where to start a scale truck?

[TOYUTAH]

hey guys, i have an emaxx and love to bash with it but i dont want to turn it into a crawler, i really want to get a scale looking truck, not a full out crawler or anything but something that will get over some decent rocks, hills, etc. i really like the looks of the bruiser set ups but i dont want to spend over $200 on the car. i already have the electronics and stuff from racing too. thanks for any input guys!

 

[K_B]

$200 is a tight budget for a scaler and definitely rules out a Bruiser.

Here's a very rough estimate on cost to build:

Scale Chassis (K2, BB-51, DiazDesigns, etc.) $45-90 (or make your own)
pede/stealth tranny: $50
TLT kit: $70
Driveshafts: $25
Wheels/tires: $40
Body: $30

Plus you gotta consider various hardware for links and such, some of which you may be able to scrounge out of the TLT kit.

 

[EastCoastCrawlers]

if you poke around in the for sale section you can find some good deals on scale rollers and parts to build a scaler as well

 

[K_B]

And in case you're wondering why you can't see the Classifieds, read here:

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53385

 

[TOYUTAH]

hmm ok well i have an old rustler and a stampede layin around as well as an old losi buggy, between all of my cars i can prob scrounge up some shafts, so i guess i still have a ways to go! what about some of these tamiya pajero kits ive seen on here? i just want a little trail rig that i can make realistic but still be able to get over a 2x4! thanks guys!

oh and how complete are these frame kits? i dont know much about rock rigs!

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

CC-01 (tamiya Touareg)

 

[paperclipracer]

what about the f-350 high lift would that be a good place to start

 

[TOYUTAH]

yea i would love one of those basically how it comes but i dont want to spend that much on something i will only dink around with occasionally... but that is basically what i want to do

 

[TURTLE]

defintely get a tlt to start its the cheapest kit to get some solid axles, use you traxxas tranny or the losi (doesnt matter). i would go the route of making your own chassis it cost me 6 bucks to for the L channel i used and then i got hollow metal sleeves ran allthread through it with some nuts on the ends, tough as nails. a chassis on here like the k2's will cost you around 50 bucks and you get the frame rails and stand off's great chassis from what ive seen.
i think it depends alot on what body your going to run. figure that out first!

 

[Krawler Freak]

best bet is to save your money a scaler will cost more than your budget, its not bad till your crawler $20 and $50s you to death. Thats when you wonder where all your money went:shock:

 

[TOYUTAH]

ya i know that game! so basically all anyone buys a tlt for is the axles right? as for a body, i want to run a reasonable priced and availability body. id like to find an older cruiser body or maybe one off a clod, pro-line makes a old cruiser body dont they?

 

[TOYUTAH]

ok well i just bought a tlt rock crusher at my LHS, i think ill start with a reign short chassis,a cruiser body, and some losi mini lst tires

 

[Prime]

Good choice on the K2-3S. I have one as my semi scale basher (link in sig) and it is a great and capable rig.

Mini lst tires? a little on the small and non-scale side aren't they? Pede rims will run $12 for four and then just pic your tire. On the up side pede rims are super easy to narrow.

 

[TOYUTAH]

Ok well I got the bushwacker body today, I really like the look of the bfg mtr's that come on the hummer or whatever but I want something that will crawl better than those because they aren't very soft, I saw a post on here about the mini lst tires mounted on hpi stock car wheels or something and they looked sweet! I want a really scale width tire that still performs! Any suggestions? Also which chassis would fit better the k2-l or k2-s? Thanks guys

 

[TOYUTAH]

ok well im going to get the long chassis, but would 1.9 wheels look funny on the long chassis with a fj40 bushwacker body?

 

[bnoland]

I have around $500 give or take in my scale truck I am building without electronics. I bought everything and built from scratch. I would buy the TLT kit and go from there or keep an eye out on a used one. There are quite a few floating around on forums and ebay.

 

[TOYUTAH]

i already have a tlt and a bushwacker body! oh and all the electronics!