[23] MrBrucie22's Trail Rig "ZEUS"

I've considered dividing the strech between the front and rear. A couple calculations i forgot to factor in my math is the weight to be added to the front of the axle and Havnt figured the difference in weight between the oppy that came out of the mower and the vtwin going in. Still currently doing some math and geometry research on the offroad and overlanding groups on FB. Comfort and stability is high on my list of features with this build as it's being designed for overlanding with a balanced performance over all terrain types. Considered moving the front axle forward 3.25" and the rear 3". This would change theoretical "roll center" further forward although the rear axis is fixed. The additional work and modification will set me back a bit as far as time goes, but if I'm not going to build this to the best of my ability, I might as well just throw some offroad tires on it, call it a "build", or just get a quad lol. Do it once, do it right! There are post build modification I plan to do but in order to do those properly I need to get this weight and COG balanced and vigorous testing. Shop time this weekend so pics and updates to come soon!

I hear ya!  I came to a similar conclusion when I did Dirty Rat.  Being visual person when I built it, I was surprised that 45% of the weight is in the front and 55% in the rear.  I came pretty close to being balanced all the way around.  (Without me on it of course.) I'll throw in the 3rd dimension factor.  How tall?  That was a big factor for me being a bigger guy. Didn't want to be TOP HEAVY.  LOL  I wanted to go lower than stock with my tractor to bring down the center of gravity.  I did achieve a good 3-4 inch drop from factory height. I'm not saying a roll over isn't going to happen, but we if we can work in a little insurance to keep it from happening. Why not? During the build is when you get it done, pretty much like you said!

If I were in your shoes I'd be looking for a spot somewhere mid tractor to stretch it (between the steering and shift mechanism perhaps) to minimize the amount of other things that would need to be modified to accommodate it. You stretch the front and steering linkage(s) need to be lengthened, stretch the rear and the shift linkage will probably have to be reworked, do it in the middle and all you should need is a longer belt!

Funny you mention building it into a overland rig, that's what I'm working up to with The Warhorse and plan on building a custom trailer out of a old Toro frame and a spare trans as a rear axle!

@Brianator this is true but steering is already getting reworked. Rack and pinion going in. As far as the shift mechanism, I don't care to get crafty lol. All my calculations for the rear is to get the rider and gear that will be carried on rear rack, to be moved more in front the rear axle. Streching the middle would do very little for weight bias over the rear axle axis. I've considered using the deck height lever for a gear selector either way. But I'm keeping all my options open for now.

As the deadline nears, the build is still at a stand still and will not be even close to finished in time unfortunately. But I finally landed my dream job working in a fab shop! Which opens a lot of doors for me in this hobby. I've added a bunch of new plans for the build with the new access of tools, equipment, material and knowledge. My boss is a mechanical engineer and is helping with a lot of the design plans for the build. Will definitely be one of a kind when it's done. Also picking up a 70s Sears st16 thanks to @RichieRichOverdrive going to get back to making videos and start making some real progress now that we're down to 2 tractors. Best of luck to the remaining builders.

It's been an interesting year for alot of us and sorry to hear you're pulling out but I understand as I had to do the same, better to take yoir time and build it the way you'd like than rush and end up with something you're not happy with.

Best of luck with the new gig and we look forward to seeing more in the future!

Brianator wrote:

It's been an interesting year for alot of us and sorry to hear you're pulling out but I understand as I had to do the same, better to take yoir time and build it the way you'd like than rush and end up with something you're not happy with.

Best of luck with the new gig and we look forward to seeing more in the future!

Thanks! And yea I'll still be on here. As you said, I have this vision of the build in my mind and I won't have it any other way.

Man, I'm sad you are withdrawing, but even more excited you landed your dream job!  That's cool!

@Mrbrucie22 happy to hear your doing what you love. Always better to pace yourself and take the time to do it right

MightyRaze wrote:

Man, I'm sad you are withdrawing, but even more excited you landed your dream job!  That's cool!

No need to be sad! I'm still here and the build continues! As stated before, the whole year didn't allow for the extra money for the build but I've saved the funds and actually have a build sheet with real custom one off mods. Plus access to top of the line welding/fabrication tools and material is going to help a bunch. I'm going pick up a tractor today before this artic freeze hits Ky. Its wet and nasty out today and a 1 1/2 hour drive but i cant pass The deal. Going to pull the fron and rear end off the tractor and shove it in the back of my midsize suv lol. So potential '24 build off entrant. It's a 73 SS st16 with the 3sp H/L roper transaxle. No engine but the rest is there. Going to dust off my camera equipment and take everyone for the adventure!

Made the trip and got the Sears today! Raining and nasty out but managed to get the rear end off and well, if it fits, it ships! looking forward to getting this one going. Keeping this one simple for now. Just need to find a horizontal shaft engine, seat and a fuel tank and it should at least be moving lol

Actually turned out to be in better shape that I was thinking!


Took up the whole back of my car



Luckily rain stopped by the time we got back home to unload!