Build Thread JTORC turns a pile of crap into a crawler!

[xjtorc]

The plan:

1. Build an AR44/SCX10 based narrow track width 1.9" crawler.
2. Compete in next local crawling comp.
3. Win comp.

The pile of crap:

Some stuff looks familiar because I gutted my monster dingo. The chassis and some of its components will be recycled into this project. The AR60s and Axial 3-gear trans will be going back under my son's SMT10 chassis so he can rip it around again.

Drivetrain:

• This build will be done on a set of well-loved Amazonian aluminum AR44s and a tiny Injora 3-gear LCG trans.
• I'm 3D printing a new skid which moves the tiny transmission to center the driveshafts with the AR44s.
• For driveshafts, I have a plethora of plastic offerings, and a pair of nice new Meus driveshafts which are probably too long but, we'll see!

Electronics:

• Sequre ESCape32 silent ESC and 1800kv outrunner on 3S
• Powerhobby 45kg hv servo
• Spektrum radio gear

Suspension:

• I found a pair of Rock Pirates rear shock towers (didn't even know I had them) and installed them on the chassis.
• Once I get my skid in place, I'll start figuring out my wheelbase and measure/plan out my suspension from there.

Wheels/tires:

• 1.9" Injora Turbines (oil slick) with Redcat Ascent Fusion tires (temporary, until I get a set of Predator-compound Hyrax)

Body:

• Cab-only Cliffhanger (I have the interior and roll cage files queued up for the printer...excited about that one)

Rock Pirates and a tiny trans for good measure:

 

[PaPa K]

Great start! Waiting to see how it turns out.

 

[Warby]

Won yet?

 

[majin]

cool project but i already miss the monster dingo

 

[xjtorc]

Won yet?

Have to figure out when the next comp is. Then it's in the bag! ...assuming this thing works.

cool project but i already miss the monster dingo

It was definitely bittersweet ripping the dingo to pieces. Trust me. Part of me is definitely considering buying my son a Gorgon for his monster trucking needs and re-building the monster Dingo bigger and badder.

 

[xjtorc]

Don't stare too long or you'll notice all the mismatched hardware...

Got the skid printed and fitted last night along with the trans and rear end.

Shocks are placeholders for eyeballing fitment. Looks like 90mm would be good...but I'm thinking I'll get some 100s so I can lay them down more, keeping my nearly perfect pinion angle, and run partial droop.

No idea what the front end has in store for me. We'll be crossing that bridge today/tonight.

 

[majin]

Have to figure out when the next comp is. Then it's in the bag! ...assuming this thing works.


It was definitely bittersweet ripping the dingo to pieces. Trust me. Part of me is definitely considering buying my son a Gorgon for his monster trucking needs and re-building the monster Dingo bigger and badder.

It's inspired ne to Frankenstein a thing up

 

[xjtorc]

It's inspired ne to Frankenstein a thing up

Heck yeah dude!

 

[Doom!]

How come when someone else puts something together from scratch it looks so easy?

 

[xjtorc]

How come when someone else puts something together from scratch it looks so easy?

I hear that. The headaches do not translate in the photos. I spent at least 2 hours messing with the skids I have on hand and then another 2 hours tweaking an STL file and printing the final product.

 

[WickedFog]

 

[ferrebee88]

That's not a pile of crap... that's a pile of "potential"!

 

[xjtorc]

Meus shaft was too long for the front end. Dremel said otherwise!

I have a roller now. I am going to go with 90mm shocks in the front and 100mm in the rear. Should be able to tune a buttery smooth semi-droop setup into it.

Next up:

• Need to revise my electronics and battery tray. (It was in the way of my suspension)
• Need to get some shocks.
• Need to get some electronics
• Need to get body
• Want to get some Rock Pirates rock sliders

 

[xjtorc]

Got the servo in and wheels on for mock up. It’s so light.

I’ll figure out the electronics tray situation tonight and then I’m going to tear it down, clean some stuff, order some shocks, then reassemble with good hardware, new shocks, and electronics.

In the background, I’m on my 3rd try of printing a roll cage and interior for the Cliffhanger body. Just can’t find an orientation that my printer likes for the cage and it’s driving me nuts.

Obligatory flex shots:

 

[xjtorc]

This weekend, I got a cute little outrunner bolted up to the cute little trans! Still have to figure out where I’m putting the electronics tray before I can get the ESC hooked up. It’s looking like I’m going to be printing something.

Also procured a ProLine Cliffhanger cab-only comp body and some obnoxious orange paint to match my 1:1. If the humidity takes a chill pill, I’ll get it painted up this week.

Still ironing out some suspension bugs as a byproduct of running the lcg skid on a non-lcg chassis . My steering link is running into the chassis, preventing full compression of the front suspension. A long servo horn and flipping the link to the bottom side of the steering rack should do the trick, hopefully without creating approach angle clearance issues.

All in all, I’m loving how this thing is turning out!

 

[WickedFog]

All in all, I’m loving how this thing is turning out!

Me too!

 

[majin]

looking fantastic bro! sucha cute little outrunner.

 

[Doom!]

Lookin' good!

 

[CertifiedMike]

I would be in such deep trouble with these things!
You guys all 3D print your stuff... I have no 3D printer.
I'm standing in line waitng to pay retail for each shiny bit that I know I'll just HAVE to have for each of my 8 trillion crawlers.

Mrs Certified says she agrees! They will all look very impressive on the movng truck next to the boot print on my butt!

This is a really cool build!!! Its looking like an actual buggy now, not so much the 'pile o crap' you had in those boxes when you started.

I suppose since the unprinted plastic is also a pile of crap, you're still true to your title too! Good job there!

I am impressed!!!

 

[xjtorc]

I am impressed!!!

Thank you!!