Rebuild of a FJ 40

[Straightjacket]

I got this SCX and threw it togethor before a comp, and thats where it's been for way too long! Time to tear it down and start over with a fresh version. Although it crawls very well it's just not that realistic.
Here are the pics of where I'm starting from.

I'm going to run a leaf spring chassis for this build and trying to keep it fairly simular to my 1:1 beater. Here are some of the parts I got for the build.



I want the top to be removable, as I only use it when it's wet. I'd like to have full interior,cage,and engine compartment.
This is my first build so any sugestions will be appreciated.

[Straightjacket]

My first dilema is to cleanly attach the axles to the leafs. Gonna try to make top plates/shock mounts with U-bolts.

[travis c.]

Lookin good Nick, just make sure you have it done before the end of January, G6 at Folsom Lake!

[Straightjacket]

Thanks,I'll try Travis.

Started mocking things up last night and ran into some issues (Imagine That!) The spring pads get huge if you leave room for u-bolts. The rear springs are crooked on the frame,and the front shock mounts arn't over the axle, their behind it??? My rig also has a shackle reversal on it so I'll need to change that also.

Any advice for a u-bolt set-up on Axial axles?

[travis c.]

Can't help you with the U-bolts, but I wouldn't worry about the shock angle on the front. Mine are slanted back about 10*, just makes the shock a little less dynamic which can be fixed by using a stiffer spring or thicker oil.

[twig8]

Originally Posted by Straightjacket

The rear springs are crooked on the frame

That is the way they are on the real rig. I scaled down the full-sized prints and built my own (right before rc4wd released theirs) and was a little confused at first as well. If you measure the width of the leafs at their front and rear they should be the same. It's the frame angle that makes the leafs look weird.

[Straightjacket]

Mine acctually seem crooked, but I'll measure to be sure, Thanks.

Checked them out,only 3mm. off can shuffle the washers to straighten.

[Straightjacket]

Got a little time in and wasn't happy with the way things were going, so I started over. I started hacking on the front end sure hope it turns out or I really screwed up a brand new chassis.






This is the stock chassis.

[Straightjacket]

Don't like the shackles hanging sooo far down so decided to reverse the shackles, lose the front bumper,and center the shock mount over the axle.Here are some pics of it all removed,sorry for the quality.

[dirtyfrank]

What frame are you using. Trying to plan my next crusier build with leafs.
Going to keep an eye on this thread.

[Straightjacket]

It's the RC4WD Fj 40 chassis,it was designed to work with their V8 motor. Just couldn't shell out the money for that for this build. Maybe I'll upgrade later?

Had some time to work on the servo/winch plate,and the motor/tranny plate. Need to figure out a good transfer case to pick up.







Please let me know what you guys think, any Ideas to make it better,something done wrong? There's some guys out there that make this look easy,,,,it's a pain in the A$$ to make these things look realistic.

[dirtyfrank]

Thanks that frame looks like the way to go. Looking great.

[Straightjacket]

I got the spring perches tigged back on,and will hopefully have pics up by this weekend sitting on the axles. Have to swing by RPP and pick up a transfercase.

[Straightjacket]

Front end shackle reversal mod completed,springs back on. Looks decent.
I'm thinking of ordering a GCM t-case, havn't seen anything where one stands out more than another? GCM also has nice looking spring mounts,anyone tried them?

Will be starting tube work soon probably just braze it , allways like the way it flows, less grinding!

[Straightjacket]

Decided to go for some instant gratification,and picked up a RC4WD transfercase and some shocks from the LHS. I know I'll probably get bashed for this but the RC4WD stuff allthough very realistic, dosn't seem to be as prescion as some of the other manafacters. I think I should've waited and orderd a GCM like I was going to do in the first place. Oh well!

On another note,my pics wont shrink small enough to upload whats up with that? Same camera,same settings,even decreased the settings to minimum, still no luck???

[kyle magoon]

Is this thing going to be ready for saterday or what? lol

[Straightjacket]

Ya, of course! It'll just look alot like the old one.