RCCrawler Forums

chino63 · 03-09-2008, 10:33 PM

Here is my Hi lift that I just got done with. It's been a roller for months but needed a body. I was trying to build it as stock as possible but I found too many things that I didn't like.

First of all the leafs had too much arch to them so I dearched them quite a bit for a better ride height. Next was the front shackle reversal for better performance and while I was at it, I made longer shackles for a plusher ride and better articulation. No more over centering the stock shackles.

Next came the subject of many a snivel. The boat anchor of a T-case. At first I wanted to use all the stock gears and make a new plate but I found a better and easier way around that. I used an Axial transmission for a T-case. Believe it or not, I only had to drill and tap three holes in the rear trans plate, make three small spacers and one 2mm hole in the shaft to accept the Axial input gear. It netted me about 18mm of much needed clearance. I then moved the trans up 10mm which in total gave me 28mm (over 1 inch) of clearance. Perfect for my lowered ride height. Although I had to notch the frame rail, it was quick and easy! Without raising the trans up 10mm, You wouldn't even need to notch the frame. Also, there was some minor clearancing of the trans case for the front output.

Note the extra support rod for the skid plate. I wanted to add this because I eliminated the second lower support for the transmission.

The mark on the frame was from the original shackle.

The last major thing I had to modify was the steering bellcrank position. I didnt like the way it limited up travel so I moved it up on the frame and notched the frame to clear the bellcrank arm. I also put a plate behind the bellcrank for some extra support. The servo mount was also tweaked a bit to mount the servo.

Jaynen · 03-09-2008, 11:05 PM

Impressive workmanship as always

@tw!ll · 03-09-2008, 11:08 PM

Damn!!! you can re-engineer anything Dean. Looks like amazing improvements, with relatively simple mods. Can't wait to see a video of this thing out doing comp rigs

STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER · 03-09-2008, 11:16 PM

very nice. what's the body from? i love the old school stepsides

chino63 · 03-09-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER

very nice. what's the body from? i love the old school stepsides

Kyosho Chevy 4x4. I have 2 of them doing nothing but collecting dust.

Brandon · 03-10-2008, 12:30 AM

Looks great Dean! Are you still blowing black stuff out of your nose?

Rckcrwlr · 03-10-2008, 04:59 AM

Looks great chino...Taking notes..

I am the same way with my HiLux...I want to keep it as close to stock as possible. I love the 3 speed but there are hurdles to over come with that low hanging fruit...

STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER · 03-10-2008, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chino63

Kyosho Chevy 4x4. I have 2 of them doing nothing but collecting dust.

oh yeah, i remember those now that you mention it.

did you have to bob that chassis at all to fit under the body?

any plans for the second one?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rckcrwlr

....but there are hurdles to over come with that low hanging fruit...

i think the same thing every morning getting out of a warm shower!!!

Rckcrwlr · 03-10-2008, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER

i think the same thing every morning getting out of a warm shower!!!

.

Keith...that is an image that, unfortunately is now burnt into my brain...thanks...

STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER · 03-10-2008, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rckcrwlr

.

Keith...that is an image that, unfortunately is now burnt into my brain...thanks...

haha, sorry for that...

Dean:
hey what are the 2 links on the rear for?

chino63 · 03-10-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER

haha, sorry for that...

Dean:
hey what are the 2 links on the rear for?

They are there to help keep the rear leafs from turning into pretzels. I loose a bit of articulation but no axle wrap.

Rckcrwlr · 03-10-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chino63

They are there to help keep the rear leafs from turning into pretzels. I loose a bit of articulation but no axle wrap.

I was thinking about that on mine...with the single leafs and my 35T Warrior on 8 cells...3rd gear reeks havoc on the leafs...

STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER · 03-10-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chino63

They are there to help keep the rear leafs from turning into pretzels. I loose a bit of articulation but no axle wrap.

ahhh, ok. any thoughts of just running a 1/4 eliptical 4 link in the rear?

NeroWolfe · 03-10-2008, 09:35 AM

Good thinking, I've been hating that root snagger of a t-case.

Man, I miss that old Chevy,, had one ohhh must have been '84 or so.. was a hoot! Chain was a pain in the rear tho.

03-09-2008, 10:33 PM	#1
chino63 Oppan Gangnam Style Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Shingle Springs Posts: 5,164	Chevy stepside Here is my Hi lift that I just got done with. It's been a roller for months but needed a body. I was trying to build it as stock as possible but I found too many things that I didn't like. First of all the leafs had too much arch to them so I dearched them quite a bit for a better ride height. Next was the front shackle reversal for better performance and while I was at it, I made longer shackles for a plusher ride and better articulation. No more over centering the stock shackles. Next came the subject of many a snivel. The boat anchor of a T-case. At first I wanted to use all the stock gears and make a new plate but I found a better and easier way around that. I used an Axial transmission for a T-case. Believe it or not, I only had to drill and tap three holes in the rear trans plate, make three small spacers and one 2mm hole in the shaft to accept the Axial input gear. It netted me about 18mm of much needed clearance. I then moved the trans up 10mm which in total gave me 28mm (over 1 inch) of clearance. Perfect for my lowered ride height. Although I had to notch the frame rail, it was quick and easy! Without raising the trans up 10mm, You wouldn't even need to notch the frame. Also, there was some minor clearancing of the trans case for the front output. Note the extra support rod for the skid plate. I wanted to add this because I eliminated the second lower support for the transmission. The mark on the frame was from the original shackle. The last major thing I had to modify was the steering bellcrank position. I didnt like the way it limited up travel so I moved it up on the frame and notched the frame to clear the bellcrank arm. I also put a plate behind the bellcrank for some extra support. The servo mount was also tweaked a bit to mount the servo. Last edited by chino63; 03-09-2008 at 10:36 PM.

03-10-2008, 09:35 AM	#14
NeroWolfe Pebble Pounder Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Juneau Posts: 165	Nice mods Good thinking, I've been hating that root snagger of a t-case. Man, I miss that old Chevy,, had one ohhh must have been '84 or so.. was a hoot! Chain was a pain in the rear tho.

03-09-2008, 11:05 PM	#2
Jaynen Rock Crawler Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oceanside Posts: 511	Impressive workmanship as always

03-09-2008, 11:08 PM	#3
@tw!ll RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 1,261	Damn!!! you can re-engineer anything Dean. Looks like amazing improvements, with relatively simple mods. Can't wait to see a video of this thing out doing comp rigs

03-09-2008, 11:16 PM	#4
STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER RCC Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MUSE, PA Posts: 1,273	very nice. what's the body from? i love the old school stepsides

03-10-2008, 12:30 AM	#6
Brandon Im Brandon Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Colfax, CA Posts: 8,156	Looks great Dean! Are you still blowing black stuff out of your nose?

03-10-2008, 04:59 AM	#7
Rckcrwlr I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Here Posts: 7,317	Looks great chino...Taking notes.. I am the same way with my HiLux...I want to keep it as close to stock as possible. I love the 3 speed but there are hurdles to over come with that low hanging fruit...

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