TSS based FJ40 Build

[RexRacer19]

First off, this will be a 1.9er. Ignore the wheels until it gets closer to being finished.

This is the first scale build for me, so I am sure that I will learn a thing or two along the way. Feel free to provide input as you see fit.

The base for this build will be a TSS Tough Truck frame. The one I am using is the 11" WB version. I have also decided to do a back half version with leafs up front and a 4-link setup in the rear.

There are some locations for spring shackles on the TSS frame, but at the time I bought it nobody had done a leaf spring truck yet. So I had to figure some things out there. I used Jugg springs and hardware on this one. The frame rails are thinner than the springs, so I needed to make some spacers for the shackles. The front (solid) part has some spacers in that are just right, but I need to find or make some round ones for the pivot in the rear.

I took a leaf out of the springs and added an extra hole to mount to TLT axles. They fit pretty well with this frame.

 

[RexRacer19]

Next we will get started on the rear 4-link setup...

I wanted to keep it simple and made all the links the same length. They are made using some 4-40 rod ends and some 1/4" OD standoffs that are 2" long. They come tapped 4-40 and I use a long set scew for the "stud".

Some addtional holes were drilled in the frame to mount the links in the right locations.

I also made a simple upper mount for the axle side...

Now we get an idea of how it is going to set.

 

[OlYelr]

Looks good. There are little round aluminum spacers in the TLT kit that may work for your shackle spacers. I don't remember where they are actually supposed to go. I have 3 TLT kits, but have never built one as it was originally designed. I just cannibalize parts for my own designs... "thumbsup"

 

[RexRacer19]

Shocks are the next order of business. I decided to go with some plain old TLT units, and they seem to work out well for this setup. They are just mock ups for now. Later I will turn them down and paint them to make them more scale. Pretty much everything is being mocked up at this point...it will all get torn down in the end and painted.

All the mounting points are proving to be just about perfect with this frame...

 

[RexRacer19]

A little body mock up...it will sit just a little further back and about 1/4" lower than it is here.

 

[RexRacer19]

I decided to use the Axial transmission. It is nice and small and hard to beat for the price IMO.

I decided to use the RC4WD straight axle conversion parts to keep everything nice and clean on the rear axle.

The steering is pretty straightforward. I just used standard rods and end links from the TLT kit. The servo is mounted in the stock location and things are pretty clean and clear the leaf spring by just enough.

That is it for now...got to get some more work done on it before I can post more.

 

[rcjeepbuilder]

Nice start their man,Are you going to narrow those wheels? they look really cool when the tires tuck in to the body on a scaler!!
keep up the good work and thanks for posting!!

 

[2JSC]

THis is a 1.9 scale build, his 2.2's are just for mock up right now.

 

[RexRacer19]

Yep! These wheels/tires are just for mock up now. The plan is to go with some 1.9 stock car wheels and rock stompers...should fit this thing perfectly. The Geos are roughly the same height as the stompers I think. I was planning to narrow this set up orginally, and may still do it. The stompers were just coming out when I bought this set of wheels and tires. The new taller 1.9s look too good not to use.

 

[pantablo]

nice build!
his frames are nice...;-)

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

great to see a TSS frame build. ill have to keep my eye on this one. dont be suprised if your truck finds its way onto the website"thumbsup" i have since updated our leaf spring frames.

and yes the geos are nearly IDENTICAL in height to the 1.9 rock stomper tires

 

[@tw!ll]

1.9 Stompers + Bushwacker body = Cool

Great build so far. I really like that frame.

Here's a pic of the Geos on narrowed wheels vs Stompers on stock car rims.

 

[RexRacer19]

1.9 Stompers + Bushwacker body = Cool

Here's a pic of the Geos on narrowed wheels vs Stompers on stock car rims.

Now that is what I am talking about! Thanks for posting that...although it is going to make me want to go buy them before the build gets finished...

 

[RexRacer19]

OK...more progress.

I went ahead and painted the body because I wanted to get the velcro mounting system done. The body needs to be in place because many of the extra features on this one will be build based on where the body sits. This is almost like getting the money shot early, but there are plenty of cool things in store for this build.

 

[RexRacer19]

Today I spent some time to get started on the rear bumper. It is just 3/16" brake line brazed together. I made a mounting base from some sheet metal I had around the shop. It simply bolts onto the rear of the frame.

I am undecided at this point, but will probably add some stuff to it before I am done. I will probably add a receiver tube and maybe some winch points. I am not sure if I will do a spare tire carier or not.

 

[rcjeepbuilder]

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 ?

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

killer bumper. i look forward to seeing the front one done.

 

[RexRacer19]

I honestly don't know on the Axial trans. I have a Stealth in my WK based tuber with a 65T motor that will stop on just about any hill. I think that the Axial has similar gearing as the Stealth. FWIW.

If I do an interior, it will be the last thing and probably after the truck is running a bit. Originally, I was not planning on one, but after painting the body and seeing those big windows...it is tempting. My intentions were to keep this one fairly simple, being that it is my first scale project. We will see how it goes.

 

[Wrecker]

Lookin good.
I really like that bumper, so clean looking."thumbsup"

 

[RexRacer19]

Made some progress on the front bumper today. The bumper itself is made from some 3/16" bar stock, cut and shaped to my liking. Fairly simple...may add some D-rings later. I also made a grill guard from some tubing as well.

I am on the fence, but am leaning towards adding a small stinger to the front to give it more strength. It would tie the grill guard to the front bumper as well.