Would You Know How to Tweak Rockbouncer Into Fighting Form?

Getting deep into a Jimmy Smith rock bouncer build is like opening a can of worms - but the good kind that makes you lose track of time in the shop. Lowbouncer has been documenting a tweak and reconfiguration with a blue Jimmy Smith chassis.

Starting with a solid foundation is everything when you’re talking about a serious rock bouncer. This particular Jimmy Smith chassis came equipped with the essentials - a 6.0 LS motor pushing through a turbo 400 with a 3200 stall converter, Atlas 3.8 transfer case, and Corporate 14 bolt axles front and rear. The front end runs RCV axles, which is smart money when you’re planning to send it over gnarly terrain. Those 43" stickies wrapped around Race Line wheels give this rig the footprint it needs to float over the rocks.

But here’s where things get interesting - no bouncer ever stays stock for long. The suspension setup needed some attention, particularly the shock mounting and travel limitations. The rear coilovers were mounted too close together, restricting the full potential of those 16" Fox units. You want every inch of travel they can deliver.

The fabrication work required to properly dial in the suspension geometry shows why bouncer builds aren’t weekend projects. Cutting off shock tabs and rewelding them in better positions takes patience and precision. The sway bar situation became a real headache - it was actually limiting up-travel and sitting on top of the upper links at full compression. Simplicity won out here and that sway bar got the boot entirely!

Front suspension modifications revealed another common issue with bouncer builds. The shock tabs needed complete rework to gain proper clearance and travel. Getting an extra 2" of up-travel from just relocating the shock mounts made a massive difference in how this rig would perform on the rocks. Add in the improvements from removing the problematic sway bar, and the total gain was closer to 4" of additional travel.

The cosmetic side of this build proved just as demanding as the mechanical work. That powder-coated finish had taken a beating over the years - chips from rock strikes, different shades of blue from various repairs and additions, and general wear from hard use. The roof took the worst of it, showing damage from multiple rollovers. When you’re dealing with a chassis that’s been upside down more than once, cosmetic perfection becomes secondary to structural integrity.

Spring rate calculations and coilover tuning brought the whole package together. Moving from the overly stiff springs to properly calculated rates transformed how this bouncer would handle. The rear Eibach springs were chosen specifically for their rate and length to achieve the desired ride height and travel characteristics. Getting the belly pan down to a reasonable height improves stability on off-camber situations and steep climbs.

This build demonstrates why Jimmy Smith chassis command such respect in the bouncer world. The basic architecture is sound enough to handle serious abuse, but there’s always room for improvement based on individual preferences and intended use. Whether you’re planning to compete or just want to tackle the gnarliest trails in your area, starting with proven bones like this chassis puts you ahead of the game.