Going to build 2 seater buggy need opinions

[Doug Heim]

I would also make the Steering arms on the front uprights double shear.

[fabr]

DOug,I agree that double shear would be stronger and many make them double shear. I have a slight doubt tho as to how important or even necessary it is to have the tie rods mounted in double shear. Bear with me for just a moment. I don't know of any modern OEM steering systems that are using anything other than single shear tie rod ends. That includes the largest trucks on the road.  IMO only,and apparently the OEM's also, double shear for tie rods is not a necessity. I really cannot see loads great enough to make it so.

[Wyattboche]

Is it possible to make doors instead of crawling over the siderails?

[chrishallett83]

As the bars in the side of the cockpit there appear to share much of the torsional loads through the center of teh chassis, use at least 3 nice big beefy heavy duty hinges per door, make the doors good and stiff in flexion, and use at least 2, preferably 3 latches that actually mechanically secure the door firmly to the main hoop (no slop, no movement) to use the doors as a structural member.

[Wyattboche]

As the bars in the side of the cockpit there appear to share much of the torsional loads through the center of teh chassis, use at least 3 nice big beefy heavy duty hinges per door, make the doors good and stiff in flexion, and use at least 2, preferably 3 latches that actually mechanically secure the door firmly to the main hoop (no slop, no movement) to use the doors as a structural member.

What would you suggest for the hinges and latches? I'm trying to fiqure this thing out. I have most of it fiqured out. Going to use a Honda Rubicon 500 power plant with the big bore kit for the motor. Reason for the rubicon 500 is that you have 2 options in gearing, first is low D1,D2,and ESP(elecrtic shifting postion) Second is Drive D1,D2,ESP. Then using a Honda Rincon 680 front diff, with cv's,and A-arms for the front. Also using the Rincon's rear diff with cv's and A-arms for the rear. need to contact Doug Heim to see what is the smallest coilover fox shock they make. I want coilovers so I can drive it in the winter and haul my chainsaws and equipment.

[Doug Heim]

4.5" travel is the shortest.

[Doug Heim]

DOug,I agree that double shear would be stronger and many make them double shear. I have a slight doubt tho as to how important or even necessary it is to have the tie rods mounted in double shear. Bear with me for just a moment. I don't know of any modern OEM steering systems that are using anything other than single shear tie rod ends. That includes the largest trucks on the road.  IMO only,and apparently the OEM's also, double shear for tie rods is not a necessity. I really cannot see loads great enough to make it so.

For the most part I do agree but... Those are mainly heavy cast spindles with forged arms and often see the road more then off road. I had built my last Piranha that Wyatt now has originaly with a short single shear arm. On my first trip to the northern Michigan trails I bent each side along with breaking one of them at the end of the weekend due to a tree. When I rebuilt it I changed to double shear and never had a problem since. That buggy was probably only arond 800#

The uprights that most people are building for their own sand cars are made from plate steel and not of heavy forged castings. Just my 10 cents on the matter but I do see your point.

[Wyattboche]

4.5" travel is the shortest.

Is there 4-14" travel coilovers? Also where did you get your limit straps from? Thinking I need them for limiting the suspension from binding.

[Doug Heim]

I got my straps from SDHQ.com

3.5" to 18" is the travels avialable in the 2.0 C/O Shocks from FOX

[chrishallett83]

What would you suggest for the hinges and latches?

For price, availability and ease of setup and fitment, I would use car door hinges and latches. There is probably a better solution out there somewhere, I just don't know about it.

[Enemy]

Just my opinion on your door idea, but I would NOT do this because or the safety factors involved. I like knowing that if the unfortunate event of a side impact ever happened, I am not having to worry about a door ending up where my passenger or I am sitting. The safest possible structure will always be a one piece design.

.....Just my opinion......

[Doug Heim]

Just my opinion on your door idea, but I would NOT do this because or the safety factors involved. I like knowing that if the unfortunate event of a side impact ever happened, I am not having to worry about a door ending up where my passenger or I am sitting. The safest possible structure will always be a one piece design.

.....Just my opinion......

I cant agree more! Build it as one!

[fabr]

For the most part I do agree but... Those are mainly heavy cast spindles with forged arms and often see the road more then off road. I had built my last Piranha that Wyatt now has originaly with a short single shear arm. On my first trip to the northern Michigan trails I bent each side along with breaking one of them at the end of the weekend due to a tree. When I rebuilt it I changed to double shear and never had a problem since. That buggy was probably only arond 800#

The uprights that most people are building for their own sand cars are made from plate steel and not of heavy forged castings. Just my 10 cents on the matter but I do see your point.

I don't disagree with that either.

[Islander]

About the doors, what about those releases you see on a lot of street / strip cars that allow the door bar to swing out, but locks tight enough to maintain the rigidity of the cage.  I have no experience with them personally, but someone here may have..

[Doug Heim]

I can see going that route if you have a disability and the "door" would assist in getting in and out, but if your perfectly capabale I believe it is safer and easier to just make as solid.