New Merlin rtr front tire binding out of the box.

[StrykeTwo]

Just got the recently released RTR Merlin edition and both front tires rub and bind on the body/fenders when turned sharply. This is with no load on level ground. So much that it slows the truck down noticeably. The rubbing is happening at he back of the front fender wells. I am a noob and this is my first crawler and scale truck. Thanks for any help.

[coffeeaddict17]

Can you post some pictures? If the tire itself is coming in contact with the body, you have a couple options. You can add more arch to your leaf spring to give the truck a bit more lift to clear the tire. You can also trim/sand the body. Without seeing the severity of the rub, its hard to tell which could be the best way to go. Welcome to the trail finder addiction!

[Zippy1]

It's a pretty substantial rub. As mine does it as well. Haven't investigated a solution yet. So I'll just wait here for the answer...

[Col_Sanders]

The tires are a bit large for the fenderwells. Either trim the fenders until they dont rub (shouldnt take much) or switch over to some smaller tires.

[RattleKan]

Mine did the same thing. I trimmed the fender a bit. I also added the Teraflex shackles and Z-Box’s and that lifted the truck just enough that the issue went away.


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[RattleKan]

I also moved the shock mounting positions. That is what really gave me the clearance I think. I forgot I did that.on the rear shocks I moved the top to the ost outer position and on the bottom location I moved the mountain position from the bottom to the top of the axle to allow more travel to get more flex witch has nothing to do with the front.

The front shocks I just moved the shock from the top mounting position to the bottom on the shock tower. I am going to lower the back b cause it has the old 70s rake to it and I can’t stand that. The truck works really well so far.


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[StrykeTwo]

Thanks. I trimmed the body, moved the shocks. Need to trim more I guess.
My ESC is jumppered to “drag break” but has none whatsoever. Can you post a pic of how yours is set up please? I am going to order the drop shakels as well.

[RattleKan]

hope this helps. Let me know if this is good enough or is you need me to get another shot. It has drag brake with the ESC set like this.


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[StrykeTwo]

Let me ask you this, (being a noob) is the truck supposed to just roll down any hill? Am I supposed to do something to initiate the drag braking? My ESC is set the same and mine just rolls away.
Thanks very much for your help!

[Col_Sanders]

Is the drag brake just weak or is it not working at all? Check the jumper settings on the ESC and make sure the drag brake is enabled. If the jumper is in the correct position, e-mail RC4WD.

[RattleKan]

It should work then. I think you have a bad ESC. Mine will almost stand on its nose if I just left off at full throttle. It should act like you slammed on the brakes.


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[StrykeTwo]

I contacted them. They say mine is fine and if I want it to stop I need to get a new (different) ESC and forego waterproofing. I have to say I am not impressed by this truck at all. I think Santa needs to bring me a TRX4.

[StomperCrawler]

Since they're unwilling to help you, I'd clean it up and return it to the store you bought it from. If you purchased with a credit card or on Amazon then it shouldn't be a problem as you can leverage their return policies and fraud protection.

[svt923]

Originally Posted by StrykeTwo

I contacted them. They say mine is fine and if I want it to stop I need to get a new (different) ESC and forego waterproofing. I have to say I am not impressed by this truck at all. I think Santa needs to bring me a TRX4.

Don't give up on the TF2 because of crappy RTR electronics. All RTRs put in cheap garbage to get you rolling, the TRX4 isn't much different in that respect.

You can get a better than stock ESC for $20

https://www.amazon.com/HobbyWing-HWI...hobbywing+1060

Or one of the best brushed ESCs on the market for $40

https://www.amazon.com/Hobbywing-Ele...hobbywing+1080

Once the electronics are sorted out, check out the TF2 guide for some suspension tuning info. The truck is a real solid performer with a little tweaking and the Marlin Crawler version should be even better than a regular TF2.

Are you in Zebulon, NC? If so, there are a bunch locals in the Wake County area with TF2s (including the guy that wrote the TF2 guide). There is plenty of help available to get your truck performing the way it should.

[StrykeTwo]

I spoke with the LHS and return was off the table. He actually got me in touch with the guy that wrote that guide. Basically directed me to the guide. It’s really hard for me to make time to do “wrenching” stuff. I have started doing som of the mods, and I am going to most likely get a new ESC (thanks SVT for the links). I am going to paint and weather it as well.
Thanks guys.