Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build

[EeePee]

You made up the term force path. Took me 28 times to visualize the arc the steering link scribes while the rest of the axle does its things, but alright. Seems they made a longer than usual panhard bar and a shorter than usual steering link. Curious what would happen if the steering link went to the knuckle.

VP hubs seen to have some room around the hex.

[MountainStorm]

This is a kit I am really intrigued with. Very nice to see it piece by piece like this. Thanks!

[badhoopty]

a longer drag link mounted to the top of the knuckle arm looks like it would reduce bumpsteer a bit and also lessen the drag link angle.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Impressive stuff here for sure. I might have to thin the herd to make room for one...

[Honchoforever1]

Originally Posted by badhoopty

a longer drag link mounted to the top of the knuckle arm looks like it would reduce bumpsteer a bit and also lessen the drag link angle.

Exactly what I was thinking

[new2rocks]

Thanks for getting this up so quickly. I'll definitely be following closely (and would have been sorely disappointed if you did anything box stock even for 5 mins). One question I've had about this rig since seeing the initial announcement is the rigidity of the frame given the adjustable rails. On the spectrum between stock SCX10 (very twisty) and Gelande (like granite), how is the torsional rigidity on the Ascender frame?

[Harley]

Originally Posted by new2rocks

Thanks for getting this up so quickly. I'll definitely be following closely (and would have been sorely disappointed if you did anything box stock even for 5 mins). One question I've had about this rig since seeing the initial announcement is the rigidity of the frame given the adjustable rails. On the spectrum between stock SCX10 (very twisty) and Gelande (like granite), how is the torsional rigidity on the Ascender frame?

The frame rails are very stout in comparison to an SCX chassis. The wall thickness of the steel as well as the overall height of the rails makes it pretty solid. I would say that it also makes the chassis much heavier than a SCX. I never felt like my SCX10 needed to be significantly more rigid however I do know what you mean on the twisting. I have bent multiple SCX chassis over the years, driving like a dumbass mainly, I don't think this chassis will be as easy to bend.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by badhoopty

a longer drag link mounted to the top of the knuckle arm looks like it would reduce bumpsteer a bit and also lessen the drag link angle.

That was my initial thought as well. Clearance of the chassis is the issue though, and most likely the reason that they didn't go this route out of the box. If you are OK with reduced suspension travel, this will be a possibility for you.

[LapuaKrawler]

Looks good Josh!! cant wait to see this thing in action and see what Harley "touches" you put on it! When its completed, are you going to do a side-by-side comparison with an SCX10 video? Also, how does the adjustable frame work with the wheel wells?

[gillbily23]

I would love to see an early release vehicle get a good shakedown in pure stock form for once, to include tires and wheels. We know that most RTR tires and wheels are garbage but why not give them a few runs to see how they break in and give some helpful feedback on them?

[Harley]

Originally Posted by LapuaKrawler

Looks good Josh!! cant wait to see this thing in action and see what Harley "touches" you put on it! When its completed, are you going to do a side-by-side comparison with an SCX10 video? Also, how does the adjustable frame work with the wheel wells?

I'll do a side by side video as soon as I can. I have so many videos to finish right now...

[Black n Blue]

Great thread so far. Maybe this is a newb question, but I am just getting some experience with changing the foams. I am planning on running the stock tires to start with RC4WD Mickey Thompson wheels, but should I also upgrade the foams?

I know there are different sizes of 1.9 foams. What size foams will work for the stock tires?

[Harley]

Originally Posted by gillbily23

I would love to see an early release vehicle get a good shakedown in pure stock form for once, to include tires and wheels. We know that most RTR tires and wheels are garbage but why not give them a few runs to see how they break in and give some helpful feedback on them?

The compound on these isn't bad. But as far as running them, there's two thing about that. First, I don't like Swampers of any sort visually. Two, the stock wheels are glue on, and in general I just don't glue tires unless there is some huge performance reason.

So I went the easy route and got something I like the looks of. If I don't like the way something looks, I really don't have much motivation to work on it.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Black n Blue

Great thread so far. Maybe this is a newb question, but I am just getting some experience with changing the foams. I am planning on running the stock tires to start with RC4WD Mickey Thompson wheels, but should I also upgrade the foams?

I know there are different sizes of 1.9 foams. What size foams will work for the stock tires?

If you want a softer more rock friendly setup, then get the Crawler Innovations Lil Novas. The stock tires are 4.5" tall. Otherwise the closed cell foams are great for a little more speed and such, but I'm not sure if that's where this rig is best fit just yet. I have to play with it some more.

[500swmag]

Originally Posted by Harley

Moving right along.

...
The angle of the drag link is a little steep, and the link is also shorter than the panhard mount. So there is some bump steer, but it is not excessive. I have a video of this that will be included in the in-depth video breakdown of the kit.

looks like a drag link to knuckle might improve that?



I think I'm gonna need one of these.
nice build.
-500

[Harley]

Last night I finished up the build and got the body trimmed out. A few comparison shots for you guys.

[gearhead79]

Looks awsome!!!!! Any idea on a paint sceme?
Im sure something bad arse

[Mighty1]

Subscribed even though its a damn chevy!
Cant wait to whoop this rigs ass!

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Mighty1

Subscribed even though its a damn chevy!
Cant wait to whoop this rigs ass!

King of the Goats in coming up! Get ready man!

[old man 52]

So can this run as a class 2 rig , the side by side pic really show how much bigger it is.