newbie, willing to learn/build scale safari truck.

[Ebach]

Hello. i am not new to radio control. just haven't messed with anything in about 15 years, so im sure its changed. i am looking to start a build for an ultimate trail/safari rig. i am willing to buy parts piece by piece. i dont want one of those cheap starter rtr rigs. really just lookin for advice as to what to start with. frame? axles? transmission? etc? willing to spend some money to get good parts. the body i would like to use hopefully will be a toyota 4runner or hilux.

 

[Kylar]

RC4WD - Welcome has a real nice line of trucks, chassis, and axles. You could buy one of their kits, or build one from the ground up. The Trailfinder frame is a bargain for the price. The Trailfinder 2 kit is also really nice, and it comes with a Hilux body "thumbsup"

 

[Ebach]

I would like to build one from the ground up. with good parts not cheap ones im going to have to replace a few months down the road. cause i plan on taking this rig through just about everything.

 

[Bogncrawl]

Then rc4wd is the way to go

 

[Ebach]

Thanks for the advice.

I guess i need a quick lesson on what parts to shoot for. so far i think i have chosen the Mattzilla trail chassis as my base. (opinions?)

i would like the rig to look as scale as possible, but still have a lot of articulation/suspension travel.

I would like to have all metal parts if possible.

dont want big bulky looking axles.

want to be able to run a winch and lights.

*pardon all the questions, just new to 4x4 radio control. I've owned a couple Traxxas cars, but no trucks*

 

[Ebach]

please dont bash. im new to this and thought i'd give a build brainstorm a try.

now i dont know if all these parts can be used together, but this is what ive come up with so far. will this even work??

Chassis-Trail Finder 2 or Mattzilla Trail chassis
Axles-Ultimate Scale Yota (the $120 ones)
motor-35t? 45t? or 55t?
Transmission-??
Transfer Case-Hammer or Killer
Leaf Springs-Soft steel Trailfinder 2
Shocks-Ultimate Scale
Wheels-OEM steelies
Tires-2.2 Rok Lox, 1.9 Out Croppers or 1.9 Crazy Krawlers

**all parts were taken from RC4WD.com.(cept Mattzilla's chassis)**

i know i need servos, steering knuckles, shock mounts, engine/tranny mounts, and more. just trying to get the basis down first.

Please give your advice/input. Any is appreciated. Thanks you and thanks for your time.

 

[Postclanker]

Do some searching and reading in here, there's a wealth of info on any item or topic. Most of what you will get is personal opinions on the various questions you have...you have to take that for what it's worth.

Given that...I personally wouldn't discount Axial parts altogether

There are several excellent build threads that tell you exactly what they used for parts, chassis, and how and why they did it their way.

Read a lot Ebach...it's your best bet in here, then you can make up your own mind....
Best of luck on your build...and post it up in here we all want to see it..."thumbsup"

 

[Ebach]

I don't mind it, but I hate reading. Are there any videos on the basics of a scale rc build or something similar??