Killer Krawler Build Thread

[xerocomm]

This is a complete Build Thread for the RC4WD Killer Krawler. The Killer Krawler ships in a really nice box but like many Super Class Crawler's it does not have a manual. If you see me do something incorrect, please note it!

Here we go, for starters, this is a Limited Edition Killer Krawler sold by Team GoNads in Orange.

The kit is about 80% built but is not assembled with Thread Lock, so I disassembled the chassis and axles, then reassembled using Blue Thread Lock - Very Important Step!

Then I proceeded to installed the hex/wheels hubs to the axle assemblies:



I used a total of 24 M3 X 12mm from Bag 1 for this assembly. There are 4 hubs to install. I used 6 of the M3 x 12mm for each hub. I used Blue Thread Lock on all screws.

Assembled Axles:



Hubs on Assembled Axles:



Assembled Chassis:



Assembled Axles and Chassis:

[xerocomm]

Make sure you use Blue Thread Lock on these two assemblies.

Next I used 4 M3 x 8mm from Bag 1 and 4 Threaded Shock Spacers. I choose to installed the Shock Spacers on the top of the three possible positions:





Then I installed the 4 Body Mounts using 4 M3 X 10mm from Bag 1. I choose to install the body mounts on the rear of the two possible positions:



I used a hanger to keep the body mounts level while tightening the screws:



This is the Chassis assembled with the Shock Spacers and Body Mounts:

[62 bugzilla]

Wow holy orange!! It's looking good. What body are you going to use?

[header]

looks good. those diffs are big.

[xerocomm]

Originally Posted by 62 bugzilla

Wow holy orange!! It's looking good. What body are you going to use?

I am thinking about trying the new Proline Desert Rat 5T if I can trim it enough to still have some articulation - looks good so far. In the end, I would like this to be more like a "scale" rig than a crawler. I know the 5T body is not exactly scale but the Killer Krawler is not exactly...............Ahhhhhhhh.........Hmmmmmmmmm m. Still trying to figure this one out!

One heck of a huge crawler!

[xerocomm]

I am now going to assemble the Killer Krawler Lower Links to the Chassis.

I first disassembled and reassembled the 8 M2 x 8mm screws on the Lower Links. I added a small amount of the RC4WD Monster Lube to the ball and used Blue Thread Lock on the M2 x 8mm screws. I did find that one of the copper bushings that holds the ball to the Lower Link was defective:( but notified RC4WD for a replacement:



I used 4 M3 X 20mm, 4 conical washers, and 4 M3 lock nuts from Bag 2 for this assembly:







The exact order of the parts installation is the M3 x 20mm inserts into the Lower Link, then on the back side of the Lower Link, I inserted the conical washers with the large flat surface of the washer on the chassis - see picture for details. Insert the assembly to the chassis and secure the assembly to the chassis using the M3 lock nut.




Completed, all 4 Lower Links assembled:

[O.C.D.]

Wow, I never thought I would see one of these actually built! For the price you could do a lot of different things, but you are being different by doing this. Works out well, lol.

Will be watching the process.

[xerocomm]

Now we move onto the Upper Links. This requires 4 M3 X 10mm from Bag 2, please use Blue Thread Lock on this assembly. The only trick is that you may need to loosen the screws on the Upper Link mount point on the chassis prior to installing the Links. Pay attention to the direction of the Upper Links when installing to the chassis - see the pictures for details:

[xerocomm]

Now we can install the shocks to the chassis lower links.

We need 4 White spacers, 4 Blue Conical washers, and 4 M3 X 16mm from Bag 3 in the next two steps. The M3 x 16mm is inserted into the Blue Conical washer, then inserted into the shock. Proceed to place the white spacer into the back of the shock, then mount to the Shock Spacer on the chassis:





Then I secured the shock to the Lower Link using 4 M3 X 16mm and 4 M3 lock nuts to secure the shock bottom to the lower links. I installed the shock to the hole farthest from the chassis:



Completed Shock Assembly:

[xerocomm]

Now we move onto the final assembly! I used 8 M3 X 12mm from Bag 2 to install the upper and lower links to the axle assembly.

I first placed the links on the axle:



Then using Blue Thread Lock, I mounted the Lower Links first:





Then completed the assembly by installing the Upper Links:

[xerocomm]

This was an easy build except for having to disassemble and reassemble all the parts to add Blue Thread Lock. Total time was about 5.5 hours to assemble to this point, very quick build really. Two issue I have with this kit as a little feedback:

1) Hardware is a bit cheap for the quality of the product. RC4WD has done an awesome job engineering this product, why not include top quality hardware?

2) The anodizing is not even on the parts, I have found several "faded" area's. If I would have known this I would have not bought the Limited Edition model and went with the standard kit.

On a 1 to 10 scale for overall quality, I would give this kit a 8. Design and engineering would be a solid 10. Support would be a 10.

Final build photos:

[xerocomm]

Now we move onto the Wheels, Tires and Electronics. There will be a slight delay with these next steps since I am waiting for parts to arrive. I have not made the final decision on the Wheels and Tires. I have the Proline Moab XL and Rock Crushers as a tire choice. I have the RC4WD and the Proline wheels. I will post both assembled next week and get your feedback. I think the final choice will be the RC4WD Rock Crushers with the Assassin wheels since I love RC4WD's products .

If you would like additional photo's please let me know what angle you would like me to post.

[xerocomm]

Originally Posted by header

looks good. those diffs are big.

Everything on this kit is massive, heavy duty!

[xerocomm]

Originally Posted by Doc J33P

Wow, I never thought I would see one of these actually built! For the price you could do a lot of different things, but you are being different by doing this. Works out well, lol.

Will be watching the process.

Thank you for the feedback. The idea was to build something really different. I agree, the $799 price tag is a bit much for a Crawler but if you look at the 1/5 scale prices, this is actually cheap. Also, the engineering that went into this piece is amazing - really amazing!

[Merlinito]

I've seen one , the first in the world , last sunday in Andorra. It's enormous!

[C HotRod L]

Very interested in this build... what electronics do you plan to use?

[cruciface]

Holy Cow! That is crazy looking. I would hate to scratch it.

[STANG KILLA SS]

damn thats alot of machining! wow. looks great, would love to see some outdoor pics. even of just what ya got now.

i cant wait for a total weight

[wbillylee03]

I like the color it looks like it's made out of copper. Does it scratch easily?

[MiffoPonken]

Looks awesome so far!!! Realy nice withe the bronze look!!!!