Thought's on future truggy build.

[1-tonmudder]

I am wanting opinion's/insight on a truggy project I am wanting to build.Basically I am going to use spare parts that were left over or gotten for cheap.As of now I have the following parts for it.
454 engine
350 engine
465/205 with 32 spline front
2 sets of Dana 60 5:86 gears
425 Impco propane set up
Most of a hyd clutch set-up
30 spline FF 60 rear

So heres what I your opinion(s) on.
#1 Will it be nose heavy with the 454,no rear sheetmetal and only a cage?
#2 Use the 350 instead of the 454?
#3 I am wanting to run full hydro steering but will a stock ported box and modified pump support this or do I need to be looking out for a charlyn valve??
#4 Weld the rear 60 or run a spool?
#5 Loc-Rite in the front 60??
#6 Modify a set of hummers or get some weld on beadlocks?

These are the ones that come to mind right now and I'm sure the will be more as it progresses.This will be kind of a budget build and plan to use as many used parts as possible.The only parts I plan on buying new is seals,bearing's,gasket's and brake related parts. I have spent a pretty good wod of cash on my M1009 and dont want to do the same on this one.


The plan is to only save the firewall and frame and build from there and this turd that will be getting cut up

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

#1 Will it be nose heavy with the 454,no rear sheetmetal and only a cage?

Your truck won't be too nose heavy, the wheelbase is short enough that much of the weight from the trans, t-case, etc. is on the rear.

#2 Use the 350 instead of the 454?

Go with the 454 and maybe consider pulling the heads and having them milled to reduce the combustion chamber size to raise the compression since you're running propane

#3 I am wanting to run full hydro steering but will a stock ported box and modified pump support this or do I need to be looking out for a charlyn valve??

Get an orbital valve. Your stock box isn't gonna cut it.

#4 Weld the rear 60 or run a spool?

Weld it

#5 Loc-Rite in the front 60??

A lock-rite would probably be fine in a front 60

#6 Modify a set of hummers or get some weld on beadlocks?

Either way is fine, that's really up to you






I would really stay away from that FF 60 rear even though you already have gears for it. The shafts are pathetically small, even smaller than the 10/12 bolt shafts under the truck now . If you really want those 5.86 gears a dana 70 would fit the bill.

You're in for a BIG project that will take a LONG time. Ask me how I know

Lots of fun though

 

[1-tonmudder]

I also have a set of 5:87's for a "B'' series Dana 70,but have not had any luck finding one,and don't know if they will work in HD case.

My 454 is a late 70's model so I'm sure it's lo-comp.

Is there a certain model/type/series of orbital valve to look for??

It is going to be a three seater and will have the batterie(s) in the back and maybe the rad as well so I figured it would help balance it out also.

 

[gmc4cw]

I would run the 350 simply because the parts are cheaper and more readily available at parts stores. leave the radiator up front. you will save yourself headache.

If I owned that blazer I would get it running, remove the doors, tailgate, inner fender liners, and top. cut the wheewells as far as you can. slap in some 3/4 axles, 35-37's, front lockright, weld the rear. wheel the piss out of it. keep cutting until you need tubing because their is no body left. go over to 4x4mecca and check out the life of my woods truck. full body to barely any in 8 years.

you can spend years building it the way you think will make it wheel the best, or you can wheel it and change the things that you know will make it wheel better. nothing sucks worse then spending thousands of dollars and several years on a truck that you have never wheeled.

the setup that works for you may not work for others and vice versa.

Just wheel it

 

[1-tonmudder]

I have a built M1009 that I have spent a bunch of time and money on and I'm not going that route on this one.I am basically wanting to build something on the cheap that is reliable and I can run some of the harder(narrower) trails with.I will build it the best way I can,but I am always open to other's idea's and suggestions.

We both want a buggy but we can't afford to buy and build a true buggy.