This is definitely an old school buggy and I really like that. It is what I would have had as a teenager in the 70's if I had the money for it back then. Since it is just a play car and I am not racing, the limited suspension travel and unsprung weight are not an issue for me. It tears up the dirt and sand dunes just fine as is (especially with a stronger 2nd gear). I think it is really novel that the back end lifts under acceleration! How many off road vehicles do that?Marc wrote:Otherwise, the swingaxle layout is sturdy but causes undesirable camber changes (and limits the range of travel possible). The reverse torque reaction caused by the redux boxes, which lifts the rear of the chassis under acceleration, and their added unsprung weight only make things worse...it does all work, but it's an extremely "old-school" solution.
In this case old school is what I am looking for. I took it to one car show and although I did not win any awards it sure did attract a crowd and we had some really fun conversations. It might have won something if there was an off-road category.
Anyway, I appreciate the advice. Thanks.
p.s. They set this one up with no spring plates - just trailing arms where the spring plate would be. There is no twisting of the metal (as in a spring plate) because the trailing arm is attached to the frame with a big heim joint through a very large bolt.
p.s.s. - I do have a relatively long travel (rear engine 091 IRS transaxle) buggy I was in the process of building from scratch when I stumbled on this mid-engine Corvair a few years ago. I put the other buggy on hold but some day I hope to finish it as well.