Nluv's Cliff Climber Build & Tech

[Brandon]

Decided to pick up a Cliff Climber after nationals this year and I finally found the time to sit down and tear into it today. While it was waiting I went ahead and made sure I had some parts ready for its rebuild ;-)

Upgrades as of today:
Metal Idler Gear: DTXC8089
Steel Output: DTXC8241
Metal Counter Gear: DTXC7211
Bent Suspension Links: DTXC9489

Axial Axle: AX30366
Axial 12mm black hubs: AX30429

My goal for this build it to strengthen the running gear and build a comp style rig that will be perfect for getting out and just having fun crawling. I'm starting to fall in love with MOA rigs once I built my Berg 2.2, so why not turn this into a 1.9 8)

I also noticed that Duratrax already has a wide range of hop-ups available for the CC, and I will be using as many of the factory hop-ups as I can that I see suited for my goal. It will be interesting to see what a Cliff Climber can really do!

Next mods will include:
Aluminum oil filled shocks
Duratrax Aluminum knuckles
Duratrax Aluminum upper shock mounts. (I LOVE this design!)
Possibly some HH 454 pullers :shock:

Started by replacing the stock components with the parts listed above. Nothing complicated but there are a few things to keep an eye on.

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aaa.jpg


Axial Axles shafts were a direct replacement along with the 12mm hexes. Next upgrade will be bearings for the knuckles. Everything rolls really smoothly as is, but I am a freak when it comes to binding and friction in the drive train so for me bearings are a must :lol:
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aab.jpg


http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aac.jpg

When installing the steel outputs the screw is able to pass all the way through the output and possibly out the other side. Be sure to add some locktite to this because I can see it easily backing out over time and tearing up the inside of the axle case.
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aad.jpg

Another thing to watch out for is the depth of the slot of the axle shafts. Once the axials are installed the dogbones need to be shortened due to the change in depth of the axial axle shafts compared to the duratrax versions. They will work as is, however you will run into some binding and "stiffness" in the drivetrain. All that needs to be done is grind a flat spot on the end of the dogbone that will be installed on the steel output side. This lets it seat further into the diff gear and outputs allowing for some room at the Axial axle shafts.
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aae.jpg

Metal gears installed
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aaf.jpg

Comparison between the stock axle shafts and the axials installed.
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aag.jpg

As I was assembling the knuckles I noticed a height difference in the top and bottom of the knuckles. My ARTR kit was assembled with the longer side of the knuckles down. This actually reduces clearance at the diff. Because of the dogbone style axle shafts I was able to flip the knuckles and increase the clearance under the axles without any problems!! "thumbsup"
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aah.jpg

ARTR knuckle location:
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aai.jpg

Ready for the rebuild now 8)
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aaj.jpg
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aak.jpg

[chino63]

Ooohh!!!:lol:

[life_livin]

nice man!!

[titan20]

Did the aluminum bent links come with rod ends, or did you buy those separately? If so, what kind?

[Stormin2u]

Those axles are so bulky and square looking the realism factor is low IMO. I guess it's just hard for me to be a Cliff Climber fan because of it.

[Brandon]

Ooohh!!!:lol:

Ahhh!!! :ror:

Did the aluminum bent links come with rod ends, or did you buy those separately? If so, what kind?

Nope, I bought the duratrax rod ends. Part# DTCX6210.

Those axles are so bulky and square looking the realism factor is low IMO. I guess it's just hard for me to be a Cliff Climber fan because of it.

Its hard to be realistic when the motor is on the axle ;-) I actually felt the same way until I started looking closely at these axles. There is quite a bit of clearance, adjust ability, and the included servo mount is really nice. When I mess with them more I am sure I will find some more things to modify. "thumbsup"

Wait until you see it when the custom chassis and the body slammed, its a whole new rig ;-)

Ended up going with 1.9 moabs.

[Stormin2u]

Its hard to be realistic when the motor is on the axle ;-) I actually felt the same way until I started looking closely at these axles. There is quite a bit of clearance, adjust ability, and the included servo mount is really nice. When I mess with them more I am sure I will find some more things to modify. "thumbsup"

Wait until you see it when the custom chassis and the body slammed, its a whole new rig ;-)

Ended up going with 1.9 moabs.

I know Nluv I'm a big fan of your work you'll take this to the drool level I'm sure. I'll be watching for more photos thanks. "thumbsup"

[Hurley0706]

The build is looking good B.

It really is too bad that they felt these needed to be outlawed in 1.9 class because of stall being called dig :roll:

[cartronicshn]

The build is looking good B.

It really is too bad that they felt these needed to be outlawed in 1.9 class because of stall being called dig :roll:
Totally agree with you Harley.
Nluv, building is looking great btw, i put 2 454's on mine and it's insane on 8 cells 2/3 batts, it wheelies like mad, they also destroy stock gear like mad, good thing about the aluminum parts being available.

[Rockpiledriver]

The build is looking good B.

It really is too bad that they felt these needed to be outlawed in 1.9 class because of stall being called dig :roll:

That was only one of MANY reasons. How many other MOA axles are allowed in 1.9?

[Brandon]

Here are a few pics of my CC as a roller. Started working on the skid plate but havent taken any pics yet.

Decided to use an extra chassis that was made by FubarCrawlers from my design for my Berg comp rig. How about that! Perfect fit for my CC "thumbsup"

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aam.jpg
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aan.jpg

Rear axle clocked up by adjusting the upper link positions at the chassis.
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aao.jpg
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aap.jpg
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aaq.jpg


Flex shot. But more importantly look at the front axle. When I received the ARTR the knuckles were not parallel to the ground, they were close but every degree that its off you loose a lot of steering performance. I made sure to adjust the upper links at the chassis to get the axles and knuckles parallel to the ground for the best steering possible.
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aar.jpg
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aas.jpg
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aat.jpg


Quick shot with the body, it will get some trimming but looks like it wont take much.
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aal.jpg

[Brandon]

I know Nluv I'm a big fan of your work you'll take this to the drool level I'm sure. I'll be watching for more photos thanks. "thumbsup"

Thanks Norm! Just didnt want others to have a bad opinion about the CC until they had one in their hands ;-)

The build is looking good B.

It really is too bad that they felt these needed to be outlawed in 1.9 class because of stall being called dig :roll:

Thanks Josh. I agree, I wish they fit the specs. O well, now I can run the 10" wheelbase I built it with and see what this thing can do 8)

Totally agree with you Harley.
Nluv, building is looking great btw, i put 2 454's on mine and it's insane on 8 cells 2/3 batts, it wheelies like mad, they also destroy stock gear like mad, good thing about the aluminum parts being available.

Sounds like fun, 454's it is. Going to try out the stock motors first though.

That was only one of MANY reasons. How many other MOA axles are allowed in 1.9?

It just sucks that the Duratrax was put in a corner all by itself. I will always stand behind USRCCA and their decisions, and if thats the way the rules had to be then I understand.

[jdawg53]

Like usual you are doing an awesome job. I can't wait for more updates.
J

[nathanlima]

looks good. don't car for the axles but i really like that chassis.

[sweli]

With all the beefing up with metal gears and Axial cups, are the bones on this up for the challenge?
Have not had my axles totally down yet, but need to in next few days to get metal gears in the front at least.

How are you shortening the driveshafts? Tube over and braze?

[JatoTheRipper]

Damn - that looks great! Excellent work.

[ElChupoCabre]

Cool... I just picked one of these up brand new never ran for a used micro-t from a buddy of mine!! I got it for my kid for christmas but..... it may get some usage out of me too;-) Great build to referance thanks... Once again, great work "thumbsup"

[life_livin]

awsome build man cant wait to really see it.

[Brandon]

Like usual you are doing an awesome job. I can't wait for more updates.
J

Thanks J! Its running, just need to get the body mounted and painted. The quality of electronics that I had aren't the best so that is hurting its performance right now. Other than that it feels really well balanced and the stock shocks work really well.

looks good. don't car for the axles but i really like that chassis.

Thanks Nathan

With all the beefing up with metal gears and Axial cups, are the bones on this up for the challenge?
Have not had my axles totally down yet, but need to in next few days to get metal gears in the front at least.

How are you shortening the driveshafts? Tube over and braze?

They should be! All I did was take the end that is going into the axle and grind some material off to let is seat further into the cup.

Damn - that looks great! Excellent work.

Thank you.

Cool... I just picked one of these up brand new never ran for a used micro-t from a buddy of mine!! I got it for my kid for christmas but..... it may get some usage out of me too;-) Great build to referance thanks... Once again, great work "thumbsup"

One lucky kid! Thank you "thumbsup"

[ElChupoCabre]

he's a 5 yro!!! "thumbsup" He love's the rocks!!!"thumbsup" Startin him young! "thumbsup"

[sweli]

he's a 5 yro!!! "thumbsup" He love's the rocks!!!"thumbsup" Startin him young! "thumbsup"

Similar reason I got one.
My 4yr old is into it for 5mins, but my 7-1/2 yr old loves to set up courses and keep score with me on my 2.2.
I figured this would be called our WCC (winter couch climber).

Nice build and details in the thread Nluv - thx!

[randy1]

i need to no more about the front . do i want the servo flat as poss or pitched as much as poss.

[jdawg53]

Flat. You want the top of the axle to be parallel with the ground. This will increase steering over the stock setup.
J

[Brandon]

Nice build and details in the thread Nluv - thx!

No problem sweli, lots more to come "thumbsup"



i need to no more about the front . do i want the servo flat as poss or pitched as much as poss.

Flat. You want the top of the axle to be parallel with the ground. This will increase steering over the stock setup.
J


Exactly, you want to increase the effective steering angle. With the axle at an angle you are using some of that to actually steer into the ground which does nothing ;-)

[randy1]

got it thanks i just swaped the links around case the top links are longer than the bottem ones

[Brandon]

got it thanks i just swaped the links around case the top links are longer than the bottem ones

Nice job! Didn't even notice that on the stock chassis. "thumbsup"

[randy1]

yup just got startedon her an im new to this crawling to

[randy1]

i need to find somthing like u have there i just dont know what is what

[Brandon]

i need to find somthing like u have there i just dont know what is what

Explain what you are looking for and I will try to help. Not sure what you are referring to ;-)

[randy1]

u hav a pm

[bcrofts]

that thing look cool

[randy1]

so where has this build gone any updates

[Brandon]

so where has this build gone any updates

Body is painted. Need to save up some $$ to purchase a pair of 454's and a decent esc. It worked pretty well with the stock motors on a 2s lipo. Now I want to see how it does with the 454's 8)

[randy1]

im going to try the vr3 from duratrax its a 13 dollar motor an should be like they say the 454 is . sound cool u going to post up any pics . i now have taken over dez s truck the ccz

[jdawg53]

Randy
The VR3 is NOT like the 454's. The VR3 is our high rpm motor for the Vendetta series. It will increase your wheel speed but that's not what you need for crawling. If you are running it around in your driveway/yard then they will work fine.
The 454's are the best motor I have found available.

B
Take the money you are spending on books for college and use it for r/c. Jeez, I can't believe you haven't thought of this sooner. :lol:
Just kidding get that education.

J

[randy1]

well im 39 so im do past all that . i just cant see spendind 80 bucks on motors for a truck that i spent 139 to get. guess i should of just got a losi or a ax10

[jdawg53]

Ya, because neither of them require any hop ups????????? I am only using about 20% of my stock Axial kit parts.
J

[randy1]

im not down on durtrax here just with the rule out now i think we have to get so much more out of this lil truck. the losi pull it out of the box an run it . im sure it has its prob as well. the ax 10 i was saying its a biger truck prob wont be as hard on it. duratrax is great dont get me wrong an im sure they will take care of me they always have in the past. this is number 6 for me so it seems as i like them

[Brandon]

well im 39 so im do past all that . i just cant see spendind 80 bucks on motors for a truck that i spent 139 to get. guess i should of just got a losi or a ax10


Thats the cost man. Gotta pay if you want the highest quality. I spent $80 on a cobalt puller for my tlt that started out as a $75 kit ;-)

You should get a Losi or AX10, they are both great rigs. The only way you can learn is to spend more time researching and building.

[randy1]

i have a ax 10 one the way . not going to give up on the cc i love the lil truck

[CrawlerGraphics]

Body is painted. 8)
So where's the pics Brandon?

[NiCk-]

Great build.

[thunderwagn]

Hmm, to bad this died off. I am really interested in seeing how it turned out.

[Brandon]

Hmm, to bad this died off. I am really interested in seeing how it turned out.

No way has this died off "thumbsup"

[thunderwagn]

Piktors kind one?

[Brandon]

Quick update. The 4PK should be here soon, after that I will try out dual esc's and see how far I can push the CC. Should be a blast to drive "thumbsup"

[ccbg]

Hurry it up, man, wanna see how's that going! :) And post some pics tooooo!

[Brandon]

Wow how about some updates?? "thumbsup" Sorry for the delay on this project.

Picked up some more Futaba goodies to finish up this build and take it to the next level.

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aau.jpg

After I messed with the 4PK programming and mixing for a while I ended up switching to the 4 channel RX for more programming options.

Stared wiring the ESC's. Running them off a single 6 cell pack for now.

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aav.jpg

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aaw.jpg

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aax.jpg

Time for a dinner break :mrgreen:

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aay.jpg

[Brandon]

After dinner I decided to get this rig finished tonight.

Some more wiring completed

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aaz.jpg

Installed a S9156. Yes its overkill, however I am planning on running some 2.2's or some tall and heavy 1.9's in the near future.

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/aba.jpg

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/abb.jpg

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/abc.jpg

Quick flex shot


http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/abd.jpg

Body mounted!
http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/abe.jpg

http://www.nor-calrcrc.com/albums/album109/abf.jpg

[Brandon]

I went with the setup that Harley posted in the 4PK tips thread. Worked perfectly. Cant wait to get it out on the rocks!

Setup:
Channel 1 - Steering Servo
Channel 2 - BEC (optional, if plugged in then remove power wires from ESC's)
Channel 3 - Front ESC
Channel 4 - Rear ESC


First go to Systm
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3866.jpg


Change Disp-Sel: SRV-VIEW
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3867.jpg


Go to Menu-T
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3868.jpg


Change it to Level3 (make sure to go down to EXEC and push +/- at the same time)
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3869.jpg


Go to PMIX1
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3870.jpg


Set as such:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3871.jpg


Go to PMIX2
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3872.jpg


Set as such:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3873.jpg


Go to SWTCH:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3874.jpg


Set like so:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3875.jpg


Go to DIAL:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3876.jpg


The top two lines are the dials that control the rear mixing:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/IMG_3877.jpg




And that is it. That will give result with this setup. Feel free to PM me or post up any questions "thumbsup"

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/OCM/th_MOV017_WMVV9.jpg (http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/jtbusa/OCM/?action=view&current=MOV017_WMVV9.flv)

[gigercreeper]

thanks for posting that how to ive been trying to figure out my 3pk and ur instrucktions seen very similar

[BL44ST]

how hard would it be to put a 540 motor to these axles? cheep bergs lol

[STANG KILLA SS]

can a single rooster crawler handle twin 454s?

[doubletrouble]

I really like the paint job. Simple but sweet.

[Hurley0706]

can a single rooster crawler handle twin 454s?

Should be fine, at the minimum you can run them in parallel.

[geekfreek95]

i like the angled axels now u woulnt get caught on rocks as much

[Brandon]

thanks for posting that how to ive been trying to figure out my 3pk and ur instrucktions seen very similar

Actually Harley did that, all I did was quote it and bring it in from the 4PK tips thread ;) Make sure to tell him thank you!

how hard would it be to put a 540 motor to these axles? cheep bergs lol

I really doubt its possible. Might require a custom motor plate, but the longer can will interfere with the links and shock mounts at the axle.

can a single rooster crawler handle twin 454s?

Should be fine.

I really like the paint job. Simple but sweet.

Thank you!

Should be fine, at the minimum you can run them in parallel.

Yup, I think I need to pick up a pair of the 454's. The rig works well but I can see the CC motors not holding up to a lot of weight in the wheels.

i like the angled axels now u woulnt get caught on rocks as much

Just make sure to leave the front axle square to the ground, otherwise you will kill your steering ;)

[jdawg53]

can a single rooster crawler handle twin 454s?

Works great, that is what I have been using for several months now with no issues.
J

[STANG KILLA SS]

what are you using for pinions? (with the 454s) link?

[addictedtonitro]

ok, Maybe I'm dumb and should know this but.... What are those little things in line on the red power wires from the esc's? I thought maybe a dig setup but it's just inline. Maybe a fuse?

BTW This is a sweet cc man. I've wanted one for a while. Maybe now I might just have to lol.

[medina619]

:shock::shock::shock::shock::shock: yea thats kinda what i look like now just looking at the possibilities :shock::shock::shock::shock::shock:

fabulous job "thumbsup"

[Brandon]

what are you using for pinions? (with the 454s) link?

I will let ya know when I order a pair of those 454's. I NEED them :ror:

ok, Maybe I'm dumb and should know this but.... What are those little things in line on the red power wires from the esc's? I thought maybe a dig setup but it's just inline. Maybe a fuse?

BTW This is a sweet cc man. I've wanted one for a while. Maybe now I might just have to lol.

Yup just fuses. Thank you!

:shock: yea thats kinda what i look like now just looking at the possibilities:shock:

fabulous job "thumbsup"

Thanks "thumbsup"