C*H*U*D's Ridgecrest

[RCRockstar]

After reading through this thread im pretty sure im sold on a Ridgecrest! I love the mods you've done so far, Awesome work keep er up! Looks like its a crawlin machine...Wish i could see it in action.
Are you still using the stock Axial tx/rx?

[C*H*U*D]

Like any truck, the Ridgecrest does need some work in order for it to perform to your liking. I think it comes as a very neutral vehicle sitting right between crawler and basher. I leave scaler out because I don't think current rules would allow this chassis...then again it's not technically a TVP, so you never know. If scalers are your thing, I think the Wraith would be a better choice.

I'm having a lot of fun with it as a crawler, and believe it or not I'm thinking of getting a second one for a goof-around basher truck...I really like this thing! I don't care what the so-called "critics" said when it was first announced...this thing is fun, and with a few simple changes, worthy of the AX-10 title

[avanord]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

Like any truck, the Ridgecrest does need some work in order for it to perform to your liking. I think it comes as a very neutral vehicle sitting right between crawler and basher. I leave scaler out because I don't think current rules would allow this chassis...then again it's not technically a TVP, so you never know. If scalers are your thing, I think the Wraith would be a better choice.

I'm having a lot of fun with it as a crawler, and believe it or not I'm thinking of getting a second one for a goof-around basher truck...I really like this thing! I don't care what the so-called "critics" said when it was first announced...this thing is fun, and with a few simple changes, worthy of the AX-10 title

CHUD I have been follwing your build for a while now and like what you have been doing. That stearing setup is pretty sweet.

However, I like what you said in your last post most of all. "I don't care what the so-called "critics" said when it was first announced...this thing is fun, and with a few simple changes, worthy of the AX-10 title". I am fairly new to this hobby, but have noticed that alot of people seem to lose sight of the fun factor.

I am glad to see that you have not. Keep up the good work sir and enjoy.

[jmecmore]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

I don't care what the so-called "critics" said when it was first announced...this thing is fun, and with a few simple changes, worthy of the AX-10 title

[stelerzman]

I really think AXIAL should contact you about refining and tuning there new rigs.
Great job Juan. Keep up the great work.
I really love the steering set up you made.

[cliff1119]

I agree we run a comp at my house in which we run strictly shafty rigs I'm glad to see Atleast they r keeping our sport alive! Juan I've purchased ur chassis and d mount which r awesome products can't wait to see what u have up ur sleeve for this vehicle but like everyone else has said KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[donhd04]

Juan. Thanks to you the guy just left with my old AX10. I'm off hunting a new ridge crest now.

[donhd04]

jaun i got your message ealier and wanted to say thats cool, Im a patient person sorta, lol Just wanted to let you know that the AX10 IS GONE and the ridgecest is on order. Ended up picking it up from coyote hobbies for a hell of a deal. $280.00 + tax. My wife wanted to say thanks for posting all this in a very sarcastic manner.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by donhd04

My wife wanted to say thanks for posting all this in a very sarcastic manner.

Tell her she's very welcome

I'm back from vacation, and the first thing I had to do was get the Ridgecrest ready for Sporty night. I didn't get much of a chance to test out the steering the last time I drove it because of the broken front driveshaft.

I had the Junfac's all ready to go, but then remembered the spare parts trees that come in the box. I really liked the idea of adding a rod to the shaft to make it stronger, so in the spirit of experimentation I decided to go that route and see how long it lasts.



I used a 3/16" piece of aluminum rod, cut down just a bit shorter than the inside of the shaft. Then I filled it with some epoxy and used the stir stick to make sure it was all over the inside. The paper towel was to keep epoxy off of the splines.



You have to go kind of slow to make sure all of the air is out, but here is the end result:



While I was at it, I cut some holes to lower the body another 1/8" or so. I still have to trim down my gunnar mounts:



I ran it last night, and had no problems with the front driveshaft. I'll post up again if it breaks, but it should be pretty stout now.

The steering worked great and the truck did fairly decent. It's still pretty wide which is my biggest problem, and the ground clearance could use some help, but I'm really happy with this thing. It's turning into one of my favorite RC's.

My next project is a new set of wheels to help with the wide hip problem, and new links. Eventually this speed controller will go as well. It works ok, but really lacks some adjustment that I miss with my BR-XL's...specifically being able to adjust the throttle curve.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

But I still hit 67 points with the changes made, so I was happy

58 points on Tuesday night

[Duuuuuuuude]

Someone ought to come up with ss replacements for those...or even aluminum would be good.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

Someone ought to come up with ss replacements for those...or even aluminum would be good.

Those? Driveshafts?

[Duuuuuuuude]

Yup.

[Highlucks]

So Juan,

How far out is the new fastridge chassis?

[Duuuuuuuude]

Originally Posted by highlucks

So Juan,

How far out is the new fastridge bodiless chassis?

Fixed it.

[Highlucks]

Not really,.....





.....That is a given

[C*H*U*D]

I've had PM's about fitting a Fastback II onto a Ridgecrest, so I might try that first, but I also want a bodied rig too...I might have to get another Ridgecrest

[Highlucks]

Do it you know you want to.

[donhd04]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

I've had PM's about fitting a Fastback II onto a Ridgecrest, so I might try that first, but I also want a bodied rig too...I might have to get another Ridgecrest

Now we talkin. Just picked mine up today and I have to say first impression in the yard it was awesome. Not a regret one that I got it. I know some stuff will have to be changed in time but oh we'll. That's the fun of it. Now I have to go back and re read all the post on here to figure out what to do next.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by donhd04

Now I have to go back and re read all the post on here to figure out what to do next.

Change the kingpin screws!!