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Old 08-21-2008, 08:47 PM   #1
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Default Dez's CC Zero

I received my Cliff Climber recently and decided pretty much from the get go that I was not going to run it stock. I really love the MDA concept and wanted to see were I could take these axles as far as performance goes.

I've seen the stock rigs performance and it's really not that bad. That really gave me hope that these little axles could be a base for a really good performing rig, and with Duratrax having metal gears and CVD available soon, modifing these shouldn't be much of a task. :grin:

My first impression of the ARTR kit I purchases was positive for the most part.

As an ARTR rig, it came as an assembled roller w/ a clear pre-cut body, decal sheet, window mask, assorted extra hardware, and an assembly manual. I didn't want to purchase the RTR as I really have no use for more lower end electronics. I plan to install a Spektrum Rx and add it to my DXR3, run a Mamba Sidewider 35 ESC, the stock motors (for now) and a small lipo pack to power everything.

I liked the lower 4 link setup, but the upper links mounting points left a lot to be desired in it's lay out. The upper links are in need of help and the stock axle clocking is so sever that it causes steering issues. I'll correct that.

I plan to use my original aluminum Zero chassis from Kamikaze Kustoms to improve the geometry, I also narrowed the axles up a bit and I just want to get it to perform as well as I possibly can.

First thing I did was remove the front axle and started to examine it. I notices that the stub axles were very similar to the Axial Stub (later confirmed when I saw Johnrob's pictures) and dug through my parts bin and found the two rear Axial knuckles, stub axles, and bearings from when I converted my sons rig to a solid rear axle set up. I removed the factory knuckle, popped off the hex, slid the stub out, and removed the bushings. I then installed the extra Axial bearings, slid the stub in, added an Axial hex (plastic for now) and bolted up a set of wheels to see the difference in width and to check for clearance and to see it the Axial stubs interfered w/ the steering. After installing everything looks pretty good to this point and I still have full steering throw.

Left side w/ Axial stub. Right side is stock.


Duratrax parts next to the Axial parts for reference.



I also installed hex head screws just about everywhere I could as I really don't care for the Philips head screws. I made a new drag link that offers much better clearance and durability than the stock piece.

I really can't wait to get this rig up and running! We are planning a 10.5 in wheel base class w/ 1.9s, so this will be my rig for that class.

Well that's it for now, just waiting on parts. I'll update as I go.

Last edited by dezfan; 09-30-2008 at 07:23 PM.
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Old 08-21-2008, 09:37 PM   #2
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Waiting
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Old 08-21-2008, 09:40 PM   #3
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just a tease ! i cant wait top see what ya come up with.
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Old 08-21-2008, 09:45 PM   #4
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just a tease ! i cant wait top see what ya come up with.
The wheels are turning, just no parts to finish.

To many rigs, not enough time!

I have a comp to prepare for, so the next time I work on the Cliff Climber will be the Sunday.

So far, I think it's a cool little rig.

Last edited by dezfan; 08-25-2008 at 09:12 PM.
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Old 08-22-2008, 12:35 AM   #5
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How are you planning to correct the top link mounts? Good thing you posted about this because I was concerned how the links would mount to a typical aftermarket chassis.

I have a Reign J2TT that's no longer in use, it could be perfect for these axles.

Btw, how does the width with the Axial hexes compare to TLT axles?

Last edited by Fobby; 08-22-2008 at 12:37 AM. Reason: NSFU
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Old 08-22-2008, 09:24 AM   #6
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Nice job Dez, as usual, i am not sure i want to put so much into mine, i think i will keep it mostly stock for my kid to play with
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Old 08-22-2008, 11:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fobby View Post
How are you planning to correct the top link mounts? Good thing you posted about this because I was concerned how the links would mount to a typical aftermarket chassis.

I have a Reign J2TT that's no longer in use, it could be perfect for these axles.

Btw, how does the width with the Axial hexes compare to TLT axles?
I don't want to say just yet in case it doesn't work as I hoped.

The Axial hexs are similar in width to the TLT hexs if I remember correctly.
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Nice job Dez, as usual, i am not sure i want to put so much into mine, i think i will keep it mostly stock for my kid to play with
Thanks Carlos, my boy already has a 2.2 comp rig so this one went under the knife. We are planning a 10.5 class here and I want this to be my entry.
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:09 PM   #8
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Well atleast there is usually always a way to do anything! I was looking at the build sheet and thinking of ways for the link mounting positions. Guess it would be better to actually have the axles in my hands first =P

I'd also like to see what can you do with the CC.
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Old 08-22-2008, 01:24 PM   #9
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Your the first ground up build and I look forward to following your progress Dez.
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Old 08-22-2008, 07:24 PM   #10
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hey dez what link ends are those ? are they axial ? (sorry i dont have an axial so im not sure) what is the thread size ?

thanks
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Old 08-22-2008, 07:28 PM   #11
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Quote:
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hey dez what link ends are those ? are they axial ? (sorry i dont have an axial so im not sure) what is the thread size ?

thanks
Yeah, they are from an Axial kit. I just pulled them out of my spare parts bin.
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Old 08-22-2008, 07:30 PM   #12
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What kind are those red lo pro tires in the first pic?
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Old 08-22-2008, 07:33 PM   #13
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What kind are those red lo pro tires in the first pic?
dem mofoz b red line racin tares theyz b fo driftin
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Old 08-24-2008, 06:38 PM   #14
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dem mofoz b red line racin tares theyz b fo driftin
do they come in yellow.
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Old 08-25-2008, 08:10 PM   #15
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Well I got to work on my mini Zero for a bit this afternoon. I dug around my spare parts bin and found some links that worked pretty good. W/ these links, the wheel base will be just a touch over 10.5, so I'll shorten them a bit and call it good.







For the upper link, I found an unused Axial servo plate and this 4 link mount that I won in a give a way several months ago(if you know who makes these, please let me know as I need another one for the rear). I bolted them up and for the time being, I Show Gooed it to the top of a mock up servo case. I'll fab up an aluminum mount after I figure out the optimal local. I think it needs to sit about an inch further back from were it is located as this time.



I also had some MLST shocks in the parts bin, only problem was that they used a snap on ball cups at both ends. To solve that issue I just used the stock CC rod ends on the bottom of the shock shaft and then I cut the tops off and added a Traxxas rod end. Now I have a pivot ball on both ends of the shock, plus I get a threaded aluminum shock, and it's just about the perfect length for a 10.5 in WB rig. They are just about 80mm center to center. I just need to play w/ which weight oil I want to use.





I also installed the Axial stub axle, O-ring, and bearings on the other side of the axle to complete both sides of the front axle.

As soon as I get a few other pieces together, I'll complete the rear axle, install it on the Zero, find some electronics, and finish up the fab work for the upper link mounts.

Any recommendations for a good 1.9 comp tire?

Last edited by dezfan; 10-24-2008 at 03:27 PM.
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Old 08-25-2008, 09:12 PM   #16
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nice. it is starting to look like something!
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Originally Posted by dezfan View Post
Any recommendations for a good 1.9 comp tire?
Well there is a hummer made by tamiya. Have you seen it? I think it's new or something. well, it has some sick tires. They will be the ticket for sure. no doubt in my mind! ;)

Last edited by RCMFMaxxMan; 08-25-2008 at 09:16 PM.
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Old 08-25-2008, 09:43 PM   #17
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that looks great!
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Old 08-25-2008, 10:10 PM   #18
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dez, looking good. see if you can get ahold of the new losi mini crawler tires and maybe they will work good.if they are anything like their big brothers you should be fine.
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Old 08-25-2008, 10:14 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RCMFMaxxMan View Post
nice. it is starting to look like something!


Well there is a hummer made by tamiya. Have you seen it? I think it's new or something. well, it has some sick tires. They will be the ticket for sure. no doubt in my mind! ;)
Thanks, I'll look into those Hummer tires.

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that looks great!
Thanks for the compliment.

Quote:
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dez, looking good. see if you can get ahold of the new losi mini crawler tires and maybe they will work good.if they are anything like their big brothers you should be fine.
Thanks. For some reason, I don't think I'll be running Losi tires. VVVV

Last edited by dezfan; 08-25-2008 at 10:16 PM.
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Old 08-25-2008, 11:03 PM   #20
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Quote:
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Thanks. For some reason, I don't think I'll be running Losi tires. VVVV
I was thinking the same thing...Dez it looks great so far...
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