TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:09 pm

I have bought baja bugs and buggies but it's not here yet. I have a project bug thats going Baja and I have some questions about suspension and other things. The engine is all sorted but I need help in these other areas.

1 I want to use a body lift and suspension lift in the bug (make it big and mean).

2 I don't want to keep redoing things but I want to start using the Baja this summer. I am fine with it having a limited capability in the begining I will just have to be carefull untill I have it all sorted. When it is sorted out I want to keep replacement parts in mind since I am military and cost is an issue (its no fun to have a killer buggy if its broke all the time becuse I cant afford to fix it)

3 whats the benifits of a bus trans

4 will a warrior front beam work in my bug (it's a 76 standard w/balljoint frontend)

5 I have sand and mud here so I want to be able to play in both does anyone have a tire recomendation for that?

6 I am planing on starting off with a lifted/turned rear end and cut and turned front beam for now. what would you do to the susp to make it a capable buggy. I am not looking to win races just have fun

7 I have the narrow eye kit and headlights/ taillights already so I just need to set up a order to replace everything that needs it to make it a killer off road bug. I don't care about looks just having fun in my bug

Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:19 pm

The body lift and suspension lifts have been covered ad naseum and you will easily find many topics already covered. Regarding replacement parts costs, if you take your time and build it right the first time, you will be less likely to break parts as often. Basically, don't cut any coners and you won't have to go around them again! Bus transmissions have a better gear ratio than the bug transmissions. It makes it easier for turning big tires (correct me if I am wrong). The front beam will work if you swap in the entire front pan head. Its not easy but it can be done! Tires are a big thing. For sand and mud you want width. Width = Floation. Especially in sandy conditions, airing down will help you most of the time. The wider the footprint, the better the traction. That should help you decide on tires as well. While most AT or MT are not very agressive, they are not made for rockcrawling but will work great for what you are planning to do. Hope that helps you with your Baja.

Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:14 am

You want a baja that you can Grow with and eventually be pretty bulletproof? well I think that a cage would be the first thing I would do! All that other stuff is mainly bolt on (with the exception of a link pin beam). And actually a well built cage could pobably be used to support that beam later on making it easier to do the conversion.