Disappointing Sawback

[sherbs]

I just finished putting together a Sawback kit, I can say I was a little disappointed with a few details of the kit. The shocks are only aluminum friction units, the Phillips hardware is so retro 80's and all plastic transmission gears. It just feels a bit cheesy. After doing what I feel are going to be the required upgrades I will not be that far from a RC4WD trail truck kit price. Now I don't hate the little jeep, was just surprised at the use of so many cost cutting parts,

[soze]

It's one of GMADE's older kits. They didn't switch to full time hex screws until the GOM I believe. Other than that... give it a chance. It's actually a fun little truck to drive.

[CREEPERBOB]

My brother in law has a Sawback.
We trimmed the body a bit ,added 2.2s and Tekin 35 turn FXR combo and Hi-tech 7950 and it hasn't missed a lick in over a year.

[JatoTheRipper]

Fair knock on the shocks, but the Phillips hardware works fine. If you want to change you can get a stainless steel, hex head screw set for $25, but it's not a necessity. For the shocks you can get good, inexpensive units from GMade or other brands. As far as the plastic gears are concerned I can tell you they are strong. My Sawbacks lived through years of brushless and brushed abuse (not just use) and they are still going strong. They are plastic gears, but they are strong, plastic gears. You are still way under the price of an RC4WD kit. And the Sawback will be more durable and perform a hell of a lot better than anything from RC4WD.

[sherbs]

Well I feel a little better now. It is going to be used at a tame indoor course.

[sherbs]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

Fair knock on the shocks, but the Phillips hardware works fine. If you want to change you can get a stainless steel, hex head screw set for $25, but it's not a necessity. For the shocks you can get good, inexpensive units from GMade or other brands. As far as the plastic gears are concerned I can tell you they are strong. My Sawbacks lived through years of brushless and brushed abuse (not just use) and they are still going strong. They are plastic gears, but they are strong, plastic gears. You are still way under the price of an RC4WD kit. And the Sawback will be more durable and perform a hell of a lot better than anything from RC4WD.

Well Jato have worked a bit on the Sawback it still feels a bit cheesy but it will end up working well for the indoor course I had in mind for its use. I know RC4WD is more $$ but I do love my RC4WD trail trucks.

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by sherbs

Well Jato have worked a bit on the Sawback it still feels a bit cheesy but it will end up working well for the indoor course I had in mind for its use. I know RC4WD is more $$ but I do love my RC4WD trail trucks.

I'm not sure what you mean by it "feels a bit cheesy." The Sawback is a very reliable truck. In my experience it's more reliable than my Axial and RC4WD vehicles. The only issue I ever experienced with my Sawback was bent leaf springs and that was mostly because of my driving. I put on anti-wrap links, changed my driving style a little and the truck hasn't severely bent a leaf spring since.

[sherbs]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

I'm not sure what you mean by it "feels a bit cheesy." The Sawback is a very reliable truck. In my experience it's more reliable than my Axial and RC4WD vehicles. The only issue I ever experienced with my Sawback was bent leaf springs and that was mostly because of my driving. I put on anti-wrap links, changed my driving style a little and the truck hasn't severely bent a leaf spring since.

OK, you made me say it, The Erector Set look an feel of the frame.

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by sherbs

OK, you made me say it, The Erector Set look an feel of the frame.

Maybe the chrome is making you think that, but it's no worse than any of the other brands like Axial, Vaterra, etc.

[soze]

Originally Posted by sherbs

OK, you made me say it, The Erector Set look an feel of the frame.

If it's just the chrome plating that is bothering you, I believe they did sell a black version of the frame rails.

EDIT: Here it is - GS01 Black Frame Set - JunFac

There's always the option of stripping it and repainting them too.

[sherbs]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

Maybe the chrome is making you think that, but it's no worse than any of the other brands like Axial, Vaterra, etc.

I know it is a perception thing, the finish, guess I am used to anodized or painted aluminum. I'm sure it does not effect the function. Time will tell how it holds up.

[sawback]

Originally Posted by sherbs

I just finished putting together a Sawback kit, I can say I was a little disappointed with a few details of the kit. The shocks are only aluminum friction units, the Phillips hardware is so retro 80's and all plastic transmission gears. It just feels a bit cheesy. After doing what I feel are going to be the required upgrades I will not be that far from a RC4WD trail truck kit price. Now I don't hate the little jeep, was just surprised at the use of so many cost cutting parts,

Ditch the shocks all together, the leaf springs dont rebound or need them like coils, they are just for looks and limits the flex like crazy!

The plastic trans gears are actully stronger than the axial scx10 trans. And the closed pinion is kinda nice.

Philips bolts are cheap to replace, and not any worse than cheap hex hardware that likes to rust

One thing that dose suck on the sawback is the factory wheels are junk, and he body is a bit to wide and needs lots of trimming for bigger tires.

[sawback]

Also the sawback can pull allot more weight than a scx10, vetarra, or trx4...