RADO's Off Road Rig- Build Thread

[VXorado]

Nice progress! Was the radius arm approach required to get the maximum up-travel vs. a 3-link? Or were there other clearance issues at all? Short wheelbase with a 2-link front suspension tends to unload on hills. I'm curious because it was a compromise I was willing to live with myself until I found more room for a third link on my Blazer build.
Excited to see some flex shots!

Based on several Isuzu builds I researched, the 3 link setup always ended with a taller ride height vs the radius arm. The Isuzu frame is tricky because it seats the engine pretty shallow compared to most other SUVs. For instance, someone had mentioned notching the frame to fit the histeer but when I looked into that option I found the front oil pan sticks down an 1" below the frame.

Additionally, there are two great radius arm builds on the planet and really liked the end result. For the geometries, it seemed to be an easier to tackle when working on a garage floor.

...as for unloading, it has been a concern of mine BUT I have a trick up my sleeve to prevent it.

[ZEUS]

Based on several Isuzu builds I researched, the 3 link setup always ended with a taller ride height vs the radius arm. The Isuzu frame is tricky because it seats the engine pretty shallow compared to most other SUVs. For instance, someone had mentioned notching the frame to fit the histeer but when I looked into that option I found the front oil pan sticks down an 1" below the frame.

Additionally, there are two great radius arm builds on the planet and really liked the end result. For the geometries, it seemed to be an easier to tackle when working on a garage floor.

...as for unloading, it has been a concern of mine BUT I have a trick up my sleeve to prevent it.

Sounds to me like a winch-attached-down-travel-limiter (TM)! What you are describing is exactly what I was running up against on my build also. Lots O Fun! Things get tight really quick...

[VXorado]

We did a SAS on my buddies Rodeo race truck, which is pretty much the same as the VX. We went with the Toyota steering box on his. The steering shaft was the same and in his case the hoses threaded right on. We had to modify the pitman arm by straightening is some and had to clearance the frame a bit. The setup works quite well actually.

That's good to know. I had read a post on Pirate a while back that the threads where different and new lines would need to be made. I have the ZU box mounted now which was a bit of challenge because it had to be move forward a bit. I will play around with my old box for tapping hole to add hydro assist. If it doesn't work out, I may refab the steering for a tapped toyota gearbox + hydro assist.

Sounds to me like a winch-attached-down-travel-limiter (TM)! What you are describing is exactly what I was running up against on my build also. Lots O Fun! Things get tight really quick...

Nope, not a winch. It will be part of the spring suspension.

Things are tight, finding a spot for the track bar is tricky. I think I might run it in reverse at the same angle as the draglink.