So you want to build a trail rig, but you're not sure where to start? Either your current truck is hammered and beat, or you just don't want to buy an expensive running vehicle that you will then just tear apart and rebuild. Maybe you should start from scratch, but what if you are not an expert fabricator? These are the fabricators who are making different sorts of chassis for your off-roading pleasure. From all across the country, they offer everything from replacement stock frames so you can start your rebuild to full tube chassis or turnkey wheelers in case you want something different from your neighbor. Most of them have a standard frame or chassis they sell, but will also build a machine as custom as you want. Some can be made street-legal, and others are off-road only and ready for trail or competition duty. Whether you are looking for a rig ready to go, a chassis you can finish yourself, or something cool to put on your holiday wish list, give these guys a call to learn more.
AvalancheAvalanche Engineering from Bayfield, Colorado, has been in the rockcrawling and custom tube-chassis market for as long as anyone, and with that time comes experience. The company has everything from its compact Zero-G competition chassis ("The Karnivore," Apr., May, and June '03), its trail-sized Contender chassis (shown), and its monster Sniper chassis. Most chassis are made of 131/44-inch mild steel tubing and the Contender is available in either two- or four-seat variants. Contact: Avalanche Engineering, 970/884-7716, www.avalancheengineering.com
BadlandsBased in Attica, Indiana, Badlands Custom Offroad is a full machine shop, 4x4 parts retailer, and custom off-road vehicle builder. It will take on projects from basic suspension components to full-turn turnkey vehicles. The basic chassis is made of 131/44-inch by 0.120-inch wall DOM tubing with a 2x4-inch mandrel-bent rectangular main frame for strength, though modifications of the basic design are as open as the customer's imagination. Designed as a two-seater with 35- to 40-inch tires, four-link suspension front or rear, and a 98- to 105-inch wheelbase, Badlands' basic chassis can be used for either competition or recreational off-roading. The shop is based off of the Badlands Off Road Park, where you can take your chassis for some proper testing and weekend wheeling. Contact: Badlands Custom Offroad Machine Shop, 765/762-2981, www.badlandsoffroad.com
BudBuiltBased in Arcade, New York, BudBuilt Frames and Accessories will replace your existing stock frame on '79-'95 Toyota trucks and 4Runners. They are mandrel-bent 2x4x31/416-inch wall-structural steel tubing. The main framerails are formed from one piece for maximum strength and they are assembled and welded in jigs to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and fit. The front crossmember can house a 2-inch receiver hitch or an integral winch mount, and all stock location mounts for body, engine, fuel tank, springs, bumpers, and shocks are included for a completely bolt-on replacement. Custom shock and spring mounts, engine mounts, and custom wheelbases are available too. Rocksliders, bumpers, tire mounts, drivetrain, and body lifts can also be built in. All frames are made for solid axle front and leaf springs, and hot-dip galvanizing is available for the best corrosion protection. In addition, BudBuilt offers crossmembers (with or without drivetrain lifts) for single and dual transfer cases, skidplates, shackles, and traction bars. Contact: BudBuilt Frames and Accessories, 716/481-9653, www.budbuilt.com