ST2-NG Pre-build "Think Tank"

[Kartorbust]

I would share the plans on here, but due to them being under potentially copywrite through Badland Buggy, I don't think that I can. However, still not sure if they're even in business (probably mentioned this before). What I will mention is, the ST2 LT (Long travel) plans have made there way online through dubious means. Most everything from what I can tell are the same, just suspension is different.

 

[Kartorbust]

For context, Spicer 1000 ujoints are 1 1/2" end to end. Spicer 1310 are 3 7/32" end to end. So just a bit over double in size. They might work, would have to change the rear A-arms a bit to make it work, possibly.

 

[Kartorbust]

Did think of one thing. Desert Fabrication had the Panther plans some time back ago. I have yet to see any build threads on one. I think @Joe-405 was the only person on here who had a plan book, but sold it back in 2018.

From the pictures I can find, they looked like they used VW cv axles in a semi-trailing arm setup. They used some adapter to connect the CVs to a normal chain spool and then used some variation of a stub shaft to the wheel hubs.

Random picture of a Panther, unknown builder. Using a 2 stroke snowmobile engine and CVT. But you can see what appears to be either VW or possible BMW CV axles, to a hub to mate to a sprocket spool and then to the stubs to the wheels. Thats pretty similar to what I had thought about doing on mine, in lieu of not using ujoints. I do have VW type 1 CVs, but I think I'd get type 2 bus axles instead, since those would give a much better working angle.

 

[Kartorbust]

I do find it strange that people or even designs will run brakes off a jackshaft and not on the spool itself, or off the wheels, let alone run front brakes. Seen enough chain failures to know, just put the rotor on the spool, or at the wheels. Least then you can stop, incase of a failure.

Still not having much luck tracking down what adapters they used to mount the CV axles to the spool, let alone what kind of stubs or even wheel hubs. Joe's old classified ad on here and a few Facebook posts of showing completed Panthers are the only things thaf pop-up.

Man I wish I had my own lathe and milling machine. At least that would solve my problems. I can figure it out by trial and error, since its been like 15 years since I used a lathe...or about 10 hours since I used a brake lathe, lmao.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Drive shaft brakes or any thing foward in the gearing makes them that much more powerful.
But like you said. Brake pre-chain. Broke chain means no brakes.

 

[Kartorbust]

Having front brakes, larger caliper would accomplish that braking power issue. I mean doing a jackshaft brake would be fine as maybe a secondary or as a parking brake. But should not be relied on as the primary bake.

 

[Kartorbust]

I would probably prefer the traditional hub made from steel, but you guys think these would hold up? I asked about these a few years ago, but I think only one person really said much.

4 x 4 Billet Aluminum Wheel Hub (1-1/4" Bore) | K380026

www.bmikarts.com

 

[Denny]

I’m more of a steel hub kind of guy. But aluminum hubs are used on some race cars, sooo? I’ll still stick with steel.

 

[Master Hack]

Get with it, carbon fiber is the new tech.

 

[Kartorbust]

I’m more of a steel hub kind of guy. But aluminum hubs are used on some race cars, sooo? I’ll still stick with steel.

Yeah, have to agree with that. At the moment, no one makes a 4on4 pattern hub in 1 1/4". Might be custom or get a shaft turned down to make it fit.

 

[Hellion]

I looked and looked for a photo of a Badland Buggy ST2 Next Generation in this thread but came up short. I also Gargled it but I can't trust Gargle image search results.... Can you show us what this think tank is all about? Your rendition of it.

 

[Kartorbust]

I looked and looked for a photo of a Badland Buggy ST2 Next Generation in this thread but came up short. I also Gargled it but I can't trust Gargle image search results.... Can you show us what this think tank is all about? Your rendition of it.

View attachment 159333

This is the cover page of the plan book. The yellow one is the Long Travel version that someone made. They used I think Dodge Stratus CV axles, shortened up.

Next Generation is supposed to be a cheaper version of the Long Travel ST2, using essentially go kart shocks, 2 per corner. Rather than using the Fox air shocks or King Coil over shocks.

 

[Kartorbust]

At 0:27 of this video, is an ST2 Next Generation. Video is from Badland Buggy.

 

[Kartorbust]

Here's another compilation video of their customer builds.

 

[Kartorbust]

Back when I started this thread, there were quite a few pictures floating around of the ST2 and Next Generation buggies. But in that time, Google has changed their algorithm, and multiple forums that had pictures have disappeared.

Support is nonexistent now. Spitballing on here is about the only thing I can do now.

 

[Denny]

That oughta shut Hellion up!!!

 

[Kartorbust]

This ST2 Next Generation might have been a customer build they did years ago and might be closer to what I'll be doing, least in regards to having a winch, but I might add a winch bumper. Too early to know for sure.

That oughta shut Hellion up!!!

My own fault for not adding pics for this. Kind of defeats the purpose of a think tank/spitballing thread without much context.

 

[Kartorbust]

Alternatively, I could go down this route for front brakes and spindles. Would open options for wheels.

The Edge Products - Front Brake Kit | The Edge Products

All the above parts to set up Front Brakes, including FWH-04 hubs, DBR032 rotors, CAL032 calipers, BB-01 banjo bolts, STUB032 stub axles, HSE-03 front brake hoses, BB-03 double banjo bolt, PEDBOX-2 brake pedal box, all nuts & bolts. For front left & right hand wheels. Suits Sidewinder & Piranha

theedgeproducts.com

 

[Kartorbust]

Probably get pedals from them. I prefer the swing pedals over the floor mounts.

 

[Kartorbust]

Been tossing the idea around for a while on getting the plans to build a KJ Raycing VF-1 probably the XL +6" just to run the snowmobile engine and building that. Much better support for them and the parts are way easier to get ahold of.