Don Ryan's Rock Bouncer X Build

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When you're building a competition rock bouncer, every component has a job to do.

The engine has to make reliable power. The suspension has to absorb massive impacts. The drivetrain has to survive repeated shock loads. And perhaps most importantly, everything has to work together as one complete system.

That's exactly what this Rock Bouncer X represents.

Built around the Wide Open Design Rock Bouncer X chassis, this buggy combines proven suspension geometry, premium drivetrain components, and over 600 horsepower into a package designed for some of the toughest rock bouncing terrain in the country. Whether it's competing in the Southern Rock Racing Series (SRRS), National Rock Racing Series (NRRS), or tackling recreational hill climbs, this build demonstrates what happens when every component is selected with durability and performance in mind.

Built Around the Rock Bouncer X Chassis

Every successful rock bouncer starts with the chassis.

The Wide Open Design Rock Bouncer X platform was engineered specifically for today's high-horsepower rock bouncing world. Low center of gravity, predictable suspension geometry, excellent visibility, and proven trailing arm suspension combine to create a chassis that remains stable while climbing vertical ledges and absorbing repeated impacts.

Rather than simply chasing horsepower, this platform is designed to put power to the ground while giving the driver confidence in difficult terrain.

Watch the Complete Build Video

See Don Ryan's Rock Bouncer X in detail as Adam walks through the chassis, suspension, drivetrain, cooling system, and component selection, explaining why each part was chosen and how it contributes to the overall performance of this competition-ready rock bouncer.

605 Horsepower from a Mast Motorsports 416

At the heart of Don Ryan's buggy sits a Mast Motorsports 416 producing an impressive 605 horsepower.

That kind of power demands a cooling system capable of handling long hill climbs, repeated high-RPM abuse, and slow-speed recovery between runs.

A Griffin 31" × 16" aluminum radiator manages engine temperatures, while a custom stainless exhaust system with a MagnaFlow muffler gives the buggy the aggressive sound expected from a serious competition machine.

The result is an engine package that delivers immediate throttle response while maintaining the reliability needed for race weekends.

A Drivetrain Built to Survive

Rock bouncing is incredibly demanding on driveline components.

Large tires, high horsepower, and sudden traction changes create enormous loads throughout the drivetrain. That's why this buggy uses components specifically selected for strength rather than convenience.

The drivetrain includes:

• Crane Axle 14-Bolt front and rear axle housings
• Crane Magnum Knuckles
• RCV 40-spline inner axle shafts
• RCV 47-spline Big Bell outer shafts
• Ouverson Engineering hubs
• GM 14-Bolt 40-spline steel spool
• 5.13 ring and pinion gears
• Crane Axle differential covers
• WOD 1410 driveshaft kit

This combination has become one of the most trusted axle packages in modern rock bouncing because it minimizes common failure points while maximizing torque capacity.

Suspension Designed for Big Hits

Horsepower only matters if the suspension can keep the tires on the ground.

Don Ryan's Rock Bouncer X uses a suspension package designed to provide excellent control during climbs, hard landings, and rough terrain.

The suspension includes:

• Radflo coilover shocks
• Radflo 2.5 triple bypass shocks
• Radflo 2.0 hydraulic bump stops
• WOD 7075 aluminum links
• WOD 7075 billet trailing arms
• Heavy-duty rod ends

Wide Open Design's trailing arm suspension geometry helps the buggy remain predictable while allowing the Radflo shock package to manage the repeated impacts encountered during competition.

Driver-Focused Interior

Performance doesn't stop underneath the buggy.

The cockpit was built around durability and driver confidence with:

• Custom PRP seats
• PRP 5-point harnesses
• WOD steering column kit
• WOD Hydroboost brake system
• Winters TH400 shifter
• H3R HalGuard fire extinguisher
• Warn M8000 winches
• Lazer Star lighting

Every component was selected to improve reliability and functionality rather than simply adding features.

Our Take

One of the things that stands out about this Rock Bouncer X isn't any single component.

It's how every component works together.

The chassis complements the suspension geometry. The drivetrain is sized for the horsepower. The cooling system supports the engine. The steering, brakes, and suspension all match the intended purpose of the buggy.

That's exactly how we approach every build at Wide Open Design.

Rather than selecting parts independently, we build complete systems designed to perform together. The result is a rock bouncer that's capable of handling massive horsepower, repeated abuse, and challenging terrain while maintaining the reliability drivers expect.

Whether you're planning your own custom buggy, upgrading an existing rock bouncer, or researching components for your next project, this Rock Bouncer X build demonstrates what can be achieved when proven engineering, quality components, and thoughtful fabrication come together in one purpose-built machine.