home made 6x6 comments please

[flyinwall]

i am in the process of designing and building a 6x6 from scratch (only cause a factory made one is well out of my price range and im handy with the tools)
well the plan is to use a diff from an independent rear suspension car and a compact gearbox from an old nissan patrol 3sp connected to a motor with a centrifigul clutch
i am not sure on tyre size (preferably large) or motor size yet

i havn't worked out and size dimensions yet just trying to figure out if what i have drawn will work
any comments welcome

[Tom]

Instead of a small car diff,take a look at the M-151 "mutt" diff.If I remember right,it had a gear ratio of 4.89 to 1,It comes allready set up with 4 spider gears and a straight through input shaft,perfect for driving a prop.Look for the military salvage yards.Forgot to mention they are independant suspension.

[mark m.]

I would put the brake discs on the outputs of the differential. Reason being is you are able to use larger diameter discs. You would limited on size down on the axles.

[lewis]

Lower the center 2 axles one half to one inch, this will allow for better turning.

[Jeff t-boss]

Most differentials only "Drive" off one side. (Usually the right side) Unless you have a limited slip or posi diff, I would think that you might encounter problems in steering. Just my opinion.

[flyinwall]

Most differentials only "Drive" off one side
i was under the impression that they send power to the wheel with least resistance and if they are both "grounded" they will both get the same amount of power but i will talk to a mate of mine who owns a diff and gearbox repair shop and get the one he recomends

Lower the center 2 axles one half to one inch, this will allow for better turning
thank you for that i never thought of that


I would put the brake discs on the outputs of the differential
again thank you for that as i forgot about the limited space down there


Look for the military salvage yards
we dont have them in Australia only auto wreckers so i will have to still use the car diff (as i am on an extreme budget it has to be cheap and simple )

thank you for the input guys

[6X6]

Argos also use an open diff/brakes for steering. So the setup will work. While not true 6 or 8-wheel drive, Argos are some amazingly capable machines, and with practice you don't realize there's a diff unless the owner tells you. One unavoidable downside, when you're making a sharp turn, the outside wheels are overdriven (2:1) so on top of the strain of turning, you're also effectively in a higher gear. Argos also set the center 2 axles down to help turning like what was mentioned. I drove 2 Argo 8x8s, Lewis's and Evil 8x8's, and knowing this it's easy to compensate for. Good luck on the build, I love this custom stuff.

[soutthpaw]

I would really try and find an old T20 tranny if at all possible, it will save you lots of headaches. you may pay a bit more but the reduced hassle and not needing a seperate gearbox may offset the cost

[flyinwall]

the problem is trying to find one in australia
the other option i have been considering is using a small suzuki 4 cylinder 1.0lt motor out of a samauri 4x4 and using the gearbox that comes with it

[smog]

you can use ANY front wheel drive engine with the automatic tranny and subframe (like a geo metro, suzuki swift, older civic, VW) the tranny will give you 3 speeds, the subframe will provide the powerplant supports while you can use the OEM disk brakes to steer. (use a lightweight powertrain and frame so you will not grenade the diff)

you will have to modify the axle to make them shorter. The OEM hubs will give you the disk brakes and caliper supports. you will be able to install a sprocket to the disk and drive all wheels at the same time.

this package will make replacement parts very easy to find and almost bulletproof or overkill in a lightweight frame.

[mrtlc]

What about using coged belts instead of chains? No noise or adjusting !

[smog]

what about driving the tracks with 2 cogged wheels ( like old Bombardiers ) straight on the disk brakes; no chains no sprockets

keep it simple (and lightweight)

[flyinwall]

after careful consideration i have decided to go for an 8x8 as it will suit my needs better
now i need some dimensions from someone
i need to know what is the average distance between the wheels and what is the width of the wheel track on an average 8x8

cheers to the aatv gods on this forum

[smog]

Argo centaur 8x8; similar to regular argo 8x8

[Roger S]

axle centers are about 24" on 8x8 argo 8x8's before the newer avenger models.. I'm guessing they're about 27".

width of wheel track? not sure of the question.. depending on what wheel and tire you use, tires are 10 to 12" wide, fenders will fit tracks of about 13" without axle spacers, and outside width is around 5ft without axle extensions. Argo extensions are about 3" each side. That allows 18" tracks in the fenders and makes the vehicle about 6ft wide.