Hi everyone;



Here is my new and improved 4x4 I built this summer. I kept all the cool stuff from Sidewinder, such as the rear steering, computer controlled airbags and hydraulic frame extension. I took the lessons learned and improved on what I thought needed to be changed.

Some of the changes to Sidewinder II are as follows:

1. The Sidewinder II is about a foot narrower, a foot shorter overall and also shorter in height.
2. I Changed the frame extension from 18" to 20" so the wheelbase is now adjustable from 99" to 119".
3. I moved the radiator back behind the cab which improved my forward visibility 50%.
4. I changed the approach angle from 90% on Sidewinder I to over 100% which means the front tires are over 6" in front of anything else.
5. I changed the steering by raising the steering connecting arm up over 8" to keep it out of the rocks.
6. I also went from a 5.7 Vortec to a 4.3V6 Vortec with a Chrysler 727 transmission and Dana 300 transfer case. That was the shortest combination I could find. Sidewinder II is 2000 lb. lighter than Sidewinder I.

So far, everything is coming together nicely. I have been on half a dozen runs close to home here in Arizona and it is really doing well, much easier to drive and I fit the trails much better.