RJ's Leafed Ascender Build

[rc2000]

Man that skid tucks up in there nicely.


I see in this picture you're still using the upper links on the rear axle. How's that working out for you? I just got my truck done with the same leaf springs and have quite a bit of rear axle wrap especially on a steep climb. I'm not using a factory skid or aftermarket skid for that matter so getting the geometry might be tough for me. I'm just thinking of ideas to keep the axle wrap in check but not limit my flex or travel. I love my 4 leaf ascender so far. Just a few tuning tweaks still need to be done. Have you had any issues with the leaf springs durability wise? Are they starting to weaken or sag at all? How much use do you have on them? Thanks!
Ben

I use one upper and one lower link in the back. It works for me and doesn't limit the already limited flex when going with the leafs. The delrin leafs are holding up great, I've yet to break one and they have too many hours to count. With that being said I haven't had any hardcore crashes and it's not used for any hardcore crawling where I'm putting the axles in a bind and throttling out with 3s. Before going to the delrin links I broke many a metal ones. I would try the one upper/lower and see how you like it. I'm running an aftermarket skid too. I had to extend the links a little to get it right.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

So you're effectively using the upper and lower links as anti-wrap bars?

 

[rc2000]

Re: RJ's Leafed Ascender

Yes


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[Itali83]

Thank you. That's good to hear about the springs holding up. I'm far from a throttle it out kinda guy. I hate bouncing trucks under power, that's a good way to break stuff. I'm trying to think of a way to make "traction bars" like drag cars use with leaf springs but not hang down. That way I don't have to worry about geometry. The battery attaches to the axle and will only be in use when the a lenis trying to twist. But for simplicity, I think I'll try the upper link. I'm a little perplexed why you'd run a lower too? Any specific reason?

Ben

 

[Natedog]

Great info, here's another way of doing a rear leaf spring anti-wrap bar setup that allows free movement otherwise. Jay Kopcynski's Toyota pickup was a really nicely setup truck back in the day without spending tons of money on unnecessary bolt on stuff.
Rear Suspension Info

Getting links geometry correct for anti-wrap bars takes some patience. "thumbsup"

 

[rc2000]

Thank you. That's good to hear about the springs holding up. I'm far from a throttle it out kinda guy. I hate bouncing trucks under power, that's a good way to break stuff. I'm trying to think of a way to make "traction bars" like drag cars use with leaf springs but not hang down. That way I don't have to worry about geometry. The battery attaches to the axle and will only be in use when the a lenis trying to twist. But for simplicity, I think I'll try the upper link. I'm a little perplexed why you'd run a lower too? Any specific reason?



Ben

I initially put the lower on after I continued to break steel leafs. It just prevented the axle from moving laterally under a hard tumble. The delrin leafs are pretty soft so I feel like it gives them some protection and it still crawls good so I just left it in place.


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[Itali83]

When you get a chance can you post a picture of the rear suspension from underneath. Just so I have a visual on everything. Thanks!
Ben

 

[rc2000]

When you get a chance can you post a picture of the rear suspension from underneath. Just so I have a visual on everything. Thanks!
Ben

 

[Natedog]

Thanks, I was envisioning upper and lower links on same side to provide side to side triangulation, have you tried that? Might cause binding with leaves though.

 

[Shinchu]

very very nice build here. its like the chevy brother of my F series build!
i am running the GCM forward motor kit with 2 speed (its a pita but fun when it works), and the GCM rear leaf kit.

* pic of my rear setup for comparison (hadn't done the chino mod yet in this pic)

for leafs i am running RC4WD metal just the main leafs with chino mod. they flex GREAT and only get better as they wear in. i ditched all 4 links out back after some test runs. they were binding my leafs and really messing with pinion angle and wheelbase. overall the truck drives AMAZING and yours i would imagine is very similar. really like your skid too!

one thing i noticed on yours though is your rear shackle bushings are in backwards. the washer part of the insert should be between the bracket and the shackle. right now your shackles are rubbing against the bracket and causing some binding. flip those bushings and you should notice better movement and more traction.

overall KILLER rig and nice to see something so similar to mine.