TSS based FJ40 Build

[cagedmax]

Arent we all copying something we have seen full or RC size in some way? But in the exicution lies the true origionality.

Ahh the crossroads project! Just a matter of when. I have many ideas but currently missing the spark to begin. If we get materials over there it would help. Preferably on a friday afternoon before all the gearheads show up and you just know they wont resist helping get something set up.

I sent out the last video you compiled to a couple of the friday night racers yesterday and fully expect to see them with trucks soon.

Shimmy

 

[RexRacer19]

OK, another fairly productive afternoon...

There was something bugging me about the rear suspension setup. I just did not like the bracket that I made earlier for the upper 4-link mounts. I replaced that with a piece that bolts to holes already in the axle. It has a nice tubular look and by folding the mounting plates over the back side, I was also able to incorporate a tubular rear axle guard as well.

Somone had asked earlier if I was using 3/16" tubing and what I was bending with. Yes, all the tube work is 3/16" brake line and I have been using a simple hand bender that I picked up at the local auto parts store. I would like to make a nice roller style bender at some point though...

The final task I had before breaking things down for paint was to get the body mounted. Originally I had planned a velcro mounting setup to keep the pins hidden but once I added the roof rack, I realized that was not going to be stable enough. What I ended up with is sort of a compromise, but seems to hold the body good and solid and it is pretty easy to take it off.

For the front, I put two screws through the body to act as "pins" that go into the metal mount. I placed the screws in one corner of the lower inlets to hide them a little visually. I used some sharpie to simulate the rest of the inlet to see the effect.

For the rear I needed to mount it in a location that was good and sturdy and as out of the way as possible. I chose to make the mounts up high near the roof rack mounts because the body has almost zero flex at that point. I used some short standoffs on the inside that bolt to an aluminum mounting plate. Then some 4-40 button head screws bolt the body in place there. Once the spare tire is in position, the screws are hidden from plain view.

Well, at this point the FJ is ready to get torn down and painted. This is the last that it will be together for a little while. I guess it is also time to start detailing the body and working on the grill that I want to do for this thing. I am really getting stoked about getting it back together and seeing everything in black. Heck, I am starting to get excited about driving the thing too!

 

[Mongo]

My hats off to you. That is an incredible build.

 

[G-crawler]

Sick build!! Cant wait to see it finished!

 

[nodnarb81]

this build is incredible!:shock: one of my favorites. i have started brazing and i am using that same tube bender and i am really impressed by how accurate you are with it. it has been really hard to work with for me. i want to build a rack similar to yours for my scout. hope you don't mind if i use yours for inspiration.;-) where did you get those magnets and where did you find the etching primer? keep up the great work!

 

[Jaynen]

Does the axial trans mated to a 55 turn integy have good braking going down steep slopes ?
never used one but if you wanted a small trans they dont get much smaller .And as far as fitting an interior in a scaler that tans looks like the way to go for sure.Are you doing a full interior ?

Steep slopes I have had the tires start to slide, or the truck roll over nose first but with a little bit of throttle it can creep along just fine if thats what you mean by braking it doesnt start to go faster because it is downhill like it is fighting the motor or freewheeling.

Your project is looking amazing this FJ rocks.

I admire you guys so much for your skill and your patience. I couldn't go a week without having mine drivable, but I guess now that I have one that is driveable I can take more time on the next one

 

[RexRacer19]

but I guess now that I have one that is driveable I can take more time on the next one

That is the key! Get more than one. :lol:

where did you get those magnets and where did you find the etching primer? keep up the great work!

You should be able to find those magnets at a welding supply store or at your local cheap tool vendor (Harbor Freight for us).

Hopefully I will have some updates soon. I have been doing a lot of painting lately and have started reassembly. Other projects and some real car maintenance issues have taken from my time lately. No big deal though...the weather has not been that good for being outside anyways.

 

[pantablo]

My hat's off to you Jeff. Fantastic build.

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

your order is on the way

 

[RexRacer19]

your order is on the way

Sweet!

 

[RexRacer19]

It has been a while since I have posted any updates, but the project has been moving forward.

All the tube work and the frame has been painted black and I am in the process of getting it all back together. The radio gear is installed and I actually took it for a test run today. There are still a couple more things to finish up on the chassis, and I need to paint some screw heads to make them blend in better on the frame and suspension.

I also got some rock rings from The Scale Shop and they look just about perfect on the truck IMHO.

As I mentioned, I was able to take the FJ for a little test spin today. It did pretty well right out of the box. The gearing seems pretty good and makes it pretty easy to run at a realistic speed. I do however miss the drag brake that is on the Mamba Max on my tuber. I may have to get one of the new ESCs from Castle before long...

It could use some more steering, as it is maxed out with the stock knuckles. Guess I will fix that at some point.

One thing that was glaringly obvious right away is that the springs on my rear shocks (stock TLT springs) are too soft for this rig. When it climbs or tries to side hill (with the up slope on the passenger side) it really torques to one side. Having that big roof rack does not help matters either. I need to go on a hunt for some higher rate springs. The rear should still flex well, but right now it is just too much.

Anyways...I was so excited to see the truck running that I shot some video today while I was testing it out. I knew you guys would start screaming for video once the tuck moved on it's own.

So, here you go...
http://www.underwood-racing.com/videos/FJ40test.wmv

 

[zrider]

you do some wicked tube work!!

 

[braceysdad]

Dude, this build is sick...

Not sure how I missed it but damn!

 

[cagedmax]

Very nice work Jeff! Moab Is calling...

 

[G-crawler]

how about a MSD winch on that beauty! "thumbsup" great work!

 

[rcjeepbuilder]

Moves like buttah!!! good work bro!

 

[RexRacer19]

how about a MSD winch on that beauty! "thumbsup" great work!

I am working on something with Cory on that front. It may take a few weeks, but there will be a winch on the front of it eventually.

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

wow that frame looks wicked painted black....:shock: may have to try that on my upcoming builds
the rings look great

try standing the rear shocks vertically using the chassis stock shock locations, and see if that torque twist gets any better.

you not running any shocks on the front?

what brand of black paint did you use?

 

[RexRacer19]

I had acutally thought about running the shocks vertical in the rear. It will cut down on the travel and the articulation a little but might help. Doesn't hurt to try...

The front shocks have not made it back on yet...got in a hurry to try it out before the daylight was gone.

The paint is Duplicolor engine enamel in low gloss black. I am spraying that over a self-etching primer since the frame is aluminum. I think it gives a nice scale "chassis black" look.

 

[pantablo]

yeah, chassis looks good in black. I was going to do the same on the replacement rails for the gwagon and the rover chassis. Thanks for the tip on the self etching primer."thumbsup"