Come meet "The Duke"

[Grizzly4x4]

Here is my Mod Clod, The Duke. I named it after John Wayne, the toughest sumbich to ever breathe air IMO.

The frame is all 16Ga, MIG welded, 1/2" box steel, that is what I like to work with cuz I can weld it. I still need to finish the roll cage though.
For the suspension, I wanted something unique and functional. I like the idea of cantilevered coilovers but dont like what they do to the spring
rate so I decided to separate them. The Duke runs a coil spring suspension and not the traditional coilover shock/spring.
The coils are mounted between the frame and axles while the shocks are horizontally mounted on the frame with a cantilever system.
The cantilevers were made from airplane nosewheel steering blocks and arms. They give about a 2:1 ratio.
This setup gives me alot of suspension droop,in fact the axles droop more than they compress.
The springs are 2.5" Losi springs and are held in place by shock spring cups turned upside down.
I am still experimenting, but softer springs (pink) in the rear really seemed to hurt performance.

I made the lower link axle mounts myself. They bolt to the axle tube with a u-bolt (inspired by Ace). The rear links are much longer than the front
so the links are not symmetrical about the center of the chassis. This was done to keep as much weight on the front axle as possible.
Front links are mounted below the skidplate because they are so short but the rear links mount above to keep a smooth surface for sliding
over sharp breakovers. Both sets of lower links are bent for clearance to allow the tires to catch rocks before the links hit.
Luck has played a big part in the link geometry, the lower link angles look pretty steep but everything seems to be ok.
I wont pretend that I calculated it all out, I just took a best guess.
Traxxes 4 Tec battery cups locate the battery to a plastic plate on top of the frame over the front axle and as far forward as possible.

Some general stuff: Mag Mayhems, Rooster, JB Lockers, 8T Rear 9T front pinions, Ace-built wheel adaptors, Imex Maxx Outlaw wheels,
Savage Tyres (sometimes BFT's).
Wheelbase: 14"
Overall Width: 13.75"
Overall Height: 11.5" w/ Bronco body
Overall length: 20.25"

Have a look at the pics, comments, questions, and criticism are welcome. Thanks.

[Ace]

Hmmm, not bad for a Clod

[Fishmaxx]

VERY NICE.........................

Ol Duke needs 4ws

[Ace]

I find full time 4ws to be a pain in the arse.

Only way I'd add 4ws is on a third channel.

[RcRock-Guru]

Lookin good! I really like the suspension, very unique.

[DirkDigler]

I love the Duke. It's a real performer too guys!

As for 4ws: I wouldn't highly recommend it. I use it on my Digler truck because it is so ****in big! 17 inches of wheel base, 16 inches wide, Jumbo Kongs.....it needs all the help it can get while turning. On my other truck, I don't use it. However, it does help alot in tight, rolling terrain. When you are in very large rocks, it helps but it sometimes hurts more than helps. However, however....if you have a radio that allows you to run the rear locked out, crab steer and regular 4ws, then it might be perfect. Hmmmmm.....I guess I'm still undecided......

[mat]

Original design man!! nice work

[DirkDigler]

I wish everyone could see Griz's and Ace's trucks in person to appreciate how good the work is on these trucks. Not only are they innovative and look good, they simply work awesome!

[Grizzly4x4]

Thanks for the props guys, I really appreciate it.

My take on 4ws is I have only wished I had it like 1% of the time. The truck is very maneuvorable cuz of the 14" wb. When I see a serious need for it I will put it on, like if some serious competitions start up, but like Dirk and Ace point out, it will only be on a 3rd channel. I am toying with the idea of the motor disconnect idea just to try it.

Thanks for the love Dirk, Ace an I were really worried that our rigs wouldn't stack up to the rest when we first went to meet. The only thing we had to compare to was each other and our trucks are so similar. Again, thanks and glad ya'll like it.

[boohoo583]

Now that is awsome! It is really scale! I love the suspension set up! Hell ya!