update:
after about 10 hrs of dremeling my work desk was a mess, but i had everything cut out:

time to clean up and take part count:
the parts are getting fewer and fewer:

i made a jig to keep parts straight, i CA glued them first in place to make sure they work, then drilled and screwed them in place.

here is her stance, with out anything like motors/batteries or servos on it. once everything is put on im hoping the stance will flatten out. then when in the air the rear will move down (like a snowmobile). i will use a bandit body in the end, but for now, an old school hornet body from the mid 80's. the shocks still need to be cleaned/resealed and find the right springs/oil - these are just for mock up now.