jebster's foff...maybe?

[jebster]

i decided i'm going to give this a shot. seems like there are so many possible configurations i might as well jump in.

i've mentioned in a couple other threads i was going to use my very old (but runs fine) kyosho inferno 10. i'm going to stretch the chassis, gum up the diffs (100k grease), change up the steering (thinking about a solid link given the limited shock travel) and slap on some paddle tires. i do have a few questions:

1. is a longer wheelbase better, in general? i was thinking of going from 10.5" to 13.5"
2. if i went to 13.5" wheelbase was track width would be good? 11"? 12"?
3. what is the most common weight balance? heavy front? heavy rear? (when i stretch the chassis i can move the motor forward, back, flip it to be very heavy front, etc.)

here are a couple pics of the starting point:

[zjguy721]

Yes, longer is in general better. I think 13.5" seems to be the norm. Your track will be fine, you can always use your wheel offset to widen it some too if you need to. You probably want the weight bias to be more towards the front. Climbing hills, so you have less chance of a backflip. Remember, the 1:1 FOFF rigs have the engine up front for weight, so if you are stretching the chassis, stretch the back.

The guys that are using solid axle rigs can adjust their link lengths to accommodate a longer WB, but with an IFS rig you're stuck with what you have, unless you adjust the chassis.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

[jebster]

Originally Posted by zjguy721

Yes, longer is in general better. I think 13.5" seems to be the norm. Your track will be fine, you can always use your wheel offset to widen it some too if you need to. You probably want the weight bias to be more towards the front. Climbing hills, so you have less chance of a backflip. Remember, the 1:1 FOFF rigs have the engine up front for weight, so if you are stretching the chassis, stretch the back.

The guys that are using solid axle rigs can adjust their link lengths to accommodate a longer WB, but with an IFS rig you're stuck with what you have, unless you adjust the chassis.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

thanks for the input. i agree that the solid axles have it easier with just being able to extend the links to make things longer. i've made custom chassis for my offroad rigs before so i'll do the same for this.

by the way, is proline the most common paddle tire?

[socodemon]

From what I have read, Panthers seem to hook up best. I haven't had any personal experience, though.

[tysgraphics]

panthers are great tires... i am running sand paws all around; but i think i want panthers in the rear at least. they are kinda soft but seem to hold up well enough.

[jebster]

i'll look into them. by the way, who makes those paddle tires that are staggered? looks like it could be a good option for the front wheels.

[2500hdon37s]

Originally Posted by tysgraphics

panthers are great tires... i am running sand paws all around; but i think i want panthers in the rear at least. they are kinda soft but seem to hold up well enough.

untill rovers and sedonas came out. but i would go with the new pro-line sc truck paddles if you want a good paddle.

but not sure that the nitro is going to be up for much crawling.

When i build my FOFF im going to go for a slightly forward weight bias

[jebster]

Originally Posted by 2500hdon37s

untill rovers and sedonas came out. but i would go with the new pro-line sc truck paddles if you want a good paddle.

but not sure that the nitro is going to be up for much crawling.

When i build my FOFF im going to go for a slightly forward weight bias

i don't expect to use this for crawling. i'm hoping it works well as a sand runner and climber. if it doesn't oh well. it was gathering dust anyway.

based on the inputs so far i think i'm going to swap the motor to be in front of the center diff to move more weight forward.

[socodemon]

Originally Posted by jebster

i'll look into them. by the way, who makes those paddle tires that are staggered? looks like it could be a good option for the front wheels.

I think you mean HPI Sand Paws

[jebster]

sand paws is the name. looks like proline has a set.

[socodemon]

You're right. I was mistaken. It is proline

[ax10newguy]

ive run sand paws and panther paddle tires up front. the panthers do hook up better but the sand paws turn better. i run panthers in back and sand paws in front.

[jebster]

that looks like a pretty common setup. that's what i'll be doing.

spent last night tearing apart the inferno and cleaning everything up. also packing the diffs with a heavy-duty bearing grease to stiffen them up.

i'll try to post some pics of how i plan on laying everything out soon.

[ax10newguy]

cant wait to see the pics

[jebster]

a little bit of an update. torn down the inferno 10 and cleaned everything up. to flip the motor to run in front of the center diff i had to swap the front and rear diffs in their housings. luckily that didn't require any mods. to extend the wheelbase i used some universals i had left over from my venom creeper. i'm up to ~13.5 inches now.
i also started laying out the chassis. i like to mock up things using some heavy cardboard. i have the main plate (sides will be bend up to reduce flex), servo mounting plates and vertical support plates (have holes drawn on them to lighten them up; will have screws from under the chassis and on top through the servo mounting plates). i also mocked up a solid steering link using some straws. the stock dual bellcranks were in bad shape and i wanted something able to handle some heavy hits. i know the solid link will cause some bump-steer but the front won't have much articulation so i think i will be able to live with it.

so, i just need to pick up some T6 sheet and start cutting.

here are some pics of the mock up configuration:

[mjderstine]

love the steering link.

not sure how long it will last though.

[jebster]

Originally Posted by mjderstine

love the steering link.

not sure how long it will last though.

i don't know. i use only the highest quality straws in my builds!!

[Hvrc]

Cardboard never looked so good!

[jebster]

Originally Posted by Hvrc

Cardboard never looked so good!

that's corrugated cardboard, the best you can get!

[viper6171]

loos like an interesting idea jeb i am thinking along the same lines only with an 1/8th scale kyosho turbo inferno buggy