Sod Crawler

[crosstie69]

Sod Krawler

I've been lurking on a few of the clod sites and crawler sites, or forums I should say, for awhile. Reading and soaking up all the knowledge I could. I decided I wanted to build a clod crawler for use in Southwest Kansas. We don't have many rocks around here. About the only thing to crawl on are the wash outs in the draws. While it is quite challenging it is by no means "rock crawling". Therefore I decided to name my first crawler "sod crawler".
The wheel base is just shy of 14". I built the chassis out of alum. from the hardware stores. I used #4 and #6 screws in most places. I made the links using traxxas ends. Mostly used readily available stuff. I bought a few of the specialty parts I didn't have the ability to build myself with my limited tools. I have a dremel, basic hand tools and a small bench top drill press.
I narrowed the stock clod wheels and just used the stock tires for now. When money allows I want to get a set of moabs and put on it, narrowed of course.
I am running lathe motors, 8t pinions, locked diffs, been messing with the steering. I have about decided to go with BTA steering. Looks like a good deal to me. I know this thing isn't a full fledged crawler but for the terrain we have around here, sometimes a pile of old fence posts, it is very impressive. I haven't seen any other RC crawlers in this area so I don't have anything but what I see here to compare it to.
I am planning on putting prolines 48 powerwagon body on it when I can afford to get it. A little here and a little there, sooner or later it will be done.
Then on to the next one....
Thanks to all who have inspired me to build my first crawler. It was very enjoyable and I all ready have bigger and better ideas rolling around in my noggin.

No snakes were injured in the shooting of this picture.

 

[hacked_hummer]

good job, looks awsome and sounds like you have a plan.

 

[badtodabone]

no snakes were hurt I hope!!! lol

Looks cool, If possible try to get the shocks at more of an angle

 

[toyofast]

Clod looks good... it also looks like a fun rig to romp around with.

If possible try to get the shocks at more of an angle

Why? If the spring rate and oil weight is setup right it'll work fine. It looks like he has plenty of flex too.... so please bigred, err, umm... BTDB please explain why he'd need, or want to angle the shocks. Just blabbing about putting the shocks at more of a angle doesn't do much good without explaining the reason :roll:

 

[crosstie69]

The shocks seem to work fine so far. I think the main reason is, where they mount to the lower links is more towards the center of the chassis, making for better leverage on the shocks. They are actually quite plush there. They are limiting the articulation by about 30 deg. It will go 90 deg without the shocks. I do not see the need to have 90 deg anyway. Seems like around 70 is about right. The chassis sags about a 1/4" where the shocks are. I imagine it will sag another 1/4" when I get the body and body posts mounted. I'm thinkin that will be about right.
When I get the BTA steering figured out and installed the lower links will be mounted to the upper part of the axle. This will change my shock setup somewhat so I will be changing that a bit I'm sure.

Thanks for the comments fellas.

 

[ClodMonster]

hey do you live by wichita ks?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[Gimbal]

Clod looks great IMO. Should work well for your application.

Hacked Hummer- LMFAO at your sig :lol:

 

[crosstie69]

hey do you live by wichita ks?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

I'm about 4 1/2 hours west of wichita. Just East of Garden City. We usually get out there about 2-3 times a year is all. Is that where your from?

 

[ClodMonster]

ya, right now im buildin a crawler no pics though just need links :twisted:.