The chassis is the same thickness as the original . When bending the aluminum it's almost impossible to get a 90 degree bend without cracking thats why it's not lower . I'm not real happy with the overall design yet . I may make another on monday . I think I may try a different approach kinda along the lines of the gorillamaxx chassis. Sorta like a double decker . That way I can lower the battery tray down a bit. Will see, I'll keep you updated. Heres the latest pic.