The SW3 won't come with lower links, but the 96mm Maxx turnbuckles should put you close to a 12 1/2" wheelbase. If you bend the links yourself, just compare them to ensure they are all bent at the same angle.

Bender, Do you have ballpark when sw3 will be ready ? Design wise will the sw3 be like your rig or is it going like sw2, but 3 pieces ?

I'm hoping to start on them after I get back from Easter Jeep Safari. But, machine availability will be the determining factor. The SW3 will have a 1 piece motor side plate, unlike the prototypes.

wanna make me some bent delrin links for the sw3? :mrgreen:

The lathe at the shop has been booked solid, so I haven't been able to do links lately.

Damn that sucks, the prototypes are badass looking !! I kill have one....:shock:

Here's what the production version will look like.

Edit: Sorry, I had to delete the pics.

damnit...:D !!! Looks awesome !!!

that is cool having one side open like that

Looks awesome Brad.

What made you change to one piece? Too much flex?

May have to break down and get the new generation.

Thanks,
John

Thanks.

There was a little flex in the prototypes, but it wasn't too bad. I want the production version to be able to handle alot of abuse. The one piece design beefs the chassis up big time, and it's lighter.

i like the 3 piece side because it alloes you to pull the tranny out without total disassembly. it does flex, but its not bad at all, i mean really what can the sprung center section of a 2.2 weigh. on mine i can twist it by hand barely

I like my protype setup better.The the production style

looks good :D

look at the motor side of the production model, even though it is one piece you should still be able to pull the motor, there is less to it than the 3 piece prototype:shock:

Aaarrrrrggg...:x I have found myself in a dilema...I just picked up a TLT kit, got the axles built and I am ready to think about the chassis. I am a "build it all yourself" kinda guy, but this chassis looks sweet. So, your looking at after Easter for this to become available huh? I'm up in the air to wait or to just build :lol:

I dig the looks of the new 1 peice side plate as opposed to 3 seperate peices. This looks much more stout!8) "thumbsup"

I agree with halfcab. I like the looks of the production style. Nice work BENDER."thumbsup"

no on the 3 piece you can take out 2 screws and pull the tranny, motor and all. no need to disconnect the drive shafts

That is one of the things I like about the Prototype version... I guess I need to post up the build on my SW3 prototype.... I love it!!

I just received my SW3(via Sparky J"thumbsup" ), and it is one awesome looking chassis/rig. I haven't had a chance yet to drive it, but just by looking at it, I know it won't have any major changes to it(just the usual maintenance). Props to you again BENDER for making a sick butt Chassis"thumbsup"

Bender,
What ever number you've chosen for your first production run.... You better double it! You're going to sell a lot of SW3's.

Awesome!
My Visa Card number is: .....

Yeah it's really nice not having to take off the shafts to pull the tranny. Just take out the two tranny srews and slide it out, sooo nice.
The production version looks pretty bad azz too, but I'm glad I've got the proto, I think it's still slightly better looking.

Any Update's on the progress/release for the production version SW3?

I'm getting closer. ;-) :lol:

I'm going to order all the material for the chassis plates, link mounts and skids very soon. I'm working on scheduling them into the machine now too. By the time the material is ready, I should be able to get started.

Sweet, taking any pre-orders:?: :mrgreen:

Just wondering, But how do you make your chassis's ? Are the plates milled out or plasma out or...? then mill down...ect ???

Sssshhhh.....it's a secret.:lol:
Sounds great, Brad. My 9yr old daughter is getting excited about her SW2 to SW3 swap. She just finished 10th overall for our
WARCRC winter series. She didn't beat Grover, but I know the SW3 is going to give her that edge she needs for the summer series 8) "thumbsup"
Nathan

I can't wait for this thing to be released. My current SW2 is awesome and this looks even better."thumbsup"

Maybe when I get closer to starting them. ;-)

I have the chassis plates sheered a little bigger then needed by another shop. Then I CNC mill all chassis' myself. Nothing is lasered out, even the link mounts are CNC machined. ;-)

She must be a talented driver to pull off 10th, no matter what chassis she runs. "thumbsup"

Thanks man. 8)

Production Version
 

I managed to squeeze the first production SW3 in the CNC mill today. I just finished mocking/building it up. I will post up in the vendors market, and start taking pre-orders very soon. I have alot of material on order. ;-)

Here's a few pics with the R2 tranny. Then the build with the Pede tranny.

when will you take my money you know I want to be frist in line:lol:

I'll be the 2nd in line then. :)

I enjoyed my SW2s and I'd love to try an SW3.

Will the pre-sale include a black anodized version?

Yes it will. I'll start with the silver chassis'. Then jump on the anodized plates when they are ready. So, the silver version will probably be available first.

I have 2 SW2's and i cant wait to get my hands on a 3"thumbsup"

I'm diggin' the RCCRAWLER.COM logo on the side!"thumbsup" I might need 2 of those;-)

I'll powder coat mine black first thing when I get it. :D

Wait for the black anodized. Benders quality is second to none.

Yup, agreed. I have a "regular" sw2 and a black one that was my wife's truck. They do look nice. Especially the silver "outline" since it gets machined after the annodize process.

Waiting for a black one might not be a bad idea anyway. That way it will be longer before the wife kills me for having another tlt. :)