RCCrawler Forums

rm25x · 07-09-2007, 07:24 PM

Here's the deal... I want to do another crawler, been out of it way too long. I have $500 to spend, but can't decide which route to take. What would you build if you had $500 to spend?

Sorry forgot to say, not counting electronics, just a rolling chassis with this budget.

Wicked_Jester · 07-09-2007, 07:32 PM

depends on what you like, 2.2, super, tuber, scale!!

2.2

$90 bender sw3 chassis with servo mounts
$20-50 links
$100 tlt axles with bearings
$90 rc4wd r2 tranny
$80 axial beadlocks and 2.2 moabs
and get some decent electronics and your set!!

Robb · 07-09-2007, 07:35 PM

For $500? Buy one RTR.

666 · 07-09-2007, 07:39 PM

Bender SW3 $90
RTR 4x4 Wheely King $200
2.2 Moabs and Pede rims $50
65 turn lathe motor $20
Links and standoffs $30
Pede tranny $50

Cheapest build I can figure that works good!

rm25x · 07-09-2007, 09:36 PM

Those are some good ideas. I was reading up on the WK, they weren't around when I was into crawling. My last rig was Twin Force based. Also the PTI looks ok, but can't decide if I want to go large scale or 2.2. Another part of me wants to just buy a Stealth.

Etype R · 07-09-2007, 09:41 PM

I still have yet to find any advantage to the WK axles, I prefer TLT axles for a comp rig. Now if you are not going to get into comps, then there is nothing wrong with the WK axles, but there also is not much support for them yet.

Also, its going to be hard to build a super for $500, stick with a 2.2 truck.

Robb · 07-09-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm25x

Those are some good ideas. I was reading up on the WK, they weren't around when I was into crawling. My last rig was Twin Force based. Also the PTI looks ok, but can't decide if I want to go large scale or 2.2. Another part of me wants to just buy a Stealth.

As I said, watch the "For Sale" forum and buy someone else's rig ready to go if you are set on $500.

If you want to start from the ground up, RCP has clod axles (with bearings) for $135 and TF axles (with extra narrow shafts/DBs) for $148. Either option would be my first choice for a complete build up.

freetimecrawler · 07-09-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm25x

Those are some good ideas. I was reading up on the WK, they weren't around when I was into crawling. My last rig was Twin Force based. Also the PTI looks ok, but can't decide if I want to go large scale or 2.2. Another part of me wants to just buy a Stealth.

Depends on your terrain in the Flint area. A 2.2 is easier finding challenging areas to run then a super.

ncgamedog · 07-10-2007, 01:23 AM

i have found you always get a better deal buying something already built. you just have to shop a bit to not end up w/ junk. my problem is being too particular, i always end up building it myself.

rm25x · 07-10-2007, 05:41 AM

Yeah I am kinda thinking a 2.2 rig now, lots of good choices for tires and such. When I was last in it, they were just starting to get popular. A lot of the scale rigs look pretty cool, reminds me of my Bruiser I used to have.

As for used, would rather go new, at least on the truck. I have a radio. Want to go brushless and lipo for power.

Wicked_Jester · 07-10-2007, 06:33 AM

on a $500 budget its going to be hard to go brushless and lipo

and good brushless esc and motor combo will cost about $200+ shipped
and lipo's run a good price to because you also need a charger designed to charge lipos

from holmeshobbies.com:

mamba max esc $119+shipping
crawlmaster motor $59+shipping
polyrc 7.4volt lipo battery $29.95+shipping
hyperion 5idp lipo charger $82+shipping

total=289.95+shipping

that would leave you around $200 to build a complete roller!!

rm25x · 07-10-2007, 06:34 AM

Sorry I ment to say electronics are not part of the $500 budget. I am just working on putting a roller together.

Found the RockBull III Advanced chassis at RC4WD and fell in love. Thinking that with some Raptors might be a nice setup.

Wicked_Jester · 07-10-2007, 06:46 AM

o ok, that makes things a hole lot easier then, i personally dont like how much arcticulation the rockpulls have 90* is way to much for my liking, i personally like 2.2's because of the challenge that come with then! if it were me in your shoes, this is the run down of what i would get

$90 bender custom's sw3 chassis with mounts
$50 links
$100 tlt axles with bearing
$65 pede tranny
$45 integy piggy back maxx shocks
$25 hpi baja bug body(personal choice)
$60 and all the other misc. stuff needed to finish like, shafts, hardware, servo horns etc.

$435 TOTAL

im personally in the same spot right now but my budget for roller is a little higher, I desided not to jump on the super class bandwagen, my chassis alone is going to run me about $330-380 + i have to buy the rest of the stuff i just listed besides the bug body

rm25x · 07-10-2007, 04:15 PM

I see a lot of people like the SW3 chassis, but it just doesn't do anything for me. It just looks to boxy and plain.

EeePee · 07-10-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm25x

It just looks to boxy and plain.

Function > Fashion

rm25x · 07-10-2007, 04:26 PM

There's several of kits out there that do both, and if I am spending the coin I want something thats sweet to look at as well.

Sorry, but I wouldn't pay $70+ for a SW3, which really has nothing to it IMHO. Please don't think I am bashing their product, it is nice, and I am sure for lots of people its just what they wanted. I just like stuff a little more flashy.

west virginia krawler · 07-10-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm25x

Sorry, but I wouldn't pay $70+ for a SW3, which really has nothing to it IMHO. Please don't think I am bashing their product, it is nice, and I am sure for lots of people its just what they wanted. I just like stuff a little more flashy.

Lol thats funny. Look if your gona build a rock crawler, what is the point of looks? Its gona get bashed up. And a body will hide the chassie. Look the SW3 is one of the best if not the best performing chassie to date. But if your looking for something with a little more pazzaz then look for The VS chassie from Double J on this site. He powder coats them in various colors. And if you want something "flashy" get a bright pink one. lol

Wicked_Jester · 07-10-2007, 06:53 PM

If you want something that is going to crawl extremely good then you can through looks out of the window

To me if its for looks then leave it on the self, and there is nothing wrong with build a great looking, flashy-shinny truck its more then likely not going to crawl great though!!

BrandonW · 07-10-2007, 07:14 PM

the thunderhorse is a great 2.2 chassis, its cheap, its made of delrin, and it works extremly well:

http://www.rccarreviews.com/rc-revie...uck-review.htm

rm25x · 07-10-2007, 07:39 PM

The more I read, the more my mind changes. I do think that 2.2 is the way to go. Also, I am really digging the PTI truck. And also, thinking of scraping the brushless idea for a lathe motor.

07-09-2007, 07:24 PM	#1
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	$500 to build a crawler, how would you do it? Here's the deal... I want to do another crawler, been out of it way too long. I have $500 to spend, but can't decide which route to take. What would you build if you had $500 to spend? Sorry forgot to say, not counting electronics, just a rolling chassis with this budget. Last edited by rm25x; 07-10-2007 at 06:35 AM.

07-09-2007, 09:36 PM	#5
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	Those are some good ideas. I was reading up on the WK, they weren't around when I was into crawling. My last rig was Twin Force based. Also the PTI looks ok, but can't decide if I want to go large scale or 2.2. Another part of me wants to just buy a Stealth. Last edited by rm25x; 07-09-2007 at 09:41 PM.

07-09-2007, 07:32 PM	#2
Wicked_Jester RCC Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: nor-cal Posts: 1,048	depends on what you like, 2.2, super, tuber, scale!! 2.2 $90 bender sw3 chassis with servo mounts $20-50 links $100 tlt axles with bearings $90 rc4wd r2 tranny $80 axial beadlocks and 2.2 moabs and get some decent electronics and your set!!

07-09-2007, 07:35 PM	#3
Robb RCC Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: VARCOR Posts: 1,826	For $500? Buy one RTR.

07-09-2007, 07:39 PM	#4
666 MODERHATER™ Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 10,939	Bender SW3 $90 RTR 4x4 Wheely King $200 2.2 Moabs and Pede rims $50 65 turn lathe motor $20 Links and standoffs $30 Pede tranny $50 Cheapest build I can figure that works good!

07-09-2007, 09:41 PM	#6
Etype R Web Wheeling Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 3,004	I still have yet to find any advantage to the WK axles, I prefer TLT axles for a comp rig. Now if you are not going to get into comps, then there is nothing wrong with the WK axles, but there also is not much support for them yet. Also, its going to be hard to build a super for $500, stick with a 2.2 truck.

07-10-2007, 01:23 AM	#9
ncgamedog Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Union Grove Posts: 42	i have found you always get a better deal buying something already built. you just have to shop a bit to not end up w/ junk. my problem is being too particular, i always end up building it myself.

07-10-2007, 05:41 AM	#10
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	Yeah I am kinda thinking a 2.2 rig now, lots of good choices for tires and such. When I was last in it, they were just starting to get popular. A lot of the scale rigs look pretty cool, reminds me of my Bruiser I used to have. As for used, would rather go new, at least on the truck. I have a radio. Want to go brushless and lipo for power.

07-10-2007, 06:33 AM	#11
Wicked_Jester RCC Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: nor-cal Posts: 1,048	on a $500 budget its going to be hard to go brushless and lipo and good brushless esc and motor combo will cost about $200+ shipped and lipo's run a good price to because you also need a charger designed to charge lipos from holmeshobbies.com: mamba max esc $119+shipping crawlmaster motor $59+shipping polyrc 7.4volt lipo battery $29.95+shipping hyperion 5idp lipo charger $82+shipping total=289.95+shipping that would leave you around $200 to build a complete roller!!

07-10-2007, 06:34 AM	#12
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	Sorry I ment to say electronics are not part of the $500 budget. I am just working on putting a roller together. Found the RockBull III Advanced chassis at RC4WD and fell in love. Thinking that with some Raptors might be a nice setup.

07-10-2007, 06:46 AM	#13
Wicked_Jester RCC Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: nor-cal Posts: 1,048	o ok, that makes things a hole lot easier then, i personally dont like how much arcticulation the rockpulls have 90* is way to much for my liking, i personally like 2.2's because of the challenge that come with then! if it were me in your shoes, this is the run down of what i would get $90 bender custom's sw3 chassis with mounts $50 links $100 tlt axles with bearing $65 pede tranny $45 integy piggy back maxx shocks $25 hpi baja bug body(personal choice) $60 and all the other misc. stuff needed to finish like, shafts, hardware, servo horns etc. $435 TOTAL im personally in the same spot right now but my budget for roller is a little higher, I desided not to jump on the super class bandwagen, my chassis alone is going to run me about $330-380 + i have to buy the rest of the stuff i just listed besides the bug body

07-10-2007, 04:15 PM	#14
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	I see a lot of people like the SW3 chassis, but it just doesn't do anything for me. It just looks to boxy and plain.

Sponsored Links

07-10-2007, 04:26 PM	#16
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	There's several of kits out there that do both, and if I am spending the coin I want something thats sweet to look at as well. Sorry, but I wouldn't pay $70+ for a SW3, which really has nothing to it IMHO. Please don't think I am bashing their product, it is nice, and I am sure for lots of people its just what they wanted. I just like stuff a little more flashy.

07-10-2007, 06:53 PM	#18
Wicked_Jester RCC Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: nor-cal Posts: 1,048	If you want something that is going to crawl extremely good then you can through looks out of the window To me if its for looks then leave it on the self, and there is nothing wrong with build a great looking, flashy-shinny truck its more then likely not going to crawl great though!!

07-10-2007, 07:14 PM	#19
BrandonW RCC Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,043	the thunderhorse is a great 2.2 chassis, its cheap, its made of delrin, and it works extremly well: http://www.rccarreviews.com/rc-revie...uck-review.htm

07-10-2007, 07:39 PM	#20
rm25x Rock Crawler Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bellaire, MI Posts: 564	The more I read, the more my mind changes. I do think that 2.2 is the way to go. Also, I am really digging the PTI truck. And also, thinking of scraping the brushless idea for a lathe motor.

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