'wittle 'wesistor (Mini Jeep)

[madprofessor]

...I guess riding like a Caddy isn't such a bad thing

You could be right if it rides enough like the 1999 "sporty" 2-door Northstar V8 model of the 150 mph Eldorado. Closest you can come to eliminating that famous floating ride of the average Cadillacs. Positive single-bounce suspension, obvious sway bar(s) that reduce shoulder-dive in the hard corners, etc.
I'm betting that the heavier you make it though, the more Caddy airbags-like floaty it'll be. I personally wouldn't be willing to trade away flat cornering for anything having to do with making a softer ride. I love having to look out the side windows regularly to be able to see "forward" to where I'm traveling. And I love that scrubbing rubber smell that comes with the sideways fun.

 

[Functional Artist]

Hey MP,
Um...OK
...& also, it looks like the Leading Spindle Arm concept, is "back on"

The steering shaft/pitman arm connection seems to line up better, having it set up this way
...& the tie rod clears the shocks, so nicely (stop to stop)
...& IMO the front suspension looks so 4 x 4'ish & Jeeplike
...that, I did a little dance

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Have you thought about what a significant, uneven terrain event would do to the shackles, etc? I made a doodle.

 

[Denny]

As long as he has enough articulation in his bushings from flex I don’t see it as a problem.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Not being critical, I am enjoying this journey, as always.

 

[Functional Artist]

Have you thought about what a significant, uneven terrain event would do to the shackles, etc? I made a doodle.

Yes, when drawing up ideas on how to attach the axle tube to the "leaf springs" the first idea was to just weld (A) them together
...which would have worked (cheezy)
...but, put a lot of stress on them shackles (& bushings) while traversing uneven terrain.

To help alleviate this from occurring I thought about incorporating a mechanical pivot (B)
...& then, that idea evolved into using the automotive Sway Bar Bushings (like were using now)

To keep the axle from sliding back & forth, I incorporated some stop blocks into the mix
The back side of the center faux leaf spring "joint" doubles as the front "stop block"
...& a big washer (held in place with a roll pin for changeability) will act as the rear "stop block"

This concept should aid in axle articulation
...& also, reduce stress on them shackles & bushings

* Notice, in this pic (just look at them articulation angles )
...but, the springs, bushings & shackles ARE being heavily stressed
...& so, I thought adding/having some "pivot" built in, would help avoid this

 

[Master Hack]

There are “revolver shackles” available. They are not the end all for flex as they present problems of their own. But you can take the idea and modify it.

https://www.cjponyparts.com/teraflex-xj-revolver-shackle-kit-84-01-jeep-cherokee-xj/p/TFX1074000/?msclkid=9722f6995aa719df13ae9520f0c17801&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=New%20Bing%20Shopping%20Ads%20Broad&utm_term=1101206380024&utm_content=All%20Products%20Broad

 

[madprofessor]

“revolver shackles”

Only $350.99? Should get a few extra pairs as spares.

 

[Master Hack]

Who would actually buy those? I suggested that you take the idea and make something similar.
Don't underestimate what a good set of poly bushings can do.

 

[Functional Artist]

Um...I somehow, drove over some uneven terrain (can of snack mix)

Seems to, have the ability to, "articulate" pretty well

 

[Functional Artist]

I've been working with a new CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) "program"
...& it "went off"

* It gave me (2) floorboard options
...left side - extra wide
...right side - smoother transition

Then, started working on the sides

A bit more body work
...& now with the wheel well (& wheel)

It's starting to kinda look like a Jeep

 

[Denny]

You articulated the articulation quite well!

 

[Functional Artist]

Design Options
Flat sides or a couple of transitions
Some CJ style Jeeps had just "flat" sides
The side body panels are pretty much just flat, all of the way from the front to the back
...like this

Here's a pic of a "flat sided" Jeep

Some CJ style Jeeps had a couple of transitions, on the sides
...where the sides of the body would curve slightly
...& flattens out, in the cowl area
...then slightly curve again, to meet with the body
...& then, it's pretty much straight back
(kinda like this)

Here is a pic of a Jeep with transitions

IMO the flat side concept would be easier to do (accomplish)
...but, I think we're going to try to do a couple of transitions

 

[Functional Artist]

"Hey, why ya workin on the body already?
...ya ain't even got the steering assembly done yet."

Well, I'm glad you asked
...it's because we can't advance on the steering, until we know where the upper steering will mount
...& we won't know where "that" is, until we establish a/the dash bar
...& we can't establish the dash bar until we know where the cowl will be
...& so, we need to work on the body

* Notice the "transitions"? (flat, transition, flat, transition, flat)

The dash bar is/will be the "main mast" that supports, the upper body
...& also, a place to mount the upper steering bushing
but, & also,
I was thinking, if strategically positioned, inside/under the front edge, of the cowl
...it will provide a good-n-strong place to mount the hood hinges
...& the windshield hinges too

 

[Functional Artist]

Dash Bar
The cowl is/will be wider than the frame rails are
...&/so, the sides of the dash bar should extend (inside of the cowl & body panels) down to the floorboard
...but then, they will need supports, to mount to, that connect with the frame rails.

Nerf Bars
Nerf Bars have been added to Jeeps to provide additional side impact protection
...& as "step bar" to help folks get into the vehicle when they have "lifted" bodies/suspensions

They also, provide "slide protection" for if/when "off roading"
...&/if the vehicle slides sideways, down an embankment, the Nerf Bars help protect the body from tree trunks, boulders etc.

So, I'm thinking that adding Nerf Bars will enhance the "Jeep look"
...& give me a good-n-secure place to mount the dashbar.
&
So, I incorporated them into the design
...& added some Nerf Bars

Kinda like this (the plan)

...& this (the real thing)

...then, mock'ed up the Dashbar (nice-n-square)

...& then, after welding

Um...don't tell Denny
...but, it looks like the frame just got a little bit "space'ier"

 

[Functional Artist]

Here is what she looks like with the Nerf Bars
...& the body side (with transitions)
...& the cowl (with the dashbar underneath)

* Notice how the Nerf Bar can/will act as a step too (just like on a full size Jeep)

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Enjoying the Del Monte details. But this build needs more cans of food.

 

[Denny]

Dash Bar
The cowl is/will be wider than the frame rails are
...&/so, the sides of the dash bar should extend (inside of the cowl & body panels) down to the floorboard
...but then, they will need supports, to mount to, that connect with the frame rails.

Nerf Bars
Nerf Bars have been added to Jeeps to provide additional side impact protection
...& as "step bar" to help folks get into the vehicle when they have "lifted" bodies/suspensions

They also, provide "slide protection" for if/when "off roading"
...&/if the vehicle slides sideways, down an embankment, the Nerf Bars help protect the body from tree trunks, boulders etc.

So, I'm thinking that adding Nerf Bars will enhance the "Jeep look"
...& give me a good-n-secure place to mount the dashbar.
&
So, I incorporated them into the design
...& added some Nerf Bars

Kinda like this (the plan)
View attachment 135778
...& this (the real thing)
View attachment 135779
...then, mock'ed up the Dashbar (nice-n-square)
View attachment 135780
...& then, after welding
View attachment 135781
Um...don't tell Denny
...but, it looks like the frame just got a little bit "space'ier"

Where is the middle finger smiley when you need it?

 

[Functional Artist]

Enjoying the Del Monte details. But this build needs more cans of food.

That's what the cargo area is for

Seems to be able to hold/carry about a case of assorted Del Monte products

Then, my wife comes around the corner
...& says WTF

 

[madprofessor]

As with your wifey, I'm thinking WTF myself. Del Monte by the case? If that's a good deal, please point me to it. The Publix near my place is where I get everything for myself and for the church, usually focusing on BOGO's. Otherwise, the Publix brand of most things (about 98% of them as good as Del Monte, and 60-65% the cost) is the focus, just requires lots of my time cruising the aisles and comparing prices.
My position as manager of our big commercial kitchen means I am always trying to get as much quality for as little money as possible, every week, and in huge amounts several times annually for the big events. Soooo, thought being..................
If the grocery bills don't matter insofar as cost, how much can you throw into the kart? You have built show-engineering kart stuff already, maybe you could do an aesthetics show-winning style of podium kart now?