Slash 4x4 steering issues / slop

[GotNoRice]

I'm having some steering issues with my Slash 4x4 Monster Truck.

I'm running a Mamba Monster X and Castle 2200kv combo and it takes-off like a rocket-ship, but the faster the truck goes, the less it actually wants to turn, to the point where at full throttle I have almost no steering.

Even at slower speeds, when the turning radius is somewhat acceptable, the front tires can easily be seen basically wobbling all over the place.

I'd like to see what I can do to improve steering performance at high speeds and tighten-up the steering in general.

A bit of back-story about the truck:
This is one of my two main trucks, the other being a pre-Hoss Stampede 4x4. This truck also started out it's life as a Stampede 4x4 before I converted it to a Slash 4x4 Monster Truck. My goal was to create a "larger" monster truck that was wasn't dwarfed as badly compared to my Stampede 4x4 when running with others who were using 1/8th scale trucks, and do it while staying within the cheaper Slash4x4/Stampede4x4 parts ecosystem. The project was largely successful. The truck can go toe-to-toe with a Maxx now no problem, with only a few issues, such as the steering.

Possible causes?
-Larger 2.8 MT tires. (larger than regular Slash 4x4 tires).
-Hub extensions. I use these to widen the vehicle, but they are likely exacerbating the steering issues.
-Servo-Saver/Bellcrank. Still using the stock plastic Traxxas Servo-Saver/Bellcrank. I'm really not sure how this is performing as I can't view it while the truck is in motion.
-Servo. I'm still using a stock Traxxas 2075 servo, although I have upgraded it with metal gears. I don't have a problem with the speed of this servo, but not sure if torque is an issue?
-RPM A-Arms and C-Hubs. I went with as many RPM parts as possible to make the truck more durable, but the fairly soft RPM plastic might be adding some slop.
-Too much motor torque? The over-powered motor, and fully tightened-down slipper-clutch might be preventing the front tires from staying on the ground. Due the the much longer chassis, It's not a wheelie-monster like my traditional Stampede 4x4 is, but still.

So I'm thinking about starting with stuff like upgrading the Servo-Saver/Bellcrank. I've also considered swapping the locked slipper-clutch with a center differential to perhaps help keep the front tires on the ground more. But before I just start throwing money at it, I'd like to hear from others who have maybe had similar issues? Maybe even resolved them?

My truck:

Side by side with my brother's Maxx that I'm "babysitting".

 

[9x19]

I have a few of the Traxxas 1/10 4x4s and the steering isn't as bad on any of them as you're experiencing. None of mine have the stock servos, but all have the stock steering bell-cranks. I have considered upgrading to an aluminum version, but haven't made that jump yet.

I think you're 2075 servo needs to be upgraded, especially on a model with the larger tires. Even an inexpensive JX 25kg is better than the 2075 (stronger and faster). I'm not sure what BEC voltage you're running for receiver/servo, but if limited to 6V, then don't waste your time looking at the higher voltage servos.

 

[GotNoRice]

I think you're 2075 servo needs to be upgraded, especially on a model with the larger tires. Even an inexpensive JX 25kg is better than the 2075 (stronger and faster). I'm not sure what BET voltage you're running for receiver/servo, but if limited to 6V, then don't waste your time looking at the higher voltage servos.

They are Stampede 4x4 tires, and the Stampede 4x4 uses the 2075 also, but this is a pretty heavy truck now in it's current configuration on 4S. I know that the Mamba Monster X has an adjustable BEC and can go pretty high.

 

[Ramp addict]

All the best 4s SCTs started their lives out as 1/8 scale buggies. They can handle the power and weight right out of the box.

You'll have to go to an aftermarket bellcrank with an adjustable servo saver (Hot racing, Integy......). You'll also need to upgrade your servo with an 1/8 scale like a Reefs 500 raw. The tork will be overkill but the gears will be able to take beating you'll be dishing out with the tight servo saver.

 

[paytonimusrex]

I could be wrong but I feel like you need a better servo with a higher torque rating

 

[RustyUs]

Stock servo has (125.00 oz-in) about half the amount of torque that I would recommend using for 1/10 scale 4wd SCT with larger than normal wheels/tires.

 

[luke66]

A better servo and a decent steering system would help a lot.