Rock-Bouncing Buggies: The New Craze In Tube Cars

Rock Bouncing Buggies Rock Buggy Wheeling

The term rockcrawling is used almost universally among wheelers to signify going off-road and driving across boulder-enriched trails. While this hobby has expanded into more of a sport for many, the crawling part of the term, for some, has been left in the dust. We’re not talking about the latest Ultra 4 rock racers or high-speed desert buggies, but rather a new chapter in what has to be one of the biggest mergers of show-and-go we’ve ever seen. The buggies we are referring to belong to a dedicated group of Southern wheelers that have come to define a new chapter in the off-road saga known as rock bouncing.

Rock Bouncing Buggies High Pinion Dana 80

How does a high-pinion Dana 80 sound? Now before you get too excited, know that these are simply 80 centersections that have been flipped upside-down. This means the gears will rotate backward, but this isn’t a problem because the rear engine buggy will be sending the power in the correction direction.

How does a high-pinion Dana 80 sound? Now before you get too excited, know that these are

Rock bouncing is all about high horsepower, big tires, and an unwillingness to release the throttle until something brakes or you reach the top of the mountain. For the past few years, videos of these rock-bouncing buggies spread wildly throughout the Internet. While similar to most custom buggies, each tube machine is a little different from the next. And as the years have progressed, so have the over-the-top rock-bouncing buggies.

One name that has become a staple in the world of rock bouncing is Bryan Cole. Bryan owns Cole Worx, a custom 4x4 shop that specializes in turnkey rock-bouncing machines. His shop has turned out some of the most infamous and powerful buggies to date. Each of his machines receives special attention in the way of a theme, custom glasswork, and his hand-bent frames that look like they’re going fast while sitting still.

To get a closer look at some of the cutting-edge tube machines, we headed to the Cole Worx shop near Franklin, Tennessee. From experimental transfer cases and high-pinion Dana 80s to 800hp engines, Cole Worx is a buggy builder’s paradise. Though upon first glance the polished control arms, chrome engine dressings, and nicknamed buggy themes may lead you to believe that the $50K and higher buggies don’t get dirty, trust us—they do. If you’re anxious to see these buggies in action and you’re hooked to the interweb, check out www.youtube.com/madram11 for some incredible videos of these buggies in action.

Most of the long-wheelbase machines are utilizing fully hydraulic steering cylinders front and rear. Cole Worx uses dual beltdriven KRC power steering pumps that are designed to operate at high rpm. The KRCs work with a traditional orbital for the front and an electronically controlled orbital for the rear. The small ram that sits just inside of the high-top Solid Axle Industries knuckle is an electronic cylinder that helps lock the cylinder in place and can be used as a return-to-center aid.
Most of the long-wheelbase machines are utilizing fully hydraulic steering cylinders front
The hot axle setup for many of the later-model buggies is custom-built front and rear 14-bolt steering axles. The 14-bolt is highly desirable due to its extra support bearings, which keep the pinions from “walking,” a problem with the high-pinion Dana 60. Many of the custom 14-bolts are also fitted with heavy-duty RCV axleshafts that help keep up the joint strength at all angles. Cole Worx has a few custom tricks to make these axles survive off-road. For example, custom brass bushings are machined into the tubes to support the shafts. Also, a propriety knuckle gusset bolts to the Solid Axle Industries high-steer arm to add support.
The hot axle setup for many of the later-model buggies is custom-built front and rear 14-b
Ouverson Engineering and Machine (www.ouversonusa.com) is known for heavy-duty upgrades for the 21⁄2-ton Rockwell axle. Given the extreme use and high horsepower of the modern rock bouncers, many people are converting their custom 14-bolt axles to run custom 21⁄2-ton knuckles.
Ouverson Engineering and Machine (www.ouversonusa.com) is known for heavy-duty upgrades fo

This allows them to upgrade to the Ouverson 2-inch 47-spline axleshafts and 21⁄2-ton Violator series U-joint. This custom axle setup also receives a custom spool inside of each differential.
This allows them to upgrade to the Ouverson 2-inch 47-spline axleshafts and 21⁄2-ton Viola
Most of the rock bouncer’s beadlocks bolt the inner and outer bead onto the wheel. Given the high speed and rough terrain the buggies encounter, they found that extra cushion was needed inside of the wheel. This added wheel barrier came in the form of Inner Air Locks (www.innerairlock.com), which are filled to nearly 30 psi. The Inner Air Locks act as an internal beadlock as well as a bumpstop. This air shield gives the buggies that extra bit of cushion so they don’t break a wheel after a hard jump or impact.
Most of the rock bouncer’s beadlocks bolt the inner and outer bead onto the wheel. Given t
Each of the terra rockets start out with a rolling tube bender, an assortment of DOM tubing, and a vision. Cole Worx chassis all have a signature long, low, and sweeping flare that is fitted with handmade fiberglass skins to give each rig a unique look. DOM tubing (0.120-0.188 wall) is all part of the complex web of tubing. The buggy’s strength comes as much from the design of the chassis (notice the dual B-pillars) as from the material itself. Theses buggies are built to roll, get back up, and do it again.
Each of the terra rockets start out with a rolling tube bender, an assortment of DOM tubin

Long and flat triangulated four-link bars keep the axles in place, while coilovers and air bumps are fitted at each corner. As the speeds and horsepower increase, so have the travel of the buggies. Keeping a low center of gravity is top priority for the extreme climbers, so it’s often a challenge to balance uptravel with the ultralow stance.
Long and flat triangulated four-link bars keep the axles in place, while coilovers and air
Since the radiators are fitted in the rear of the buggies, some creative plumbing is required. A trick setup we noticed on a few of the rigs was to use the rig’s tubing as fluid corridors. Used with twin electric fans, this setup is extremely effective. It’s also important to note that none of these rigs sits for long and highway use is not an option.
Since the radiators are fitted in the rear of the buggies, some creative plumbing is requi
500 hp sounds like more than enough power for a 4,000-pound buggy but is modest in comparison to some of the 800-horse custom racing engines that are coming onto the scene. Running on 110-112 racing fuel and tiny 6-gallon fuel cells, these buggies are part drag car and part rocket.
500 hp sounds like more than enough power for a 4,000-pound buggy but is modest in compari

The tires on the buggies are generally 42-inch plus, with the Sticky series 43-inch TSL SX being many people’s tire of choice. This buggy, known as Jenny Craig, is fitted with a set of custom-grooved 44-inch Boggers out back and 44-inch Pit Bulls up front.
The tires on the buggies are generally 42-inch plus, with the Sticky series 43-inch TSL SX
The interior is very tight and simple, but the handmade dashes give the buggies that hot rod vibe and trick appeal. Four- and five-point harnesses keep the occupants in check, while a quick-disconnect steering wheel makes entry and exit a little easier. Cole Worx builds each buggy with the driver in mind. So the smaller you are, the lower and more compact he can make it. Score one for the little guy!
The interior is very tight and simple, but the handmade dashes give the buggies that hot r
Since climbing—or more appropriately, bouncing—up huge ledges and hillclimbs is what these buggies are meant for, most have wheelbases of around 108 inches and longer. The longer wheelbase increases the stability going up extreme inclines, while the rear steer aids maneuverability.
Since climbing—or more appropriately, bouncing—up huge ledges and hillclimbs is what these

Shutter Buggies
Ricky Berry of Ricky B Photography has documented the rock-bouncing craze for some time now. His work catalogs some of the trickest buggies and high-flying action that’s ever been caught on camera. Check out his work at www.rickybphotography.com.

Rock Bouncing Buggies Buggy Undercarriage

Under Construction
Cole Worx has been working with SCS Gearbox to create a new style of transfer case that can withstand the extreme power and wheeling demands of the buggies. SCS cases are common under competition monster trucks and 1,000-plus-horsepower mud racers. The initial batch will be a bit more compact than the traditional quick change boxes. They will also delete the option of front digs, a quick shift to a different ratio, or even the ability to shift out of four-wheel drive. Though it may sound extreme, these buggies keep bringing more power to the party, which is quite hard on parts. The good news is that the technology in these high-end buggies often trickles down to your everyday wheeler.