Tuanies' TRX-4 Defender & Bronco build logs

[tuanies]

Since I finally got a job after being laid off a year ago, it was time to treat myself to a new toy. The TRX-4 always piqued my interest with its manual lockers, 2-speed transmission and fairly detailed Land Rover Defender body. So I finally picked one up to join my Axial SCX10 II, SCX10 and Arrma Nero.

While my Axial SCX10 II and SCX10 have taken a beating from U4RC, this one will be my dedicated rock crawler and the one I keep looking clean and pretty.

I took it out of the box and made sure everything was working first. The stock bumpers were immediately removed and replaced with the SSD bumpers. The MyTrickRC light set and lightbar installed.













Stuff to come eventually -

• Castle Mamba X (waiting for more deans connectors to arrive)
• Sensored brushless motor (model TBD)
• Savox 1230SG (waiting for ESC install first)
• Cut front windows out + add interior
• Beadlock wheels (Probably SSD 1.9" Assassin Bronze wheels with the brake rotors)
• RC4WD ARB bumper + WARN winch
• Knight Customs detail stuff
• Spare tire cover

Does anyone around here make custom soft spare tire covers? I want one made with the Three Amigos lights on it.


*Edit* Added the Bronco to the fleet - going to keep everything in one thread.

[Levi]

Good to see a fellow rc'er is back on their feet. Hope you have lots of fun with the new truck. I dont feel bad when i treat myself to a new truck or upgrades as i feel as i earned it working up to 70-80 hours a week.

[Natedog]

Sounds great, but no pictures here, did you share your google user content?

[tuanies]

Originally Posted by Natedog

Sounds great, but no pictures here, did you share your google user content?

Crap, fixed the images.

[tuanies]

First round of major upgrades completed - MambaX, Slate 1406 1900kv motor and Savox 1230SG servo. Had to use an extension on the servo because the wire wasn't long enough. I dipped the extension connector in Plastidip to keep it somewhat water resistant.

The light controller is now wired in with the ESC and steering so turn signals and brake lights work, too.

Next on the want list are beadlock wheels, tires, RC4WD ARB bumper, Warn winch, wireless winch controller and scale accessories.

[tuanies]

Replaced the Traxxas battery clip with Velcro straps so I could fit my 4500mah 4S battery.

[tuanies]

Finally took it out for a good hour and a half long break in with a walk around the park. It definitely needs weight up front and down low, so I'll be ordering the SSD weights soon.

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[tuanies]

The TRX-4 is too top heavy and I had some issues with it falling backwards going up steep hills, so I started addressing it.

I added some scale truck nuts from Yeah Racing to shift weight down low - am I doing this right?


I kid, the SSD portal cover weights up front will keep the weight down low.



The SSD front bumper was nice, but I wanted a winch so I ordered up the RC4WD Gelande2 ARB front bumper with the TF2 universal bumper mounts. Of course its not a perfect bolt-on fit so I had to widen the holes in the bracket to widen the mount so it fits in the stock TRX-4 bumper mount.



All mounted up.







Since the Traxxas TQi only has 4 channels, I couldn't control a winch from the radio so I ordered the wireless winch controller from RC4WD. I took it out of the box and plastidipped it. The wireless controller is stuck onto my radio with gray double-sided sticky tape.



Next up will probably be wheels, I keep eying the G-Made steelie beadlocks.

[tuanies]

Got my Traxxas rock lights in today. Paid $30 for them from the Traxxas site. It uses a smaller 3-pin plug so I took the plastic part off and soldered some wire leads I had for a large 3-pin plug so it plugged into my MyTrickRC light controller.

I don't use the the turn signal function of the lighting controller so I have it pulling power from where the servo signal cable usually goes into. The light bar uses the JST 2-pin accessory power output on the controller.

The rock lights are bright as hell though.

[tuanies]

Got my scale WA plates from Sik Ride Designs today. Still waiting for RPP to get stock of the Hyrax 4.19" and ship them with my Grade steelies.





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[tuanies]

Been a while since I took it out, but installed the Gmade steelies and Hyrax 4.19"s a while ago. First time taking it out and there was snow. It's a beast on 4S.









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[ScoJac]

Looks like you are having fun, nice job on the build.
Snap a couple pics when you get her all cleaned up with the Gmades and class 1 Hyrax on.
As for the truck nuts, I can see them possibly acting as a swinging pendulum and on tricky
ascents/descents actually causing you to roll/flip over due to the swinging weight. I'd personally
remove them and replace with some rear SSD portal covers. Combined with the weight of the Gmades
you'll be pulling some sick lines even with the heavy body.

[tuanies]

Added a Sense Innovations ESS-One+ to it for engine noises

[tuanies]

The new wheels and tire + the Slate 1406 1900kv on 4S makes a great tow rig...

[ScoJac]

Those wheels are HOT, just ordered up a set for my ascender F-100.

[tuanies]

Just some slow motion through a puddle

[tuanies]

Can never have enough fun in the snow .

[tuanies]

I just had to make a quick stop at the hobby shop while visiting Portland and they had the Sunset Bronco in stock and I couldn't resist. Have a 1200kv Tekin ROC 412HD on the way for it. Going to give it a power train suitable for a Malaise era vehicle - a ton of torque without much wheel speed.

[Topher Builds]

Dude, great build! That video towing the sled is hilarious. Excited to see what you do with the bronco!

Since you have both the rover and the bronco, could you do me a solid and check out how the rover body may fit on the bronco? I know it will be tough with the genders inside the rover body but if you can take a look I’d appreciate it lots. May pick up a rover body for bashing so I can keep the sunset bronco looking pretty.

[tuanies]

Originally Posted by Pant Danza

Dude, great build! That video towing the sled is hilarious. Excited to see what you do with the bronco!

Since you have both the rover and the bronco, could you do me a solid and check out how the rover body may fit on the bronco? I know it will be tough with the genders inside the rover body but if you can take a look I’d appreciate it lots. May pick up a rover body for bashing so I can keep the sunset bronco looking pretty.

The Bronco has a shorter wheelbase so it probably wouldn't line up.