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OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Other TRX4 Builds: Sport Bronco Overview: https://i.postimg.cc/KjWfgy4N/TRX4-Spreadsheet.jpg Finally got around to picking one up. I had some Amazon gift cards from x-mas burning a hole in my pocket so $150 later, I had a grey TRX4 sitting at my front door. My wife commented that the color matched the grey starting to pop up on my facial hair (:flipoff:) so I nicknamed it Greybeard. Not going to rehash everything that's been said, but I did check a few things out when getting it. Reading the TRX4 threads I wanted to check out the gear mesh and front driveshaft. No rubbing on the driveshaft at all, and my truck definitely meshed best in the C holes. Not sure if there have been running changes but everything was good to go out of the box. I like the Defender body, no plans to change it at this time. I did pull the rack off and spray the roof white so the body didn't look so bland. Really makes a difference imo. Also pulled the fake winch eyesore off and moved the bumper back 1 hole. Since it was delivered when it was about 2 degrees outside, the tires had flatspotted somewhat and even letting them sit in front of the heater didn't stretch them back out. I think they look a little chunky anyway, so I swapped over some Falken tires with dual stage foams as I think their narrow width looks much better. Added some GDS wheels with a wrap of lead weights to get some weight down low until I can order some portal weights. Other than that, it was bone stock. We went out to a local park which is a nice mid level trail for the first run. Plenty of flat trails, with some rocky sections, stream crossings, muddy pits and a decent hill climb. Figured it would be a good test run area. Had a good group of trucks - 2 Cross rigs, SCX10 I & II, and my daughter was wheeling my CR01 mud bomber. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4751/...ed504eb2_b.jpg Since it was in the mid 40's after a long stretch of cold and snow, I expected a lot of mud. Turns out most of the trail was still frozen with hints of mud here and there. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/...00a27fa1_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/...8a095b1b_b.jpg I was not expecting a lot from the Falkens. Having run them before, I was not over the top on their performance. I stand corrected...apparently they just need a heavy truck as they worked out pretty good. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4703/...7e5949c4_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4715/...4a694db0_b.jpg I'm not a throttle jocky in any way. I don't really scale out my rigs, but drive in a very scale manner. I focus more on tire placement and throttle control when I wheel. I left the diffs unlocked, and have to say I was blown away at how capable the truck was with the diffs open. Could not believe what this truck went up and over. I suspect that with a lighter body, it would need the diffs locked more often, but with the heavy stocker up top it good good traction just about anywhere. Making me rethink a few things about how I build my other rigs. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/...25831b72_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4760/...d8148363_z.jpg I generally do not do waterproofing..nice to have a rig I can tool around in wet areas with. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4748/...34008fb8_b.jpg Steep rock. No lockers needed. Amazing. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/...8b5bc232_b.jpg Towards the end of the run, the ice was melting and things were definitely getting muddier. As the tires started packing up more, I did have to start locking the diffs and using 2nd gear to get some wheelspeed to get up and over rocks. Great to have options. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4745/...24e5051f_b.jpg All in all, I have to say I was impressed. Driving was a ton of fun seeing what I could get up and over with the open diffs (pretty much everything) - tire placement was key. Shifting into second to get some wheelspeed for the muddy spots and downshifting into first to let it creep down inclines was a ball. If there's a better scale drivers setup out there, I don't know what it is. Stock steering servo did fine, though I could see it was struggling here in there when wedged in rocks. Not enough for me to replace it yet though. Noticed my truck was dead silent in 2nd gear, but somewhat loud in first. Not to the point where I was worried about it - just an observation. As soon as the budget allows, looking into portal weights, bumpers and the Bowhouse battery holder. Have the feeling this truck is going to get a lot of wheeltime this year. Next run will be a somewhat more difficult location. We'll see how it does there. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" That steep rock climb is pretty impressive especially with that body and that big spare hanging out back. That you did it without lockers is even more impressive. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I'm sure you recognize the spot. Walked right up it from any angle I tried. Rear heavy body and all. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" So I plan to mod this in $50 (ish) increments, partly because it's the cool thing to do, and partly because I'm broke. First $50 went to a set set of wheels. Done! Tires and foams were already in house. Second step: Got the light kit in and got it installed. Skipped the rock lights and trail bar for now, though I might add the trail bar later. Nice kit, just took forever to get the body apart. Little disappointed with the rear lights....3 holes and only lights in 1? What's going on there? https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4745/...db3b9f38_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/...d665ddba_b.jpg While I had it apart, I took the dremel and assaulted the tires. Modded tire on the left - I broke up the large center lugs. Seemed to work well on my 2.2's and definitely feels more flexible, we'll see. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4671/...943b851f_b.jpg Also took the oppurtunity to weigh this pig. I'm at 9.1 lbs right now, with a 47/53 bias. I'd really like to get more weight up front to get it closer to 50/50, if not a little more front biased. I like the scale goodies hanging off the back, but I might make some changes - most notably that spare tire. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Time for a few mods. Last time out I had this truck on a more technical trail, and the plastic flex-o-matic bumpers were really a hindrance. Didn't notice it at all on the previous trail run, but with bigger rocks, steeper ascents and just generally gnarlier terrain, really noticed how often I got hung up. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4671/...8e8cc599_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/...f4ddeeca_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4658/...d71fae4d_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/...53acb0ce_b.jpg Performed well, but I can't leave anything alone! Don't want to change it too much from the stock Defender look overall as I like it, so tried to keep it understated. First up - added an SSD rear bumper and bowhouse battery tray. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/...1a52feb8_b.jpg Batteries didn't quite fit with the BH tray, so a bit of time with the Dremel and now they drop right in. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/...07b38b68_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4672/...0f7cebe9_b.jpg Front got an SSD bumper as well as a set of portal weights to try and get the weight balance more front centered. I've got the wheels weighted as well, not sure if I'm going to leave the weights in there or not. I don't do fast with this, so I like the weight added down low. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4746/...bd074cb1_b.jpg Soooo much better!! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/...c9b58b6c_b.jpg Rear also, but man that spare tire.... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4760/...021a7a73_b.jpg After a bit of brainstorming, I removed the spare tire and hacked up the rear rack. Kept the scale goodies and just relocated them a bit. Much better clearance out back now, not to mention quite a few ounces less hanging off the back of the body. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4665/...a33a89fd_b.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4713/...6974cb3a_b.jpg Hopefully the weather clears next weekend so I can get this out and play! Think it'll do much better with just these few simple changes. I kinda blew the $50 mod theme though... :) |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I'm kinda like you, I was disappointed with the Traxxas light kit. I found the MyTrickRC kit a much better deal and it gives you backup lights, brake lights and turn signals(if you want) for less money. https://www.mytrickrc.com/shop/attac...der-light-kit/ |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" A good alternative if you liked the look of the rear tire on the back would have been to get a spare tire cover and wrap a wheel foam for a 2.2 tire which would have given you the look without the weight. I havn't done it myself yet but am in the stages of building my TRX. Considering getting as much unsprung weight as I can first. Going with a complete samix portal overhaul and titanium high clearance links underneath and SSD portal weights....but of course I'll have to save my build budget for a couple months haha...looking great though |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Haven't really had the chance to run this truck since adding the Bowhouse battery tray, SSD knuckles and bumpers. I've had it out on an easy trail run, and it was so mild the truck never really got to show off what it can do but today I took it to crawler heaven and it got a real test.... Did freaking great. This is a heavy truck - I still have the wheels weighted to counteract the heavy body, and it's a pig - my heaviest 1/10 truck by far. All that weight does wonders for traction though, and the modded Falkens kept up today with Jato's KLR's. It was planted, stable and smooth. I'm still amazed at where this truck goes with unlocked diffs...just manage the weight transfer and it'll get up and over. Does it go up sheer rock faces and cling to steep sidehills like my more performance oriented trucks? Nope. But that's not how it's set up nor how I drive it. I can't think of a better truck to work your way through the woods on a 3.5 hour looping trail..navigating creek beds, weaving up and over rocks, and fording the creeks. Using second on the flat areas, dropping down to first for the technical sections, and locking diffs when the going gets tough. Such a fun truck to drive, I had a total blast today. My only complaint is with all that weight, I chewed through about 8400mah in 3.5 hours. Wow. Usually a 4000mah pack gets me through the entire run, no problem. May remove the weight or drop down to a 9t pinion, not sure yet. It really struggles in second with all that weight. The stock servo isn't all that happy about turning weighted wheels and brass portals either, but for the type of driving I do, it's holding up well so far. A few pics from this morning's run. A poser pic with Jato's Bronco before we went out and got muddy. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/...84057d36_b.jpg Climbing uphill through a creek bed. Water was not running, but there were plenty of muddy holes and exposed rocks. Perfect TRX4 country. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1825/...2ca7df63_b.jpg A view ahead.. :) https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/...22196a6f_b.jpg After the long slog uphill (about an hour) we come downhill though another runoff area and join up with a century old rail bed. There's a few flat straight runs (cruise control is an awesome feature) with quite a few washouts and exposed rocks where nature has taken back over. Quite a few areas to play with high gear here as well. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/896/4...6fb3df2e_b.jpg Lots of little paths meander off the main trail - perfect for exploring. And picture taking of course! https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/...d1a42663_b.jpg One of the washouts. A fair sized creek has cut through the rail bed here, and it's quite an adventure getting though. I was trying to get a reflection pic, but it had started raining and the light was just terrible. Couldn't get back up the other side, so we had to back off the boards, cross the creek and find an alternate path. Low gear, diffs locked, no problem! https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1767/...d13ca713_b.jpg |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I’ve done pretty much the same changes to my TRX4 and love trail running with it. It’s one of the only trucks that stays in my RV for the summer because it’s so versatile, otherwise I change up the 5-6 rigs I bring to where we are camping (go fast, sct, monster trucks or crawlers). If you remove just the top portion of the rack and leave the cage it tends to me much less prone to tipping, one of the best mods I did for free out of the box. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I like the look of the roof rack as it is, no plans to change it. I'm sure eventually I'll get bored and change it up somehow. I charged my batteries last night and my two 4000 mah packs only took about 3700mah total and the voltages are good. Not sure how they triggered the LVC...but I didn't use nearly as much battery as I thought. Hmmm... |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" One of my many complaints with the stock esc is that the LVC seems to be permanently set at 3.7-3.8V. Maybe to leave them at storage level? Anyway, its annoying and requires extra packs to be carried on long hikes. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Ah, I did not know that. That would certainly do it. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Man, I really like Defenders with a white roof - makes them look more "authentic". ;-) It's getting to the point that I am seriously thinking that I may need to get one down the road... Get a silver one and just mask it off and paint it a military green w/ white roof and matte clear over top. I do still love the Bronco body, but for the rough treatment that these get I'm leaning more towards the Land Rover. Yours and GrimmTheTourist's black w/white roof rig are prime examples of the look I like! "thumbsup" |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Just painting the roof makes it look 100% better imo. I'd almost feel bad banging up a Bronco body... have no qualms running the Defender though! |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Glad to see you’re having so much fun with yours. I completely agree with your assessment of this as a trail truck. It’s a lot of fun, and I never get tired of trying out locked vs unlocked diffs in different places. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I really like the authentic look with the white roof. If you ever want to change out the wheels I own both the sets I linked to below and can say they both look great on the Defender. Nice job "thumbsup" Gmade SR02 in white and the white SSD 8 Spoke Wagon Wheel |
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Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I love the white roof. I have been wanting to do something to my defender to make it stand out a bit more. Did you just scuff the roof and use regular lexan paint? I am definitely going to tackle it. But after seeing yours, I am debating on painting the entire thing. J |
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I was debating painting the whole thing, but the window stickers make it more trouble than it's worth IMO. Plus, I like the gray. "thumbsup" |
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Same way I external paint my rc and holds up great! Nice pics. "thumbsup" |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Thanks OSRC. I am going to do white and see how it turns out. But who knows, might turn into something more. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Mini update on Graybeard. Still running stock electronics, and so far so good. Shifts smooth, and diff locks working perfect. Even the steering servo has held up though it's been getting the absolute heck beat out of it....amazing given how heavy this truck is. I usually run this truck as a second truck when I run 2 on the trail since all my others are on my GT3B radio - this is the only one I have on a separate radio. So it gets quite a bit of trail time. For this week, I swapped on some PL TSL's and Gearhead wheels - little more aggressive tire for the muddy conditions. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/854/4...1ef1e1f6_b.jpg As usual, ran most of the day with the diffs unlocked, only locking up when I had to, which wasn't too often. With the weight of this pig bearing down, the TSL's gave incredible traction pretty much everywhere. I might have to leave these on here. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/932/4...292d594c_b.jpg Open diff climb... unreal. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/931/4...797052c9_b.jpg Posing with my Sawback...didn't get many pics, I was having way too much fun. https://farm1.staticflickr.com/937/4...e7ab60f5_b.jpg Only issue is I still get LVC a little too early. I noticed it seems to happen when I use second gear a lot. The first pack was on easier trails and a hill climb, and I used second a lot. The 3800 pack only lasted 1 hour or so. On the second pack I stayed in first gear most of the way picking my way uphill through a creek bed and the battery lasted much longer. I wonder if running second gear is pulling too much current from the battery? In any case, plan to drop to a 9t pinion for a little more torque which should help. If not, I might look into an ESC swap. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I'm getting 90 mins plus out of my 2200 & 110 mins from my 2650. That's all low gear crawling. I very rarely use 2nd & when I do it's usually to right side my truck. Gray beard looking good like the new tires! |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Got another nice 5 hour run in yesterday and the TRX-4 is still going strong. Zero issues mechanically, the diff lock and shift servos are still working just fine, and the stock steering servo is hanging in there. It does seem like it's loosing some power though. Was never really super strong to start with, but it seemed weaker yesterday. Might be on the way out, but it hasn't failed yet. Left the TSL's since I knew it was going to be quite muddy and the truck did great as always. No problems in the mud, and went everywhere I pointed it. Only needed to lock the diffs 2x - it's not a super challenging trail and I managed most of the tricky spots with tire placement and weight balance. This truck is soooo much fun to drive. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1872/...e0090df0_z.jpg Forgot my real camera, so my crappy phone pics will have to do. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1888/...ef785242_b.jpghttps://farm2.staticflickr.com/1858/...17170a85_b.jpg I'm on the fence about the suspension. I was thinking it had a bit too much flex and was debating limiting it 5-10mm, but it's pretty stable, and that flex does come in handy. Decided to leave it alone for now. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1885/...2ecd8c17_b.jpg Back at the truck...job well done. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1872/...a97b5a58_b.jpg I do have a 9t pinion to install, just haven't gotten around to it. The LVC did kick in again way too early. That's incredibly annoying! Enough that I'm going to pick up a 1080 to replace it, and probably going to swap out the servo while I'm in there. I think the TSL's - while they work great - are a bit fat looking under the truck. I plan to swap over to a set of Vaterra TSL's as they are a bit thinner and should fit the stance a bit better. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" New shoes for the TRX-4. Some Vaterra TSL's with CI foams on Proline Rims. Not a huge fan of the wheels, but they do work great with the bead on the tires. I think the narrower tire looks much better under there than the wider PL TSL's. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/...670262ca_b.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/...36376425_b.jpg On a side note, I finally swapped in the 9t pinion and it sounds like a blender. I put it in the proper holes in the motor mount (A) but it was so tight the drivetrain barely turned. Went to the B holes and it spins free, but sounds terrible. Not overly happy with the stock motor mount setup, with fixed positions it should be a no brainer. Think I'll be looking to upgrade. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Who makes the 9t pinion you put in? Is it a stock traxxas part? I wanted to do this but now unsure. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Yes, traxxas 9t pinion. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I have the Traxxas 9t pinion in mine and haven't had any issues. Interesting to read your issues. I wonder what is different. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I went to buy it from my local hobby store and they suggested anoth brand saying that the traxxas ones is not very good compared to the other. It was only a dollar more. But out of stock as usual and waiting for it to come in. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Awesome read! Similar experiences with my truck as far as the low voltage cutting out early so I already swapped out for a Hobbywing 1080. Only other issue I had was the steering servo and the rest have been improvements. You should definitely get the light bar if you do any evening running because it puts out so much more light than the headlights do. Nice to see the results you are having with the tires since that is something else that i am debating on. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" It definitely is bright, won’t argue that, but it does make it so you can see a lot more. I do have the rock lights also and like them too. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...81ad82e7c6.jpg Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I never run at night, so I skipped on the trail bar and rock lights. I love the look of the Pro-Line Forge wheels as well, but that price is ridiculous |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Sorry in advance for the crappy cell pics. Think I dropped my phone too many times - has a hard time focusing lately. Anywho, fixed my gear mesh issue, Drilled out the A holes (LOL) with a 4mm drill bit to allow the motor to slide up a touch, and added some aluminum tape under the motor bearing support and now all is well. I do have an aluminum motor mount on the way, so I had no qualms about hacking up the stock one. I didn't actually expect it to work, but it's fine. Huh. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1962/...3a2199eb_b.jpg Added some graphics...kinda like the Camel Trophy trucks, but not really. I just used some old decals I had in the pile. Wasn't going for anything scale per se, just thought the gray looked a little plain. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1971/...d7386dfb_b.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/...a4e20072_b.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1942/...523b9bfe_b.jpg And played with tires a bit. Vaterra TSL's are for the muddy trails, the Gladiators are more for easier trail runs. I stuffed them with PL dual stage foams - they feel great. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1933/...523b9bfe_z.jpg I did bite the bullet and ordered a WP1080 and servo.....a "Magetic Induction" 400oz. servo. I'm in uncharted territory here. :) We'll see how it goes. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Finally decided to make some changes to the Beard. The steering servo was still working, but was starting to get noticeably weaker. Decided to upgrade the servo, ESC, and a new motor mount. Not sure what it is with this truck, but it always gives my camera fits when trying to focus. Having trouble with the awesomeness I suppose. Servo is a HK 'magnetic induction' servo with 400+oz of torque. Standard torque numbers I'm sure for most guys, but I usually never run anything that powerful. Uncharted territory here! https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/...1935fa5e_b.jpg After an hour of ripping it apart, soldering, and tucking in wires, got everything sorted out. The motor mount seems like it solved my meshing issues - I have the 9t pinion in the correct holes and feels nice and smooth. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1950/...5b6b960e_b.jpg Wow...it's a whole new truck! The Servo does this strange thing where it kinda freaks out when there's no load on it (like when I pick it up) but it's smooth and super strong when on the ground. Not sold in this new fangled magnetic induction - if it's not broke, don't fix it. But it drives fine, so it'll stay. Power with the 1080 feels much better...the Traxxas ESC must have a softer power delivery...maybe it's just in my mind, I don't know. Now the 9t pinion feels a bit too slow, might have to play with it. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1967/...9673f1f1_b.jpg Gotta love portals. Only truck that can straddle my 2x4 ... makes making the turn on top of my ramp super easy. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1970/...8912103c_b.jpg Walking around the course. Very planted and surefooted. The old RC4WD tires really do well - lots of contact patch. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/...27d1d6a5_b.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1957/...0e14f4e6_b.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1920/...b8c9dcd0_b.jpg Didn't make it up the ballbreaker, but no truck does. I need to redesign this ramp as it's all but impossible. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1938/...87c72486_b.jpg I'm debating selling my SCX10v2 and getting a TRX4 Sport. This truck impresses the heck out of me whenever I drive it...I'm thinking a version set up more towards performance would be killer! hmm... |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Great thread! Do you guys ever crawl around Lancaster or Hershey? |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" I've never gone out that way myself. I believe the EPA crawlers swing out that way once in a while. |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Great thread! Just read it from start to finish. If you’re looking for a scale looking tire check out the Pro-Line BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 1.9” G8 Rock Terrain Truck Tire. It looks great on the G-Made S02 wheels and they hook up pretty well on most terrain. http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...4417-64673.jpg http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/membe...4417-64677.jpg |
Re: OSRC's TRX-4 Defender "Greybeard" Realy like the white roof. Nice touch and sets it apart. I may do that to mine. 8) |
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