FJ-WK Tuber

[HaamStacks]

I've been contemplating this build for quite a while and finally got around to getting it done. Started over the holidays in my Dad's shop, and I'm finishing it up here in Vancouver. Can't wait to get this out on the rocks!!
Here is the build in FastForward.....

Clocked motor mount:


Skidplate/Tranny mount/Link mount out of 1/8" Aluminum:


Main cage hoop and hacked Bushwacker body:

Together:

Axle truss with link mounts and washer-based lockouts. Sombody here on RCCrawler.com came up with the lockout idea... sorry I couln't find the post so I could give full credit.

Cage mock-up:


Makeshift workshop!!

Coming together....


I more or less finished the cage tonight. I've got an interesting way to mount the steel cage to the aluminum skid; I'll get pics of that up soon.
As you might expect, I'm stoked on how this is all coming together for a first-time build.
I'm expecting all sorts of critisizm, going on past experience with this forum, and that's fine; however, I'd appreciate opinions on improvements to the structural integrity of the cage, as my driving style will inevitably result in some spectacular tumbles. Oh, and help with scale improvements that might get this post moved to the 'Scale 2.2' forum would be much much appreciated as well!!
Cheers

[HaamStacks]

Damn, did that happen automatically??

[kling-on]

WOW very nice hope to start mine nexted week

[HaamStacks]

Cage mostly finished:

Sitting pretty:

Brakeline and hose clamps to mount the cage to the skid:

I HATE MAKING LINKS!!!!!!

Almost a roller:


Steering setup:


I'm getting steel today for shock mounts and an electrics tray, then she's ready for paint.

[HaamStacks]

I'm pretty sure this is wearing the OL's patience a little thin....

Got the shock mounts and electrics tray brazed in:


Stuck some weight on the skid to balance it out:

Links on:

Cage on:

Electrics in.... juuust about!!:

Rolling and running, FINALLY:


Almost looks like a 1:1 angled steering arm:

And it's first tumble, lol :

[kpfitz]

Looks pretty good. How are those hose clamps holding up?

[rcjeepbuilder]

Looks good man,it really looks like you took your time on that cage nice and straight!
The only thing that might need some attention is the hose clamp thingy .I dont see why you dont just braze on some mounts to the tube and drill the skid plate to bolt the 2 pieces together? You also did a killer job on the axle mounts!!!





Now thats what I call a complement sandwich !!!

[tanner]

look really good, what moter are you using

[HaamStacks]

Originally Posted by rcjeepbuilder

Looks good man,it really looks like you took your time on that cage nice and straight!
The only thing that might need some attention is the hose clamp thingy .I dont see why you dont just braze on some mounts to the tube and drill the skid plate to bolt the 2 pieces together? You also did a killer job on the axle mounts!!!

Now thats what I call a complement sandwich !!!

LOL thanks!!

I'm glad the pics are small, because it hides the ugliness of the brazing to some degree. It was my first attempt at brazing anything, so I'm feeling lucky that it's not totally warped or twisted or anything.
I thought of two problems that prompted me to take the hosecalmp route: Being a beginner brazer working on his BBQ, I foresaw many tiny bits being dropped many times.... But more importantly I was concerned about the cage and the skid rattling against each other. If the mounts weren't strong and precise the thing would most likely make some noise. Anyways, I found some fabric-covered brakeline with a 3/16" inside diameter and tried it. It's zip-tied at the moment and it's holding nice and tightly, so I'm going with it for now. Another bonus is that I can adjust the cage fore/aft by just loosening the clamps when they're on.

Originally Posted by tanner

look really good, what moter are you using

Integy 45t... this thing's a pig though (probably twice the stock weight), so I'm going to have to get a torquier setup

[HaamStacks]

Took her for a test run today, and, oh boy... I think I like!
Clearances are decent, but might lift it a touch:


Man, those Losis are nice. Even with the cage just zip-tied it didn't move.

[kpfitz]

Looks good outside!

[rcjeepbuilder]

Vavavaavavavaavaavavideoooooooooooooooooooooooooo! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[51JeepWillys]

im new to rc crawling and going to ask a stupid question but what are you talking about when you say brazed. I know thats how you are welding it together but not for sure what brazed means. thanks

[5150bronco]

Originally Posted by 51JeepWillys

im new to rc crawling and going to ask a stupid question but what are you talking about when you say brazed. I know thats how you are welding it together but not for sure what brazed means. thanks

heating metal at diff temp....

[HaamStacks]

I haven't taken a video yet, but here's some pics of the rig all painted up...

[HaamStacks]

Well, after throwing rocks at this thing for a couple months she's showing some w&t.
Some structural integrity has been misplaced by a few noob bashers who will remain nameless, but the resultant lowered stance is an aesthetic inhamsment imo.
The rebuilt/tweaked 4link is reassuringly beefy, and geometry is very much to my liking.
Cambie Bridge, Vancouver... It's at home here:

How she sits today:

[ussprinceton2004]

great job!

ever decide to re-paint it again?

[BigKRI]

needs some rear panels or something to hide the electronics and motor