My mind is going insane thinking about a SAS, and I would like some input from the others in the R50 community.

Here are the questions:

Is it really worth the extra effort and money to attempt a SAS on this Unibody Nissan?

Will on-road drive-ablity remain?

What suspension setup should I use?

Where will the steering box go?

Is the Unibody strong enough?

FRONT

So far I have the comfortable thought in my head that I can unbolt the IFS, front axle and anything else that might be in the way. Then cut the portions of the front subframe that are not needed to support the motor. I am thinking that running two radius arms down from the wana-be frame rails (reinforced hardcore) using some sort of coil setup from the axle to the subframe or possibly something like King coils from the top of the fender well to the axle since the body is already designed to take the load at the top of the wheel well????

Dana 44? anyone have a better idea? <-- I am thinking about a full size Ford High Pinion(66" WMS to WMS) and not cutting the axle down to retain stablity.

gears 4.88 front and 4.875 rear keeping the H233B.


REAR

For the rear the best bet would be to find some very long coils (XJ?) and build longer links using heim joints while retaining the stock link mounts. The Shock mounts would have to be moved, go to an inverted V style on the rear axle?


Is this a pipe dream? I don't even know if it's needed yet, but it's time to plan early.

Prez, T.N.T.

I'm OK with everything except the ability to convert a rack and pinion steering setup to a steering box. That's gonna be the toughest part. As for whether the unibody will handle it, look at Cherocars....they do. Some subframe gusseting is advisable, but that steering dilemma is what I'd worry about.


1998 Frontier 4x4, 2002 Xterra 4x4, 1983 280ZXT, and a ratty old Sentra
Remember, Grow the Nissan Community and stand up for ORV user rights!
Card Carrying M.E.S.A Member (Modified Easterly SWANKy Associates)

Rack and pinion to a steering box is easy. You'll just have to build a subframe. It's really easy. My buddy Dave did it to his Cherocar which now has 37" GY MT's, Dana 60 front, and Dana 70 rear. He went with shackles in the front though for some reason?!?!?

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"Just flail around a bit and drive up"

C.H.AND.L.E.R.S.
Chandler Hierarchy AND Lower East RenegadeS

Cherokees(sp) are unibody...Tyson had a pretty cool radius arm set up on his with some heavy duty reinforcements where they mounted to the "frame" rails. Maby someone has a pic. I believe he is using EB axles and stuff.

You can see his one arm in this pic kinda.




President of P.r.e.s.c.o.t.t.
Prescott Regional Exceptional Swanky Chapter Of Transplanted Tourists.

quote:

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You'll just have to build a subframe

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We already have a pretty strong one upfront that supports the engine, front axle, lower A-arms. It's at least as thick as a real frame. My sliders are going to reinforce the wana-be frame rails and I have already started gusseting it up with 1/4" angle. yes yes yes I am watching the weight and recording the weights of all metals added to the truck. Under 5k lbs is the goal.

quote:

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. Some subframe gusseting is advisable, but that steering dilemma is what I'd worry about.

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I don't know,, DR, I have been reading up on TACO SASes like it was pron and they all have to drop the rack and pinion for a box. Most say that was the easiest part, I am worried about having the space.

As for Xjs. Yeah I know. We have 3 that run with us, one that is fully built.

Prez, T.N.T.

That's a good point...hadn't thought of Tacos....can't be that hard cuz you see lots of those SAS'd.

I think a SAS'd R50 would be a very cool thing....


1998 Frontier 4x4, 2002 Xterra 4x4, 1983 280ZXT, and a ratty old Sentra
Remember, Grow the Nissan Community and stand up for ORV user rights!
Card Carrying M.E.S.A Member (Modified Easterly SWANKy Associates)

Ditto. And you could be the first

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

You may think your unibody is strong, but it really isn't. Gusset the hell outta that beotch. Then drill through for the steering box mounts.

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"Just flail around a bit and drive up"

C.H.AND.L.E.R.S.
Chandler Hierarchy AND Lower East RenegadeS

adding a steering box in place of rack and pinion is easier on a Taco because it has a real frame. On another note, you may be able to use the original mounts for your coil-overs. I'd like to see it done. Good luck, hope you go thru with it.
Lator....

You have my axe...