RC4WD Gelande Defender build

[skottoman]

Hello,
Just going to document this build.

I have some issues with the Gelande chassis... mainly driveshafts, but all is going well. I've ordered multiple upgrades to fix the weak points in the chassis.

Here is where I am now, waiting for upgrades for the chassis, and a lot of the defender parts primed and preparing for paint...
Cheers,
Skottoman

[tozrovr]

I've never had issues with the shafts on either of my Gelande's but I have to say, the shocks are rubbish The front axles always seem to have terrible caster angles...but damn they're nice rigs Just did a big trailride today with my defender 110 pickup/SCX10 and my old Gelande D90. Great time.

[skottoman]

Well the problem I have with the drive shafts, is there is only 1 grub screw threaded in the drive shaft. Looks like it would work 100% better if the other side was threaded. Perhaps I got a bad set of driveshafts, even my spare shafts were only threaded on one side.

That said, I'm getting some Junfac steel shafts to replace them, I've read many threads where people snap the plastic driveshafts...

Cheers,
Skottoman

[tozrovr]

Originally Posted by skottoman

Well the problem I have with the drive shafts, is there is only 1 grub screw threaded in the drive shaft. Looks like it would work 100% better if the other side was threaded. Perhaps I got a bad set of driveshafts, even my spare shafts were only threaded on one side.

That said, I'm getting some Junfac steel shafts to replace them, I've read many threads where people snap the plastic driveshafts...

Cheers,
Skottoman

Should run a pin like this instead of a grub screw.

[skottoman]

Originally Posted by tozrovr

Should run a pin like this instead of a grub screw.

If I got pins/grub screws like that with my kit, I guess it might work better, but still doesn't solve the plastic issue that people have snapped. Junfac to the rescue!

Cheers,
Skottoman

[tozrovr]

I don't doubt any of these guys have busted the stock shafts...but the green D90 shown here was mine for a while, and Josh has had it for the last 9 months...He's snapped 2 pins in the junfac shaft out back and the front stocker has been fine hahah! I run the junfacs front and rear in my Defender 110 and love them.



If you want to drive in the mean time, those pins are just traxxas drive shaft screw pins...any local shop should have them to hold you over until the Junfacs arrive.

[skottoman]

Originally Posted by tozrovr

I don't doubt any of these guys have busted the stock shafts...but the green D90 shown here was mine for a while, and Josh has had it for the last 9 months...He's snapped 2 pins in the junfac shaft out back and the front stocker has been fine hahah! I run the junfacs front and rear in my Defender 110 and love them.



If you want to drive in the mean time, those pins are just traxxas drive shaft screw pins...any local shop should have them to hold you over until the Junfacs arrive.

Thanks for your help!
Cheers,
Skottoman

[skottoman]

Getting some painting started while I wait for the new driveline parts...

[tozrovr]

HUGE thumbs up!!!!!

[skottoman]

[skottoman]

Received some upgrades to some of the "weaker" parts of the Gelande...
Junfac driveshafts, and the RC4WD front universals.

Also got the RCMODELEX cage and bumper. Quality on these parts is absolutely amazing.

[Titus]

This is coming along nicely, i have been contemplating getting mself one of these kits for a class 1 rig. So will stay tuned to this and see what your verdict is. I like the colour shceme as well and a neat job to boot.

Oh, by the way.. who is this dude?


He seems to be a rather charming character. Slave driver by the looks of things me thinks, with him waving his pistol around at you to get busy with the build.

Cheers
T

[skottoman]

Originally Posted by Titus

Oh, by the way.. who is this dude?

He seems to be a rather charming character. Slave driver by the looks of things me thinks, with him waving his pistol around at you to get busy with the build.

Cheers
T

Hahaha.... He is a character from Battlestar Galactica. I do like that he has a gun, I'm sure I'll keep it in the build.
Cheers,
Skottoman

[skottoman]

Painted the floor of the interior, and our character gets a sidekick.

[RustenPaines]

Cool roof. Thanks for doing the build. I have always wondered if this kit was worth it.

[skottoman]

Originally Posted by RustenPaines

Cool roof. Thanks for doing the build. I have always wondered if this kit was worth it.

The body is a toy that needs a lot of work to be realistic, but it is great as many have shown...

The chassis is also great, but a lot of weak parts that need to be replaced (IMHO) to be reliable... I've now replaced a lot of them, and now feel that it is a strong reliable chassis.

Items I've upgraded on the Gelande chassis...
- Driveshafts X2
- Locktite on all screws
- Grease in gearboxes
- Driveshaft from gearbox to transfer box
- Universal joints
- Aluminum front hubs


Cheers,
Skottoman

[tozrovr]

Dude, is that a Dalek sitting in the console?

[skottoman]

Originally Posted by tozrovr

Dude, is that a Dalek sitting in the console?

Nah, it's just a beer stein...

[skottoman]

Finally have a running drivetrain! (No steering servo yet)...

Replaced all universal joints. The smoothness of the driveline is incredible now. before it was binding in a few spots, and not smooth at all.
Also put some lights on the bumper/grill guard. Lots more to do.

[neillarson]

Great paint job. Real nice chassis, tranny and transfer case. A bit tough to find room for all of the electronics and the battery. Makes a great C1 truck.

The weakness in the Geland is the plastic axle cases, the absolutely terrible 4 link plate design and the links in general. I broke 3 axle cases between my Gelande and my Timberwolf in about 4 weeks. I broke an easy dozen ball ends, 2 on the Timberwolf and the rest on the Geland. I think RC4WD learned their lesson and it shows in the TF2s.

If you convert to 4mm rod for the links and Revo ball ends, you will go a long way towards making it a tough truck. If you have some brazing skills, you could fix the 4 link plate fairly easy.

Good luck and looking forward to seeing what youndonwith this.