Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Hey fellers...

Recently purchase a gently used special edition blazer tf2. Currently going through most of the tf2 mods / upgrades. Already so fearful of the rc4wd soft screws and darn loctite!
Question.....
Is there any way to get more clearance on its T-case etc. With the scale engine centred I’m not too sure on what can be done. Appreciate any help and directions where to look if it’s already out there.

Thanks and be blessed

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3cfbd82441.jpg


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Cool truck, this uses same Hammer tcase as the Toyota pickup, but the mount is overhead like a real Chevy.
https://store.rc4wd.com/RC4WD-Trail-...on_p_5694.html

I'll bet the Bowhouse nylon high clearance skid will bolt on and raise it slightly, however it might already be higher than that. Got a side view picture with the body off? Also email Bowhouse as maybe they will make one for you, otherwise you can make your own.

Good guys to deal with and they make nice parts! :)
https://bowhouserc.com/tf2-collection/

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Thanks for the help.., what a crazy anchor this thing has. Couldn’t be any worse[emoji2369]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...55884819d9.jpg

Not so bad from this side but it’s still so low...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...98edda0fc9.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...31727de853.jpg

With centred engine/ tranny, don’t think a lot can be done. Too much to ask for scale and performance;)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...47bee5c72a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...80d65942c2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...704e977f94.jpg


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Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

I take it this is the one I’ll need..., doesn’t look like it’ll add much clearance but may slide easier???

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c1b190ebf8.jpg

https://bowhouserc.com/n2r-skid-for-tf2-gcm-lrt2-combo/


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

They’re not bad are they.... Eh?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fcb74e9553.jpg

Beautiful! Little lines are only from polished reflection[emoji108]



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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Actually, if you've got the Limited Ed. RTR, you're going to want this one:

https://bowhouserc.com/n2r-skid-for-...-hammer-combo/

I picked up this skid for mine. And no, it won't add much clearance, as the Hammer T-case is still mounted the same way. But it will help keep the truck from catching on the sharp edges of the stock skid plate.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Thank you!!!

Have you noticed much of a difference?





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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Correct, eh...pass the cruellers. I've got their nylon printed versions, but probably going to buy the machined ones only because metal. I've had zero issues with the printed nylon even with hard wheeling and some spills. :)

Thanks for chiming in, looks proper! Yes, should catch less on rocks and roots. :)

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

No, I can't say I noticed a difference, because I swapped out the stock skid plate with the Bowhouse RC version before I ever hit the trails.

Scale and performance is always going to be something of a trade-off in this great little hobby. I love the scaleness of V8 motor, R4 trans, & Hammer T-case, but it all just sits too low for the best performance. So, I picked up another Tf2 with a R3 trans to make a performance rig.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Haha., thanks you Hosers!;)))

Really appreciate the help. Not till I bought the special edition did I realize it came with yota axles and a non performance t case. Yay

What can you do?


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Well, first thing, swap out those Yotas for some cast K44s with the right/passenger offset pumpkin for GM correctness!
And pick up either RC4WD's or A&M Garage's shackle reverse kit for the front leafs. I used the A&M version for my Limited Ed. RTR, and the only real issue I ran into was moving the servo to make room for radiator and pulley accessories. I've ordered a RC4WD kit to try with the other TF2 from my LHS, but I haven't picked it up yet.

Here's my take on the RTR in case you're interested:

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/rc4wd...k5-blazer.html

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Natedog "thumbsup"
Just trying to help pass the little bit I've picked up, small as my experience is compared to the wealth of knowledge on here from guys like you.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

So interested! Definitely have gone through your build and will continue to do so. Appreciate all the help.., my first leaf sprung truck.., this crawling thing is too addicting[emoji108][emoji108]

Thanks



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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Just wondering which rc4wd crawler is the most capable? Marlin Crawler? Not a fan of 2 speed trans....

Thinking if I kept the blazer as a scale/ pretty piece., and get a second more for performance? Thanks


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

I'm in a similar situation. I was going to pick up a Marlin but change the body to a Blazer. The Marlin comes a single speed R3 transmission with some nice chassis upgrades (Yota II axles, taller front hoops, metal bumpers, etc.) and the bobbed bed on the body. But for me, those options didn't amount to much since I planned to swap out the body, bumpers, tires, axles and more anyway.
I wound up getting lightly used / modified TF2 that started as a Marlin, but not much Marlin-ness left on it. I'm not particularly crazy about the open pinion/spur gears on the R3, but I'm going to try it. A&M Garage makes a skid plate that really reduces hangup points for that setup.

Short story is, I think all of them are capable, especially for using leafs. But there's going to be some compromises on scale vs. performance. That said, a stock Marlin may be a good place to start until you figure out what mods you want to make.

Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

I might stick with blazer for now.., has anyone had much use with the teraflex shackles? I’m waiting on the z-boxes yet..., hope it makes a big difference because without them ; I have no flex at the moment. What about direction... RC4WD has pics of them every way;)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ae2a468ff8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bb1cfa0ebb.jpg

Thanks



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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Don't bother with any of that monkey motion stuff, do the basic cheap/free mods, disassemble, check, reassemble everything. I had several bent leafs right out of the box, hand straightened each leaf to ensure they all had about same arch and curvature. Don't over-tighten the screws that hold the leafs to the axles as they should be gently snugged and then I backed off about 1/4-1/2 turn, they need to be able to slightly rotate during suspension flex. I've not done the Chino mod yet, have really good flex imo for a leaf setup, my TF2 crawls great!

The leafs need some break-in wheeling time, gently fully compress/ stretch both axles to full limits of travel in both directions helps too. "thumbsup"

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

One thing I've had to learn going from links to leafs, flex isn't all what it's cracked up to be. Some places set up Class 1 trails to where little to no flex is an advantage, allowing you to carry a tire over a hole rather than letting it flex down into it.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Really appreciate your help and response! Thanks. Unfortunately I purchased the Tera-flex kit.., pretty much installed. Still waiting for my o-rings and might do the chino.., Which probably isn’t needed since I have the teraflex... tons of flex. I installed the the rear shock brace bar upside down, giving full flexibility.
Ill try it out, thinking it’ll be way too much flex. I limited my SCXii blazer build to look a little more scale as it is. Using the teraflex seems to make it more dependant on the shocks, than the leafs. Kinda defeating the purpose of having a leaf sprung truck.



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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

You are welcome! I had some of the same questions as you, and I didn't see many people on here that seemed to have much experience with the LE RTR.

I was tempted by the Teraflex setup as well. A couple of things that helped me decide not to try it was the slight raising of the center of gravity (with this truck tipping the scales around 9 lbs. for me, that was concerning) and the lack of means to dampen or slow down the flexing; the truck could just rock over on the Teraflex boxes and shackles uncontrolled. That might cause a disaster during side-hilling. But, of course it will depend on the terrain you prefer to drive on if the Teraflex setup will work for you.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Yes.

Several years ago when this stuff was popular in 1:1 wheeling, I watched a couple buddies almost roll their trucks due to excessive travel and lack of damping on side hills. I’ve observed similar with rc. YMMV :)

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Thanks guys!

Currently with taking the one helper leaf out and springs out., I have no downward movement. It’s like 100% droop... so if I have the teraflex in with soft springs I have lots of controlled flex.
....but seems to sit more like a linked/ spring sprung truck than a leafy (kinda defeating why I bought it).
As stated, I am sitting a little higher than normal ([emoji3595]cog).
Currently building and playing., I really appreciate the input.


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cb24580388.jpg
Truck with body just sitting on rails and no rear springs (100% droop in back)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dbccba3a7c.jpg

Front flexed out (straight down, not angled flex)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c1fbe2e326.jpg

Much higher than its low SCXii bro


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Good Lord, we've had the California Squat, the Carolina Squat, and now the Canada Squat, eh? :shock:

Did you take the internal springs out of the front shocks? I was running into an issue of no (and I mean NONE!) compression travel out of the box. I could feel it bottom out before the shock was reaching full compression. I was swapping things around, and I think the springs in the shocks were not the correct length from the factory. I removed one set from the dual front shocks completely, and borrowed the pair that came out of the rear for the other pair. The rear shocks are 10mm shorter, and that really made a difference for the front compression travel. Running the full spring set up I have now, I could probably remove all the internal springs, but with all that weight from the scale drivetrain, I just thought it would help carry the extra weight.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Hahaha., pretty much eh[emoji108]

Ya, I didn’t have any travel with the scale drivetrain/ weight as well!
I tried the rear spring in the front but it actually stopped full compression of shock (unless something got caught up on me).
So many options., too much fun!


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Yes, removed my internal springs too, leafs only. I've got the Gelande II hoops up front and got my travel well dialed now, took some trial and error though.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Natedog, this is another one of those moments of scale/cool looks vs. performance. If you notice the LE RTR comes with the dual shock mount on the front, which is no longer available separately from RC4WD. That was another added bonus draw for me with the LE. Otherwise, I would've upgraded to the Gelande II front hoops as well.

Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...07733e14fb.jpg

Couldn’t do the full Tera-flex.., it’s was way too much with the full setup in the back! Currently running the z-boxes in the back and teraflex shackles up front..., seems like a nice amount of travel. Definitely running some light springs to give me some downward travel (shackles aren’t lose either). Might need to limit the back slightly later on.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1c864a9552.jpg

Here’s how it sits with body just resting on rock guards. Think when I’m done., I’ll have the body sitting 3/8” - 1/2” lower than stock configuration. This way with some added flex, it won’t look monster truckish!


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Another issue., not sure if it’s because I’m using half the teraflex setup or if it’d happen either way..., tire is really off centred now.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...865155dc3e.jpg
Any tricks that might remedy this.., put on original rear shackle hardware or can I install the bowhouse shackle hardware backwards?
Appreciate the input.., I’m sure I’ll be switching things around for a while (probably best to erase the teraflex kit..., just trying not to waste a costly purchase;)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...85a7f79bdd.jpg

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

There is another option to fine tune the position of the axle in relation to the body: scale U-bolts!
With this you can slide the axle along the leafs to where you desire. But the drawback I discovered is that if you don't tighten them correctly, they may slide out of alignment after a hard knock or two! lol

BTW, did I mention there are reverse mount kits for the front? RC4WD and A&M Garage make sets. This can help with handling going over bumps.
I have the A&M Garage on my LE, and have the RC4WD to be installed on my other TF2.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

U-bolts! Smart! I’ve seen them but never clued in they could be used to adjust axle position

Reverse mounts.., thank you again. Wasn’t sure if they had more than just a “look” component. Will check it out..,


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Oops I overlooked that, good call. :lmao:"thumbsup"

You know my vote. :lmao:"thumbsup"

Yes, u-bolts add great scale realism too!

Ooooh, comparison review needed please. 8)"thumbsup"

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

[QUOTE=Natedog;5957212



Ooooh, comparison review needed please. 8)"thumbsup"[/QUOTE]


[emoji108][emoji108][emoji108]., I second that



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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Think I’ll be running without the teraflex..., might have to save that for a marlin build in the future. What a waste of $$$.

Lights installed., battery tray in front. Going to compare to my SCXii Build, trying to keep weight in the same spot.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7baf5ed168.jpg

Working on 1. extending power lead...,
2. Inner fenders
3. Additional front and rear body to chassis brackets


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Mostly done.., need to make a few skid plates for the under carriage ( bumpers are always the hang up points).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f077c89765.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...64d8bda11c.jpg


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Idk how fair a comparision I can I do with the A&M on the LE and the RC4WD on the standard TF2, but I will see what I can do. "thumbsup"


What have you painted on the hood there? It looks like it's got an almost diamond pattern texture

.

Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

What have you painted on the hood there? It looks like it's got an almost diamond pattern texture



.[/QUOTE]



I used plastidip.., just in case I didn’t like it. I can clear it to make it more permanent.... feel bad doing it to a nicely preprinted body.

I did white first.., than used a net (avocado bag) and sprayed with black[emoji108] (wanted to do a doile but couldn’t find one right away[emoji3061]).




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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Here’s what we got so far....

https://youtu.be/s-aOIuvxaSw


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

https://youtu.be/URnPpfWXYX8


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Re: Special Edition Blazer T-case clearance
 

Why isn’t the rear axles centred on blazer wheel wells? I did a better job on my Axial Build. Is it easy enough to drill another hole through leafs? U-bolts are not cheap and shipping for everything to Merica-jr is not cheap;).


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