Giving a build go

Jonesy

Jonesy

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Picking up a beam chassis this weekend and I have a few unique plans for it. I also have a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP that needs repurposing. Thinking of mounting the engine and auto trans in the back and converting to long travel.

-I know it would be easier to buy a roller but, I’m wanting to tackle a project since my kids are grown. I’ll be doing a lot of research on suspension geometry and angles. However I’m pretty sure I have the rear figured out but, I’ll need to get my brain going for the L-arm style front. Lots of pros and cons but, it should be a fun project. Recommendations on steel tube, spindles, rack and heims would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
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Where do you plan on using it?

Auto trans will be tough in the sand. If dirt, trails and desert. It should be fine.
 
Grease Monkey said:
Where do you plan on using it?

Auto trans will be tough in the sand. If dirt, trails and desert. It should be fine.
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Yes, it will be in the sand a few times a year. It shouldn’t be too bad pushing 1700 pounds as opposed to a 3600 pound car. Plus, I’ll end up building it up pretty stout to handle the abuse. Here are a couple links to what I want to copy. However, modifying the suspension..


 
Looks like fun. I personally would go with a vw based tranaxle. 091 would be a good match for cost and planed use.
Add that all the engineering around axles, cvs, trailing arms etc has been around for years and relatively inexpensive.
 
Grease Monkey said:
Looks like fun. I personally would go with a vw based tranaxle. 091 would be a good match for cost and planed use.
Add that all the engineering around axles, cvs, trailing arms etc has been around for years and relatively inexpensive.
Click to expand...
Yes but, I’m wanting to be unique. Machine shop has the CV axle tulips waiting for me to bring flanges
 
That's an awesome little chassis.
There have been many rear engine auto setups, not many of them were long travel because they also kept the stock vehicles rear suspension.
Adapting the CV axles will probably be the most difficult part.

There was a builder Sand Candy that built a few long travel rear/auto's with long travel back in late 90's early 2000's. They had a wild chassis design that failed.... The buggy's looked awesome but that's where it stopped.
 
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