RCCrawler Forums

rcfx · 03-15-2006, 08:34 PM

Whats up everyone. I have never even driven a rock crawler and here I am building one. Original plans where to go with a tlt-1 and mod that. But my creativity got the best of me and I ended up taking the long road. All your end results looks like it will be worth the time and effort to finish this project.

I chose the name Project Alpha for the reason above. Since I've never even experienced the crawler world, everything is a first. First/new... alpha... get it... annnyways...

Based on what I've read (mostly here) and seen, this is my design. Tweaks and adjustments are still being made. 55T is on the way as well.

Using Maxx arms, driveshafts, knuckles, diffs, bulks. Also few other metal parts. Appreciate any help! Enjoy!

smokinubyrc · 03-15-2006, 08:54 PM

maxxes are know to have the clearence under the diff why did you make it streight axle angle them arms down a little like i have mine
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=3/7218524014.jpg&s=x11

rcfx · 03-15-2006, 09:51 PM

yep i will... i just need to attach my servos before those are permanent

bbaXJ · 03-16-2006, 06:31 AM

Chassis plates look dangerously thin...

TwistedCreations · 03-16-2006, 08:23 AM

Well, welcome to the addicting world or RC crawling

I'll make a few suggestions and it's up to you to do them or not. I know some may be later down the road due to cash flow/etc.

First I would put the skidplates on the axles. Measure the width of the shock tower and then make some custom tower mounts. Then I would make lockout links and have the axles angled up.
That way the axles look like this........

Then I would think about swapping over to the Revo axles and knuckles, because you will be snapping those maxx axle shafts. Then install my servo.Servo should be the last to go on.

Now with the axles done, I would look at my chassis.

With the chassis you have, it looks a little flexible, but that is no big deal as long as you add enough side braces.

The main problem i see with the chassis will be your shock mounts. You will have the shocks laying down at a great degree and it will cause 2 things.

Dramatic torque twist and a very soft suspension which will give you tons of flex that you do not need. If your set on that style of chassis, i would suggest some shock mounts coming off the chassis like Ranovru did with his maxx. You will see how he moved his shocks out farther on the axle and doesn't have them laid down as much. He posted that he was more happy with the way the truck performed also.

Also with running the pede tranny, it performs better when the tranny is laid down. It gets the weight of the motor lower.

So there are just a few things for you to think about

rcfx · 03-16-2006, 10:15 AM

interesting

those are definatly the pointers im after. ive been toying around with the idea of remaking the chassis. this pretty much confirms it. That is exactly what Iwas worried about, the shocks. I see a lot of people connecting them to the push rods to get a more vertical stance. Whats better to connect to... push rods or axles??

As far as the new chassis goes im not sure yet. I am limited to some tools (drill press is on my side) so I cant go to extreme yet. Also cash is not limitless... unfortunatly.

Any other chassis ideas welcome!

TwistedCreations · 03-16-2006, 10:39 AM

With a maxx truck, I have found it( some others have also) that it is better to connect the shocks on the axles. Put them out as far on the axle, as close to the wheel as possible without rubbing.

smokinubyrc · 03-16-2006, 03:18 PM

tc, has it all and toyofast sells those lock out kits in the vender thread and yeah connect the skid plate before you do much more i see in a couple pics you dont have all the parts to make one of the axles

and for shock place ment you should have them as verticle and connected to the axles

rcfx · 03-16-2006, 04:47 PM

Cool... i will have to check more into the vendors sections

I've designed a new chassis. It doesnt stand nearly as high, and is a bit longer. unfortunatly the weight has also been increased. mainly due to fear of chassis flex. oh well... trial and error right!

Crawlsalot · 03-16-2006, 05:08 PM

looks like the start of a good build. good luck

TwistedCreations · 03-16-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokinu_by_rc

toyofast sells those lock out kits

I sell them too

rcfx · 03-16-2006, 08:02 PM

After a trip to the hardware store after work... this is what I came up with for the new chassis.

DISTURBIN' tha PEACE · 03-16-2006, 08:18 PM

Maybe aluminium in stead of iron?

rcfx · 03-16-2006, 08:34 PM

its steel... same difference though. The center plate thats a lighter metal color is aluminum.

when do i need to start worrying about its weight?? im at about 6 pounds with chassis and arms.

smokinubyrc · 03-16-2006, 09:29 PM

um right about know you will be puching 10 12 punds with electronics on their i would switch out the angle peices for some alum ones cuz it makes a big diffence in weight

rcfx · 03-17-2006, 05:56 AM

Good idea.

Hopefully Lowes has what I need. The chassis is MUCH stronger now though!

rcfx · 03-17-2006, 07:12 PM

Disturbin' - I did swap out the steel with aluminum. Lost about 2.5 lbs. BIG difference. I will post pics tonight.

Got the front axles complete with servo plate, ect... its coming along nicely. The trick will be once I try it out....

DISTURBIN' tha PEACE · 03-17-2006, 08:36 PM

That'll end up being alot of weight saving in the end. Good job.

rcfx · 03-17-2006, 11:24 PM

Pics...

Also, if anyone has suggestions on where to find brake line/tube.

Also... just a workshop pic. I always like seeing other peoples shops so here's mine.

bbaXJ · 03-17-2006, 11:28 PM

To get brake line go to any automotive parts store.....whatever's in your area....Murray's, NAPA, Carquest, etc.

03-15-2006, 08:34 PM	#1
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	Project Alpha - Custom built maxxer Whats up everyone. I have never even driven a rock crawler and here I am building one. Original plans where to go with a tlt-1 and mod that. But my creativity got the best of me and I ended up taking the long road. All your end results looks like it will be worth the time and effort to finish this project. I chose the name Project Alpha for the reason above. Since I've never even experienced the crawler world, everything is a first. First/new... alpha... get it... annnyways... Based on what I've read (mostly here) and seen, this is my design. Tweaks and adjustments are still being made. 55T is on the way as well. Using Maxx arms, driveshafts, knuckles, diffs, bulks. Also few other metal parts. Appreciate any help! Enjoy!

03-15-2006, 08:54 PM	#2
smokinubyrc I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crawler practice! Posts: 2,104	maxxes are know to have the clearence under the diff why did you make it streight axle angle them arms down a little like i have mine http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=3/7218524014.jpg&s=x11

03-15-2006, 09:51 PM	#3
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	yep i will... i just need to attach my servos before those are permanent

03-16-2006, 06:31 AM	#4
bbaXJ Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: All over Michigan Posts: 44	Chassis plates look dangerously thin...

03-16-2006, 08:23 AM	#5
TwistedCreations Colt Python/SR9c Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: out in the shop, reloading ammo! Posts: 8,626	Well, welcome to the addicting world or RC crawling I'll make a few suggestions and it's up to you to do them or not. I know some may be later down the road due to cash flow/etc. First I would put the skidplates on the axles. Measure the width of the shock tower and then make some custom tower mounts. Then I would make lockout links and have the axles angled up. That way the axles look like this........ Then I would think about swapping over to the Revo axles and knuckles, because you will be snapping those maxx axle shafts. Then install my servo.Servo should be the last to go on. Now with the axles done, I would look at my chassis. With the chassis you have, it looks a little flexible, but that is no big deal as long as you add enough side braces. The main problem i see with the chassis will be your shock mounts. You will have the shocks laying down at a great degree and it will cause 2 things. Dramatic torque twist and a very soft suspension which will give you tons of flex that you do not need. If your set on that style of chassis, i would suggest some shock mounts coming off the chassis like Ranovru did with his maxx. You will see how he moved his shocks out farther on the axle and doesn't have them laid down as much. He posted that he was more happy with the way the truck performed also. Also with running the pede tranny, it performs better when the tranny is laid down. It gets the weight of the motor lower. So there are just a few things for you to think about

03-16-2006, 10:15 AM	#6
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	interesting those are definatly the pointers im after. ive been toying around with the idea of remaking the chassis. this pretty much confirms it. That is exactly what Iwas worried about, the shocks. I see a lot of people connecting them to the push rods to get a more vertical stance. Whats better to connect to... push rods or axles?? As far as the new chassis goes im not sure yet. I am limited to some tools (drill press is on my side) so I cant go to extreme yet. Also cash is not limitless... unfortunatly. Any other chassis ideas welcome!

03-16-2006, 10:39 AM	#7
TwistedCreations Colt Python/SR9c Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: out in the shop, reloading ammo! Posts: 8,626	With a maxx truck, I have found it( some others have also) that it is better to connect the shocks on the axles. Put them out as far on the axle, as close to the wheel as possible without rubbing.

03-16-2006, 03:18 PM	#8
smokinubyrc I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crawler practice! Posts: 2,104	tc, has it all and toyofast sells those lock out kits in the vender thread and yeah connect the skid plate before you do much more i see in a couple pics you dont have all the parts to make one of the axles and for shock place ment you should have them as verticle and connected to the axles

03-16-2006, 04:47 PM	#9
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	Cool... i will have to check more into the vendors sections I've designed a new chassis. It doesnt stand nearly as high, and is a bit longer. unfortunatly the weight has also been increased. mainly due to fear of chassis flex. oh well... trial and error right!

03-16-2006, 05:08 PM	#10
Crawlsalot Rock Crawler Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: wyckoff, NJ Posts: 639	looks like the start of a good build. good luck

03-16-2006, 08:02 PM	#12
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	After a trip to the hardware store after work... this is what I came up with for the new chassis.

Sponsored Links

03-16-2006, 08:18 PM	#13
DISTURBIN' tha PEACE I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: On the G-Train!!!!! Posts: 6,081	Maybe aluminium in stead of iron?

03-16-2006, 08:34 PM	#14
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	its steel... same difference though. The center plate thats a lighter metal color is aluminum. when do i need to start worrying about its weight?? im at about 6 pounds with chassis and arms.

03-16-2006, 09:29 PM	#15
smokinubyrc I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crawler practice! Posts: 2,104	um right about know you will be puching 10 12 punds with electronics on their i would switch out the angle peices for some alum ones cuz it makes a big diffence in weight

03-17-2006, 05:56 AM	#16
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	Good idea. Hopefully Lowes has what I need. The chassis is MUCH stronger now though!

03-17-2006, 07:12 PM	#17
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	Disturbin' - I did swap out the steel with aluminum. Lost about 2.5 lbs. BIG difference. I will post pics tonight. Got the front axles complete with servo plate, ect... its coming along nicely. The trick will be once I try it out....

03-17-2006, 08:36 PM	#18
DISTURBIN' tha PEACE I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: On the G-Train!!!!! Posts: 6,081	That'll end up being alot of weight saving in the end. Good job.

03-17-2006, 11:24 PM	#19
rcfx Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines Posts: 35	Pics... Also, if anyone has suggestions on where to find brake line/tube. Also... just a workshop pic. I always like seeing other peoples shops so here's mine.

03-17-2006, 11:28 PM	#20
bbaXJ Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: All over Michigan Posts: 44	To get brake line go to any automotive parts store.....whatever's in your area....Murray's, NAPA, Carquest, etc.

RCCrawler Forums

Thread: Project Alpha - Custom built maxxer