Jeep build for challenge money questions

In reply to Fueled by Caffeine:

upon further inspection of the pictures, it's proven to be a rusty heap. Surprise.

NoPermitNeeded wrote: In reply to Fueled by Caffeine: upon further inspection of the pictures, it's proven to be a rusty heap. Surprise.

A jeep would rust in the desert.

Anyone know much about chevy LUVs? There's one up near me. I assume it's slightly harder to get a v8 into one of these, but how much harder?

NoPermitNeeded wrote: Anyone know much about chevy LUVs? There's one up near me. I assume it's slightly harder to get a v8 into one of these, but how much harder?

Google "beer budget luv v8 conversion" if you have your heart set on a V8 conversion on the cheap.

Are you REALLY interested in attending the challenge? Or do you just want to build a challenge-esque driver?

BrokenYugo wrote: You'd need to lower it a lot reduce rollover risk and pass tech, like possibly notched frame rails low.

or... just throw full width truck axles under it and lower it as much as you can and use some bigger swaybars

edizzle89 wrote:

BrokenYugo wrote: You'd need to lower it a lot reduce rollover risk and pass tech, like possibly notched frame rails low.

or... just throw full width truck axles under it and lower it as much as you can and use some bigger swaybars

I really like this idea, still gotta find a non-rusted jeep though... Anyone got a line on one?

edit: What axles would fit anyways? This adds a lot of complexity, no?

In reply to NoPermitNeeded: That depends on the jeep. CJ and YJ can be be axle swapped pretty easy because they are leaf sprung. This is good car fab 101, and would be great project for a beginner. TJ are 5 link with coil springs, much harder.

In reply to Ovid_and_Flem:

Challenge-esque probably, I don't know for sure if I will be able to get to the challenge.

In reply to gearheadmb:

Theoretically if I were to axle swap what would be a good donor? explorer 8.8? contemporary truck axles?

I'm getting confused at what the objective is. Are you looking to build a Jeep to go fast and handle and maybe possibly compete in the Challenge or are you building one to do "Jeep things?"

In reply to NoPermitNeeded:

The Exploder 8.8 is a really common swap because they're cheap, plentiful, not too hard to find with an LSD, and much stronger than a Dana 35. If you're looking to significantly increase track width, however, I don't think that's the ticket, as they're within a couple inches of most Jeep axles in width.

One more thought to toss out there, if your heart isn't 100% set on a V8 swap. You can build stroker motors out of the Jeep I6's (supposedly) pretty easily using the 4.0 block, 4.2 crank, and I forget which rods and pistons.

In reply to Furious_E:

I'm not looking to do "jeep things" which is why a minitruck seems like a better option. I'm looking do build something that is fast-ish and fun to cruise around in. I would love to come to the challenge, but I seriously doubt i'll be able to; due to it being near the end of the cross country season.

As I've listened to y'all and done more research, I've figured that the minitruck is just the better thing to work on.

I'd say newest minitruck your budget allows. It'll likely be in better shape for longer than one that starts out rough around the edges, and will likely be more reliable. The best thing about fun projects is driving them, so having to constantly fix little things will wear on your spirit and your budget. Drop it, squeeze as much tire under it as you can. If there's room leftover in the budget for power mods, then go there but I'd target suspension, grip and brakes first. Maybe some weight removal or relocation too.

Disclaimer: I'm a bit of a fanboi of minitrucks. Don't consider my advice to be unbiased.

Those full-width Jeeps are usually on 1-ton truck axles. Think Dana 60s and the like.

NoPermitNeeded wrote: I really like this idea, still gotta find a non-rusted jeep though... Anyone got a line on one? edit: What axles would fit anyways? This adds a lot of complexity, no?

if i were to build a hot rod jeep for the streets i would get a leaf sprung wrangler, late 90's dodge ram 4x4 front and rear full width axles and get it to sit as low as possible (would still probably not be that low but whatever), then use a bravada/astro 700r4 and awd transfer case and throw a LS/350 in front of it. take the fenders off and get big sticky tires in all 4 corners.

obviously driveshafts would have to be custom made and making the steering work would take a little creativity but shouldnt be too hard. I think it would be a bit of a struggle trying to do that for a challenge budget and still probably wouldnt be competitive, if its for the challenge i would say minitruck. But as a unique street cruiser it would be a blast.

There's plenty of swap kits, welded and bolt on for full-size Chevy axles.

Take one CJ and one rusted out 80's-ish K3500 Chevy and have a party.

NoPermitNeeded wrote: In reply to gearheadmb: Theoretically if I were to axle swap what would be a good donor? explorer 8.8? contemporary truck axles?

The explorer axle is a good upgrade because they are stronger and have disc brakes. The width is close and the lug pattern is the same.

No need to screw around with one ton stuff unless you want to run 39" or bigger tires.

I understand Creative Minds pondering all kinds of projects. And you got some good ideas. But you're young and there's plenty of time 2 realize many of your fantasy projects. Many of us on here do exactly what you are doing.

In my original Post in this thread I left you with the adage race the car you have not the car you wish you had. Do that and I'm going to give you some advice you probably don't want and haven't asked for.

You have a far cooler platform to play with then a run of the mill V8 S10 mini truck. Consider taking your beetle and doing something cool with it. You want an engine swap? A stock run of the mill Subaru Boxster engine and transaxle in your Super Beetle would be killer. Using even a stock Subaru motor would give you at least four times the power. Lowered and on Gumball relatively wide tires comma Etc would being a hoot and a half . And it would be a real sleeper.

Just food for thought

In reply to Ovid_and_Flem:

As much as I would love to modify the beetle, it's more of a family car, me and my mom went half and half. I drive it most of the time; but she still doesn't want to drive a subie-monster on the occasion. Believe me I've already tried with her. She would much rather me acquire something on my own so it's not her problem.

I've searched far and wide for a baja bug in my price range, but nothing that doesn't have holes in the floor is for sale

In reply to NoPermitNeeded:

that's totally understandable. Since we now know that situation my next advice would be find the most reliable V6 S10 with a 5-speed. Spend initial money getting it reliable and clean. Spend your next money getting it to handle. Next funds 4 bolt on performance upgrades. And finally the v8 conversion. Or find an aborted abandoned v8 truck project on the cheap and build it since you will have the VW for transportation while you're building it.

Not trying to be nosy but what is your budget for an initial purchase and subsequent modifications?I love spending OPM

In reply to Ovid_and_Flem:

Initial budget for purchase would be max around $1200 and then mods would be whatever I make after that. How hard is it to get s10s to handle? My friend has a 86 hardbody, its hilariously underpowered but has a LSD so its a riot. A mini-truck is right up my alley

Is there some confusion about what Beetle you and your mom own. I'm guessing it's the New Beetle not the ACVW that would take a Subie Boxer.

S-10's are the easy button for power AND handling. There's at least one thread here about a guy who races hillclimbs with one. It's a Blazer but same deal.

In reply to ebonyandivory:

Nah, It's a ACVW. '74 Super Beetle.

I'll read a little more closely next time!