Looking to start an offroad diy project from scratch and have some questions
Hi Off roading community. First i may be posting this in the wrong sub so if anyone knows of a better place to ask about something like this please feel free to direct me to it (search didn't show any that seemed more relevant). Sorry if this post ends up long.
So I'm looking to return to off roading after being ill for several years. I'm finally in good enough shape to start getting back to the trails but i'm running into a problem getting started, the vehicle i want doesn't exist. So i have decided to explore the idea of building what i want. Before i dive head long into it i wanted to ask some questions in hopes of saving myself some frustration and probably money.
What i want to build: i want to build a single seat high powered off road machine with a foot print similar to a side by side. Think an RS1 but with more power, slightly wider stance, and a manual gear box. I'm also planning for it to have independent front and rear suspension
What i have access to: hydraulic pipe bender, torch, grinder, a welder, a second set of hands, time, and space.
My main question is on the welder, this welder (gas mig) is not particularly powerful (110), is that enough oomph to make a safe cage/frame for the vehicle? I'm open to upgrading but dont want to do so if i don't have to. What diameter and thickness of tubing would you recommend?
4x4 kits: Does anyone have a recommendation for a very strong 4x4 kit for this? The motorcycle power train will need to be mated to some kind of transfer case connected to a front and rear diff that will support independent front and rear suspension. I tried looking up these kits but they vary wildly so i would like to hear any first hand accounts about brands they have tried.
As a side question i would like to ask about powerplant choices and how best to look for them. I'm wanting this machine to have a minimum of 1000cc (non turbo) but am open to going all the way to a Hayabusa engine and trans. I was planning on a motorcycle powerplant but if you have something easier to work with i'm open to it as long as its powerful. For the weight i expect the 1000cc to be enough but i would rather have more power than i need vs feeling lacking when i really need it. Any recommendations on powerplant and trans combo are very welcome. Where is good place to look at engines? i know it used to be craigslist but that site is nothing but scams from the looks of it so i need an updated place to watch for parts. What is considered a reasonable price for a engine and trans combo for the busa setup (figured that will give me worst case scenario for the cost).
Thank you for any suggestions you have for me! I'm eager to hear from others that have taken on something like this and actually completed it. Let me know about the pitfalls you encountered!