Stage 3 Racing GOAT Chassis Buildup **56K WARNING**

[mann0mann]

So, my son who is turning 6 this June 25th has been wanting a rock crawler so he can hang with all the "big boys". Last winter we got into drifting with Micro RS4's and he did pretty good with it, if I really slowed it down for him (4.8V and alot of throttle ATV dialed down). So I thought the rock crawlers are perfect for him....nice and slow.

I started this build thinking I would keep it simple and keep it low-cost (boy did that get way off). I thought I would try the GOAT chassis since I really like there delrin skid and it essentially comes with a narrow version of it.

I built this off a RTR kit, I like the slipper and the upgraded hexes, straight axles, and lockers. I actually had plans to use the stock plastic links too, until I went to mount the uppers and realized oops...way to wide! DOH!

So here's what went into the kit -

AXIAL RTR chassis
Stage 3 GOAT
Xtreme-RC Delrin Links
Hitec 985 Steering Servo
Tekin FX-R
Thunder Power 2 cell 1320MAH
Team Brood Racing 45T Motor
Traxxas XL Big Bores
Spektrum Radio.

And here we go....

[mann0mann]

Now before anyone asks...I can't take credit for the shock setup or the flipped tranny. I've got to give credit where credit is due.

The shock setup I learned from JustZach on one of his builds. They are Big Bores with internal springs and RC18 springs on the outside. They work great and look so cool.

The flipped tranny came from EeePee and one of his many helpful posts. I did this on my TCS edge and I really felt it made a difference.

Thank you guys for all the help!

[mann0mann]

and some more...I got the electronics put in the other night. I just love the Tekin FX-R ESC. Hands down the best ESC for crawling!

[mann0mann]

More....

Oh and the wheels are Eritex Delrin Wheels. I've got 2 ounces in each wheel. Breather holes and with hardware they weight 6.5 ounces. I think they were 11 ounces total mounted.

Really nice wheels. Although I drilled the center whole out with a 7mm drill bit (.275") to accomodate using stock axial hexes with the nubbin' and it didn't go well. I sort mucked up one wheel. Mad the hole a little too big. Not really an issue, but not as clean as I had hoped. I think if I were to do it again I would use a body reamer and just go real slow on each side till I go to the right size.

I have to say I have used MSD wheels, these, pro-line, axial and so far these hold the bead the best of the bunch!

Oh well, next time!

[HiloDB1]

Nice. I like the "Goat" chassis and wouldnt mind trying one out one day. Where did you get the 4 link mounts? Never seen those before.

[mann0mann]

okay, here's all the bench "action" shots.

[mann0mann]

There's two things I wasn't crazy about with the kit.

1.) The hardware. All the hardware included was phillips. I wish they included hex heads. I swapped all my hardware out. (also putting the 8 screws into the delrin block was a chore! They were 3x20mm. My hands still hurt! ) ***edit06_15*** you know after thinking about it. At least you get hardware. I know some of the chassis out there you're not even getting that, so it's really just nit-picking.

2.) The second was the lack of clearance for the motor to mount. This was sort of a pain in the butt, depending on how you rotated the motor you could get better or worse clearance and it would vary from motor to motor. I had to grind away a bit of the chassis to get the clearance I felt comfortable with. It's not much, you can see it in this picture -




But If I didn't do this, the motor would have rubbed and touched on the springs or the brush hood. I think if Stage 3 could just alter the machining a bit more this would be a real winner.

[mann0mann]

All in all I really like the chassis and build up so far! It's a pretty good value, only $49 especially since you get there delrin triangulated skid, that's basicaly $20 right there. It's amazing how light and small it is.

Another thing I noticed compared to my TCS edge is how much more steering throw I can get. I'm maxxed out at 125% With a narrow chassis I don't come close to rubbing on anything.

Building it I thought it didn't have much flex with those smaller Big Bore shocks, especially in that semi-droop setup, but again I've got more articulation than my edge setup at the moment.

I'm really starting to think the kid got the better end of the deal here! Daddy might be playing with his rig as much as his own. haha!

I drove it real quick tonight and so far it seems to handle very, very well. Can't wait to put it through it's paces.

I'm hoping I can mount a 72" c10 body on this with velcro and just use the delrin plates as mounting spots. What do you think?

[mann0mann]

Originally Posted by HiloDB1

Nice. I like the "Goat" chassis and wouldnt mind trying one out one day. Where did you get the 4 link mounts? Never seen those before.

Sorry forgot to mention those above. Those are from New Era Models. I really like them!

[HiloDB1]

Thanks for the info. Your build is looking great. Hope it performs like wise.

[mann0mann]

I finished up the body on this. I was able to just velcro it on the blocks, with a litle extra help from a Franky Rizzo Skid plate made into a riser.

I let the kid pick the color...he wanted green. He wanted Kermit Green, but I was able to talk him into a little better color choice.

I was hoping for it too sort of look like this -



And this is what I came up with. It's close, but not perfect. I like it though.

[raceplus]

I dig that rock garden. How does the porous rock do for traction?

[mann0mann]

sorry for the belated response...missed the question. The porous rock does well. It's sort of the cheapest of what's available and also matched some other stuff I had in the yard. So getting a pallet of it delivered made it easier to swallow.

My biggest problem is I have like crushed granite on the ground where my home course is at and that makes for a real challenge just to initially start your entry onto the course.

-Mike