Newbie build, need sanity check
 

Hey folks,

I've been dabbling with various RC vehicles for a while now (associated RC10T4, planes, etc). I also like offroad driving (full size :) and rock crawling so it makes sense to me to think about building a nifty RC crawler. Certainly cheaper than the real thing :)

Here's what I'm thinking about doing, if anyone sees anything horribly wrong please give me a holler!

To start with, I know the basics about the parts I need - but for things like solid links, drive shafts, etc I don't know size. I was planning on buying the following parts, getting them mocked up, and then doing some measuring and order links and shafts. The site I was planning to order from is rc4wd.com, mostly because they popped up near the top of the list in Google and seem to have a good selection of stuff.

To Start:

Rock Rider 2.2 Chassis: http://store.rc4wd.com/Rock-Rider-22...sis_p_789.html
T-Rex 60 Aluminum Front Axle: http://store.rc4wd.com/T-Rex-60-Alum...le-_p_494.html
T-Rex 60 Aluminum Rear Straight Axle: http://store.rc4wd.com/T-Rex-60-Alum...xle_p_495.html
R2 Black Crawler Transmission V2: http://store.rc4wd.com/R2-Black-Craw...-V2_p_842.html
Gmade ZERO Shock Black 104mm: http://store.rc4wd.com/Gmade-ZERO-Sh...m-4_p_902.html
Tekin Rock Crawler Motor 55T: http://store.rc4wd.com/Tekin-Rock-Cr...d-_p_1262.html
Magnum Beadlock Wheels: http://store.rc4wd.com/Magnums-DT-Na...ls-4_p_44.html
Rock Stomper tires: http://store.rc4wd.com/Rock-Stompers...res_p_734.html

Like I said, after all that is more or less together, I would measure and buy links and drive shafts... Anything I'm forgetting? I know I also need a radio and ESC, not sure what direction I will go with that yet.

Any comments or suggestions welcome... Also toying with a MOA concept, but not sure I need the extra complexity right now :)

Thanks!

You've got some nice stuff there, pretty expensive but nice.
Have you considered buying a used Axial ax10? Just to make sure you like it before you spend $260 on axles ;-)

Thanks - yeah, a bit more spendy than I was expecting but I was thinking (or rationalizing, probably) the plan because: 1, I have a decent amount of RC experience as a "user" and am eager to get some as a "builder", 2, I have a decent suspicion that I will enjoy the process (working on my 1:1 vehicles is a big hobby) and 3, I could go buy a used or RTR kit but then miss the building experience and sink money into parts I will likely not have use for down the road.

Good feedback though, these are all questions I'm thinking about...

ok, just make sure you research what your buying. I've read mixed reviews on them, some say the newer versions are better than the originals.
BTW, Axial axles = Tried and True "thumbsup"

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showt...ighlight=T-Rex

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showt...ighlight=T-Rex

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showt...ighlight=T-Rex

Yep, was going to more research on the specific parts - thanks for the tip - I like the "scale" concept but am not even remotely fanatical about it - lots to learn about, mostly just wanted to get a quick temperature reading, so many chassis / axle / suspension / tranny / motor options!

Assume you're talking about the Axial AX10 axles being "tried and true"? I see that CKRC makes quite a few aluminum parts for them, do you know if there's an "all metal" axle kit for Axial or do I have to buy the bits and pieces individually?

Thanks!

if you think that you are going to miss out on the build well you wouldnt because if you baught a used truck then you will have all the parts that are needed to build a crawler and make the chassis how you want it...the axial axles are a really good axle to go with...and as far as links then you can make your own...all you need are some rod ends...you can get thoise on rc4wd or you can get thyem on ebay in bulk and at a great price...then get some 3/16 threaded rod and some aluminum tubing an wallah you have all the parts to make your own custom links...and for drive shafts the axial shafts are telescoping so you dont have to order custioms...for a first build getting a used truck prolly will be a big plus

Yeah, so what you're saying is, use the used truck as a platform to build on, replacing parts as I go or moving them to a new chassis or whatever... That's an idea...