[Functional Artist]

Did anyone notice that the front upper shock mount only has (2) bolt holes?
...& not (4) like the rear

It's because, the (4) level selectable "lift" concept could not be used (on the angle) in the front (like in the rear) due to the shocks hitting/clashing with the axle tube
...& having the (4) holes horizontally, didn't effect the height very much

A solution (many Jeeps use) would be to make a couple of "modified" lift pieces (upper shock mounts & shackles)
...but, they would probably be height specific (meaning a different set of brackets would be needed, for each height)

I'm not "messing" with this, (for now) I just wanted to mention it, before moving on

 

[Functional Artist]

Design Evolution
In the first designs, that I drew up of this mini-Jeep, it was to simply have dual (1) piece curved Trailing Arms.

The idea was just to give it some suspension, that kinda look like leaf springs.

Then, the front Trailing Arm evolved into individual Trailing Arms (to aid articulation)
...then, (with Brians help) the front individual Trailing Arms evolved into individual Leading Arms

Now, (with the "break" in the middle) we have IMO a custom front suspension that looks like a Jeep
...& may even have a bit of articulation to it, like a Jeep

* Trying different options, it's looking like having the steering linkage (tie rod) in front of the axle (with the Spindle Arms "leading") will work out better (for suspension travel clearance & for steering shaft attachment)

** Also, notice I'm using CAD to mock a floorboard

 

[Functional Artist]

We now have what would be referred to, in the go kart world, as a "roller" (just a frame with wheels)
...so, I've been "knee deep" in CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) working on a/the body

Design Options
Flat sides or a couple of transitions
Here is what the floorboard would look like if we went with just "flat" sides
(The side body panels, would pretty much just be flat, all of the way from the front to the back)

Here is another view (from the front of the vehicle) of the "flat sides" floorboard concept
To elaborate, the floorboard has flat sides
...then, the inner fender curve to meet the body
...& then the sides would just go straight back

Here is a view of the transitions concept
The floorboard has flat sides
...then, the inner fender 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)

Another view (of the 2 options) from the rear (transition on the left & flat sides on the right)

Side view, of the flat side concept
* Notice how the side would be just totally flat, from the front wheel well to where it curves the rear

...& another view

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

It's kinda starting to look like a Jeep

 

[Functional Artist]

Some may ask, "Why ya workin on the body already?
...ya ain't even got the steering assembly done yet."

Well, it's because "the foot bone is connected to the leg bone" if ya know what I mean.
...& 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

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

* Notice the body side transitions? (flat-transition-flat-transition-flat)

 

[remy_martian]

And your legbone has to fit under that dashbone

 

[Functional Artist]

And your legbone has to fit under that dashbone

Hey Remy,
Well, it looks like, we may have, roughly
...probably ~40" from the rear edge of the seat down to the pedals
...& then, maybe ~17" from the bottom of the dash bar down to the floorboard

* That's waaaaay more "room" than, I have in my Aerial Atom kart

 

[Functional Artist]

The cowl is/will be wider than the frame rails are
...so, the sides of it should extend down to the floorboard
...& then, angle/come inwards, to intersect with the frame rails

Dashbar (V1)
This version seemed like at the bottom, where the bars angles inwards, it would intrude into the foot area too much

Dashbar (V2)
This version wouldn't intrude into the foot area
...but, IDK, I just wasn't "feeling it"

Dashbar (V3)
This version is nice-n-simple
...& will just need a couple of extensions added, for mounting to 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 adding Nerf Bars will enhance the "Jeep look"
...& give me a good-n-secure place to mount the dashbar.

Kinda like this

So, I incorporated them into the design & added some Nerf Bars

Mock'ed up the Dashbar (nice-n-square)

...& tac'ed in place

* I even deviated from the "scale" a little bit (for my buddy Remy)
...& made the dashbar height, an extra ~2" higher (~17")

** It was supposed to be ~14" at the bottom
...& ~15" on the top

 

[remy_martian]

A rollbar could tie nicely into your dashbar...

 

[Functional Artist]

To "test" the axle articulation, I "drove it" over some uneven terrain (a can of snack mix)

Another view (coil-over shock removed for demonstration purposes)

Kinda like the "Big Boys"

 

[remy_martian]

When you do that, check how compressed the bushings are. With one side full up, your "leaf spring" mounts get a fair bit shorter on the transverse axis...

You'll have a tradeoff there on stability and dynamics during turns, vs articulating without binding, possibly needing an arm from axle center to the frame. I think I mentioned this before.

Looks good though...

 

[remy_martian]

Had a mental block on "Panhard bar" this morning.

 

[Functional Artist]

When you do that, check how compressed the bushings are. With one side full up, your "leaf spring" mounts get a fair bit shorter on the transverse axis...

You'll have a tradeoff there on stability and dynamics during turns, vs articulating without binding, possibly needing an arm from axle center to the frame. I think I mentioned this before.

Looks good though...

Hey Remy,
Thanks!

Yup, we previously discussed the possibility of needing a Panhard Bar
...but, thinking about it, I cannot remember ever seeing one on a Jeep like this before (& I've towed a lot of Jeeps)
...so, we'll re-address the issue "if" it becomes an issue

* I'm mainly building a piece of Functional Art to "run" in our yearly local Jeep Fest parade
...not really for intense off-roading (but, ya should know, I'm going to do some "testing")
...& I'm just trying to incorporate as many Jeep-like features as possible
...& also, using my mini-Jeep as a "vehicle" to demonstrate some DIY building techniques for you'all

 

[remy_martian]

Glad you're being a sport about "our" inputs and critique 😛

Yes, it should be a fairly easy retrofit if there's no binding right now, and your bushings aren't being severely compressed, during articulation.

Yup, picking up a lot on methods and techniques. Thanks for sharing your bag of tricks here. Even if it inspires one kid to get off a Nintendo and build one, it's a raging success, imo.

 

[Functional Artist]

Hey Remy,
Your very welcome.
I enjoy sharing

I agree 100% (video games & smart phones SUCK, in that regard)

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)

 

[remy_martian]

I think the nerf might look bettee following the bodyline shadow as far as looks go. Won't snag trees that way as well.

 

[Functional Artist]

I think the nerf might look bettee following the bodyline shadow as far as looks go. Won't snag trees that way as well.

Did you forget about the front fenders?

Once the fenders are mounted, the Nerf Bars will follow the body line.

 

[remy_martian]

🤪

 

[nobled2]

Hey Remy,
Thanks!

Yup, we previously discussed the possibility of needing a Panhard Bar
...but, thinking about it, I cannot remember ever seeing one on a Jeep like this before (& I've towed a lot of Jeeps)
...so, we'll re-address the issue "if" it becomes an issue

Jeeps with actual leaf springs do not need track bars and most YJ's that came with them from the factory end up with them in the scrap pile because they inhibit articulation. TJ and newer jeeps with coils do require them to locate the axles laterally. There is nothing else to keep axle centered

 

[remy_martian]

This is not a Jeep and the lateral stability of leaf springs is gone in this build. What he's doing may be ok for a low speed toy, so not a problem.

I have yet to see a leaf spring car with a Panhard bar.

 

[Functional Artist]

This is not a Jeep and the lateral stability of leaf springs is gone in this build. What he's doing may be ok for a low speed toy, so not a problem.

I have yet to see a leaf spring car with a Panhard bar.

Hey Remy,
"This is not a Jeep", it's a mini-Jeep

IIRC
I remember changing the Panhard bar bushings on the front of some of our (early 2000's) Ford F550 tow trucks & flatbeds (& they had leaf springs) in an effort to eliminate the re-occurring "Death Wobble" (didn't help)