Newbie to rock crawling. Help needed

[Brooks]

Hi People

Am new to the site as i have been racing for many years now but never knew how much fun Rock Crawling can be :D. I have bought and built a Tamiya F350 highlift truck and i was just wondering how to get a good setup for rock crawling as the suspension feels really hard as standard so what do i need to do etc (lock the diffs ,tyres, modifications?)

Also do i run brushless and lipo if so what?

Many thanks chris B

[McFig]

Well, I think you have to decide what kind of rig you want to make your F350 into. If you want a trail rig, then the leafs are a good way to go. If you want more of a rock crawler, then you should 4 link the truck.
Junfac makes a add-on kit to allow you to do this, but I know that many people just do it themselves. If you poke around you will see pictures others have posted of their 4 linked Hi-lifts.

[That guy]

:Tamiya1::Tamiya1: The F-350 is a good all around truck, If you are looking for a dedicated rock rig, you will have to go 4 link. The beauty of your truck is you can make a very capable trail rig... then down the road if you build/buy a trailer you can still usw it as a tow vehicle, if none of that interest you then by all means 4 link it, or pick up another Tamiya kit and have fun.... the only advice I can give is after 1:Tamiya1: kit, next thing you know you have 1/2 a dozen:crawlers:!!! No matter what you decide there is no doubt you will love your toy [ a the next one i'm sure]. All of the folks on here will help you get your f-350 where you want it. good luck and have fun.

[Siggy]

Hi People

Am new to the site as i have been racing for many years now but never knew how much fun Rock Crawling can be :D. I have bought and built a Tamiya F350 highlift truck and i was just wondering how to get a good setup for rock crawling as the suspension feels really hard as standard so what do i need to do etc (lock the diffs ,tyres, modifications?)

Also do i run brushless and lipo if so what?

Many thanks chris B

Hi Chris!

Welcome to TamiyaCrawlers.

If you really want to bring your F350 to the rocks, Go JunFac 4-link system or RC4WD T-Box and Shooter Shackle. If you want to keep things close to stock, it might help to replace the shocks with better ones. And check-out the mods they do to the leaf spring.

I kept my Tundra all stock, did true flame artwork, replaced wheels and tires with custom beadlocks and 1.9 comp scale tires. Added the MFC-02 for realistic lights, sounds, and feel -- never failed to draw a crowd. And will probably improve it's value as years pass. Then I built many other Rigs for the Rocks and Trails.

For my Rock Crawlers, I stay away from BL's for the lack of drag brake. Brushed motors simply rules for now.

For Scale Rigs, I also used brushed motor. It got better low-end torque for trail runs, and relatively worry free if the rigs needs to go for a swim.

Hope the suggestion helps. Just enjoy the hobby!

[Brooks]

Thanks for all the replys people. I want my F350 to become a Rock Crawler. So i will need the 4 link suspension system and better shocks? Where do i find this stuff? Also could some of you post some links and photos of your F350 underside so i can get some ideas please. I am new to the forum so dont really know how to find my way around the forum. Sorry!

Kind regards
Chris B

[Arcocustom]

The 4-link kit everyone is recommending you use is sold out and may well be discontinued at this point.
http://www.junfac.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=250

You will have to come up with your own 4-link, 4 link axle mounts, and 4-link frame mounts. The steering will need to be addressed when you switch to a 4-link set-up. The stock drive shafts will also need to be swapped out in favor of shafts that will allow for more articulation. The battery pack needs to be relocated to in-between the frame rails too. Your mods should be centered around what size wheel and tire (1.9's or 2.2's) you plan on using. The 1.9's won't need as long a shock as a the 2.2's.