Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

I've had an awesome Mopar 440 printed engine from Exclusive RC for months waiting for something appropriate to put it in...think I found it:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/...debece74_b.jpg

Ok, so maybe not really appropriate, but Dodge owns Jeep, right? The motor mounting of the CFX was just too tasty to pass up, and I sure haven't been disappointed with my CMX. Have to play with flipping or shaving the shock towers to be able to put the headers back on.

I need to get some JK wheels and 1.9 tires, stock TF2 1.55's are a bit small. I think the 3.8" Duratrac GY Wranglers from RC4WD will fit nicely.

Still working on hidden body mount technique, still new at this. And of course the hood has to be cut open. I have lots of Xacto blades but I may experiment with the thread cutting method. Anybody want to share experience/input on either of those subjects?

I've always marveled at how anyone managed to stuff electronics and a LiPo battery under a hard body, guess it's time to figure that out too!

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

So after getting it to a roller, I notice I'm going to have to mount the body fairly high to clear the transfer case, battery and electronics and be able to close the hood over the air cleaner. Sitting on 1.9 Rock Beasts now...stock stance is obviously out the window.

I'll nick the air dam off and space the front tires out a bit.

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Looking good, can't wait to see some updates

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Guess I left this dangling long enough! Finished the build, but the 440 install was not to be without having the body sitting ridiculously high.

I had some challenges figuring out how to mount everything up, but fabricating some mount brackets for the body and a crossover bracket to get a decent sized battery stuffed between the trans and firewall hooked it up.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4559/...c246be7b_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4558/...422e192f_b.jpg

I had to stretch the wheelbase a full 10mm out back (using extra pieces from the kit) to get it right, but I'm happy with the result.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4560/...2c02234f_b.jpg

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Finally had something I could put a driver in, even if it is a "roided out wrestler"

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/...1b4417b0_b.jpg

Stock stance wasn't going to cut it (wimpy)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4515/...126e5d16_b.jpg

But some 17mm wheel spacers fixed that (manly)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4552/...84aed10f_b.jpg

I chopped the front airdam, and then the front bumper, and then deleted the front bumper. The stock CFX bumper wound up working perfectly mounted on top of the frame instead of its intended position below it. Nice bonus it had a functional winch mount!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/...3d4c9972_b.jpg

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Let there be light!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4524/...a7c9a53a_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/...e44a2915_b.jpg

Wiring install came out pretty clean

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/...928f84d2_b.jpg

About as much flex as you'd expect from this chassis with stock shocks

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/...8038e82e_b.jpg

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

And finally, what fun is trailing without your best friend?

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4558/...d79422b4_b.jpg

As far as performance I'm fairly satisfied with the rig. Admittedly, it won't keep up with my SCX10 or Ascender, but it's not really supposed to. I blew two of the shocks out the first run, mainly because I had to overpressurize them so much to support the heavy body. I just got some 70mm Kings, I expect they'll do better.

Some video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRYTc3v5G1o

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Very nice project good sir. "thumbsup"

Going to blow out your kings too if you rely on the hydraulic pressure inside the shock to support the rig. Thats a no-no for sure. The springs are what hold up the truck.

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Thank you!

And true on the shocks. I used the heaviest MST springs but they just weren't enough. I'm hopeful I can get sufficiently stiff King springs or compensate with preload adjustment, something the MST's don't feature.

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

Nice, and like the battery position. Bought one of these bodies myself, but also a Loops Pajero. And as that came with mounts, and its a van it gave me more space for electronics/ battery etc...

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

I guess I was remiss in never updating this thread as far as shocks and ride height.

The 70mm King shocks worked perfectly with the stock springs for the heavy JK body, and have performed well ever since!

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

what size battery is that? holy crap best i could figure on my scx10 jeep was a 1300 3s gens ace!

Re: Wrangler Rubicon on CFX
 

It's a 4000mah 3S Gens Ace softpack. It has to be in JUST the right position for the body to fit on right around it.

Kinda pointless, I have some 2800mah Flureons now that fit easily and last almost as long.