X-Trail Range Rover Sport

[pantablo]

the RC4wd scale shocks are same length as the axials and as the TLT's. I am getting the miniLST shocks ($24) for my gwagon, which also has a short wb (10.5).

on a happier note, my range rover body came today. nice but not as detailed as the gwagon. I also bought some british green for it.

 

[Jaynen]

The range rover sport body seemed like it was more detailed than the range rover body I have also seen tho.

hmm now I want to go to the LHS and see if they have MiniLst shocks.

 

[AeroSynch]

The range rover sport body seemed like it was more detailed than the range rover body I have also seen tho.

hmm now I want to go to the LHS and see if they have MiniLst shocks.

Do what you have to do, but I want to see this thing move..:mrgreen:

 

[Jaynen]

Slight issue tho I may still be able to make it work

As mentioned the RRS has a 10.3 ish scale wheelbase fudgeable with the flares cut wider to probably 10.5 but the X-trail chassis min wheelbase is 11.

I didnt notice it when I test fit the body but measurements show that to be the case. I am guessing that the links are not threaded all the way through and if I chop them part way to shorten it I will need some other way to attach the end links?

Getting it moving is definitely the priority. I think I found a work around for the shocks. I trimmed a bit of the internal droop spring off the included springs about the length of the bumpstop (.25 inch) and put it in the top of the shock so it has a little compression but most the travel is in the form of the droop once it "bottoms out"

 

[pantablo]

you can make your own links using 6-32 threaded rod (hardware store) and link ends (LHS or online, http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJJ81&P=OW)
My rig is done the latter way. You can sleeve the threaded rod so they look just like yours do now.

 

[Jaynen]

I need to figure out how to mount the battery plate as the AX-10 intructions put it high over the curved section of the chassis allowing the reciever and ESC to be mounted upside down beneath it. But the shock "towers" are too spread out and too low to do that on the X-trail

Also the motor I bought has no leads on it so I will have to make some. Which means a trip to the LHS tomorrow in order to make progess.

I am still not sure about the suspension may have to go softer but I will get it working for now. Just electrics and body mounting left.

Sadly I think the crystal is not designed to fit the receiver I bought. So I don't know what I can do there.

 

[pantablo]

run it with the suspension you have. you'll still have fun, trust me. I love running mine even though the suspension is too hard. at least it functions for now. Like I said, get it running!

as far as the battery, I run mine perpendicular to the chassis simply sitting on the chassis rails. You can do the same in the same location, between your shock towers and the upper link mount. I just use 2 zip ties to hold it on. I'll try posting a pic in a few...

see battery placement:

compare the rover to my gwagon:

the rover sitting on my gwagon chassis:

 

[Jaynen]

Nice!

So the crystal problem is because the GWS receivers only use their own crystal type.

I started working on the body since I was stuck on the electronics for the moment. cutting the inside supports from the original mounting screws and holes for the tabs to mount the roof rack.

How is your body mounted on your gwagon?

Ahh I see the velcro on the metal platforms.

 

[Jaynen]

So i took apart the cross member in the shock tower and replaced it with some spacers so I could move it to the back of the chassis and mount the battery plate from the AX-10 this will be my ESC and radio platform.

I ordered the proper crystal, so need that, and motor leads and I should be good to go minus body mounting.

Well correction. I will need to make some new links at least in the rear to shorten the wheelbase.

Since I was stumped on getting it running I worked on the body some and got the roof rack and bumper guard mounted. I decided that since I have the opening in the back for the roof rack that I would make it a bit bigger and run the whip antannae out there which looks kind of cool

original setup

new setup

electronics mockup with battery plate installed in rear

bumper guard and roof rack properly mounted

 

[pantablo]

looking good.
yours look more 'rugged' with the front guard and rack. mine still looks like starbucks wannabe 'wheeler'...lol.

also, I used the stock mounting tabs/holes on the gwagon body and screwed sheet metal to that. I mounted velcro to that sheet metal (body side).

also, note the peice of cardboard I used as an antenna wrap. you can run your antenna completely inside your body if you want.

 

[Jaynen]

I cut the stock body mounting pieces out of the inside of mine because it was hitting on the shock tower and limited adjusting the body.

I sort of want a "whip CB" type antennae I think it looks more rugged

 

[pantablo]

I cut mine off too for same reason.

Whats the update?:lol:

 

[SACCO]

you can make an adapter so you can run a full size crystal. I used a paper clip and an old servo lead. You will get a lil more glitching, but it will get you by.

 

['04 Rubicon]

I have no choice but to find some other shocks. Anyone have some recommendations I might find at the LHS? I don't really want to have to order and wait for stuff again.

Nice looking build."thumbsup" Did you figure out what shocks to use yet?
The stock AX10 shocks were too long for my X-Trail too, and I did not want to limit them any, plus I'm using them on my 1/6 scaler.

You can try some Duratrax Evader BS shocks at your LHS, http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCXN6&P=7, I have these but never mounted them to test, maybe too short. These could work though, http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAXP4&P=7, at 94mm, could be just what you need. Guess you'll have to just check your LHS. On my 1.9 X-Trail, I ended running some 90mm JP customs and they work great, never even mounted the Evaders to test. I'm not running droop either, I just couldn't get it to droop the way I wanted with that chassis, not sure if it's the angle or what but it wouldn't perform to my standards. Good luck with yours though.

I had a question about that body. I was considering getting it but I have heard that it is too thin/fragile and not durable enough on the rocks. I've never held one in person so what are your thoughts on that. Is the body thinner than most other hard bodies, like the LR3 and FJ Cruiser? Do you think it will withstand pretty hard crawlling, or some tough bashing?

 

[pantablo]

I'm searching for shorter shocks too. apparently the perfect ones for mine are team associated buggy shocks (70mm fronts) but they are unavailable at the moment, even on ebay.

Jaynen, how long are your ax10 shocks? 3.5"? I think there are a few options if you can go longer than 70.

 

[pantablo]

I had a question about that body. I was considering getting it but I have heard that it is too thin/fragile and not durable enough on the rocks. I've never held one in person so what are your thoughts on that. Is the body thinner than most other hard bodies, like the LR3 and FJ Cruiser? Do you think it will withstand pretty hard crawling, or some tough bashing?

I have this body and the gwagon body so can only compare these. The range rover body is similar to my gwagon in that it seems to be hard enough to not deform under pretty hard thrashing, except at the side door sills. The length of body between wheel wells tends to flex inward on both of my rigs.