The $1,000,000 question?

[That guy]

:confused: I am getting ready to build a crawler from scratch. I could use all of yuo guy's wisdom on making a few important choices, What is a good,strong, easy to set up tranny/transfer case combo? I am not worried about multiple gears, just looking for a good crawler tranny and case.Frame : I am looking for something a little more scale than the Tamiya frame, but I do want to run leaf springs { I know its old technology, but I love the ease and simplicity of them}. Last but not least, best motor for crawling { brushless vs # of turn}. I know I left alot of criteria out, but I am wanting to build a 1.9" scale crawler, just looking for some input, Thanks everyone!:yahoo: Can't wait to get started!

[Moondoggie]

Couple of things off the top of my head:):

Axles and tranny: Personally I love the combo of Tamiya TLT axles with either an RC4WD R2 or Axial Scorpion tranny. If you want to use leaf springs with the TLT axles, the easiest solution is to just dremel off the servo mounts and flip them over since the holes that are normally on the underside can be used as the basis attaching the leaf springs.

Motor: Most of my rigs are running Integy 35 or 45 turn lathe motors.

[Siggy]

Tranny - If you want to go 3-speed, Tamiya 3-speed tranny is the best. If your going for single speed there are many to choose from. AX-10 tranny is also like-able as one can upgrade to a set of HD gears, steel outputs, aluminum casing.

Chassis - There is nothing more scale than a Tamiya Bruiser or Blazer chassis. Sure is one of the coolest in the planet for a scale builds. This probably is why many sweet builds have this chassis. They also do also do handle very well in the trail.

Axles. The narrow width of the TLT or highlift axles makes them a sweet choice for 1.9 scale builds. These axles also have upgrades to enhance performance and durability.

[IceChilly]

I would also like to add the R2 tranny from RC4wd to the list. Thre is a single or 2-speed version of this.

http://www.rc4wdstore.com/2/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=384

http://www.rc4wdstore.com/2/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=280

As far as a motor I use 45t and 55t with a Tekin FX-R ESC (ESC/Motor Combo) in my current and past rigs. Great drag brake and easy to set up and the motors have plenty of torque for the trail.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUTM6&P=7

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVVB3&P=7

Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.

[teebeehex]

Hey Kevin, I'm a little jealous of your $1,000,000 budget for this project! :p

Jokes aside, you should look at your budget first then spend some time researching the different components (which is why you've put this Q out there). Look at your requirements (more scale or more capable or more something else?), read up on other peoples experiences with certain components, get feedback from others who are using stuff you are thinking of using.

Building from scratch is certainly exciting and can be a bit of a game of trial and error but it is worth it!

so... any questions, send 'em this way and don't forget :thumb_thisthreadisw

:Tamiya1::thumb:

[Moondoggie]

Building from scratch is certainly exciting and can be a bit of a game of trial and error but it is worth it!

What he said is absolutely correct! Scratch building is a very rewarding process. You learn plenty about what works, what doesn't, and you feel like you accomplished something for yourself when you finish.

Aside from just considering what parts you might want and depending on your budget, never forget to check for any parts you already have lying around or look for things that can be modified to suit your needs. Possibilities are endless with what you can do with a dremel, a hacksaw and a drill!

One other thing: An abundance of machine screws can come in handy when scratch building. If you do not already have tons of screws left over from Tamiya kits, you can find an huge variety of them (especially the 3mm/M3 ones) from McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/). They also have a huge selection of locknuts to be used with said machine screws.:thumb:

[That guy]

You guys are great, thanks for all of the input and advice. My Tamiya Hi-lux high lift was my first build so the extent of extra pieces I have lying around will just be what I had left over from that kit. It was a blast to build:D, and luckily I had it set up right the first time, I have already racked up quite a few hours behind the remote,and recieved my first body damage to speak of yesterday by cracking my roof right down the middle:mad:.I should have been a bit more specific on what I expect out of my new build: single or 2 spd tranny, scale transfer case, 1.9 tires and wheels[ I just put some rock lox on my Toyota and love them, they look just like the IROKS on my 1:1].along witha scale looking frame/axle combo, and I have set a budget of $1,000 including electronics. As far as pictures go, I have not tried in about a week but I have not been able too [ I think because of my newbieness], unfortunately i did not document my original build on my Yota, but will start now. Thanks for all of the advice:crawlers:RULE!!

[JAnderson]

I think Moondogie and Wyoming need to give me .5 of every dollar from your $1,000,000 budget for my next project!

Then I can do some real building!

Kevin welcome to the site, now lets see some pictures! we need eye candy!!!

[PsycoJuana]

Its a bad habbit to FUND :) my two High Lifts need work but yet im trying to find fundage for a new F350 kit and one from RC4WD! LOL bout a grand a build i expect :( (crying as i turn my wallet upside down and nothing falls out)

Pjuana

[That guy]

Well, my shopping cart at RC4WD is about full,I'm about 2-3 weeks out from dropping my coins and having parts shipped. I am really down to the major choice, Troyer truggy and convert it to rear leaf springs[ i will leave the coil overs up front], or the subzero- converted to all leaf springs. :help::frusty: I can't decide. Another one i can't make up my mind on is which motor to run, brushed vs brushless:confused:. OK, last question of the day, What steering servo do most of you run? The reason I ask is, I have a HI-tech MG465, and it seems weak to me. Do the servos work better havin 1 link between them and the drag link? The stock Tamiya set up makes it go thru hoops to steer the front end, and no I do not use the rear steer. Or, do the bigger Rok-Lox and steel wheels take that much more to turn?:confused:

[Wyoming]

Most of my trucks use a Hitec 5645MG or a Futaba S3152, I don't like to buy expensive servos but these are in the 30-55$ range and work great for most scale crawlers. If you want more then there are many choices but I don't have any experience with anything more powerful than these as I've never really needed more for my applications.

[Siggy]

Well, my shopping cart at RC4WD is about full,I'm about 2-3 weeks out from dropping my coins and having parts shipped. I am really down to the major choice, Troyer truggy and convert it to rear leaf springs[ i will leave the coil overs up front], or the subzero- converted to all leaf springs. :help::frusty: I can't decide. Another one i can't make up my mind on is which motor to run, brushed vs brushless:confused:. OK, last question of the day, What steering servo do most of you run? The reason I ask is, I have a HI-tech MG465, and it seems weak to me. Do the servos work better havin 1 link between them and the drag link? The stock Tamiya set up makes it go thru hoops to steer the front end, and no I do not use the rear steer. Or, do the bigger Rok-Lox and steel wheels take that much more to turn?:confused:

Boyer or Subzero? Both are sweet. Go Boyer for a Hilux, Tundra, or F350 Truggy - this are quite a popular choice now. or then go Subzero for an all tube chassis. The other chassis that is worth the wait is the Dan Wyatt Bronco -- BUT it may be a very long wait, long enough to be your second build. :)

Servo, the higher the torque the better. 12-18kg rating should be decent enough for a 1.9 Trail Rig. I use JR's HV's on all of my recent builds as they perform sweet, but are priced at a premium.

In general, a servo will works better when there is minimum bind on the steering system and have a less chance of burning when the EPA's are set correctly. Just get this all checked and perhaps and MG-456 would do.

Rok Lox and steel does not take much to turn especially for a 1.9 scale. The only time it is difficult to turn is if the rig is heavy and have the huge tires like the juggernaut and TXT's, or a High Lifts with the MFC-02.

All looks exciting! Decide, complete your orders, and enjoy your build. A build thread would be sweet indeed. :cool:

[Arcocustom]

OK, last question of the day, What steering servo do most of you run? The reason I ask is, I have a HI-tech MG465, and it seems weak to me. Do the servos work better havin 1 link between them and the drag link? The stock Tamiya set up makes it go thru hoops to steer the front end, and no I do not use the rear steer. Or, do the bigger Rok-Lox and steel wheels take that much more to turn?:confused:

The ESC (Electronic Speed Control) and the out-put of it"s BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) have a lot to do with servo performance. Also, swapping out the stock servo saver for an aluminum or composite arm will increase the performance of your metal gear servo.

[That guy]

It's been awhile since I checked on this post, and want to say thanks too all for the advice! I have since started collectin parts and pieces. I have picked up a Bruiser chassis and A*ial chassis w/ control arms, 5 different motors, an A*ial T-case, front and rear metal T-rex 60 axles, 4 sets of wheels and tires both 1.9 and 2.2, and some various hardware. I have enough to scratch build my 2nd rig including electronics. Yes, it's safe to say I'm addicted:yikes: The only thing I don't have is a set of shocks and a steering servo, so if anyone has some they are not using and would like to make some cash, let me know? I will be using leaf springs [ I love'em]. I would like a few ideas on wich frame would you like to see, I am sticking with the T-Rex 60 for axles- so I will pay attention when it comes time for the build thread and were I post it. I will use a Tamiya body, either Toyota with a tube bed or a clod body. I have some 1.9 crawlers on beadlocks and a set of 2.2 rock lizards on bead locks, I also have my 1.9 rok loks on steel beadlocks.:cool: I have all brackets and shackles to run the leaves. Shoot me a couple ideas and we will se how it ends up- build thread to come- Thanks in advance for the help and ideas!