Transfer case / transmission ratios.

Ok, here is the idea.. I want build a small trail buggy for the woods near my house in south Mississippi. if i take a small diesel front wheel drive engine and transmission(jetta or golf motor maybe) and turn it sideways as a mid-engine, then use the axle outputs as front and rear driveshaft flanges (i would have to weld the diff solid of coarse)will this work?. Anyways, my main concern is the output ratios as compared to a transfer case ratio.

Any input on this topic will be great. THANKS  

I've heard people talk about stuff like this. With enough time & creativity, I don't see why it couldn't be made to work. Probably would want axles with a diff ratio in the mid-high 2s (2.73:1, etc.) to get any speed out of it.