Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Not yet. There are a couple of other projects on the bench ahead of it. Hopefully soon...

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

I did find some time to tear down the steering and rebuild it. It definitely still has play, but seems a bit better after the rebuild. Not good enough, though. I'm going to try the Yeah Racing kit. It looks less likely to round out. Hopefully it gets here soon.

I really really really really want to get the steering sorted because overall I like the challenge of tackling the trails with the CC-01. I'd love to do an Isuzu Mu or Mitsubishi Pajero. Just gotta get the steering snugged up.

Here's the FJ Cruiser back on the trails...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1794/...75c56776_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

I broke down and ordered the (newish?) Yeah Racing steering kit after reaching the end of my rope with the GPM offering. I like driving this rig, but the inability for the steering to center drives me a little crazy. I don't have any experience with Yeah Racing parts minus a couple of cheap scale accessories. I was a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. Also... I can't stand the blue anodizing.*

Yet, here we are. The kit came mostly assembled, but I disassembled it and applied thread lock to all the metal on metal fasteners (check out some of the early trail runs in this thread for fun with forgetting thread lock). The most noticeable thing to me (beyond that blue anodizing!) is how much more material there is for engagement between the parts than there is on the GPM kit. That has me optimistic. Reassembly was smooth. The linkages seem OK. Probably better than stock. They could probably be swapped out if things become problematic. Plus, once it's all back together you can hardly see the blue! Yay!

A quick test on the floor had the steering centering a little better at standstill, but not great (sticky rubber on hardwood floor, so a fair amount of stickiness). With a little forward momentum things centered better still. Time to take it out on the trails and give it a real test.

Here are a few sloppy pics if they help anyone...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/...8360a814_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/...131f6f55_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/...ca06e9da_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/...7865b2ec_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

* Yes, I know that can be removed. I'm just not likely to do it.

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

I had the little FJ Cruiser out the other day to test the Year Racing steering kit. I was pleased with the way it centered and at one point realized I wasn't even thinking about it, which is a really good sign. The outing wasn't long, but it did cover some terrain that can be challenging for a CC-01.

Time will tell on the durability front, but at least for now I'm optimistic.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/...0a1aa807_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1861/...e89206c2_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1897/...ee877fb3_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/...02a9a799_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Here's a little video of the FJ Cruiser out on the trails...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfReIGoNldI

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Nice truck!

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Thanks!

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Hey! I just read through this thread - great work! She's beauty "thumbsup"

I built the FJ40 CC01 and also painted it in Corsa Grey - I guess you could call it the "Grandfather" to your FJ Cruiser ;-) (I just put some pics up in the CC01 picture archive)

I have been running my YR steering kit for quite some time (I took FOREVER to settle on a brand.) So far, so good! I also added the Junfac skid plate and 4-link set. You are absolutely right about the reduced ground clearance. My mate hated his and removed it straight away but I have left mine on. I do a fair bit of driving in rocky terrain and it takes an absolute beating - so it's doing it's job. I've gotten used to it now.

The CC01 certainly makes you pick your lines from a "scale point of view"!

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Thanks! Good to hear about the YR steering kit. It's holding up fine so far. I hope things continue this way.

Bonus photo!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1932/...e0bf9a93_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

This little guy recently crossed the 50 mile mark out on the trails. Not bad for a truck that I generally only use on shorter outings. To celebrate... PHOTOS!!!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/...8dab3232_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4861/...41dc518f_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1937/...bfbf951f_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1906/...0d432079_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1964/...9478cf4c_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Hi Johnny,
You have one serious looking rig, congratulations "thumbsup"
I wonder what's your toughts about the RC4WD Duratracs so far on your CC?
I just ordered these tires for my CC Pajero. It's about the same weight as your rig with a little less wheelbase.

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

I like the tires. They're a great size for these CC-01s. I think the CI Deuces Wild foams I have in there are a touch too big. I think I'm going to swap out the foams.

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Here's an embarrassing story...

I had noticed that the power in the little FJ Cruiser had gotten really soft in reverse. Since I had just replaced the brushes in a couple of other rigs due to power loss, I figured the sealed-can Axial 55T was giving up the ghost. So I ordered up a Holmes Hobbies 55T to throw in there. Six screws, a few minutes of soldering and a pinion swap later the new motor was in the CC01. Toss in a battery and... the power is still really soft in reverse.

OK, maybe the ESC settings got messed up. Let's plug the Sidewinder 3 into the Castle Link and have a look-see. Hmmm. Everything looks fine.

Wait a sec. Right before I started having issues I let Big Little Guy drive the FJ Cruiser around in the snow. You don't think... Maybe... Hmmm... Yup.... that's it. Looks like Big Little Guy's gloved hands somehow turned the brake rate (and reverse power) way down on the transmitter. Oops.

Oh well, I've got a backup Axial 55T now!

https://live.staticflickr.com/7807/4...0da57181_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/7867/4...aae796f8_b.jpg
Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Great photos! The perspective from which you take them is awesome. And I like the filters you're using as well!

What camera are you using?

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Thanks! All of the trail photos and a bunch of the build photos are just iPhone shots. I've got a bunch of nice camera gear, but I don't usually bother dragging it out on the trails with me.

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

Pretty impressive. I moved to an iPhone and I'm not impressed with the photos, but they haven't looked like yours. How much post-processing did you do?

Re: FJ Cruiser Build
 

I do a pass on the photos in the VSCO app. They've got some nice filters, but I rarely use them straight up. I usually end up doing some adjustments. At this point I know what works pretty well and can tweak 'em pretty quickly.