Thanks for the replies guys! Funny thing is.... I parted out the 5SC SS kit and it ALMOST paid for itself. I think I ended up paying about $150 for the body, wheels and tires and all the pieces and parts I kept. If I would have bought the parts individually I would have dropped probably $600+
Been a while since an update. Been working on it every day at lunch break but it's been all piddly stuff. Here's some new pics.
17lbs without motor, batteries or ESC. Still lighter than a 2WD Baja but heavy none the less!
Went ahead and drilled through the shock tower and tied the shock tower braces in. This made a HUGE difference in the front end.
New setup for the rear end. Cut down the stock baja bottom plate and put the stock savage plate underneath. The savage plate fits like it should and has all the stock mounting spots so I know this will hold the truck together correctly. The baja plate has 4 matching holes that will be used to mount it plus the savage skid will go on top and have 2 more additional holes clamping it in place. Should be pretty solid.
Made a steering link using 8-32 threaded rod and Revo rod ends. I'll probably sleeve it with something to dress it up a bit.
Some over all shots of it sitting on it's own with complete 5SC dressings!
yesterdays progress (documented by crappy cell pics)
Chassis braces attached to chassis plates just over the center drive shaft. You can also see the new mounting setup for the aluminum angle. Countersink from the inside so the batteries can slide in.
Heat bent some ABS to make a basic tray.
Tray sits in as so. I'll probably have a few different sets of holes in the tray so that the pack can be moved front to back for weight distribution. I have about 3" overall of room front to back.
Overall shot showing batts in place. Just need to figure out a strap system over the top.