Anybody ever done a front I-beam buggy on here???

[Tyler C]

What are you thinking for the steering? You gonna do a swing-set setup to keep the bumpsteer down, or do you have something else in mind? I'm really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

[atomicjoe23]

I was thinking of doing a swing-set steering. . .I just finished up my summer quarter and should be able to get back to working on the design over the next couple of weeks.

I still have to get the funding to make the buggy, but I should have the design done (in AutoCAD. . .I'm just learning SolidWorks so that might take a little longer) before the end of the month.

[atomicjoe23]

After doing some more research into the idea of the swing-set steering I think what I have in mind is not true swing-set steering. . .

. . .because this isn't a buggy based on a stock vehicle that uses a steering box and pitman arm I don't think it would be true swing-set. . .its a tube frame buggy and I am planning on re-using the centrally mounted rack and pinion for the steering. . .now in order to get my steering tie rods to pivot at the same points as my I-beams I may end up with something much closer to swing-set steering, it will just depend upon where the I-beam bracketry ends up. . .

[rgvkid]

My friends race Ford rangers with Ibeam suspension in the desert and they do awesome. The main thing is the equal length beams and cross over steering. Check out what they are capable of on you tube under Ranger Prerunner.

[atomicjoe23]

I'm HUGE into desert racing!!! So I know exactly what the I-beam vehicles are capable of. . .my dream vehicle right now would be a '96 Ford Bronco 4WD with extended D44 TTB. . .but since I don't have one and I do have a '94 Jeep YJ Wrangler I grabbed a D35 TTB front end out of a Ford Ranger and will be swapping it in under the Wrangler once I extend the beams 2" swap on some D44 knuckles/hubs/lockers/brakes/stub shafts and a D44 passenger side intermediate shaft to accomodate the 2" stretch!

[Tyler C]

Originally Posted by atomicjoe23

After doing some more research into the idea of the swing-set steering I think what I have in mind is not true swing-set steering. . .

. . .because this isn't a buggy based on a stock vehicle that uses a steering box and pitman arm I don't think it would be true swing-set. . .its a tube frame buggy and I am planning on re-using the centrally mounted rack and pinion for the steering. . .now in order to get my steering tie rods to pivot at the same points as my I-beams I may end up with something much closer to swing-set steering, it will just depend upon where the I-beam bracketry ends up. . .

That was pretty much along the lines of what I have been thinking also. Basically have the rack and pinion running where the drag link would traditionally be if you were using a steering box. I'd imagine that you would have to mount the rack and pinion assembly lower than normal though.

[atomicjoe23]

Yeah. . .I'm working on the geometyr now. . .it's cool though since I'm designing the frame around the suspension and steering.

I have some guidelines for the frame measurements based on our experience with our last buggy, but it's not too constrictive. . .should actually be easier than working on a production vehicle!

[atomicjoe23]

The I-beam buggy is a go!!! I have funding to build it and my buddy is working on an aesthetically pleasing frame based on the size restrictions I have given him.

I have the I-beams geometry all done and the R&P box placement set as well. . .I just have to finish up the frame side steering swing boxes to finish up the steering and then I get to start knocking out all the little details.

[deviant_illusion]

It will be very cool

[nutz4sand]

I am trying to find some pics of it online But Playtech used to make a long travel buggy with front crossover arms like a Ford I-beam setup. I'll keep looking for pics of it.