And another Hi-Lift baby

[xjman]

Ok, started building my Hi-lift today, I have fell in love with the leaf springs. I'll get some pictures up in a moment, but first a few question on my build.

1. Has anyone else encounteredbinding with the front shocks and the leaf spring mounts?

2. The drivetrain seems extremely tight, does the powertrain loosen up after a bit?

3. My driveshaft hits the bottom of the tranny on upward movement, is this normal.

Ok, I will get some pictures up in a moment.

[xjman]

Ill start with a couple "flex" shots

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0150.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0149.jpg


This is where my binding is, the bottomof the shock body encounters the leaf. Any fixes I was so stupid I missed
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0148.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0145.jpg

[ColquittCustom405]

Damun,I know I've had a couple of drinks,but those are some blury a55 pics.Are you using any of the stock mounting holes? Looks good so far.

[xjman]

Yes, I'm starting the build by going exactly by the directions... with exception of the leaf springs.

Sorry about the pictures, the closest thing I own to a digital camera is a Cell Phone.

[DISTURBIN' tha PEACE]

I'm not too sure, but it looks like you're using nylocks on the leafs where it binds. Is that what the shock is hitting? If so try using the smaller nuts.

[microgoat]

There are two different lengths of metal shock mounts (the round ones that the O-rings go on). I think you're using the short ones on top, where you should have long ones. Hard to tell with those pics, though.

[xjman]

That May be it Goat. I gave up building for today, my fingers are sore and I'm goofing around with the 3speed.

[Scattman]

"thumbsup"

[xjman]

Well, I got a little more done today, its going slow but its going.

I got all the steering set up and servos mounted. I did a small test run and was pretty amazed at how much pull its got, I never even took it out of second gear. I crawled some pretty easy terrain, a few shoes, some stairs, and my brothers face. Sadly I wont get to work on it this week much. My old lady is going to be in town and she demands attention.

On the bright side, I do get to work her.

[1BadJeepBruiser]

Are the axles binding? If they are, make sure the knuckles are on correctly as they are left and right specific.

Mike

[xjman]

Its all together correctly, its just tight. It still drives fine. Its so damn heavy its like driving a 4WD brick

[Jeckler]

Why did you build it with the steering rods on the outside? And since you did, did you flip the knuckles side to side, or just over?

[xjman]

I was playing with it to see what I liked more, I went back to BAS.

[xjman]

I've got a few packs through it now and I have to say its a fun little trail truck. I found I perfered Tamiya's soft setup. after I used JIA's setup I found it was way too soft for me. The stock tires are decent,could be better but way better than the stock TLT meats. I'm going to go look for some slightly bigger tires to help overcome the skid plate and low hanging T-case, does anyone have any ideas on a tire that will perform good on various terrain and not require modding the body to get them to fit?

Now, on to some first run pictures. It was nothing big or challenging but it was fun. I have a few more of it in some mud and rocks That I will upload later.. My only challenge now is keep the white or go with another color.

This picture is me comming up an area by the side of my house, its steeper than it looks.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0060.jpg

This is another picture of the same spot
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0070.jpg

Ok, finally a side hill test, it could hit 45* pretty easy and maybe slightly more.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SideHillTest.jpg

All and all I'm really impressed with this rig. Now, to kill all the chrome and hit it with some Matte Black.

[Wrecker]

Looks nice. I like the white, it's really clean looking. But a flat black paint job would look sweet too.

[Scattman]

I agree, flat black would look good. "thumbsup"

[xjman]

Ok got some more action pictures. I love this truck, hopefully these pictures will keep you entertained untill I start the exo cage.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0209.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0225.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0224.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0211.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0217.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0219.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0213.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0214.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/IMG_0221.jpg

[xjman]

Ok, Some more questions on this build.

The radio I'm using is from an airplane my uncle has, he doesnt fly anymore so he let me use it. I'm having problems controling it using that perticular radio, so my question is: Can I run it with a JR XR3i and just leave it in second gear or will it jack up the tranny?

Anyone have any good tips for a better antenna position? The stock tube sucks my sack.

Does anyone know how many turn the motor is? I thought I saw it in the manual but I cant find it again. Also, the manual states not to use a lathe, what happens if I do?

Thanks for any help guys.

[DISTURBIN' tha PEACE]

Ok, Some more questions on this build.

The radio I'm using is from an airplane my uncle has, he doesnt fly anymore so he let me use it. I'm having problems controling it using that perticular radio, so my question is: Can I run it with a JR XR3i and just leave it in second gear or will it jack up the tranny?
It should be just fine in second.

Anyone have any good tips for a better antenna position? The stock tube sucks my sack.Keep it tucked under the cab.

Does anyone know how many turn the motor is? I thought I saw it in the manual but I cant find it again. Also, the manual states not to use a lathe, what happens if I do?

Thanks for any help guys.Silver can=27turn. I didn't see that in the manual, but I just looked at the pics. I'm running a 55t lathe now, no problems.

[young_version]

Integy makes a 35 turn lathe, it works great! pretty fast in third, and nice and slow in first. NO PROBLEMS!!!!

[xjman]

Well, I took it out to bender rd. today, good time. Broke some stuff, bent the **** out of a leaf, lost a servo arm. Splendid time. The skid plate also sucks my nads.

[snook]

sounds like a freaken sweet day......i had one of those the other day, i stripped the whole axle on my tuber.

[xjman]

Ok, well after playing with this I've decided the gound clearence sucks.

So, I'm going to design a new chassis, after seeing a couple of the chassis at the G2G I got inspired to try.

I really need help with this guys. I want to do a chassis that mounts the tranny a little higher and slightly more forward, and make a bumper of somesort to protect the front and rear plastic bumpers(they like to get bashed off).

What material would you recommend for the chassis? I thought about doing what TwistedCreations did with his and bend it to the shape I want it then hack in it two. Is it difficult to work with that square steel tube? I dont have a bench vice but I have access to one if I need it.

Thanks for your help.

[xjman]

Ok, I decided on square tube to start the build.

The rig will have a 16.5 inch frame, with an 11.5 inch wheelbase. That seems long for the frame but with it drawn out in scale it fits pretty well. It will have 3.25 inches of ground clearence and use maxx sized shocks(mainly because the performance is better) and leaf springs.

I plan on using the 3 speed, the bottom of the T-case will be flush with the bottom of the chassis. I know this raises COG but it is a scale rig and I know some things will be sacrificed. The drive shafts will be about 4.5" long(will probably have to upgrade to sliders), and have around a 25 deg angle.

I havent decided on a width yet, but I feel I'll probably be stuck with the stock 350 width due to the leaf springs.

If I had a scanner that was 11x17 I would scan it and show you, but I don't so I cant.


If there is anything you would change please let me know. Oh, and I plan on using the Hi-lift body, well at least the cab.

[xjman]

Well, none of you have any helpful words, thats ok :smile: I'll talk to myself.

Ok, I took a picture of the frame, the light pencil lines for tires and driveshafts wouldnt show up, but this is an idea.

The hoops would be the shock mounts made from brakeline. as I said I'm using Maxx sized shocks because the overall performance is much better, the blue shock will be what I use, minus the spring. The rim is a 2.2 rim for size comparison. Each square is 1/4 inch.

The black dot under the front is where the axle will be located-ish.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0151.jpg

Pictures are worth 1000 words, in this case its worth a "What the hell is that monstrosity"

[Thorsteenster]

looks good, what'll you make the frame rails out of? im taking the easy way out and going with a diaz high lift frame

[xjman]

1/2" square tube. I'm just trying to figure out how to lower the COG a bit because some big parts are going up. I would buy the diaz frame too, if I had money. I'm doing this build on the cheap, the rig cost me enough.

[jamesbernatchez]

Coming along nicely XJ. Have you thought about just swapping the 3 speed for a stampede tranny and revo sliders(i think they will work) for now? You will need to make some kind of bracket im sure, but it would probably add 1 1/2" of center clearance. Im thinking of doing this and keeping the 3 speed off for now.

[snook]

looks sweet:lol:

[xjman]

Well, I figured I would stop causing crap in the chit chat area and give you a Small update, got the frame mocked up. It doesnt have cross members yet or full mounting positions, but it give me an idea of where to go.
Props to TwistedCreations for helping me get a frame worthy of doing something with. I call this chassis "Eyeballed"

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0175.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0176.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/xjman/SSPX0177.jpg

[Rat1]

Ok, Some more questions on this build.

The radio I'm using is from an airplane my uncle has, he doesnt fly anymore so he let me use it. I'm having problems controling it using that perticular radio, so my question is: Can I run it with a JR XR3i and just leave it in second gear or will it jack up the tranny?

Anyone have any good tips for a better antenna position? The stock tube sucks my sack.

Does anyone know how many turn the motor is? I thought I saw it in the manual but I cant find it again. Also, the manual states not to use a lathe, what happens if I do?

Thanks for any help guys.

I would not be using a 72 mh FM transmitter if that is what you are using. That will get you into some trouble as 72 hz FM is for aircraft and not land based Rc vehicles. If you are within 1 to 2 miles of an RC aircraft field or local park were aircraft are being flown then you will have many problems along with causing RC aircraft to be shot down which will possibly hurt someone.

If you insist on running this radio then can I suggest you purchase a frequency checker so you can check to make sure your radio frequency is not being used. I would hate to see you fire up your truck only to have it take off full power into something that might cause it harm.

[xjman]

I stopped using that radio. That was one of the reasons.

[TwistedCreations]

Hmm, nice chassis :lol: :lol:

[JRmudmanXJ]

Hmm, nice chassis :lol: :lol:


im with him^^"thumbsup"