Why is Scott’s Hotrods’ ApeX4 4×4 Chassis Different?

Most custom 4×4 chassis start with an existing platform and modify it to work. The Scott’s Hotrods ApeX4 Chassis starts with a clean sheet of paper. Engineered from the ground up as a purpose-built four-wheel-drive chassis, ApeX4 combines massive frame construction, heavy-duty front and rear 4-Link suspension, reinforced Moser axle housings, FOX Factory Race Series suspension and serious braking capability into one complete, Built-To-Order platform.

Designed for classic trucks and SUVs already supported by Scott’s Hotrods, every ApeX4 is built around the specific vehicle and intended use. Whether you’re building a classic 4×4 restomod, high-horsepower street truck, overland-inspired custom or a truck capable of transitioning from pavement to serious off-road terrain, ApeX4 gives you a modern foundation without relying on a modified factory frame or pieced-together suspension system. Overbuilt by Design isn’t just the tagline—it’s the engineering philosophy behind the entire chassis.

Scott’s Hotrods ApeX4 Chassis. Overbuilt by Design.

Massive Front & Rear 4-Link Suspension

The Scott’s ApeX4 front and rear 4-Link suspension was engineered around strength, articulation and suspension control. Massive 2-1/4″x.250-wall DOM link bars connect the reinforced front and rear axle housings through heavy-duty 3″ Johnny Joints and 1″ heims, creating a suspension system built to handle serious loads and demanding terrain.

Instead of treating the front and rear suspension as separate aftermarket systems, both ends of the ApeX4 are engineered as part of the complete chassis. The result is a fully integrated suspension package designed to deliver controlled street manners while providing the strength and articulation expected from a serious custom 4×4.

FOX Factory Race Series Suspension

ApeX4 comes equipped with FOX 2.5 Factory Race Series Coilover shocks with 10 inches of travel and remote reservoirs, paired with FOX 2.0 Air Bumps to provide progressive control as the suspension approaches full compression. A FOX 2.0 Performance Steering Stabilizer helps control the heavy-duty steering system up front.

This isn’t suspension selected simply to make the specification sheet look impressive. The FOX components complement the long-travel 4-Link architecture of the ApeX4, providing the suspension control needed for a vehicle expected to perform on the highway, rough terrain and everywhere in between.

Moser Full-Floater Axles – Front & Rear

Strength continues through the ApeX4 drivetrain with heavy-duty Moser axle assemblies at both ends. The front utilizes a reinforced Moser M9 fabricated housing with JL axle hub assemblies, fabricated trusses, back brace and 35-spline axles, while the rear uses a Moser Full-Floater M9 fabricated housing with 35-spline axles, fabricated reinforcement and back brace.

Available WaveTrac third members with 1350 pinions provide serious drivetrain capability and traction for builders planning substantial horsepower and demanding use. Instead of building the chassis first and figuring out axles later, the ApeX4 incorporates the axle assemblies into the overall chassis and suspension package from the beginning.

Serious Brakes for a Serious 4×4

A big custom 4×4 needs braking to match its capability. ApeX4 is available with Wilwood 14-inch drilled and slotted disc brakes at all four corners, featuring massive AERO6 six-piston calipers up front and AERO4 four-piston calipers at the rear. A Wilwood electronic parking brake provides a clean modern parking-brake solution.

Combined with available front and rear heavy-duty torsion-spline sway bars, the braking and suspension package gives builders the components needed to create a classic 4×4 that isn’t just impressive sitting at a show—it is engineered to be driven.

Built for Modern Horsepower

Modern horsepower is a major part of modern classic-truck builds, and the ApeX4 chassis is designed accordingly. Available Scott’s engine & transmission mounting and Atlas transfer-case adapter configuration allow the drivetrain to be integrated into the chassis rather than treated as an afterthought.

Whether you’re building an LS-powered classic 4×4 or another high-performance drivetrain combination, Scott’s can configure the ApeX4 around the requirements of the finished vehicle. Engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, steering and suspension are all part of the overall chassis equation.

More Than an Off-Road Chassis

The ApeX4 wasn’t designed to force you to choose between a show-quality classic truck and a capable 4×4. It was engineered to provide the foundation for both.

Build a restored-body classic pickup with modern four-wheel-drive capability. Build an aggressive street-driven restomod with massive horsepower. Build a lifted show truck that can actually leave the pavement. Or create a one-of-a-kind classic SUV designed for long-distance driving and weekend trail use.

ApeX4 is the foundation. What you build on top of it is up to you.

One of the Most Complete
Custom 4×4 Chassis Packages Available

ApeX4 can be configured as an exceptionally complete custom 4×4 rolling chassis, with available WaveTrac third members, Wilwood brakes, front and rear torsion-spline sway bars, stainless steel brake and fuel lines, billet line clamps, aluminum EFI fuel tank with in-tank pump, fuel-tank rock guard, Borgeson steering components, battery tray, trailer receiver and stainless steel tie-down hooks.

That means you’re not simply purchasing a fabricated frame and then spending months sourcing unrelated components. Scott’s can provide the foundation, suspension, axles, steering, brakes, fuel system and supporting components as an integrated package designed around the finished truck.

Build the 4×4 Nobody Else Can

The Scott’s Hotrods ApeX4 Chassis was created for builders who refuse to compromise between classic styling and modern 4×4 capability. From its massive .188-wall boxed frame and heavy-duty front and rear 4-Link suspension to Moser axle assemblies, FOX Factory Race Series Coilovers and available Wilwood braking, every major component is selected and engineered around one objective: build a stronger, more capable and more complete custom 4×4 foundation.

Whether your vision is a classic truck 4×4 restomod, LS-powered street-and-trail machine, high-end show truck or completely custom four-wheel-drive build, every ApeX4 is Built-To-Order around the vehicle and project. Designed, fabricated and 100% TIG-welded by Scott’s Hotrods in Knoxville, Tennessee, ApeX4 takes decades of custom chassis manufacturing experience and applies it to an entirely different breed of truck.

ApeX4 — Overbuilt by Design.