As one modifies their rig to tackle progressively more difficult trails the desire to take it to the next level will push some of us farther than others. It started off with a stock 1987 Nissan Pathfinder 4×4 XE which I planned to us for mild overnight excursions exploring trails.  Like most off-road newbs, it started with a basic IFS lift kit and some lockers. However, in a matter of weeks this became wholly inadequate as the rock crawling bug took over. With each trip out, carnage and body damage dictated what was to be chopped off or beefed up and the Pathfinder evolved to include a linked Dana 44 solid axle swap, 35″ boggers, t-case gears, back-halved rear, and full exo cage.

At this point the total lack of creature comforts and frequent carnage made towing to the trail more appealing. And, without street legal restrictions, I could take the design to the limit. With only my little Nissan pickup to tow it with, the plan was to make the rig as small and light as possible.  Also, I hoped a lighter buggy would relieve me of more snapped shafts on the already seasoned Dana 44 and Nissan H233b axles.  Essentially, I wanted to rearrange all the existing parts into a low, compact and simple buggy without spending anything on new parts.

As the Nissan was reduced to bare bones, it wasn’t clear what this thing was going to look like. But, as the frame was sectioned and narrowed and the engine set at and angle to make room for the single 14″ Kirkey racing seat it was just a matter of staring at it long enough and building the 1.5x.120″ DOM cage around the divers seat before it took shape.  Arranging places for the radiator, steering column, pedals, gas tank, and steering box took some thought, but they were all able to get reused.  To get the wheels turing the proper direction with the rear engine arrangement the axles were flipped. That meant vent holes, fill plugs, knuckles, and bracketry all needed to be relocated from top to bottom.

Utilizing existing parts and keeping things simple got this bare bones crawler rolling again in no time.  So, off to Calico’s Gatekeeper, located just outside Barstow Ca, for a test run.  Expectations were high and a crowd began to form as my turn came up to tackle the infamous waterfall.  The buggy’s  insane stability gives you the confidense to try the most extreme lines without fear and the unrestricted visibility eliminates the need for a spotter.  But, these advantages did me no good that day as the buggies light weight did not allow the 35″ Boggers to grip the coarse sandstone, even aired down to just a few psi.  In the end I was left with a snapped stub shaft and a few lessons learned.