Soze's GMade Sawback 4LS

[soze]

This is pretty much my first scaler/crawler type R/C. Pretty average normal build and nothing crazy like some of you more talented folks out there.

Follow this build on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...BSpTH1aFcEuuaO

Most product links are to the item on eBay. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Kit:

G-Made Sawback 4LS Kit - https://bit.ly/35AJQWQ (Amain)


Parts:

G-Made Zero Ackerman Knuckles - https://ebay.to/3pc25Zb (eBay)
G-Made Zero Ackerman Steering Links - https://ebay.to/379Oj36 (eBay)
G-Made Aluminum Hubs - https://ebay.to/3ph4Xny (eBay)
G-Made Brass Axle Weights - https://ebay.to/378LteR (eBay)
G-Made Rock Sliders - https://ebay.to/2MYOMyc (eBay)
G-Made 19x58 Soft Springs - https://ebay.to/3jNmbbo (eBay)
Red Tow Shackles - https://ebay.to/3qfIwk4 (eBay)
BoomRacing Aluminum Servo Plate - http://bit.ly/2FlqwAG
JunFac 80012 Heavy Duty Rear Bumper - https://ebay.to/3tNP4J3 (eBay)


Electronics:

PowerHD 23KG Waterproof Servo - https://ebay.to/2ZerlDy (eBay)
GoolRC 27T Brushed motor - https://ebay.to/3ai7hqt (eBay)
FlySky FS-R6B 6ch Receiver - https://ebay.to/3qdJGg3
FlySky GT3C Transmitter - https://ebay.to/2NlfqBa

Tools:

Versachem Brake Caliper Grease - https://ebay.to/3p8bIZ7
Noleen SF3 Grease (available on eBay) - https://ebay.to/3jN9vB9
Permatex Anti Seize Lubricant (ebay) - https://ebay.to/3qpTbsN
Associated 1656 FT 1/4 in Driver Handle - https://ebay.to/3d31t5O
Tamiya Side Cutter - https://ebay.to/371SAWb
DEWALT DCF610S2R 12V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Hex Chuck Screwdriver Kit - https://ebay.to/3tQqXcr
MIP Metric Speed Tip Set MIP9512 - https://ebay.to/3qdBMTU
Bob Smith Industries Blue Thread Locker - https://ebay.to/3jDR8i9
ProTek RC Shock Pliers (available on eBay) - https://ebay.to/372Lscs
Duratrax Shock stand - https://ebay.to/2MOyJ6l
Hakko FX-888D Soldering Station - https://ebay.to/3aXFmLj
Multistar Rubber R/C Work mat - https://bit.ly/2T3F4Zo
IWISS Crimping Tool - https://ebay.to/3jGKZll
Universal Servo Cable Wire Connector Crimp Pin Kit - https://ebay.to/3tSAAaW
E6000 Adhesive - https://ebay.to/2MZwtZV


I always forget to take pictures while I'm building.

Chassis pretty much built


A look at the Zero Ackerman Setup


A look at the electronics & motor have not started to clean up wiring yet.


Started paint on the body



Masked with masking tape only to find out later that the light kit included light masks!!! Grrrrr


Test fit.


Started applying decals.


Started wiring up lights


As it sits right now.



My first flex shot. Am I doing this right?


More to come. Sliders and brass weights are arriving today.

I have some ideas of what figures I want to use for the driver. Trying to decide if I should cut out a footwell so the figure will fit.

Also plan on getting scale accessories for the vehicle as well.

[soze]

These just came in the mail, but probably won't have time to put them in until later.

[soze]

Originally Posted by 4x4Scratch

Nice looking rig.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

Thanks! I'm really enjoying this kit.

[soze]

So I got around to installing a few of the other things. And ran into some hiccups.

Installed the G-Made Rock Sliders



Installed the G-Made Brass Weights in the front and rear.




Was on my way to installing the G-Made Long CVA kit for the 4LS but.... ran into issues. Apparently the CVA's I got were equal in length for both CVA shafts. Works just fine on the left side of the axle (driver's side), but too far out on the right side of the axle (passenger's side). It stuck out too far for me to put the knuckle back in place as the screw holes wouldn't line up anymore.

Not sure if this is because I am using the aluminum CHubs and zero ackerman knuckles.

I even took Jeepiac's recommendation of using Versachem!

Pictures of G-Made Long CVA Kit for 4LS




Anyway, put the dog bones back in and I'll wait for the GPM versions of the CVA's to get in. They should be in by the end of the week. Hopefully those work out just fine.

the 12mm / 6mm Wheel hubs I bought are also going to be held and used for my Sawback Sport kit. Apparently the 4LS uses 12mm / 10mm wheel hubs. So I guess I'll need to order the 10mm width ones now.

[soze]

Got the G-Made CVA's to fit!!!

Thanks to some information to try it again from malickie.... They fit this time around. When I first tried it again, they still didn't fit in all the way. So what I did was force rotate the drivetrain/axle a little and that did the trick!

This side always fit in just fine.... you actually have to pull it out a little even though it can go in even further.


This was the problem side... I wasn't able to push it in enough to have the knuckle screw holes line up to secure the knuckle in place. Know it's all the way in and secured.

[soze]

Alright, got my GPM CVD's in today.... and now I have to figure out what I want to do.

These GPM CVD's are for the Komodo which is same as the Sawback 4LS. Notice how the 2 CVD shafts are different in length? I think this is how it's supposed to be. The question is do I take the G-Made ones back out and use these instead? Or do I just leave as is and be happy that I finally got the G-Made ones to fit.

I would feel better with the GPM ones in there though, since the G-Made ones give little leeway on the passenger's side, and I'm afraid of possible binding at full steering angles.

[soze]

How it sits right now with the rock sliders on. Have not gotten around to taking comparison pictures of the different CVDs and dog bones yet.

Next steps are to start adding some scale accessories and a driver. Still contemplating if I should cut that footwell for a driver.

I also want to get a rear bumper. Any good idea for a rear bumper anyone?

[soze]

These parts came in this past week.

G-made 20031 Shock Spring 19X58mm Soft Green GMA0020031
1/10 Tow Shackle for Off-Road Trail Rock Crawling

[soze]

Test Driver #1: Lego First Order Storm Trooper

[OSRC]

Love the color. Curious to hear how those tire do, very swamper-like.

I cut the feet on my drivers, not the footwells. I thought that was eaiser...

[soze]

Originally Posted by OSRC

Love the color. Curious to hear how those tire do, very swamper-like.

I cut the feet on my drivers, not the footwells. I thought that was eaiser...

Well the beauty with the Lego figures are that I just remove the feet.

[soze]

Test Driver #2: Lego Scarif Storm Trooper

[soze]

Made a video of my rookie crawling.

https://youtu.be/5fhF0z78c00

[soze]

New parts.


JunFac 80012 Heavy Duty Rear Bumper for G-made Sawback

[soze]

Took it out for a little excursion again. More video footage of my rookie crawling.

https://youtu.be/CU840PbMbAc

[soze]

Just installed the Boom Racing Aluminum Servo Mount.

https://youtu.be/rKAY98X_ri8

[soze]

Testing out the new kicks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYwa0L6JQFU

[soze]

Took the good old Sawback 4LS out for the hill climb today. It's definitely not as capable as everything else I have lol. The tires were smaller and the foams too soft, so got snagged quite a bit. The Sawback also had trouble breaking over ledges. I had the battery in the original rear position today. Maybe I'll spend some time with this rig to see if it can't get any better.

I'm pretty sure I need to change the foams to something stiffer in the rear, and stiffer springs in the rear as well. I'll also need to revisit moving the battery to the front.

I don't expect it to be as good as the others, but I know it can do better than it did today.

[soze]

[Jim85IROC]

Originally Posted by soze

I'm pretty sure I need to change the foams to something stiffer in the rear, and stiffer springs in the rear as well. I'll also need to revisit moving the battery to the front.

First of all, this truck looks great. It makes me want a Sawback.

Secondly, I'd consider moving the battery OR changing the rear foams. Don't do both at once. If you get the battery weight off the rear, you'll likely find that stiffer foams are no longer necessary. Likewise, if you do both, you may end up with rear tires that are too stiff.