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OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Other TRX4 Builds: Defender Sport Overview: https://i.postimg.cc/KjWfgy4N/TRX4-Spreadsheet.jpg Picked up this new/used Bronco off Craigslist. PO had run it a bit in the house and decided trail trucks weren't his thing. Barely has a scratch on it! Came with the sunset body and a clear body, and while I love the look of the sunset truck, my Fords are red. So I sold off the OG body and started piecing all the parts together to build up the clear one. Basically needed a spreadsheet for all the various pieces! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4811/...748b972b_b.jpg Planning to keep it fairly stock. I think the TRX4 is a darn good trail truck right out of the box, so not much needed to go out and have some fun. Can't leave anything completely stock though - what fun is that? So the first thing I added was a set of SSD wheels and TSL's. Pretty much a perfect combo with the Bronco body imo. I also had a set of portal weights I never installed on my Defender, so I bolted those on up front. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4912/...9d70e7f8_b.jpg Ordered a Bowhouse battery tray while I was shopping for parts. Makes a huge difference on my Defender. Noted this one has a much better finish than the one I got previously for whatever reason. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4895/...85af363c_b.jpg Performance-wise, not planning anything else at the moment. Keeping the drivetrain and servo stock until something fails. I did add an ARB diff cover to my order...one of those deals where if I add something to the cart, I hit free shipping, so why not? Really like the look too....shame you won't really see it since the axle is tucked up so high. I know it's there though, that's all that matters. :) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4872/...d49d30dd_b.jpg SSD hubs look perfect, though the stub axles are so long, I added a 5x10 bushing in back so it could cinch down properly. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4874/...a60f5383_b.jpg Nest is paint and starting to detail all the accessories. I wasn't all that impressed with the Traxxas light kit on my Defender, so I picked up a MyTrick light kit for this one, and the Traxxas spare tire and bumper guard. Lots to do! |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Great start, I love my Bronco it just plain works without much modification. I'll be following this one! |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco My Defender has been a tank, very happy with it. Haven't had to do anything to it mechanically, zero issues. Bronco should be a bit better performer with the lighter body and less overhang. Plus, it looks cooler. :) I'm a sucker for old Fords. Got some paint on the body last night...traditional Bronco colors/scheme. Did the white cap on the outside for a little contrast. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4819/...c5813c89_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4833/...e47d3ef7_b.jpg Removing the overspray film from a freshly painted body is one of my little joys. :) Love seeing how it comes out. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Looks Great, I like the red body. "thumbsup" For the stub axles, get a pair from a defender (Traxxas 8255) as they are shorter, and for the MyTrick lights, I went with a set of led light buckets from ebay. The headlight will be held in the bucket by the one screw and the front turn signal led will fit in the lower bucket also held in there by a screw. This eliminates the 3D printed parts that are used. I polished mine before installing just to help with the light output. Some trimming of the body is required. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Sweet custom paint, perfect wheels as well... looking forward to seeing the finished product! If you have a chance, could you do me a solid and measure max battery length for the BowHouse battery tray? I am stuck with a loooonngg 4S (150mm+!) that I'm wanting to check fitment in stock vs aftermarket TRX-4 battery trays... (for a possible Revolver 1800kv powered Defender in my future) |
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https://bowhouserc.com/rear-chassis-...-for-trx-4-v1/ |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Awesome - thanks very much for that nugget of information! (sigh, I missed the eBay 15% off sale by 20min, we will have to wait and see what else the holiday season brings) |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Nice pick up! I have not touched my TRX4 Bronco since I bought it at the beginning of the year LOL! So preoccupied with my other trucks. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco I love those classic slotted mags. Fits the era of the truck perfectly. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Making a little progress... This body is taking forever for a lexan body, but I'm loving the look. First off, a little workshop upgrade...added a TV back so I could watch the t-giving parade while I wrench. In between cooking dinner for the family of course :) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4837/...120fffde_b.jpg I tried to paint the center of the trim. Being that it was 23 degrees out, I had to mask and brush paint with some plat black. Came out a complete disaster. The masking tape actually pulled some of the chrome off. :( https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/...c576b214_b.jpg Doesn't look too bad from a few feet, but up close it's horrible. I'll eventually strip and re-paint, but since it's winter season, I'll leave it be for now. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/...f85e0df7_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4807/...9d62474c_b.jpg I added a few zip ties under the front grill, and blacked out any red that was showing through. Nothing fancy, just a way to add some dimension to the grill area. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4895/...56ec72b4_b.jpg Door handles and wipers are on. I just scuffed them a bit with a green scrubbie - knocked down the chrome a bit. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/...df896d45_b.jpg Now onto the light kit... |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Sucks about the side trim, everything else looks great though! I thought about painting that too but I ended up scraping the chrome off the center rib with a hobby knife, it's ok but not perfect. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Lookin good OS! Love the broncos! Sent from my SM-J327VPP using Tapatalk |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco That sucks about the trim! But after some use that will happen anyway so think of it that way. Kinda shitty quality though. I wonder if it was just a bad batch or if they are all that fragile. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco I’m thinking it was maybe a bad batch of chrome because I had to do quite a bit of scraping with a xacto blade to scrape the center rib of chrome off of mine. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco My chrome came off easy just driving it around, is there any way to re chrome them to look like new again? Only paint i really see is a silver but doesntcome close to chrome look. |
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Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco That's the plan, come summer. Just strip and spray with some silver/aluminum paint. The chrome is a bit too flashy in the first place. IMHO of course. :) |
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Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco I'm going out to play for a bit today - too bad the Bronco's not ready. I got the light kit installed, but the headlights don't work. :( Have to look into it later. Might have to get hold of MyTrick and see what's going on. I put my other TRX back to a Defender. Since we got another 3" of rain last night (bringing our 2018 total to 121,674 inches) it's going to be a muddy mess. Perfect Defender terrain! My TRX's are the only trucks I have that are waterproof. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Have fun, I may go do some scouting today, It's been a very wet year here in Pennsylvania!:shock: |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Got a bit of work done to the Bronco. Kinda. Mytrick lights installed. Kit is pretty nice, though the directions were awful. Basically had to figure it out as I went. I'm still not sure it's hooked up right, but I have lights all around (except reverse lights) - good enough. All those little wiring holder loom thingies molded into the trim parts are super handy. Nice little feature. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/...511ef6d3_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4839/...659b84c6_b.jpg Pretty! Headlights are on the lowest setting. Would have liked some light buckets, but the light seem to diffuse pretty well. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/...c061aa40_b.jpg Totally forgot to paint the rear panel. Whoops! I'll shoot it white next time I have the paint out. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4885/...5cd6b35b_b.jpg Just a few more details to go. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco What's with the airbrushed look under the body where the black seems to be only in certain spots? I like that connector on the chassis for the light kit. Seems like a pretty heavy duty connector compared to what most kits include. What type of plug is it? |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Nice looking Bronco! |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Body and lights turned out great. Maybe I should finally take mine out for some work. |
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Looking great, agree on trim was kinda brushed aluminum looking trim not chrome. "thumbsup" |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Finally done! Well, you're never really done, but calling this one done anyway. Brush guard (kinda cheesy), spare, and side mirrors all on, ready to go! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4851/...95eb0848_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4847/...a10a4cf4_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4825/...d3054b8a_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/...6a91eef3_b.jpg So pretty, I almost hate to go out and get it muddy. Almost... :) I need to get some outdoor shots, but I was in pajamas at 3 pm on a weekday and it was cold out. |
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Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Awesome! Built 351 Windsor? [emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Still has the Traxxas motor, so let's say it's just a 302. :) |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Great job on the Bronco. Looks great. It will be a shame to get it dirty and scratched up. But again that's just showing it love and sounds to show too. |
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It’s very cool man. Loved those full-sized Broncs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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Really digging the classic look of this bronco and the wheels are spot on. I think she’ll age well with some scratches. Nice work! That mtrc connector is huge and has some weight to it, I remember it through off the preload balance when I first put those lights on the bronco. Cool kit though. The reverse lights took a little twiddling to get to work because their instructions aren’t the best. On that note, it looks like you may have your tailgate insert upside down, and the brake lights in the hole meant for the reverse lights. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Sure looks awesome, OS! Paint choice is perfect and the SSD/TRL rolling stock are spot on. Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Very nice build. Love the color! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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I did not bother with the reverse lights yet. They are in there, but not hooked up to the receiver yet. Everything in in there the right way as far as I can tell. Holes were all drilled from the factory, 5 and 3mm LED's are in the right spots... it was kind of a no brainer. I do think that insert is eventually going to fall out. The tape holding it on is a little wonky. I was tempted to take it out last weekend, but it was pure soup on the trail and it's too pretty to get muddy. :) Next run it's on though. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Hmm maybe it’s just hard to see in the pictures, the reason I say that is because the little white square for the reverse lights doesn’t look like it’s on the bottom of your tailgate. Apparently this is the only pic I have of the rear of the bronco with mtrc lights installed, can’t really see the white box here either until the reverse lights are on so it may just be my eyes. https://m.imgur.com/a/34GiTaa Regarding the black yes I think that’s what Jato was talking about. Still looks great though! |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Ah I was seeing that you didn't paint the roof. As far as the driveshafts, if there is an issue I'd contact SSD and they will take care of it if it is outside of their standard tolerances which are typically pretty tight. He may also want a heads up in case there is an issue that he needs to address with the design or manufacturing plant, etc. |
Re: OS's TRX4 #2 - Bronco Finally broke down and got the Bronco muddy... I had it "On Display" over the holidays with some of my other cars and got a lot of compliments from family and friends. But enough of that, it was time to go play. Loaded up the truck, a bunch of my new batteries, and headed off to my usual playground. The last few clean shots...lol. https://i.postimg.cc/G2Z7qY72/20190106-103827sm.jpg I almost thing the TRX4 has too much flex. I've gone back and forth on it with my Defender though I haven't changed anything yet. I really noticed it on the Bronco for whatever reason. Might limit the shocks a bit internally to calm it down. https://i.postimg.cc/hvTCwj60/20190106-110009sm.jpg Heading up over the mountain... Did a nice loop that starts out down at creekside, winds up and over the mountain with a very nice hill climb to start, and all kinds of places along the trail to play. https://i.postimg.cc/mZH6hXkF/20190106-110520sm.jpg For the first run, I tried a 3S pack for the first time. I tend to poke around and drive in a scale manner, so I really didn't notice the extra volts that much. Definitely works better with the stock gearing than 2S. I grabbed a rather large hardcase pack I picked up on my last order not really thinking about it. Well, this truck wanted to flip back on it's roof any time I tried a serious uphill climb. It was awful, couldn't even get on my standard test rock. At first I chalked it up to the shorter WB, but eventually I clued in that that huge heavy pack is making a ton of difference....So along the way I swapped in my smaller 2S pack. Can see the size difference between the two https://i.postimg.cc/8PgXvRfX/20190106-110943sm.jpg Field work station. https://i.postimg.cc/vH7qt4WY/20190106-111007sm.jpg Boom, what a difference. This chassis is very sensitive to the battery weight since the battery is located kinda center-rear in the chassis. Swapping in the lighter battery completely changed the handling dynamics. Now it crawled like it should. Walked right up this rock, drama free. Much, much better. https://i.postimg.cc/wBMwzFnM/20190106-111808sm.jpg Interesting thing I've noticed this year - it's been wet. Very wet. Usually, the leaves are pretty heavy and a nuisance this time of year. However, all the rain has kind of compacted them down and made a nice mat on the ground. I can drive on top of them to get to various areas I can't get to in the summer. Found this little spot just off the trail - a few challenging rocks were hiding off to the side. I spent a lot of time exploring off to the side of the trail, it was a ton of fun. https://i.postimg.cc/Qd0fvv4v/20190106-112042sm.jpg Of course, those leaves also hide holes too. Got completely wedged in here. https://i.postimg.cc/cLsD9dmQ/20190106-113536sm.jpg After swapping the battery and playing around with the spring preload a bit, I got the handling about where I wanted it and just relaxed and let the TRX do its thing. Noodled along the trail in 2nd gear where it was flat, downshifted to first when I got to obstacles and locked and unlocked the diffs as needed. Tried to do as much with the diffs unlocked as possible, only locking when I needed to. Such a fun trail truck. https://i.postimg.cc/g07N28PD/20190106-114051sm.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/tJ35kcnS/20190106-114419sm.jpg First thing I'm doing when I get home is cutting off that hitch mount that hangs under the rear bumper. It was a straight up land anchor - if it caught something, it wasn't letting go. Wish my winch anchors grabbed this hard. https://i.postimg.cc/NMrb9Fsw/20190106-115710sm.jpg Coming down the backside of the mountain, the trail turns into a creek for a little while. Super Swamper territory! Running PL TSL XL's - great tires for the varied PA terrain. I've got 99 problems, but traction isn't one of them. https://i.postimg.cc/wxL0914X/20190106-120413sm.jpg Hit my test rock on the way out - much better! Actually got up on it and got to the top. Damn hitch mount was getting in the way of course, but it pulled through. https://i.postimg.cc/02vZj9hL/20190106-122546sm.jpg Don't plan much in the way of changes other than that awful hitch mount. Stock electronics are staying until they fail, everything worked perfect. The steering servo felt much stronger than the stock on in the Defender for some reason. Can't say I even noticed it while driving. I know this goes against the conventional wisdom, but I felt the Defender was a better runner out of the box - that longer wheelbase counts for a lot, even with the heavier body. Especially when climbing. Needed to lock the diffs a bit more too - the Bronco is lighter and doesn't put as much weight on the tires. Still, does pretty good even with open diffs. Might add a bit more weight down low, and maybe a set of UD gears out back. That's about it. |
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