Overhauling the Ascender

[Smonkman]

I've had my RTR Ascender for about a year and a half now. I've done some minor upgrades (SSD sliders, Chrome bumpers, wheels/tires, Vaterra Aluminum shocks) but I've decided to completely change it.
My inspiration was Natedogs Mighty FC build.
Going to shorten the wheelbase and mock the body up then for from there.
So far I've ordered:
- Axial sway bat kit
- rc4wd tough armour front bumper
- SSD rc black diff covers

On the list is:
- gmade gun metal steel beadlocks
- rc4wd Flashpoint tires
- axial lightbar
- Knight Customs exo-cage.

Progress will be slow as I have a 3 month old but I'll update as I can.
First couple pictures, one is a before image and second just before I started the wheelbase adjustment.

[Natedog]

Looking good, glad to have inspired your rebuild and looking forward to more.

[Smonkman]

Not sure where've I've gone wrong. In the switch to wheelbase 2 my shocks are now leaning backwards and I can no longer mount the battery tray in the stock position. Hopefully someone can chime in. Part of the issue is I know the manual has errors in it but I'm not sure where to find the correct info.

[northern hooligan]

This should get you going in the right direction:

Ascender Wheel Base & Link Reference Guide

also, this thread was started when the Blazer first came out, some info on errors made in the build book etc as well as other members posting up fix's or issues.

Things to know before you start building your Ascender...

[Natedog]

Answered your question in wheelbase thread. Pic of the front of your frame rails and suspension please.

[Smonkman]

I got the wheelbase issue sorted out, had to move the Skidplate one hole forward. Still not 100% how to fix the battery tray, if anyone has a picture of their RTR battery tray (the point where it mounts to the axle) that would be a great help.

Waiting for parts to arrive....



Wheelbase/geometry set. Sway bar installed.

Body is trimmed and getting painted this afternoon.

Still waiting for most parts to arrive....



Paint!

The front bumper has arrived, I went with the RC4WD ascender tube bumper. Just waiting on my Knight customs Exo-cage to arrive.

The last thing to order is wheels and tires, will do that later this week. Really happy with how it's all coming together.

[CODYBOY]

The rig is coming along nicely! I will be curious to see how your approach is going to be with that set up when you start climbing?
Ernie

[Smonkman]

Originally Posted by CODYBOY

The rig is coming along nicely! I will be curious to see how your approach is going to be with that set up when you start climbing?
Ernie

It should be improved over what I had before (stock body with SSD chrome bumpers).
One of the biggest issues I used to have was dragging the rear bumper, that won't be a problem anymore.
I'm excited to get it out on the trail

[Smonkman]

Here's how it sits now. Just waiting on the last few parts to arrive: wheels, tires, exo-cage and winch.
Used tamiya matte clear on the shell and love the look.
Still haven't figured out what I'm going to do for sliders or the rear bumper.

[JatoTheRipper]

I really like this body. Nicely done.

[Smonkman]

Knight Customs Exo-cage came in. Got it installed with my OneTooManyRCs light bar. Used self-tapping screws from the inside. Light bar will eventually be wired to its own 3s, going to install a small switch at the back mounted into the body.
Took my SSD RC aluminum bumpers, trimmed them down and mounted them up. Used the original Ascender front bumper and modified the rear mounts to mount it nice and tight to the body.

Just waiting on wheels and tires and then it's time to hit the trails

[Smonkman]

Finally got it complete and on the trail.
Started out as a RTR K5 Blazer.
Added:
-Savox 1210 servo
- SSDRC sliders
- RC4WD tube bumper
- Knight Custom Exo cage
- OneTooManyRCs Light bar
- HeyOk BEC
- Axial Wraith Sway Bar
- Gmade Steel Beadlocks
- RC4WD Flashpoint tires

[Adubscsr]

Very nice rig Smonk....
I too have a RTR Ascender...3 mos. new and all stock. I just ordered a 1210 servo...let me know how you like it. I ordered a 9" servo extension....that gonna work?

I did order and mount up GMade steel beadlocks. I mount a second set of Vaterra SSwampers. Two things I noticed from the stock plastic and SSWampers. The GMades are SUPER heavy....enough so that I found graceful slow speed crawling compromised. Took a lot of throttle to get em going and then it would "jump". Momentum was a little issue when slowing or descending. Also, I did not vent the tires or rims. Stock plastic rims are vented. Tires/foams were too firm. SO.....these came off, plastics back on for now. I do run them for less technical driving.....they look pretty cool.

[Chris81]

Originally Posted by Adubscsr

Very nice rig Smonk....
I too have a RTR Ascender...3 mos. new and all stock. I just ordered a 1210 servo...let me know how you like it. I ordered a 9" servo extension....that gonna work?

I did order and mount up GMade steel beadlocks. I mount a second set of Vaterra SSwampers. Two things I noticed from the stock plastic and SSWampers. The GMades are SUPER heavy....enough so that I found graceful slow speed crawling compromised. Took a lot of throttle to get em going and then it would "jump". Momentum was a little issue when slowing or descending. Also, I did not vent the tires or rims. Stock plastic rims are vented. Tires/foams were too firm. SO.....these came off, plastics back on for now. I do run them for less technical driving.....they look pretty cool.

To deal with the heavier wheels a couple thoughts come to mind...keep in mind I'm very new at this... 1)smaller pinion 2)higher turn motor 3)3s lipo for more power if your not already running 3s. Pinion would be the cheapest followed by the motor...then if it's too slow more juice!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Chris81]

Forgot one...spur gear

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[M1tch]

Originally Posted by Chris81

To deal with the heavier wheels a couple thoughts come to mind...keep in mind I'm very new at this... 1)smaller pinion 2)higher turn motor 3)3s lipo for more power if your not already running 3s. Pinion would be the cheapest followed by the motor...then if it's too slow more juice!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I like the Gmade steelies. I have the VR01's on my Sawback/Komodo. To reduce the wheel weight I removed the inner beadlock ring and replace them with a section of pvc waste pipe cut to the same width.

[Adubscsr]

Chris...thanks for the suggestions. As a Nob also, thats above my pay grade right now....both skill and $. But its good info for more serious upgrades down the line.
Smonk.....are all your drivetrain still stock otherwise? Good suggestion ! I'll try the when I have the patience.....I found these to be a PITA to mount. I mounted the Vaterra Super Swampers and kept getting a bead burp just at final tighten down.

[M1tch]

I have another set of VR01's that need tires. I'll get some photos if you want. Easy to do though as long as you can cut the pipe square .

[Smonkman]

Originally Posted by Adubscsr

Chris...thanks for the suggestions. As a Nob also, thats above my pay grade right now....both skill and $. But its good info for more serious upgrades down the line.

Smonk.....are all your drivetrain still stock otherwise?

Drivetrain is completely stock, running 2S lipo. Haven't noticed any issues with the weight of the bead locks.