're kind of getting ahead of yourself by starting with cage design before driveline decisions are made. I think we've all been guilty of that at one time or another. Just trying to save you some trouble down the road.