New OCM 2.2 Crawler Review

[crhobbies]

Alan did you get my email with my order?Get a hold of me
Chad

 

[dkingston]

Built mine this far. I have spent almost an hour on this build and I am very impressed with the quality of the rig. Everything seems to be "overbuilt" and durable.

I should be running this weekend if the snow cooperates.

Enjoy

 

[KC H2O's]

thanks for the reviews guys! I'm suddenly interested...pricey...but looking intently. How about an update on the problem with the width?

just subscribed, so keep the news coming!:neutral:

 

[dkingston]

I will be running mine tomorrow. I have already missed two comps and probably not a threat in the points...:idea:

Hopefully I will get some video posted by Monday.

 

[crhobbies]

Come on Dave whats the hold up:lol:.

Kenny emailed me and said the course should be done,Have you been there to check it out?

 

[PINKY]

I will have to say that the OCM rig looked great on the rock pile today. I got to wheel it after the comp....... WOW, looks like I will be adding another rig to the fleet.:shock:

Way to go DK on the outstanding performance.......JOB WELL DONE !!!!"thumbsup"

 

[Rudukai13]

So basically this thing is a 2.2 clod?

 

[EeePee]

Yeah I got to drive it too. It's definitely not bad. "thumbsup"

I could only complain about two things really. One being it was wide. It would need wheels that seriously bring in the track width, but then the links and shocks need to be brought inboard so they don't hit when turning. I do believe that is entirely possible, as the links and shocks could be bolted to the inside. Dave had it all mounted to the outside.

And then the motors. They hang quite very low, and are very quick to hang up is you're not on the right line. Of course you can tilt the rear axle, as there's three holes for the upper links, and you can throw a spacer in the links to get them even a bit longer. But I think the front axle has no clocking of the axle tubes, or caster adjustment, so if you tilt the motor up on that one, your truck won't turn really. And I hope Dave doesn't mind me mentioning how the truck took a tumble and the motor smacked a rock and jammed up the front axle. Perfect case in point I thought.

Otherwise, I thought it was pretty nice, and definitely worth a look. It's missing one thing to make it a sweet truck though.


Driveshafts!

 

[dkingston]

I finally got my electronics in around 5pm on Saturday with a comp scheduled for Sunday morning. There wasn't enough time to set-up a dig, so I just went with what I had, having about 2 minutes crawling over some blocks in my driveway.

Right before the comp, I was tempted to just run my trusty Axial since I had zero time on the OCM. As fate would have it, a friend showed up who had never driven a crawler before so I lent him my Axial and went ahead with the OCM.

The only deviations I made to the rig from bone-stock were the wheels and I put 1/2" limiters in the shocks and opted for much heavier shock oil than was provided. I ended up running my Axial wheels because they were already weighted and I was out of wheel weights to outfit the OCM wheels.
On the first course, I was concerned because there was a gap that you needed to traverse and I was concerned that the OCM would be a little too wide to navigate. The OCM handled the course very well in the hands of a relative "noob." I was the only one in my group to complete that course.

The second course was a different story. I didn't keep my head in the game and didn't fare as well. Even pointing-out on that course, I finished a respectable 4th overall. Much better than I anticipated.

My assessment so far: there are a couple things with the kit that I would change if it were in my power.

• If the axles were about 1/2" narrower it would be a lot better.
• The wheel hexes don't have grub screws to keep them in place. Not that they weren't supplied, they aren't equipped.
• The shocks appear to be too long. After a day on the rocks, it didn't turn out to be a problem (so far) time will tell.
• The gearboxes are not clockable without seriously affecting the caster in the front (rear isn't a problem) Additional holes in the gearboxes to clock the tubes around would be dialed. I will modify mine this week.
• The chassis is a little small and would benefit from additional shock mounting options. I was able to fit my gear in with no problem but additional mounting options would be nice.

On the positive side:

• The gearboxes are incredibly smooth and quiet. If it weren't for my Mamba Max, I would have not been able to tell it was running!
• The OCM climbs very well. With limiters in the shocks, lowering the ride height, it still was able to easily break over in places that the Axials had difficulty.
• This thing is smooth! I was amazed at how well it "flowed" over the rocks.

Overall, it handled very well. For the nay-sayers who are unhappy with the price I can tell you now, there were many at the comp who were pretty impressed with the quality and handling for the price. Especially since it is about was as nearly stock as you can get!

I can only imagine how much better it will get with some more setup work.

Video from today.

 

[Robb]

I could only complain about two things really. One being it was wide. It would need wheels that seriously bring in the track width, but then the links and shocks need to be brought inboard so they don't hit when turning. I do believe that is entirely possible, as the links and shocks could be bolted to the inside. Dave had it all mounted to the outside.

And then the motors. They hang quite very low, and are very quick to hang up is you're not on the right line. Of course you can tilt the rear axle, as there's three holes for the upper links, and you can throw a spacer in the links to get them even a bit longer. But I think the front axle has no clocking of the axle tubes, or caster adjustment, so if you tilt the motor up on that one, your truck won't turn really. And I hope Dave doesn't mind me mentioning how the truck took a tumble and the motor smacked a rock and jammed up the front axle. Perfect case in point I thought.

Perfect observations IMO!

I think the wheel track width problem will be worked out (or helped) in the near future. As narrowing of rigs becomes more popular, more and more manufacturers are coming out with wheels with greater backspacing. I know Mayhem Eng here has really worked with some Crawler guys here for custom backspaced locks, and I have already forwarded my desired wheels to them, and hopefully we will be working together over the next few days on getting them made up. The wheels needed are going to need 7/8"-13/16" backspacing to bring them tight to the knuckles.

The low front motor position, due to not being able to clock the axles, is the #1 problem that is going to take to drastic measures to make right IMO. The axle tubes mount to the pumpkin with only four holes, so to clock the tubes with the stock holes means twisting them a full 90*, which of course, isn't good. More holes will be need to be drilled and tapped to clock the tubes to a desired angle. On top of that, the mounting surface where the tubes mount to the pumpkin is not flat. The pumpkin "juts" out in one spot, and the tubes are grooved out to accept this, so a little fab work will be needed in this regard.

I have a couple of ideas on playing with the front axle tubes, but until I see replacement tubes listed on a website for order, I am not going to too far just yet.;-)


edit: this is what happens when you start to reply, then go do something, then continue to reply. I completely didn't see your post David. Glad to see the rig worked out relatively well for a fresh build!! Just got your PM also.........I am replying now.

 

[jason]

If it weren't for my Mamba Max, I would have not been able to tell it was running!

If it weren't for the mamba max it wouldn't be running


Looks good man.

 

[dkingston]

Jason, when can we get an OCM forum?

 

[jason]

When can we get an OCM

 

[EeePee]

The OCM climbs very well.

Dave probably doesn't even know what Clod stall is.

Not that there was much really, but it was there, but in a good way. I'd forgotten how good it can help sometimes. Franky dig on this thing and it'd be that much better.

 

[dkingston]

Dave probably doesn't even know what Clod stall is.

Not that there was much really, but it was there, but in a good way. I'd forgotten how good it can help sometimes. Franky dig on this thing and it'd be that much better.

You are such a funny guy. Remember I told you all I had were the 12 tooth, 48 pitch pinions? Sheesh.... just because this is the first time I experienced it, doesn't mean I haven't done my research. :lol:


- David

 

[OCMCRAWLERUSA]

well guys, dave talked me into my first event going down on April 12th I am excited because I noticed a long time friend competes as well from Bama and this is gonna be a good time. I got some things ordered and I am gonna send a body to have painted up in my racing scheme..lol

Kenny Rice and Chad....talked tot he factory and they are gonna ship trucks next week to dave(had some headed that way anyways) and he is gonna get them to you guys. This should save on shipping a bit. Post some pics of that layout your doing Kenny

AB
Team OCM USA
Crawler division(lol)

 

[OCMCRAWLERUSA]

lol I was going over a few things with Dave and after thinking about it a minute it came across as funny(something he told me). He said just go as slow as you can, and I realize I am coming from years of competition at a high level of going as fast as you can

You guys may be in for some good laughs

 

[Rockcrawler]

lol I was going over a few things with Dave and after thinking about it a minute it came across as funny(something he told me). He said just go as slow as you can, and I realize I am coming from years of competition at a high level of going as fast as you can

You guys may be in for some good laughs

Here we go again! :lol:

Guys, if you stay in the same hotel as Alan.....Lock the door!!!!!!:lol::shock:

 

[Kamikaze]

We are suppost to go slow??

 

[Rockcrawler]

lol I was going over a few things with Dave and after thinking about it a minute it came across as funny(something he told me). He said just go as slow as you can, and I realize I am coming from years of competition at a high level of going as fast as you can

You guys may be in for some good laughs

We are suppost to go slow??

Alan, Kamikaze is one exception.:lol: