RCCrawler Forums

Dogbreath · 03-22-2010, 09:07 PM

all I can say at this point is no more shocks or springs to mess with!

Can you say TORSION chassis?

Posted review below

orangeplug · 03-22-2010, 09:22 PM

Can't wait Dog

spoo76 · 03-22-2010, 09:47 PM

Oh Cmon man... you have to give more info than that lol

BLOODBANE · 03-22-2010, 10:05 PM

Must have pics.......MUST HAVE PICS!!!!

Dogbreath · 03-22-2010, 10:29 PM

So I got home from work this afternoon to find a package at the door from my good friend Javier from Driven Productions.

A new DP Torsion Chassis for the Losi Micro Rock Crawler for me to review for all of you.

One of the biggest problems with the Losi Micro Rock Crawler has been the shocks and springs. In stock form the truck sits too high and the springs are too stiff. Many have tried various methods to fix this problem.....but hand it to DP to come up with a solution that not only fixes the problem but ELIMINATES it completely!

Now this is the most unusual chassis for the micro crawler...it doesn't look like anything else out there. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the chassis is the torsion bars extending from the chassis plate. These, as you will see in a little bit, will totally eliminate the need for shocks and springs on your crawler.
I know you are pretty skeptical at this point but hang in there and you will be very surprised at the finished product and the performance!

The kit comes with everything you need, two Delrin chassis plates and four screws to attach the torsion arms to the front and rear mounts.....simple.

This chassis/conversion kit is designed for use with the stock crawler and uses all the stock parts minus the shocks, springs, and upper arms.
Its designed to use the stock plastic mount for the battery, receiver and use the stock body.
You two lengths of 2.5 bolts, the shorter one lets you snug the bolts down with out pushing into the servo (less suspension articulation).
The longer bolts are so you can leave the bolts 1/8th of an inch from being tighten down all the way. What that does is gives the chassis more articulation since the arms can slide back and forth over the bolt with it backed off from sitting flush.

The chassis is designed to mount with the DP logo facing outward on both side plates.
(good for advertising but also necessary for the holes to align up correctly)
When bolting the chassis down get all the bolts started then tighten them down evenly.

That being said and done I dove right in and had the crawler converted in about 15 minutes....very easy. However for my review I did make a couple of changes simply because of the way I prefer to run things.

Change #1 I run my battery on the rear deck.....so no stock battery holder used.
Change #2 I run a de-cased ESC so no case or stock ESC tray used.
I did cut two cross braces to replace the stock parts, drilled and taped them and installed, the ESC is servo taped in place on a small styrene plate on top of the braces....these changes do not change the way the kit performs in any way except to change the weight bias and lowers the COG of the crawler.

The chassis installed, with Lipo battery, Urethane resin tires, and wheel weights.

Close up of the new suspension....no more shocks, springs, or upper arms...very clean and simple.

With the body installed...very clean and simple look.

But does it work!?!?

The articulation is adjustable (as stated above), I set this one to the loose setting (more articulation) and it is better than the stock suspension set up with stock shocks and springs. The action is smoother and the DP chassis does articulate farther than stock chassis

The first thing you notice is that the DP Torsion chassis sits lower than the stock chassis and this lowers the COG (center of gravity). This allows the truck to tackle steeper hills and more radical obstacles with reduced roll overs. The new chassis reacts to the terrain in a very predictable fashion, however it is different from a chassis with shocks and springs (see my notes at the end for handling tips).

I did two battery packs through this new chassis tonight on my Abusement Park Course....one 7.4v pack and one 3.7v pack, to compare the differences in the performance at the different voltages.

7.4v 2S Lipo pack performance was very good, the DP Torsion Chassis really surprised me with it's ability to handle the track (my track is known for it's steep climbs, narrow ledges, off-camber rock passes, and other difficult obstacles) The new chassis made the complete circuit....this is no easy feat and is something a stock crawler has not been able to complete.

3.7v 1S Lipo pack performance is even better, slow this baby down and let the chassis do the work! This thing is even better at low speeds where the chassis has more time to react to the terrain.

I am very impressed And if a great looking chassis that works isn't enough then add the fact that this chassis is the CHEAPEST aftermarket Hop-Up chassis on the market at a suggested retail of only $15.00!!!!

This is a great way for a guy to step up from the stock chassis/suspension to a new level of performance at an affordable price.
The Dog has to give this his two paws up!

Video coming soon!

NOTES:

Lower the COG as much as possible, de-case the ESC, move the battery to the rear deck.

Add wheel weights, I have found a front weight of 38-50g and a rear weight of 25-35g works wonders for making the suspension work better and smoother and adds tons of traction.

Store you truck on a stand so that the arms are flexed down, continuous weight on the arms may cause the to permanently bow upwards.

The Torsion bars replace the upper arms, since the torsion bars are farther inboard there is no more tire rub at full turn!

spoo76 · 03-22-2010, 10:35 PM

ok, now i need another micro crawler just to try this out lol

CreepyCrawl · 03-22-2010, 11:47 PM

That's pretty slick.

Anxious to hear how it holds up after some serious drive time.

sonat · 03-23-2010, 01:37 AM

I buy 2
you forgot to add your website in the description

ps you should make some black

Lorents · 03-23-2010, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonat

ps you should make some black

X2

Peaker · 03-23-2010, 07:05 AM

Would it be possible to make it so the torsion bars could be replaced and in different lengths and thicknes maybe even in other materials ?

surfanor · 03-23-2010, 09:39 AM

Looks promising -_- gonna wait for a video but I might just be buying a third MRC. Can never have too many lol one for each good chassis design.

DickyT · 03-23-2010, 10:47 AM

Slick looking chassis, will it be offered in black? May pick one up for the wife's rig, she is still on stock chassis, but would have to be black or she will publicly flog me.

akaphilly · 03-23-2010, 02:07 PM

this chassies got me interested. nice writeup

D-ran83 · 03-23-2010, 03:19 PM

Release date? I want one!

k20man · 03-23-2010, 03:56 PM

ok this looks nice and ship upgrade, where can i get this?

Dogbreath · 03-23-2010, 05:12 PM

Wow....lots of questions....

The chassis should be priced at about the $15.00 range (very affordable)

I do not make these but am strictly a tester, but I do believe they will be available in black. I don't know if they will be offered with different lengths on the torsion arms. They should be available later this week at TheToyz.com
I heard that the shipment went out on Monday and it will take a few days to get there then be listed.

Did I miss anything?

NU2KRAWLIN · 03-23-2010, 05:28 PM

Have you made a video yet?

Shaggy5050 · 03-23-2010, 05:37 PM

So which do you like better? The Raptor or this one?

Dogbreath · 03-23-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Have you made a video yet?

Video is uploading now

Quote:

So which do you like better? The Raptor or this one?

I have both chassis....but it is like comparing apples to oranges....it will all boil down to the drivers style, budget, and what you want the chassis to do for YOU!
This chassis is cheaper and eliminates all the shock and upper arm problems....but does it perform better? That is for YOU to decide.....I will have the video up shortly.....the good thing is that trying this chassis out won't break the bank at $15.00

Dogbreath · 03-23-2010, 07:46 PM

DP Torsion Chassis Video

You be the Judge.....

03-22-2010, 10:29 PM	#5
Dogbreath Rock Crawler Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sandy Oregon Posts: 517	So I got home from work this afternoon to find a package at the door from my good friend Javier from Driven Productions. A new DP Torsion Chassis for the Losi Micro Rock Crawler for me to review for all of you. One of the biggest problems with the Losi Micro Rock Crawler has been the shocks and springs. In stock form the truck sits too high and the springs are too stiff. Many have tried various methods to fix this problem.....but hand it to DP to come up with a solution that not only fixes the problem but ELIMINATES it completely! Now this is the most unusual chassis for the micro crawler...it doesn't look like anything else out there. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the chassis is the torsion bars extending from the chassis plate. These, as you will see in a little bit, will totally eliminate the need for shocks and springs on your crawler. I know you are pretty skeptical at this point but hang in there and you will be very surprised at the finished product and the performance! The kit comes with everything you need, two Delrin chassis plates and four screws to attach the torsion arms to the front and rear mounts.....simple. This chassis/conversion kit is designed for use with the stock crawler and uses all the stock parts minus the shocks, springs, and upper arms. Its designed to use the stock plastic mount for the battery, receiver and use the stock body. You two lengths of 2.5 bolts, the shorter one lets you snug the bolts down with out pushing into the servo (less suspension articulation). The longer bolts are so you can leave the bolts 1/8th of an inch from being tighten down all the way. What that does is gives the chassis more articulation since the arms can slide back and forth over the bolt with it backed off from sitting flush. The chassis is designed to mount with the DP logo facing outward on both side plates. (good for advertising but also necessary for the holes to align up correctly) When bolting the chassis down get all the bolts started then tighten them down evenly. That being said and done I dove right in and had the crawler converted in about 15 minutes....very easy. However for my review I did make a couple of changes simply because of the way I prefer to run things. Change #1 I run my battery on the rear deck.....so no stock battery holder used. Change #2 I run a de-cased ESC so no case or stock ESC tray used. I did cut two cross braces to replace the stock parts, drilled and taped them and installed, the ESC is servo taped in place on a small styrene plate on top of the braces....these changes do not change the way the kit performs in any way except to change the weight bias and lowers the COG of the crawler. The chassis installed, with Lipo battery, Urethane resin tires, and wheel weights. Close up of the new suspension....no more shocks, springs, or upper arms...very clean and simple. With the body installed...very clean and simple look. But does it work!?!? The articulation is adjustable (as stated above), I set this one to the loose setting (more articulation) and it is better than the stock suspension set up with stock shocks and springs. The action is smoother and the DP chassis does articulate farther than stock chassis The first thing you notice is that the DP Torsion chassis sits lower than the stock chassis and this lowers the COG (center of gravity). This allows the truck to tackle steeper hills and more radical obstacles with reduced roll overs. The new chassis reacts to the terrain in a very predictable fashion, however it is different from a chassis with shocks and springs (see my notes at the end for handling tips). I did two battery packs through this new chassis tonight on my Abusement Park Course....one 7.4v pack and one 3.7v pack, to compare the differences in the performance at the different voltages. 7.4v 2S Lipo pack performance was very good, the DP Torsion Chassis really surprised me with it's ability to handle the track (my track is known for it's steep climbs, narrow ledges, off-camber rock passes, and other difficult obstacles) The new chassis made the complete circuit....this is no easy feat and is something a stock crawler has not been able to complete. 3.7v 1S Lipo pack performance is even better, slow this baby down and let the chassis do the work! This thing is even better at low speeds where the chassis has more time to react to the terrain. I am very impressed And if a great looking chassis that works isn't enough then add the fact that this chassis is the CHEAPEST aftermarket Hop-Up chassis on the market at a suggested retail of only $15.00!!!! This is a great way for a guy to step up from the stock chassis/suspension to a new level of performance at an affordable price. The Dog has to give this his two paws up! Video coming soon! NOTES: Lower the COG as much as possible, de-case the ESC, move the battery to the rear deck. Add wheel weights, I have found a front weight of 38-50g and a rear weight of 25-35g works wonders for making the suspension work better and smoother and adds tons of traction. Store you truck on a stand so that the arms are flexed down, continuous weight on the arms may cause the to permanently bow upwards. The Torsion bars replace the upper arms, since the torsion bars are farther inboard there is no more tire rub at full turn! Last edited by Dogbreath; 03-22-2010 at 10:37 PM.

03-23-2010, 09:39 AM	#11
surfanor Newbie Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: portland Posts: 12	Looks promising -_- gonna wait for a video but I might just be buying a third MRC. Can never have too many lol one for each good chassis design. Last edited by surfanor; 03-23-2010 at 09:42 AM.

03-22-2010, 09:07 PM	#1
Dogbreath Rock Crawler Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sandy Oregon Posts: 517	NEW Chassis for Micro Crawler all I can say at this point is no more shocks or springs to mess with! Can you say TORSION chassis? Posted review below Last edited by Dogbreath; 03-22-2010 at 10:41 PM.

03-22-2010, 09:22 PM	#2
orangeplug Pebble Pounder Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 195	Can't wait Dog

03-22-2010, 09:47 PM	#3
spoo76 I wanna be Dave Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South FL Posts: 3,349	Oh Cmon man... you have to give more info than that lol

03-22-2010, 10:05 PM	#4
BLOODBANE Quarry Creeper Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canon City Posts: 466	Must have pics.......MUST HAVE PICS!!!!

03-22-2010, 10:35 PM	#6
spoo76 I wanna be Dave Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South FL Posts: 3,349	ok, now i need another micro crawler just to try this out lol

03-22-2010, 11:47 PM	#7
CreepyCrawl I wanna be Dave Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Centered Posts: 2,082	That's pretty slick. Anxious to hear how it holds up after some serious drive time.

03-23-2010, 01:37 AM	#8
sonat Rock Stacker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: montreal Posts: 70	I buy 2 you forgot to add your website in the description ps you should make some black

03-23-2010, 07:05 AM	#10
Peaker Rock Crawler Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Danish badlands Posts: 761	Would it be possible to make it so the torsion bars could be replaced and in different lengths and thicknes maybe even in other materials ?

03-23-2010, 10:47 AM	#12
DickyT I wanna be Dave Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Scumrise, Flooriduh Posts: 5,181	Slick looking chassis, will it be offered in black? May pick one up for the wife's rig, she is still on stock chassis, but would have to be black or she will publicly flog me.

03-23-2010, 02:07 PM	#13
akaphilly Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cape cod Posts: 42	this chassies got me interested. nice writeup

Sponsored Links

03-23-2010, 03:19 PM	#14
D-ran83 Quarry Creeper Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Rockaway Posts: 285	Release date? I want one!

03-23-2010, 03:56 PM	#15
k20man Quarry Creeper Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: miami Posts: 359	ok this looks nice and ship upgrade, where can i get this?

03-23-2010, 05:12 PM	#16
Dogbreath Rock Crawler Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sandy Oregon Posts: 517	Wow....lots of questions.... The chassis should be priced at about the $15.00 range (very affordable) I do not make these but am strictly a tester, but I do believe they will be available in black. I don't know if they will be offered with different lengths on the torsion arms. They should be available later this week at TheToyz.com I heard that the shipment went out on Monday and it will take a few days to get there then be listed. Did I miss anything?

03-23-2010, 05:28 PM	#17
NU2KRAWLIN Rock Crawler Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pineville Ky Posts: 503	Have you made a video yet?

03-23-2010, 05:37 PM	#18
Shaggy5050 Quarry Creeper Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Barrie, Ontario Posts: 296	So which do you like better? The Raptor or this one?

03-23-2010, 07:46 PM	#20
Dogbreath Rock Crawler Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sandy Oregon Posts: 517	DP Torsion Chassis Video You be the Judge.....

RCCrawler Forums

Thread: NEW Chassis for Micro Crawler