Safari MWB advice

[DaveM]

I'm looking to extend th wheelbase on the GQ, whats the longest I can go without major mods? I'm assuming at this stage that I don't have to relocate the fuel tank. I'm going to keep the standard setup (not A frame)

Can this be done with the body in place, as I would rather spend the extra money on a turbo and not removing the body or doing a ute chop at this stage


Cheers,
Dave

[darinz]

What do you mean by major mods as going to MWB is about as major as they go. MWB ie halfway between SWB and LWB is 104" and that requires 10" longer arms. It also requires you to move the spring platforms, shock mounts and panhard rod mount (but not if you're running 'A' frame).
I would suggest doing tis with a full body is possible but not that easy. I did mine after cutting down to flat deck so didin't even try with the body on. Don't forget you'll also have a lot of body work to do as well.

The time taken to remove the body isn't that much and then the job will be a lot easier. I've had my body off a few times and it really isn't that hard. eg 8 bolts, unplu electrical and plumbing and you're away.

[DaveM]

I've been told to try for closer to 110" which requires moving the fuel tank, but wasn't sure about closer to the 104" you mention.

I might just cut it down, as I have no way of removing the body, so may just take it to the panel beaters and have them cut it down.


Cheers,
Dave

[albundy]

Out of interest what is the measurements for SWB and LWB safari's?

[darinz]

SWB is 94" and LWB is 114".
For a desert racer eg Trophy Truck they use a 1.58-1.61:1 ratio, wheelbase length to wheel track width. (centre of tyre)
At 105 where mine is now, it is 1.58:1 so is right in the golden ratio for handling at high speed. Obviously it is all a compromise between outright stabilty, hill climbing ability and manouverabilty. I've though about going a little bit longer ie about 108 -110 but just can't see the real benefits as mine handles very very well as it is. (as long as I point it in the right direction that is ) You also have to take into account weight bias, suspension hieght, suspension geometry etc etc.

Like every mod we do it is a compromise and you really need to know what you want to achieve as well. It is no good just copying some other truck unless it suits your driving style. Mine works well for me and does things different to the way most other competitions trucks do but then it's power, weight and transmission are different to everyone else racing as well so it has to be driven differently to take advantage.

Also at 104.5" my fuel tank had to be moved. The fuel tank is mounted to the cross member that the shocks mount to and this must be shifted back the same as the axle. Unless you go coil over that is.

So you can basically go anywhere from 104 to 110. I would suggest 104 to 106 is right but guys with LWB will tell you 110. (which is a LR wheelbase!!!!!!!!!!! ) The cold hard truth is that there is no perfect length and it is all opion so everyone is right or wrong depending how you look at it.

[skid]

see if ya can find doddzees mwb build thread on here somewhere

it may help

[DaveM]

Unfortunately doddzee went A frame rear, which I would rather stay away from if I can.

Cheers for the info, sounds like a ute conversion is the way to go, so won't rush into it, will get it set up and look at the wheelbase a little later.

[flyingbrick]

So why not just buy a cheap junker LWB (ive seen a few floating around) and cut the cab down on that? Surely that is a whole lot easier than creating basically a totally custom rear end.

Or do you want the longer arms for more flex or something?

[DaveM]

I'm wanting a MWB, and I felt LWB was too long for what I wanted, so starting with a shorty is easier than cutting a LWB down, and at the time I bought the shorty there were no lwb available at a good price, but now thee are a few about for sale, typical

[darinz]

The easiest way to get a MWB is to get a LWB chassis and cut 6" - 10" out of it and weld it back up. Not legal for winch challenges in the NI but a lot easier than shifting everything but also doesn't get the advantages of much longer suspension arms.