Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

I’m currently running the proline gladiator body and it’s just too small, plus I want to get some of the Knight Customs parts.

Going to need to extend the wheelbase for the JT body to 13.9” or so. Not worried about frame rail length.

I assume other than longer links (I’ll likely have to make them or use SCX iii ones) I’m going to need the TRX-6 locker cable and a longer rear driveshaft.

I plan to mount the body with custom hidden mounts and velcro like current setup.

Any issues you can foresee going this route?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Nope. Sounds like it’ll be awesome! I love the Gladiator body!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Just need to get the body ordered now. [emoji2955]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

i would be curious to see how close it is to the 12.8 wheelbase. So I can get a second bed and mod it to fit a trx6.

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

The rear links on Axial Gladiator are so long they dont offer much triangulation. Since you need links anyway I wonder if its worth trying to use shorter links and fabbing up some new mounts that are farther back? That could also give you the opportunity to do some RULR's

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

I’d get more advice from people that actually know/have done it personally. I haven’t done it, but I think it’d work with some fab.

You should do a build thread on it! If so, I’m following.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

A 6x6 Gladiator would be dope! There’s plenty of pics on Google


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

I’ll be watching this thread for sure, I was also very curious to see the gladiator body on a TRX 4 platform. I know you can lengthen the wheel base on the TRX-4 by reversing the rear shock towers and using the rear set of holes which should get you to 336 mm (13.2") so that gets you closer to the required 13.9. That along with the links from the high lift kit might get you pretty close.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

We 3D printed extensions for the frame at the rear and the belly plate bracket. Thr standard links just mount a bit further back.

The drive shaft output for the rear was extended using a machined propshaft.
Busy designing our own cantilever suspension at the rear as well. Just need to get it machined as well.

The idea is that this will be a wheelbase extension kit for the TRX-4.

The car performed pretty well in concept form at one of our local crawls.

With the Axial body out now, I doubt we will focus on the scale body too much further. I want a Axial JT lexan body too.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5de163c883.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...41e79a20dd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...898f9fd078.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...997b2bde2c.jpg

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Good idea. Never thought of doing that. I’ve built a custom 6x6 original SCX so link fab isn’t foreign to me. I would like to be able to go as much shorter than the 13.9” the SCX uses as possible without it looking weird to keep breakover angles and turning reasonable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Ah high lift kit! Forgot about those links. I was thinking of making my own or getting SCX iii ones from the JT. I’ve been flip flopping between just taking easy route and doing the wrangler body from the SCX iii but I like the gladiator look and rear rack better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Wow that’s cool. Any chance of getting access to that file for the skid plate/link extension?

I’m definitely looking into trying to extend it in the most proper looking and functioning way possible.

Body looks cool! You were making your own JT body by the looks of it? Or is that just no bed attached?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

I asked someone with an SCX iii JT who also has a TRX-4 how it looks in terms of fit and other than the wheelbase issue should be no problem. I won’t be using body post mounts - hate the look - so Velcro and/or magnets it is.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Thanks for all the replies! Got me thinking outside the box now as to which way I want to tackle this.

Body is 1.5 weeks out at my LHS before they have any in stock. I’ll have a look at it then and start working on the wheelbase. I’ve only had this truck for about 3 weeks and wish I waited to just do it this way originally but that’s how this hobby goes, eh?

Body Color is most likely going to be same as my current proline gladiator below but I’m tossing around another idea: Tamiya translucent green with the gold anodized aluminum instead of silver ano like the blue body. It would in theory give it a very warm, deep green Color. Tough choice, leaning blue for now.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6341f5c4dc.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Sweet! Looking forward to it[emoji106] I use Velcro on my bronco and it’s fine. I would rather have magnets though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

I guess the build thread will be in here as I get parts.

Ordered today:
1) Knight Customs - grille, latches, snorkel, slimline roof rack.
2) MyTrickRC - Jeep JL light kit for SCXiii and 6” light bar
3) bowhouseRC low CG battery tray


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Extend Wheelbase to fit JT Gladiator Body from Axial
 

Following this build because I've been curious about it as well. Also, you may be able to get the rear links and driveshaft length from the traxxas lift kit, but it may just be an excuse to get high clearance custom links made for it. Mock up the axle to the body at the wheel base needed and measure the length needed and just get a set of customs made, probably cheaper than purchasing a $110 lift kit that you won't need to use more than 1/2 the stuff from. And just order the long drive shaft parts for the rear. Intheworksrc makes custom links either straight or high clearance in a few materials while probably saving some money over the lift kit.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk