My Kyosho Rock Force "Custom Tube Chassis"

[John]

Just a little project I've been working on for awhile. The name of the chassis is the "Gila" (hē'lə). It is a direct bolt up to the new Kyosho Rock Force. I am working with the RCP Crawlers factory to mass produce the chassis, so the construction will be the same high quality as the current RCP Crawler chassis' on the market. I am also working on a new skid and some additions to the chassis to work as a direct bolt up to the AX10 components as well.

I have a second chassis that I am working on that incorporates a TVP base that is welded to the top portion of the "Gila" tube chassis. I will post of pics of that design shortly.

Jason from RCC will be doing a build thread shortly, so I decided to hold off posting pics of the stock Rock Force chassis and build. If you want any specific close up pics of components of the Rock Force or details, let me know and I will post them here.

I am installing the rear disconnect option parts tomorrow as well as the high speed gears. I will be heading down to RCP Crawlers this week for some substantial testing. Noel and Brian will be testing some different motors and shock set ups. They will also be testing the Rock Force tires against some of the other brands. RCP Crawlers or I will post up the results soon.

I made two hoods for this truck. One that is small and light for competition and the second more scale like and that replicates the original Rock Force lexan body design. I may include both designs in lexan with the "Gila" chassis kit. I am using a small 8 cell pack that fits nicely under the hood. It is almost the same height as if they were sitting on the front axle. There is room to install the batteries here as the 3rd link mounts to the oposite side. The speed control and receiver go on the back deck of the chassis. There is room on the back deck to recess them down about 1/4" just on top of the rear links.

The chassis design is patent pending. (Integy )


I hope you like!

[Jeepial]

Man that thing looks awesome!!!

[Reflection]

DEAD SEXY!

I like the design,VERY clean IMO..

The axles got more clearance than most axles.....plus they are allot stronger....STOCK.

[John]

Originally Posted by raptorman57

DEAD SEXY!

I like the design,VERY clean IMO..

The axles got more clearance than most axles.....plus they are allot stronger....STOCK.

Yes, I agree. I don't think an axle or driveshaft upgrade is needed. Should hold up just fine. With most of the gear reduction at the axle, there should be a lot less stress on the driveshafts. Everything on this truck is heavy duty Kyosho quality.

I will post some pics of the individual components later this evening.

[goobs]

does it look like there might be room for a 4-link upfront?
cuz if the back can have a servo for dig i would assume that the front can be done the same way.

[dezmoon]

dang,,thats sick looking...have you tested the rig in stock form ???if so how did it handle...second how does it work with the tuber chassis,,whats the weight diference between stock and your design,,my rigg will be in my hands this friday,and im really into the tube design youve made,,maybe an upgrade im interested in

[Reflection]

Originally Posted by goobs

does it look like there might be room for a 4-link upfront?

It's possible. Sticking with the 3 link is a better option IMHO.

[yarddog35]

Oh man that chassis looks sweet! The first time I saw the Rock Force I thought wow thats one ugly rig, but with the worm drive and beefy everything it started looking better. With this chassis it is down right SICK, nice work. I also read the short review in RCCA, Kevin said "the steering linkage hung up a few times while crawling". Have you had that issue?

Btw did I mention that chassis is SICK!

[HiloDB1]

Nice!! Now my only question is where can I get those axles and when can I get that chassis

[John]

Originally Posted by HiloDB1

Nice!! Now my only question is where can I get those axles and when can I get that chassis

Kyosho is coming out with an axle kit. All pieces in one bag. For now they do have in stock the components to make axles.

[John]

Originally Posted by yarddog35

Oh man that chassis looks sweet! The first time I saw the Rock Force I thought wow thats one ugly rig, but with the worm drive and beefy everything it started looking better. With this chassis it is down right SICK, nice work. I also read the short review in RCCA, Kevin said "the steering linkage hung up a few times while crawling". Have you had that issue?

Btw did I mention that chassis is SICK!

No issues yet. I will be moving the steering linkage above the knuckles. Kyosho has it set up stock to mount below. You will just need to bend the linkage around the servo, as it runs right in its path.

One issue I did notice is that the wheel hex has a large thick flange. I installed some AX10 beadlocks on it and could only get a few turns on the wheel nut. You may be able to drill out an AX10 hex to fit the larger Kyosho axle stubs, in order to use other manufacturers beadlock wheels.

The Kyosho axle length from end to end is about 1" wider than the AX10. Kyosho's stock wheels have a large offset that brings the total track width to 11" from outside to outside tire compared to my AX10 with Losi tires which comes to 10 1/4".

[swell searcher]

every time i see pics of the kyosho, i'm wanting one more and more. any ball park figure on the axle kit availability?

[John]

Originally Posted by dezmoon

dang,,thats sick looking...have you tested the rig in stock form ???if so how did it handle...second how does it work with the tuber chassis,,whats the weight diference between stock and your design,,my rigg will be in my hands this friday,and im really into the tube design youve made,,maybe an upgrade im interested in

I haven't done a lot of testing in the stock form. I have the rear disconnect coming tomorrow along with the high speed gear option. I am taking a stock version of the truck to RCP Crawlers this week and they will run it through a bunch of tests. They also have a variety of rigs, tires, and not to mention the experience to do a more complete test and comparison with other crawlers on the market. I should have results of the testing available by the weekend.

[John]

Originally Posted by swell searcher

every time i see pics of the kyosho, i'm wanting one more and more. any ball park figure on the axle kit availability?

No, but I will ask my contacts at Kyosho Japan tonight.

[ubbb69]

How is the torque twist with those axles?
Nice tube frame.

[John]

I will post some close up pics of the components and stock chassis shortly.

[John]

Originally Posted by swell searcher

every time i see pics of the kyosho, i'm wanting one more and more. any ball park figure on the axle kit availability?

You are looking at early 2009 for the complete axle kits.

[RocSpyder]

It looks like kyosho did a little homework on this truck. It is going to be a very good option in the crawling world.

[dave56bug]

Great looking chassis! I am just getting my truck assembled. Interested to see what you have to say about shock oil and suggested motors etc. Manual calls for 150 wt. oil, all I had was some 300 wt. so it is a little slow on rebound.

[John]

Originally Posted by dave56bug

Great looking chassis! I am just getting my truck assembled. Interested to see what you have to say about shock oil and suggested motors etc. Manual calls for 150 wt. oil, all I had was some 300 wt. so it is a little slow on rebound.

I have 100 wt in mine now. It still seems a little slow on rebound. Later this week I am going to install inner springs and see how a droop set up responds. I'll let you know how it turns out.