Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Thanks Soze!

Had a great afternoon of weekday crawling... headed out to Ringing Rocks park near Allentown. Fantastic place to wheel... it's claim to fame is it's one of the few places in the world with sonorocks. when you strike them with a hammer, they ring like a bell. Way cool! Turns out when you crawl on them, they just sound like rocks. :)

Basically the layout of the park is you walk in on a nice trail with lots of obstacles, then there's an enormous granite rock that makes a huge shelf/waterfall. Can climb all over the shelf, then head down along the creek. I had planned to take the BOM but I forgot about the ripped receiver wire. Knowing that the terrain was going to be rough, the TRX4 got the nod...

So the Sport got a nice workout. No changes since the last run with the exception of dialing back the drag brake 2 notches. Got it almost dialed, did excellent.
https://i.postimg.cc/W3JBwfzy/20190829-103407sm.jpg

It's pretty dialed, but doesn't defy gravity. I tried though!
https://i.postimg.cc/PqcGZkXZ/20190829-104353sm.jpg

Lots of great rocks, we spent quite a bit of time just trying different lines up the various rocks. This one was very challenging on the left but we made it. Sometimes the OD gear hurts more than it helps. I was running OD and my buddy was not...I was hopping at times due to the different ratios and the hop would break traction whereas all 4 tires on his rig were digging smoothly. Something to think about...
https://i.postimg.cc/905v8tqQ/20190829-105549sm.jpg

Lots of great chains as well start on one rock, work over to the next.
https://i.postimg.cc/8cRxqJhB/20190829-111027sm.jpg

Spent 30 minutes here, there's about 10 different ways to get up here and got all but one. The slope on the far right is possible, though the Sport's high COG thwarted me... Challenge for next time!
https://i.postimg.cc/zDTmLM9b/20190829-112948sm.jpg

Finally made it to the rock shelf...hard to capture in pictures, but it's way cool. Mostly flat with a lot of horizontal fissures that are fun to get in and out of.
https://i.postimg.cc/WbVB08v9/20190829-114459sm.jpg

Coming out of one of the fissures..
https://i.postimg.cc/t4C8Mg7W/20190829-114727sm.jpg

At the far end, there's a shelf of about 4 feet. There's 2 lines up it - one through the creek, and one on the rocks. Sport made them both, which is the first time I've ever got up here.
https://i.postimg.cc/SNGwd9Qm/20190829-120342sm.jpg

The Duratrax tires did really well last time out, which was a bit wet. This time, it was dry and dusty and I think they could have been better. There's were spots where it should have gone up and over but it seemed to struggle. I'm going to bring some TSL's and Pitbulls next time, swap them around and do some back to back runs. Maybe I'm expecting too much, I don't know. Only way to find out is to do some back to back runs and see what happens. :) All in the name of science of course!

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Last time out running the Sport, it did well. Very well in fact. Only thing that was causing me concerns is it still wants to lift the nose a bit on inclines, and did some rollovers in spots where I didn't think it should. Basically, the COG is still somewhat high.

So when I saw these for sale, I decided to give them a shot. GPM hubs with multiple lower shock mounts... I figured it would allow me to lower the truck a bit and give me a more progressive angle on the shock.
https://i.postimg.cc/9z3P0hTP/20190920-172344sm.jpg

Before... ride height shot. Moved my work bench outdoors for the afternoon.
https://i.postimg.cc/MGtYDg2x/20190920-171751sm.jpg

Started on the rear axle first... everything went together fine, no issues. The modified hub is on the left compared to stock on the right. I ended up going with the middle hole on each as it lowered the truck about 10mm overall. Can see how much more progressive the shock angle is.
https://i.postimg.cc/d3ZmJ17t/20190920-173254sm.jpg

Rear complete! Easy peasy!
https://i.postimg.cc/MTFmkRpF/20190920-174212sm.jpg

The smooth install came to a screeching halt in the front. C hubs look pretty cool!
https://i.postimg.cc/Qx5wbN63/20190920-174927sm.jpg

Ruh-roh! They come with new stainless shoulder screws to replace the low energy Traxxas screw/steel sleeve combo. Great idea in concept, but the screw is 5mm and the C-hub is drilled for 6mm. Whoops. Completely unusable in the current form.
https://i.postimg.cc/44jjVHQP/20190920-175643sm.jpg

After taking many pictures and firing off an e-mail to GPM, I decided to see if I could make it work. The spacers included for mounting the shocks are 6mm in diameter and I found they fit right in. The Aluminum will wear quickly so it's not a permanent solution but it will keep me wheeling tomorrow... wonder if I can find some 3x6 bearings? hmmmmmm.... (EDIT - Found and ordered!!)
https://i.postimg.cc/MZnhnmVX/20190920-180526sm.jpg

*sigh* ...... Not sure if the screws keep it centered or what, but there's a whole lot of vertical play going on here.
https://i.postimg.cc/Y99zy8MF/20190920-180726sm.jpg

Dug out some washers and shimmed it out.
https://i.postimg.cc/XYbhDMhy/20190920-182650sm.jpg

So it's ugly, but I got it mounted. Finally.
https://i.postimg.cc/LsybXJsz/20190920-184135sm.jpg

After ride height...Sorry, losing the light!
https://i.postimg.cc/MpmLCP23/20190920-183852sm.jpg

Came back in and took a flex shot. The truck now sits much lower overall - I'm hoping what I lose in clearance will be made up for in stability. I lost a bit of flex as well, but I think 2 tires is plenty. I'll find out tomorrow!
https://i.postimg.cc/Pqf7TWdX/20190920-184443sm.jpg

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

That's a bummer about the front GPM parts. I've had hit and miss luck with them as well.

The rear parts are interesting and it's curious that they change the shock angle. I do really like that the truck sits lower though.

Can't wait to get back out there!

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Is there a way to lower the truck without losing flex? I like the look of the lowered stance much better.

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Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Sure, just crank the spring collars up higher. Truck will sit lower.

So I sent an e-mail to GPMUSA, and no beuno. They said go to Asiatees.. Asiatees apologized and said the best they could do was a full refund. Decided to keep them and use some bearings to make them work. Buyer beware!

Anyway, gave it a good thrashing last weekend. Really, I beat the hell out of this truck and it just keeps coming back for more. I don't know that it is more capable per-se, but relocating the shocks has made it much more planted. The suspension is far less flexy and much more deliberate...all in all, I like it. Feels a lot more stable on the rocks.
https://i.postimg.cc/SRh8zd5M/20190922-120545sm.jpg

BOM bumper comes in handy when you are navigating a boulder field.
https://i.postimg.cc/mky93Mf6/20190922-120725sm.jpg

This is a tough rock - got up both sides...coming up from the right is very steep and tricky. Never would have done this stock. Think this truck is finally dialed.
https://i.postimg.cc/X7xFpwgr/20190922-121455sm.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/rwPr9M3c/20190922-121520sm.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/q76CbWHK/20190922-122122sm.jpg

Found this massive boulder....super tricky to get up there, but we made it. Was running with a well tuned Enduro and kept up no problem. First time I've run with this Enduro that it has impressed me - it made some great lines.
https://i.postimg.cc/MpTBRvsd/20190922-124727sm.jpg

Someone (Lisa Confina apparently) painted a boulder to look like the beach. I tried to go for a beach shot with the truck....not so much! :)
https://i.postimg.cc/dQ2GKMkm/20190922-132244sm.jpg

All in all, very happy with the Sport. Can't think of anything I'd change at this point other than messing with some tires. I don't think the Duratrax are bad per-se, but I think there's a bit more performance hidden in there. Oh, and losing the mirrors and snorkel as the catch on the rocks constantly! Scale looks are fine, but this is a performance truck. "thumbsup"

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Nothing like signing your vandalism. :lmao:

AsiaTees has always had great customer service in my experience as well. GCM not so much.

Some of those rocks are tricky so this truck is certainly dialed!

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

So, little update: I'm missing some white bushings for my C hubs. That's where the fitment issue came in.

After many e-mails back and forth with Asiatees, I got nowhere. Best I got after showing them a pic of my parts and the picture of the parts on their website (Clearly showing the white bushings that were missing from my parts) is "This item is sold as the set pack seen on the photo, this will be how the same amount and screws been supplied. the item will not include any spacers in the pack which customs may need to purchase separately. "

I don't know what that means other than I won't be shopping there again. Too bad, good prices and some unique stuff that's hard to find otherwise. But getting screwed is unacceptable.

Anyway, I got some 3x6 bearings in the mail today, I'll fudge up something a little more permanent than a few 3mm screws spinning in some aluminum spacers. After 1 run, it's already got noticeable play.

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Came up with a pretty nice solution ...picked up some 3x6x2.5 bearings and some 3mm shims. It was tedious, but I shimmed the knuckles in the C-hubs, then used the bearings in the C-hubs. The steering overall is now slop free and way smooth! Still ticked I had to spend so much extra time on it, but it worked out good in the end.
https://i.postimg.cc/fRtBJqvw/20190930-094244sm.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/25nGxqJM/20190930-094543sm.jpg

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Page 4 is looking great! Got a bit of everything. Great pics(especially like the one that caught the spinning tires), excellent performance tip and a little Macgyver troubleshooting.

It’s helping get me stoked on my Sport build8)

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

OSRC I always enjoy reading your write ups no matter what brand your working on. If I see you doing something I like to stop in and see what your up to. Very nice write up as always."thumbsup"

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Thank you sir, very kind of you!

I've got updates, just have been a bit behind in posting.

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Been slacking lately... the Sport has been out on a few runs, I just haven't been posting any pics. I'm not hard on my trucks per-se, but this one takes any and all punishment I throw at it - it goes through some hardcore terrain and other than some serious body rash it has yet to give me any problems at all. The TRX4's are just tanks.
https://i.postimg.cc/LsqVS5y7/20191030-095603sm.jpg

Last run I swapped over to some TSL's - the Deep Woods aren't terrible tires, but the TSL's simply have much more grip. It was a very noticeable difference. Basically this truck is dialed at this point. Haven't had to change a thing, just toss in a battery and go.
https://i.postimg.cc/gJ8qw5bH/20191030-100301sm.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/Bb352gq9/20191030-103549sm.jpg

It's that time of the year again...leaf season. This is where portals come in so handy.
https://i.postimg.cc/Wz7G8k3D/20191030-105250sm.jpg

This spine rock is a great challenge, and the Sport just owns it. Have to come up the side, do a 90d turn up top and straddle the spine up and over. Again, portal axles and a lot of clearance helps a ton...
https://i.postimg.cc/bY09pKTz/20191030-105724sm.jpg

Been going out during the week - all the kids are back at school, so it's just the sounds of electric motors, bumpers banging off rocks, and babbling brooks in the background. Love this time of year!
https://i.postimg.cc/QMRJdDwM/20191030-115704sm.jpg

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Beautiful scenery and a beautiful truck. Love the colors.

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Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Great thread. Which swampers are those?

Your c-hub experience reminds me of getting a bunch of gpm parts for a ta01 and having to modify literally every item so it would work/fit. I see gpm hasn't changed inyears.

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Proline TSL's, G8 Compound. Best tires I run, hands down.

As a follow up, Asiatees did finally send replacement C-hubs. Took several e-mails and a few weeks, but they did arrive. Came in about 2 weeks ago, I was shocked actually. Totally forgot about them.

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Time for an update for the Sport. Been running good, wouldn't change a thing. That's when boredom sets in..time to shake it up a little.

Picked up the Bronco conversion parts... I regret selling mine, Absolutely loved the look of it. Jato laughed at me for selling my Bronco, then spending a fortune on the body to convert over my Sport. However, when it came time to cull the TRX herd a few months ago, the Bronco was the logical choice to sell - much more popular than the Sport, and holds it value better. I actually sold it for slightly more than what I bought it for, so I think it was the right call.

Anyway, a well used and abused Sport, Bronco body, fenders, body mounts and a few odds and ends to get started.
https://i.postimg.cc/BQS3zLMV/20191213-101938sm.jpg

Goes quick, nice to have inner fenders again... They'll stay on regardless of body swaps in the future.
https://i.postimg.cc/jqQKvQQf/20191213-103626sm.jpg

Traxxas doesn't include the light covers, they are sold separate. Really? C'mon, that's really nickel and diming.
https://i.postimg.cc/15vS1md5/20191213-104054sm.jpg

Bought body mounts, but the body came with what I need, not to mention I found a couple in my parts box. Whoops!
https://i.postimg.cc/Gm9CL00P/20191213-103634sm.jpg

Front torn down...I was debating going front motor as I have the GRC kit left over from my Defender, but left it stock for now. And I lie - I did add some HR weights up front since I ran it last - they are a bit heavier than the SSD's and I wanted a touch more weight
to help plant the front.
https://i.postimg.cc/DwDKmCF9/20191213-104959sm.jpg

Boom!
https://i.postimg.cc/25ZNW4SV/20191213-110816sm.jpg

Bumper and push bar, I added a servo guard in there while I was at it. Nice that the body comes with the push bar and spare wheel. For the price, it should!!
https://i.postimg.cc/gJy9SmRp/20191213-111355sm.jpg

And the body drops right on... I'm not a huge fan of the black simply cause everyone has it, but it does look sharp! Body comes with both red and sunset decals. Not sure what way I'm going yet.
https://i.postimg.cc/KzhSDR1Q/20191213-112634sm.jpg

Of course, the SSD slot wheels are going on, they look perfect with this body. They needed a good cleaning, they were wet inside and the tires with caked with mud.
https://i.postimg.cc/Kjm6CwrM/20191213-181146sm.jpg

After some much needed washing and airing out, the tires went right back together. PL foams held up to the water pretty well, once washed and dried they felt good as new.
https://i.postimg.cc/XqxRWLQD/20191216-102655sm.jpg

I like it....might have lost some clearance and maybe some performance, but damn, its a good looking rig!! Very happy with the change. I've got other trucks I can build up into performers, this one's going down the trail in style!
https://i.postimg.cc/XN8S9N4c/20191216-103118sm.jpg

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Good! Now I have a reason to run my Bronco again. I really should get a Blazer body for it though.

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

@OSRC, if you need the rocklight covers I can print you some and send them. I had the same issue and 3D new ones.

Re: OS's TRX4 Sport Kit
 

Thanks Carl, I have some laying around. Appreciate the offer though.