[EricH]

Originally Posted by Andrew Lawrence

How is that any simpler than this?

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

It's not.

They are trying to work within their existing resources, and this is a simple design that fits within those resources. I would probably find it reasonable to assume that they don't anticipate having the funding to buy Versa, or to buy Versa and still do X, Y, and Z that they want to or need to do. Or that they're one of the teams that prefers making over buying (there are a few out there).

Is a WCD simpler? Maybe. But if you're doing all the machining for it, there are some advantages to NOT doing a WCD (like having more time!). Even if you are thinking of buying one, there could still be advantages to not doing one (dead-axle setups tend to be a trifle easier than live-axle setups in terms of manufacturing, something about no keyway or hex).