Rock Crawler project

[Numbchux]

well, I've been talking about doing a serious build on my F150-based XMod crawler for some time now. but didn't really have any time over the summer for any of that custom stuff. but, now I'm settled back in school, got the engine swap done on my 1:1 car....so it's time to start back in with the XMods

this project will probably take a while since money is tight and I'm replacing all the electronics with a real radio system, high-torque micro servo, nice ESC etc. I'll probably just use my modified stock 130 motor that I have in my chevy right now.

but here's the plan. I really like the chassis design of the trucks, the clearance of independant suspension, but with massive articulation, and with geared down diffs, the driveshaft can stay up high. I've got a few ideas for serious gearing down. so I'll be doing that. along with a custom body and tires.

I was at target yeserday, and bought this for $10:


and the wrangler upside-down with the xmods f150 on top of it for wheelbase comparison.....pretty similar:


and a couple mock-ups on the xmod chassis:




soon after taking these pics I was disassembling the body for paint, when I realized that the graphics on the sides were just one big decal....so I peeled it off, and now it's solid red. and looks way hotter.

I'll also be cutting the fender flairs off, aswell as a flat fender conversion on the front. should be sexxy

[Ondraay]

Thats sweet dude, hows it run?

[Numbchux]

Originally Posted by Ondraay

Thats sweet dude, hows it run?

it doesn't, it's just a mock up. it'll be at least a month or so before I get it ready to run.

[RallyWRX]

funny avatar Rally guys. That's cool.

[xmoddslancer8]

can it go fast

i mean that looks awesome

[thrillbilly]

that pretty sweet dude, reall cool

[Numbchux]

well, I've been researching micro servos. and I think I found one I like, now just an ESC, receiver, and controller....

did a few body mods. obviously removed ugly @$$ graphics. cut off fender flairs, and did the flat fender conversion.

before:


after:



now, to figure out gearing it way down....

[xmoddslancer8]

that pretty cool

[Numbchux]

Radio system came today. used a Futaba 2TPH system. same thing I have for my Boat. nice setup, except I got this one with an ESC, instead of 2 servos.

anyway, I think I'm going to need a different motor...haha, this one gets UBER hot. of course...I am using a 7.2V battery. but I think this ESC is capable of almost 100amps. Anyone know of a good, strong, aftermarket 130 sized motor that'll yeild gobs of torque, and handle the power put out by this ESC?

anyway, did some major chassis modification. got the wheels mounted, started mounting the servo, but the epoxy I used on the linkage didn't seem to hold, so I'm going to have to redo that (I think I got the mixture wrong). Anyway, the whole area in the middle where the EP and batteries go, is gone. just lthe little square peice around the driveshaft, and about 1/4" on either side for mounting the servo. most of the stock servo gearbox is gone. This servo pumps out about 40 oz/in of torque, compared to what I'd guess to be about 15-20 of the stock one. I also did a little grinding to free up a little more articulation.

the diffs are already locked, using GPM diffs, and dogbones (probably will start breaking stubs, but I've got lots of those...). also using Hot Racing alloy knuckles. lifted chassis, soft springs (will probably need to stiffen them, in order to hold up the weight of the new radio system and battery.

I'm still having trouble with the gearing, but I haven't given up yet, still a few ideas. but I've got a couple good R/C crawlers, that I'm sure this will never live up to. so I think I'll just waterproof it, and take it muddin. these tires won't grip too well on the rocks anyway, but the paddle tread would sure make a mess!!!

anyway, my girlfriend has my camera tonight...hopefully I'll get some pics of it for you guys tomorrow (and get it done....)

[vzereeys]

I suggest using a 180 or a 360 motor.

[Numbchux]

Originally Posted by vzereeys

I suggest using a 180 or a 360 motor.

I have a 180 that I was using before this project. but with the extra length it'll hit the wheel, and I intentionally wanted to keep the track as narrow as possible, so I could use a 130 motor. and a 360 would be worse.

[xmodkidd33]

this sounds pretty sick... i want to get tires like that for my f-150 lol

[ZackyV]

im gonna cry i want pictures soooo bad

[Doc4465]

Originally Posted by ZackyV

im gonna cry i want pictures soooo bad

Are you ok ?

Get hose pic man !

[Numbchux]

a few personal things happened today....so I didn't get any more work done

BUT, here are some pics....





check out the articulation:


Servo mounted:


body 'mounted' (not actually attached...):





neither the Rx, nor the ESC are mounted now, nor have I figured out what I'm going to do with the battery. I don't want to use this huge 7.2v one, it'll really screw with my CG....I'm thinking of getting a lithium kit for mounting under the chassis, should give me the power, save space, and help keep the CG in a good place.

[thrillbilly]

looks kinda cool i guess

[adam]

looks good i like it

[ZackyV]

that things goona be insane

[Slidersideways]

Thats crazy

[chase4494]

thts pretty SWEET dude i like it. A++++