JIA's IFS KOH Ultra4 Wraith Conversions

[JasonInAugusta]

Sorry folks, I'm longer offering this service.

I've had several people ask if I would be interested in converting their Wraiths to IFS KOH Ultra4 rigs like I built for myself. These rigs are MUCH better performers than a stock Wraith. The solid axle front of a regular Wraith just cannot keep up with one of these IFS buggies at speed. They soak up what's in front of them and do amazingly well on the rocks.

In other words. You better hope you're not competing against one at a G6.

I built the first rig to be a "do everything" vehicle. It worked so well others here on the island decided they had to have one too.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, here are a few pics and videos as well as my build thread of my IFS Ultra4

JIA's IFS Ultra4 build

All rigs in the videos are powered by a Tekin Pro4 3300kV on 2S.







Unlike a SA rig, the front tires keep a larger portion of the face of the tire in contact with the rocks. Young_version spent Sunday crawling with a locked rear axle and open front. He kept up with the rest of us.

Here's a video of his Pro4-powered rig destroying tires. He tore the sidewall of his Irok in a few places with this stunt.

from Jason Carter on Vimeo.

First test run of IFS #1. I wanted to see how the front end performed. See for yourself.

from Jason Carter on Vimeo.

Here's the first 360 degree camera video I shot of the rig. This was before I spent time tuning the RX8's expo and drag brake.

from Jason Carter on Vimeo.

Here's a video of the rig after a bit of RX8 tuning. I slowed this down to about 1/2 speed so you can see how the suspension behaves. This thing soaks up everything - even though I hadn't epoxied the cage together at this point.

from Jason Carter on Vimeo.

I've converted three here on the island, will be doing #4 tomorrow, and have three more here on the island scheduled for conversion. Even the almighty Badger is in line for a conversion.

I can also make rear firewalls, electronics trays, and other misc stuff.


I know it's a lot to read, but I want to be as clear and up front as possible. Anyone that knows me (or has been around here for a while) knows I don't half-ass anything that I build.

[DISTURBIN' tha PEACE]

#2 & #3

[JasonInAugusta]

Live feed going on now.

So far I've built the Exo front suspension and cut Exo chassis.

Time to start cutting everything else apart.

RCCtv on USTREAM: Biweekly show about Radio Controlled rock crawling. New builds, upgrades, product reviews, fire, screwing around.. Comedy

[JasonInAugusta]

Chassis is built.

Time to do all the cage work.

[TSK]

That wrexo is pretty bad ass. A grand is pretty steep though. What kind of spare parts are left over from the build? Like could you ge away with just the front half of an exo or do you really need a whole car?

[JasonInAugusta]

Originally Posted by TheSCorpionKing

That wrexo is pretty bad ass. A grand is pretty steep though. What kind of spare parts are left over from the build? Like could you ge away with just the front half of an exo or do you really need a whole car?

I pretty much consume the Exo kit on this build so I do need the whole car. Off the top of my head you'll have the Exo trans, rear suspension, and not much else left. I use the chassis, entire front steering/suspension from the Exo, and all if it's rear cage.

From the Wraith you'll have one axle and associated suspension links left. Which axle is left over depends on whether or not you want rear steer.

I finished up IFS #4 last night. Russ brought his Wraith chassis/trans and rear suspension/axle and an Exo kit to me in the AM yesterday. At the end of the day he had a ARTR IFS rig. He just needs to get shocks and he's ready to go.

I now have four more to do for folks here on the island and one for Badger.

It's an IFS Army.

[hotwheels000]

Correct me if I am wrong,from the wraith kit you need, 1 axle, 1 trans and complete cage. Along with some links. You do not need the skid or other axle.

What links do you need ?
If the upper drivers side rear radious on the Wraith cage is broken,will it matter

I have a exo and wraith axles,thinking about having you do this but I need to gather the additional wraith parts and want to make sure I have it all together for you.

[JasonInAugusta]

I use the Wraith skid, transmission, chassis, one axle, and links.

Not sure what broken part you have. Got a pic?

[hotwheels000]

I dont own the chassis yet,but I am considering buying it for the conversion if it will work out.

[JasonInAugusta]

That will work, (that part gets lopped off) but what the hell is it sprayed with?

You'll have a two-tone frame.

If it will help you understand/clarify what I need, just take a Wraith, remove the axle/suspension you don't want installed on the rear of your IFS, and send everything else.

[JasonInAugusta]

#4 was picked up today. Owner didn't have rear shocks, but they can be put on later.


Weight with Pro4 and servo mounted. 4lbs, 2 oz.


For those wondering if your Wraith chassis/tube frame will work, this image shows what I use from the Wraith chassis/tube frame.

[JasonInAugusta]

Couple of interesting shots. The IFS has a sway on the rear. No sway on the rear of the SA rig.

Both are running the same springs on the shocks, but the IFS has stiffer pre-load springs.

More tire tread on the ground. That's normal, but there's no big loss of center clearance like people think you'd have.




Different tires on for now, but here's a couple of clearance shots. SA rig should get new tires tomorrow.

[Farmer]

Well...... I'm sold Gonna get expenses figured out this week. Thanks for offering this wonderful service Expect pm mid week.
Thanks,
Farmer

[JasonInAugusta]

No problem, dude.

First come, first served.

[MostlyBS]

Dammit all. I was looking at doing the EXO with Wraith axles but now I'm torn.
Could it work if I get an EXO kit, Wraith cage W/skid I could create both some how?

[JasonInAugusta]

Had people asking what the Ultra4 back end looks like. Better pictures and such.

Here's some next to a stock Wraith. This blue one has a solid axle front - no IFS conversion. I haven't flipped the shock mounts at the axle, but plan to do so. It'll be a compact lil' critter after I flip the mounts.

Originally Posted by MostlyBS

Dammit all. I was looking at doing the EXO with Wraith axles but now I'm torn.
Could it work if I get an EXO kit, Wraith cage W/skid I could create both some how?

I use pretty much the entire Exo kit to make this. All that's left over that is usable is the rear suspension and the Exo "tranny"

[Rockpiledriver]

Is there a video comparing the crawlabilty to the solid axle Wraith?

[DISTURBIN' tha PEACE]

Originally Posted by Rockpiledriver

Is there a video comparing the crawlabilty to the solid axle Wraith?

JIA, badger, & Kila got footage Sunday. Hopefully it pops up soon.

[JasonInAugusta]

Originally Posted by DISTURBIN' tha PEACE

JIA, badger, & Kila got footage Sunday. Hopefully it pops up soon.

The video I shot with the 7D keeps locking up my software. I need to use just the GoPro video and see what I can put together.

Brian, the IFS rigs took lines that badger couldn't make with his rig. They have a lower CG, sidehill better. I didn't see a spot where they were hindered by the IFS while crawling.

[HillbillyCrawler]

Good to here. Can't wait to finish my exo ifs 1/6 scale raptor that axial made me build.