XTM X-Factor Electric Conversion

[AK KRAWLER]

Well, this is going to be a long, drawn out build. Something my son and I can work on and build together.

Purchased some 5/16" Brass Rod and 4mm x 16mm socket head set screws and plan to build our own links to lengthen the wheelbase to around the specs of a Traxxas X-Max, so around 20".

Still totally undecided on a transmission or power plant at this point.

I have an old set of Jumbo Kongs to run, unless I come up with something different.

Any recommendations for the transmission and motor set-up?

I do not plan on this thing being fast at all, just for crawling around the yard and taking camping with us next year.

It was fun watching him go to town removing all the "nitro" associated parts.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Couple of interesting videos.

Looks like there is a way to use the existing transmission, but would then need to figure out how to mount the electric motor to it.

Still thinking it would be easiest to use an electric motor/transmission set up that was out of another rig all together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8fJVYnsLZY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTC2fc1WSs

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Just to keep everything located and accessable in one thread, I have added the links below to other threads that pertain to this project.

Links, no really

Transmission Discussion

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Ordered the material to build the links today. SS Tubing, SS Threaded Rod and Losi Rod Ends.
Those parts should be in town by Jan 17th.

Was wanting to go pretty big with this, but having a hard time finding a body I like in the 18" to 20" wheelbase.
Any thoughts from the masses on where to find decent looking large scale bodies?

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Alright, I have ordered a few parts for this and I fully suspect here will be changes along the way in regards to some of these items.

Chassis - X-Factor (or X-Factor 2, can't remember)
Axles - X-Factor
Links - Custom from 3/8" SS Tubing, SS 10-32 Threaded Rod and Losi Rod Ends (Ordered)
Wheelbase - Stretched to 18" - 20" (depending on what looks best with the body)
Tires - Imex Swamp Kongs (for now because I already have them)
Transmission - Summit 2-Speed (Ordered)
Drivelines - Custom of some sort, unsure yet
Motor - HobbyStar 4092 1480Kv (Ordered)
ESC - Mamba Monster X (Ordered)
Servo - JX Servo BLS-HV7146MG 46kg (For Now)
Receiver - Flysky FS-BS6 (will bind with my current GT5 Transmitter) (Ordered)
Body - Proline Gladiator (X-Maxx Size) (Ordered)

This will be something for just running around the yard and taking on camping trips.
No major speed runs, or really crazy crawling, just a fun build with my son.

One other thing to work out is the suspension. Whether to keep it cantilever or not.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

So, I picked up a Holmes Puller Pro 3500Kv and Mamba Monster X ESC from a member here.

I'll probably use the Mamba on this build, but after speaking to Holmes, I'll be looking for a bigger, lower Kv motor.

Something more like the 1/8 Puller Pro 4274 1900Kv, not sure on the "Punchy" or "Smooth" yet.

Any other viable options out there that wont break the bank?
The $160 for the puller Pro is about my upper limit.

Thread in the Non-Crawler Section asking about motor choices.

Thread in the Electronics Section asking more specific questions about Kv Ratings.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Finally made it home from work.

Snapped a few pics of the XTM. Clean slate and big tires. Definitely needs to be stretched out.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

So, thanks to a member here... I think I have a good starting point for tires/wheels on the XTM build.

You can see the “ghost rig” behind my old TA02 Baja F150.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

This jig is setup for an 18” wheelbase, looks about how I want it to sit.

Your thoughts?

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Figured I’d post a little of the recent progress.
Built some simple C-Channel frame rails (straight for now), transmission mounts and the adapter from the chassis link mounts to the C-Channel frame rails.

It’s just a start and for mock up, but a few steps closer...

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Made some progress over the last couple weeks.
I made the links using thick walled SS tubing, SS threaded rod and Traxxas rod ends, they turned out pretty nice, I still need to taper the the tube ends on the rear links to match the diameter of the rod ends.
Also, due to the length of the motor I used, I had to raise the transmission/motor assembly to make room for the rear upper links to articulate.

Body mock-up


Front links


Rear links


Transmission/motor mount lift


I am still deciding if I want to use the LST2 shocks, which will need much lighter springs and definitely a different shock mount, or ordering some other long, smaller diameter shocks and calling it good.

Any thoughts or suggestions.
Thanks in advance!

 

[AK KRAWLER]

So, I ordered another set of shocks to see if I like them better than the LST2 shocks. The LST2 shocks are super stiff.

Shocks

If I don’t like them, I will either return them, or keep them for another project.

I am also considering cutting out new chassis plates to make the link mounts, frame rails and shock towers all one piece. Still up in the air on a lot of things.

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Just for fun :lmao:

 

[AK KRAWLER]

The new frame template I think I’m going to try and build.
Not sure if I want to try and shape the channel frame I already have, or cut it as one piece of aluminum or steel...

 

[AK KRAWLER]

Well, I received the Amazon RCAWD 140mm shocks I ordered. They look decent, but there is play between the lower pivot ball and the cup it sits in. That’s a no go for me. I’ll be returning them. They did however, have a little less spring pressure, which is what I’m after. They measured an even 5 lbs on the scale, where as the LST2 shocks measure between 5.8 lbs and 6 lbs when pushed down onto the scale.



I think I found some lighter springs for the old LST2 shocks I already have, which should get them to where I want it.

 

[goobs]

looks like a great start so far!
keep it up

 

[AK KRAWLER]

looks like a great start so far!
keep it up

Thanks goobs "thumbsup"

 

[AK KRAWLER]

my new springs showed up for the LST2 shocks. I found a set of white Losi springs and a set of black Raven springs.

The black Raven springs are the tallest and firmest, followed by the white Losi springs and lastly, the unknown chrome springs. I think the white springs are a little lighter spring rate, but really not by much.

I'm going to run the white ones as a starting point and adjust from there if needed.






Hoping I get a chance to do some welding the next couple days, as I got the left frame rail cut, bent and the corner section set in place. Time to practice spot wedding...

 

[OSRC]

It's a beast! Love it!

 

[AK KRAWLER]

It's a beast! Love it!

Thanks Damon, much appreciated.
The tires and wheels are a good fit so far "thumbsup"