topher builds a TRX10.2
 

My TRX4 Sport hasn’t seen a whole lot of action since it was built back when the kits came out. I’ve kicked around a few ideas of what to do with it, including selling it, and instead landed on swapping some AR44 based axles under it. Anyone tried this yet? If so please share you’re experiences.

So if you look at the chassis layover comparison you can see the VS4-10 rails are similar to the TRX4. This is what got me wondering about how a pair of 10.2 based axles would do under the trx4 chassis and the trx4 transmission with the forward oriented motor and forward battery tray.

Did a little noodling on the transmission and axle ratios to see if it’d be drivable, and with the help of a local fb group and some searching here I was able to come up with the followings math. Note, I have the 45t spur in the sport.

(45/9)*2.2225*3.75= 41.67 final drive ratio.

I came up with 2.2225 for the transmission ratio as the manual says the ratio is 15.8 with the stock axles. So using a little math with the (34/11) diff and portals having a 2.3:1 reduction I got to 2.2225. I then learned that Harley already did the math and used 2.22 so I ran with it.

While 41.67 is not ideal it should be doable so I decided to give it a shot and see what happens.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

I'm putting wide XR width AR60s under a TRX trans equipped bouncer, my math is pretty similar to what you were getting, accounting for the UD/OD gear sets in the axles. Still a work in progress or I would give you driving characteristic insights, but we're on our own as it were.

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Alright I’ve made a bit of progress.

Got the rear mounted up real easy, full compression without binding anywhere and smooth action. (Pic 1)

The front axle has been a little more challenging. The first obstacle is the trx4 skid plate. Since the trx4 has an offset front axle and I’m using a centered pumpkin I ran into clearance issues with the driveshaft and the skid. (Pic 2).

Took the dremel out and made some space, then pulled the MIP driveshaft out of my other trx4 because it’s narrower at that part of the driveshaft, and it seems to clear fine.

For the pan hard I pulled the one off my toyzuki 2.5 and fiddled a little with the rod ends but it seems to be working out okay so far.

Gotta get a servo in there and may get a chance to put some power to it here shortly.

Good to hear on the math. Sounds like a cool build you have in mind too. Hope it goes well "thumbsup"

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

This is a cool build. Here lately it seems like people are throwing trx4 axles under whatever kind of truck, pick one. This is the first I've heard of straight SCX10 .2 axles under a Traxxas chassis. Very cool. Can't wait to hear how this thing drives and climbs with the lower COG.

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Love the kit bashing builds! 👍🏼

I’ve seen a TRX4 with a portal delete kit and it looked and crawled great.

And wait to see more progress.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Hey thanks fellas! I too am anxious to see how it is without the portals.

Got it rolling and electronics in. The stock steering link was a bit short and was causing problems under full compression when turning, I was able to find another link I had around and tried a couple different rod ends till the steering centered with the horn straight ahead and it seemed to clear things up.

Not entirely sure about the pan hard length but it’s driving and turns fine in my living room. I think it’s about to ready to hit the rocks tomorrow morning and see how it goes. Bringing a spare rig just in case.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Didn't ssd have a portal delete kit?

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Nice!"thumbsup"

Can't wait to hear how it performs!

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Yep, they sure do... still listed on their site, and for sale at various vendors... "thumbsup"

Very imaginative build!

My brain hurts with all the various mental chassis/axle/transmission combos I've been doing.

However, I have not attempted one dang thing yet.

I have the Vanquish chassis, SSD Pro44s, a practically new TRX-4, and a new Enduro.

The mind reels at all the possibilities!

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Alright got it out on the rocks for a couple hours this morning and had a lot of fun! It worked out better than I thought and I’m going to continue to run it like this and tinker.

It’d be nice to have an offset front axle so the driveshaft lines up better so I’m going to see if I can get my hands on one out of the trail king down the road or maybe even spring for some vs4-10 axles eventually.

Video to come but here’s a short clip I have on insta for now

https://instagram.com/p/B2uUifnglZW/

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uUifnglZW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">What you’re seeing here is a trx4 chassis and transmission along with a pair of AR44 based axles from @ssd_rc. I wasn’t sure what to expect but after taking it out this morning I think she’s a keeper. More pics and a video to come �� #traxxas #trx4 #traxxastrx4 #axial #axialscx10ii #scx10ii #axialracing #ssdrc #trx4explore #rc #rccrawler #remotecontrol #rctruck #tinytrucks #voodootires #scalecrawler #scalebuilder #scaletruck #trucks #holmeshobbies #rccars #rccar #rctrucks #trx10ii #rclife #rchobby #rccommunity #battlebornrc</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/topherbuilds/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> topherBuilds RC</a> (@topherbuilds) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-09-22T18:36:04+00:00">Sep 22, 2019 at 11:36am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Thought about going this route but this project here I already had everything here to do it so it was budget friendly, and I didn’t really want a straight traxxas axle because the pumpkin is kinda jumbo.

Went into this with a “what if I...” type of mindset instead of a full blown new build with new parts.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Looks great and appears to crawl equally well. 👍🏼

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Thanks for the quick video on "The Gram." Would it have made the same lines with the portals?

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Thanks Dez!


There was another trx4 out there that couldn’t make it, not the easiest line, but I don’t know what all was done to it. Since these axles have weight in them by design and brass knuckles it’s not really a stock set of axles either.

IIRC I’ve gotten my other trx4 up there that’s been modified quite a bit (with portals) I haven’t driven that one in a while but it should be able to do that.

Just remembered that Alex had his trx4 out with us today, it’s about 16 lbs, but that thing goes everywhere, including this line.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Didn't see that right front try lifting at all, portal delete success

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Short video from today and a few more pics.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-9cwESeZTA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

DUDE! That thing's a friggin goat!! Impressive! Any problems with tire rub? What compound KLR's were you using? Well done.

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

I agree with max-d, that things a goat! Maybe one of these days i can make it out that way n hit some trails with u. Such a beautiful playground u got there topher!

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

i sent off a set of trx4 frame rails and scx10 ii axles to my cousin also sent off scx10ii skid plate but its gona take a long time to finnish cause im buyin the parts lol some day ill do a thread about it but im not doin the build so ill have to rely on his pics and what he says he did lol its realy nice to know that its a good set up although his has a scx skid it should be close to what you have there

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Great pics and awesome video!"thumbsup"

Glad to hear and see that it did very good! I like how low the chassis and body sits now. Yeah, a set of VS4-10 axles under it would look sweet!

I might have to add this to my list of winter projects for my TRX-4 Sport!

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Sweet build and very capable! I want to build something similar, but using the Vanquish chassis instead.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Nice concept and I really like the Raptor body. Looking at the similarities between the TRX-4 rails and the VS4-10 you would kind of expect decent performance with AR44 axles, as long as your gear ratios are in the ballpark and you don't run a huge battery behind the transmission like so many TRX-4s run.

Makes me wonder how a chassis with a bit more axle clearance would work with the TRX-4 portal axles. Something laid out like the VS4-10 for COG but with the extra clearance of the portals without raising the COG too much just might work out.

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Sooo did you start yet? :ror: excited to see what you come up with D!

Thanks Max! Not really any issues with the tire rubbing, I may try some 4.45 boom racing hustlers on there once I get new foams for them, but that’s mostly just for appearance as the KLR’s look huge in the raptor wheel wells IMO. But they are a killer tire, these are the red compound and still breaking them in. Only the second time they’ve been on the rocks.

Indy that would be sweet! I’d be happy to take anyone from rcc out wheeling around here. Great rocks everywhere "thumbsup"


Thanks BMow! The VS4-10 axle idea is gaining steam since they are readily available. May try and find some take offs next month, unless the ssd offset front axle becomes available.

A new Jato build? That’s what I’m talkin about. Do ittt. :ror:

You’re a good cousin ferp, hope we hear about this build. Definitely considered going for a Vader skid or something similar so I could use a 10.2 transmission but wanted to see how this would work out first.

Thanks Brigg. And yessir that was the idea. I’m running a small 3500mah 3s Helios pack in the front tray. Basically everything on the chassis is on the front half of the truck, except for about half of the receiver box.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Thanks! "thumbsup" I have the Capra preordered so that's going to be first up.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

those actual KLR or the chinesesium version? That thing is a goat.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Nice! I haven’t pre-ordered but after seeing how easy it’d be to set up the rear steer I’m seriously considering it.

Thanks Duke! These are the legitimate KLR X4’s in the Vex (Red) compound.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Nice scale garage Topher Danza!

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Little update here. My panhard was a bit long before, spent some time tweaking the steering links again and made some improvements. The axle doesn’t swing out and angle the tire when turning now.

Next should be an offset front axle when I can make it happen.

Just remembered I have a clip of my other trx4 with portals doing that line here... this one is about 9 lbs with a good bit of weight on the axles.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MF1WVeQ7tB4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Haha thanks Walsh "thumbsup"

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

That's damn impressive! "thumbsup"

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

What he said [emoji651] !!!

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Took the mutt out today and ran in my first competition ever. This wasn’t a standard comp but a timed, blind course, where the top 3 got paid. There were 18 or 19 drivers at $10 a head.

I ended up in 4th which I’m happy with, a gate penalty or a bonus gate away from being in the money. The truck did great, the pan hard length seems to be spot on now too.

I’ll have a longer video of the competition together for later but here’s a pic from today for now.


Thanks fellas! "thumbsup"

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

That beautiful red rock reminds me how much I miss the desert. Good job on 4th. Now that you've got some good wheel time on it, do you think the switch from portals helped you or hurt you in a comp environment? Still happy with it?

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Thanks J.

The axle swap certainly didn’t hurt, although since I’ve never comped before, with or without portals, it’s hard to say. The truck is predictable and side hills well, definitely has more steering in its current form as well.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

How do you think this truck compares to one of your other straight axle trucks like the element enduro?

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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

It is much more capable than the enduro, but that’s not too fair of a comparison because these axles have metal tubes from ssd as well as ssd brass steering knuckles so there is a weight advantage.

I have a 10.2 with pro44 axles on it and I’d say these two are fairly close in performance. That one is fairly heavily modified as well.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/axial...-10-2-kit.html

I can say that it is a lot better performer with the axle swap on it than it was before in its mildly modified state. I had yeah racing housings, samix brass portal covers up front, and front overdrive before and it wouldn’t do what the truck does now.

topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Great job on the 4th place finish![emoji106] Not too bad for you first comp. Especially being a timed blind course. That adds just a tiny bit more pressure!

Glad to hear “Mutt” did great! Can’t wait to see some video footage!


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Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Thanks BMow!

I got a lot of video, and tried to get everyone I got clips of in here, so it’s a long one. The clips of the raptor in here are re-enactments since I wasn’t filming during the actual run. The truck that took first is the red Cadillac looking truck, it’s Matt Wolfe’s from Issued LV Scalers, lightweight and very capable build.

Vid and a buncha pics:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-F8uJd3jyQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Awesome pics and video - BTW, the "Cadillac looking truck" is a Proline Crowd Pleaser 2.0 SUV, which was sold as an E-Maxx body way back, I had one on mine!

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/00...g?v=1554341796

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Duroklopedia ftw.

That’s real cool, Matt’s sponsored by Proline (same guy that built this beauty, among many others) so it makes sense he had a gem up his sleeve for this season.

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Great pics and video!"thumbsup" Man that looks like it would have been a lot of fun! I would love to crawl some of them red rocks someday. They look like they would be more fun to climb them the slimy moss covered rocks I have in my area!:cry:

With all the roll overs, it looks like some of them lines were a bit tough! Raptor looked liked it climb through the course with ease!

Re: topher builds a TRX10.2
 

Hey thanks B! You should consider a trip out here sometime, this time of year (and the next few months really) are prime time for crawling weather. If ya do give it a few days because there are a lot of equally amazing spots a drive away, such as where Proline by the fire is, and of course valley of fire, and then Utah.

The TRX10.2 has been exceeding expectations for sure, I was worried about not having a winch, brought a one strap with me, but didn’t end up needing to use it. It didn’t do everything but it did a lot and did it pretty well.