New Axial Rubicon

[BodiBuilt]

Today I intended to do a 4 link conversion in the front using the Axial link upgrade kit.

I had already picked up a Vanquish Products stage 1 kit a while back, but my original plan was to just keep these parts on hand and run the stock plastic stuff until something broke... but since I was going through the effort of pulling the front axle out again anway, I decided I would just go ahead and throw on the C-hub's and the steering knuckles while I was in there.



Well, long story short that plan was a big FAIL I guess I should have done more research before buying, but best I can tell these VP knuckles are not going to play well with my 1.9 Axial wheel's and tires (without the use of hub spacers which I don't really want to run)... unfortunately I had already opened all the packaging, so now I am stuck with them. Oh well... maybe someday I can justify the cost of 5 matching OMF beadlocks or similar and then I can install these knucles and C-hubs.

On a more positive note, the 4-link conversion when smoothly



Steering duty should be nearly effortless with a 7955 behind the linkage



Another thing I am sure has already been posted up somewhere..., an easy way to detail the stock plastic hub nut covers using a silver metalic Sharpie!

[shwng1973]

Great idea on the wheel hubs.
Now get it out on the trail and get it dirty. Lol

[BodiBuilt]

Originally Posted by shwng1973

Great idea on the wheel hubs.
Now get it out on the trail and get it dirty. Lol

Thanks!

Truth be told, this expensive little toy is actually supposed to be my Christmas present (from my wife) but I got to "open" it early ... her cousin is getting one too (Honcho RTR) on X-mas day and has no idea... Im half tempted to put my modded rig back in the box and wrap it up so we can both open them at the "same time" ... couldn't pull it off if it was all muddy!

[Mitter]

Who makes the aluminum links you used? I'd like to upgrade all of the plastic links, but can't find a kit specifically for the jk.

[diesel kawboy]

It's the same chassis and wb as the honcho. Just get the honcho ones or make your own for 1/5 the cost and GO WHEELIN'!!

[perseus71]

Originally Posted by diesel kawboy

It's the same chassis and wb as the honcho. Just get the honcho ones or make your own for 1/5 the cost and GO WHEELIN'!!

The link kit for the Honcho is not going to fit as it is made for a Honcho with a rear three link set up. The JK has a four link rear set up. I have done a aluminum link upgrade to my JK Rubi_con_Arni with parts from my Wraits and XR10. Will post pictures tomorrow.

[CiLyX]

I kept the 4 link plastic and the other links are metal out of the link kit

[BodiBuilt]

Originally Posted by Mitter

Who makes the aluminum links you used? I'd like to upgrade all of the plastic links, but can't find a kit specifically for the jk.

This is the correct Link Kit for the long wheel based Scx10's

[BodiBuilt]

I received the stainless button head screws for the new beadlock rings and got them installed (all 90 of them!) from McMaster-Carr, I used part #'s 92949A074 and 92949A079 for reference.



I made a tow strap out of this cool reflective rope I found (have plenty left over if anyone would like one made) The silver diamonds are iridecent and reflect when exposed to light



Got some additional scale accessories secured with zip ties and/or double sided tape... the gas can is just wedged in between the ice chest and roll cage, so it will pop out if I wreck hard enough

[Mitter]

That looks great!! Good idea on the recovery strap. Oh, and thanks for the link.

[braceysdad]

Love the black...

[Jonesy22]

Black is sweet..I want those wheels!

[BodiBuilt]

Thanks for all the positive feedback guy's, I really appreciate that!

My next plan is to invest in some sort of constant velocity type axle shafts for the front and see what I can do to get some better turning radius out of my steering... off to do more research

[BodiBuilt]

Originally Posted by Mitter

... and thanks for the link.

I should have mentioned (in case you dont already know) that the AX30550 kit I linked you to also includes the steering link upgrade kit in the same package (around $16 USD seperately) which makes the overall cost a bit easier to swallow...

For what its worth (referring to my opinion that is) I should have spent the extra time and $ to firgure out exact length requirements needed and order up the links in titanium through Vanquish! ...still may do that down the road once these aluminum links get chewed up beyond recognition

TITANIUM LINKS

Talk about "functional bling", those are some drool-worthy add on's right there IMO

[Mike McLeod]

seein yours in black has me thinkin about a new paint job for mine!!! lol
sweet lookin rig man! What kind of wheels are those?? 1.9 or 2.2??

[BodiBuilt]

Originally Posted by Mike McLeod

What kind of wheels are those?? 1.9 or 2.2??

The wheel's are 1.9" Axial 8 hole beadlock's in black

Axial 1.9 8 Hole Beadlocks - Black (2pcs)

The beadlock ring's are from a fellow forum member MTHead. (see post #31 additional info) He also offers several other style's... something for everyone I chose the FT04 design with 18 holes per ring (FT04-18: 6 mounting holes to fit OEM 1.9 Axial beadlock wheels + 12 additional holes for faux ring bolts)

Delrin Beadlock Rings!!! (Axial, VP, Mayhem, TSS and others!)

The stainless hardware used to complete the look (also available in black hardware) came from McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr

[toaster406]

Awesome rig man, nice build coverage, cant wait to see it out on the trails

[FattyMcJ]

Damn that rig looks good. Blacked out with just the right amount of color & shine...perfect. I'm totally stealing this look when I get the new Axial Jeep body lol

[darkmanx]

Well done sir well done!!

[Torque21]

This looks awesome. I think I need to copy everything you did (especially the Tupperware inner-fenders).