is the x worth it

[Rokclod3Krawler]

well i am shoping for a new crawler. and i have 430$ and i am thinking about getting the x. but after i get it what do i need. i know i need reverse kit thats like 30 bux and i need a rear steering how munch will that be to set up? and how easy is it to lock the diffs? i am manley getting it to bash on for 2 mouths till i get more cash thean im buliding my 1st tuber and i will be steeling its axils and selling the rest off so i dont care about how good it crawls stock. but is it worth the money?

[sam__kent]

I have the first version of the XF and am very happy with it. Hobby People have probably the best price around - I got mine from them. You should Have a fair bit of change from your 430.

[cman_1500w]

I think what you're doing is a good choice. Take the X-factor and play with it as gas for a while and then build an electric crawler with the axles. It really is worth playing with the X as nitro, there's nothing else like it. Very unique vehicle.

for rear steering it really depends how you want it. At the very least, it'll be about $40-$50. for example: A hitec 645 runs about $35-$40 and then you'll need a cirrus y-harness with servo reversing, about $15. This will let the fr/rr do circle steering. For steering you want a servo w/ at least 100-130oz of torque. oh yea, don't forget the servo you'll need for the reverse.

If you want independent 4ws you'll need a radio with 4channels and a receiver to go with it.

DO NOT GET THE R-BOX, PERIOD!

locking diffs is easy, just get some jb-weld, mix it up and smother the gears inside the diffs. there's a write up on this site under the articles section, it'll explain more.

hope this helps

[sam__kent]

Originally Posted by cman_1500w

... and then you'll need a cirrus y-harness with servo reversing, about $15. This will let the fr/rr do circle steering.

Do you really need the servo reversing? Couldn't you just use a conventional y-harness and turn the steering servo upside down? Or does servo reversing not cost any extra? (I have never looked into this BTW...)

Originally Posted by cman_1500w

locking diffs is easy, just get some jb-weld, mix it up and smother the gears inside the diffs. there's a write up on this site under the articles section, it'll explain more.

Would locking the diffs negate the effect of the 4WS to some extent? Doesn't this increase turning radius? You may also want to watch your speed if you do lock the diffs - could put undue stress on an gearbox that is very close to its limit. Perhaps consider using a heavy-weight diff oil as an intermediate step until you decide to slow right down.

These are just some thoughts from a beginner. Please correct me as that's how we all learn...

Thanks folks

[cman_1500w]

It was a long time ago so I can't remeber exactly what I tried. I do remeber mounting the servo in different ways like what you're talking about. I believe you do need the y-harness with servo reversing. It's like $15 or so. Definitely cheaper than going to independent 4ws (4ch radio and new receiver - figure about $150 for that )

Yes locking the diffs will hurt turning radius. This is intended for all out rock crawling and slooooow speeds. Not good for anything over
5-10mph. Also not good for driving on the pavement. Keep it on the dirt or rocks. You are correct. Try thick silicone in the diffs first and see if that suits you. Start light and work your way up. Ofna makes like a 100,000 weight oil, works good. Tower hobbies or hobby people should have it.

[Rokclod3Krawler]

well i dont intend on locking diffs till i convert to full crawler. why should i stay away from the r box...is it not work good...i need reverse i have bad feet and the more walking i do the worse they get

[sam__kent]

The R-box is fine to use. But if you upgrade your radio to 3 ch, don't throw it away - it's a handy way to get 4 channels from 3.

[cman_1500w]

From my experiences and from what I've heard other ppl say at xtm's x-factor forum, the r-box is too problematic to mess with.

For some reason it doesn't hold the settings well and needs to be reset a whole lot. like I had to do all the time.

Plus I dont like the way it works either. you hold reverse down and for whatever time you set it for, usually 3-5seconds, it will shift into reverse. Now say you're going top speed and don't get to a full stop within that 3-5 seconds. The r-box will shift into reverse regardless and you'll wear away the gears in the tranny.

Too much hassle for me so I'd switch to a radio with a toggle switch for reverse. The t-maxx radio works well for this so I hear, plus it's cheap.

just my opinion, and with the x2 I'm not sure if they fixed the resetting problem or not so it may work better than x1's r-boxes.