Falken Jeep JK flatbed Ascender by NightRider

[The_NightRider]

Originally Posted by Natedog

Very nice shock mod, I would try using a soft upper (short) spring with that setup, but with heavier hardbody it might be perfect. This setup creates more preload on the shock springs, similar to where the adjuster collar is stock on RTR.

I will refine the shock setup when the car is done,It will be around 3,5kg(around 11,5 lbs) or a little more.

[JatoTheRipper]

Very cool!

[The_NightRider]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

Very cool!

Thank you

I finally received the transfer case,made of ABS mixed with aluminum powder.



I built an adapler plate for the Vaterra skid made of a thick cabon fiber plate



I have chosen this transfer case because it allows me to have a front Overdrive to help traction.
Another advantage is that the rear axle has a reverse rotation so helps minimize torque twist.
Obviously I will have to rotate the rear axle to change the wheel rotation sense.

[Gecko_Joe]

Where'd you get that tcase

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by The_NightRider

As I said before I want to use the pieces of the kit as much as possible, trying to improve the performance.
The kit's shock absorbers are too long and have too much travel so I decided to modify them.
Not wanting to cut and thread the original rods I took the rods by an axial (TIN covered) and I put the plates (I had to lower them of 0.3 mm) of the Ascender



To improve smoothness and prevent oil leakage I used the oring in Traxxas Big Bore rebuild kit.

You used Axial shock shafts AX30146, Shock Shaft 3x50 (2pcs)?
Axial Racing - Shock Shaft 3x50 (2pcs)

I really like this. Do you have eye to eye extended and collapsed shock lengths with this setup?

[Itali83]

Man, you guys over in my mother land really got your stuff together when it comes to making custom parts! Really good idea for the transfer case, both the overdrive front and counter rotation for the rear! Can't wait to see if it really helps with torque twist. Great build!
Ben

[The_NightRider]

Originally Posted by Natedog

You used Axial shock shafts AX30146, Shock Shaft 3x50 (2pcs)?
Axial Racing - Shock Shaft 3x50 (2pcs)

I really like this. Do you have eye to eye extended and collapsed shock lengths with this setup?

I don't know the part code,I taken them from a pair of shocks that I have at home,they are the standard Axial plastic RTR shocks.
I think they are the same of the link.
I don't have the collapsed measure,but the extended eye to eye measure is 90mm

Originally Posted by Itali83

Man, you guys over in my mother land really got your stuff together when it comes to making custom parts! Really good idea for the transfer case, both the overdrive front and counter rotation for the rear! Can't wait to see if it really helps with torque twist. Great build!
Ben

Hi bro!!!!
Nice to see an italian comment my work.
I'm a little envious...I love USA,I made two long road trips in USA but I don't visited Maine yet.
The transfer case comes from The Scaler Store,a very good custom shop here in Turin.
My friend maxbonv use the same setup and it work very good on his full custom Ascender.

[Itali83]

I've got some inspiration from maxbonv and his builds. The scaler store you say huh? I'll have to check them out. I'm trying to get with Giuseppe Musumeci and see what he has for the ascenders but don't have Facebook so I'm having troubles with that. I tried to log in under a friend's name but couldn't find his store or products on Facebook. I've emailed him and heard back but don't know everything he offers. I'm looking to build a leaf sprung ascender and want his delrin leafs also looking to do motor forward so motor mounts and transfer case would be nice too. Keep up the good work!
Ben

[The_NightRider]

Originally Posted by Gecko_Joe

Where'd you get that tcase

The Scaler Store - TSS Ripartitore Centrale ABS Reversibile Configurabile ARGENTO

Originally Posted by Itali83

I've got some inspiration from maxbonv and his builds. The scaler store you say huh? I'll have to check them out. I'm trying to get with Giuseppe Musumeci and see what he has for the ascenders but don't have Facebook so I'm having troubles with that. I tried to log in under a friend's name but couldn't find his store or products on Facebook. I've emailed him and heard back but don't know everything he offers. I'm looking to build a leaf sprung ascender and want his delrin leafs also looking to do motor forward so motor mounts and transfer case would be nice too. Keep up the good work!
Ben

Do you know his nickname?
Probably he follows Scaler&Crawlers forum in Italy. ;)

[The_NightRider]

Not to have interference problems between the engine and axle I reconstructed the truss creating a low profile that moves the upper link attachment to the side

[The_NightRider]

Today is dedicated to fit the transmission.

carbon fiber adapter plate



mounting,all using stock chassis holes





a second plate secure the other side





The motor take place in the space cleared by the new truss



Lower than this is impossible using the Vaterra transmission,the motor level is almost the same of a stock Ascender so the COG probably don't chancge much.
I'm very satisfied....and using stock parts again.

[The_NightRider]

A better picture of the motor positioning
Now you can see why I moved the upper link.

[CODYBOY]

Originally Posted by The_NightRider

A better picture of the motor positioning
Now you can see why I moved the upper link.

Nice job NightRider, you not only have your motor weight forward, but down low!!! One thing I'm wondering about is the angle of your shaft going to the transfer case, it looks kind of steep?
Ernie,

[Desmo]

Originally Posted by Natedog

You used Axial shock shafts AX30146, Shock Shaft 3x50 (2pcs)?
Axial Racing - Shock Shaft 3x50 (2pcs)

I really like this. Do you have eye to eye extended and collapsed shock lengths with this setup?

Since everyone is reducing shock travel on their ascender. What is the proper shock lenght? 90mm?

[CODYBOY]

Originally Posted by Desmo

Since everyone is reducing shock travel on their ascender. What is the proper shock lenght? 90mm?

I think it comes down to driving styles. My shocks are at 102mm I think Nates might be closer to 100mm. Bens are probably at 102mm. I have some modified axial icons that are at 90mm that I might try. I just rand my K10 and was able to hit lines that I had trouble hitting with my shafty. To much flex can be more of a problem than not enough! At 102mm I think I still have a little to much flex. For first time out my truck handled pretty awesome.
Ernie

[The_NightRider]

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

Nice job NightRider, you not only have your motor weight forward, but down low!!! One thing I'm wondering about is the angle of your shaft going to the transfer case, it looks kind of steep?
Ernie,

Yep....is the only thing I don't like.
But che choose was low motor positioning or a steep shaft.
Obiouvsly I will do some seriuous tests to check
reliability.
I don't like cars that broke in the middle of the track.

Originally Posted by Desmo

Since everyone is reducing shock travel on their ascender. What is the proper shock lenght? 90mm?

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

I think it comes down to driving styles. My shocks are at 102mm I think Nates might be closer to 100mm. Bens are probably at 102mm. I have some modified axial icons that are at 90mm that I might try. I just rand my K10 and was able to hit lines that I had trouble hitting with my shafty. To much flex can be more of a problem than not enough! At 102mm I think I still have a little to much flex. For first time out my truck handled pretty awesome.
Ernie

90 to 100 are right
I prefer cars with not too much shock travel,I don't like load transfer so I prefer to stay in the 90/95mm range.


update

yesterday I mounted the electronics(HH BR mini ESC) and tested the naked car.
I'm very satisfied,It moves very well(in my backyard...),I have only to rebuild the rear shocks because have some years of work on their back.

[rag6]

So I guess you have to mount the battery in the rear?

[The_NightRider]

Originally Posted by rag6

So I guess you have to mount the battery in the rear?

I will use a 2200mAh 2S battery,slim enough to stay under the passenger seat
The other electronics take place under the driver seat,all to maintain a low CG.
The hard part is to find a way to fix the body on the chassis but easily removable to change battery.
I'm working on it....

[The_NightRider]

First test of the car w/out the body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u01Du1vyt6I

It works!!! And it works wery well.
Cantilever and shocks are very smooth,the HH esc/motor combo is like honey but very reactive(I use only 2s batteries) when you need power.
Gearing and steering are ok,I've noticed a little torque twist but probablly will disappear when i fine tune the rear suspension.

[calcagno45]

Nice job! What tire are you going to end up with?