First time builder needing advise

[ElkySS]

good morning all. Like I said in the topic this will be the first time I have ever built a rock crawler. I am way more excited about it than my wife. LOL. I am trying to build a list of all of the parts I need and where to get them and wanted to see if anybody here could help me out. I do not plan on ever entering any races at this time but I do want to build 100% race ready truck that I can take down to the river and play with.

Here is what I am thinking so far:
from tcscrawlers.com
Gmade spider $478
Novac rooster crawler edition esc with 55t motor $110 X 2
Hiteck 5955tg $109 X 2

Not sure where to get:
spektrum ds6 dsm. T think it will be about $200 or so


I know I need shocks and diff lockers, but I have no idea what to run. Other than that I am not sore right off hand what else I need for a really good truck. What do you all think it needs? Also the motors I was looking at appear to need 2 ESCs so ditching them and going to a single esc would be great. I was thinking about brushless but I am not sure I can justify double the money to myself right now. Thanks for any input you can give me and I am sorry for any typos. I am on my phone getting my car worked on and it is a little tough. I would like this to have as many "bells and whistles" as it can (within reason) like 4 wheel indipendant steering (I hear the dx6 can do that) and indipendant motor control so I can kill one (dig if I am not mistaken) if the need arises.

 

[quick5pnt0]

Does the Gmade spider include axles? If not then you'll need a set of Clod Buster axles. I wouldn't even waste my time with a brushless system if this is meant to be a crawler. The 55t motors are more than enough.

 

[ElkySS]

It does have axels, wheels and tires that will do for now. What about shocks and is there a way to cut out the second esc and still be able to shut off the rear motor when the time comes? Also with 2 esc units, does that also mean it would need 2 recivers? If not then how do I split the signal to both of the esc's?

 

[william g]

there was a thread here not longf ago about it. A member who crawls at tournaments highly suggested steering clear of it. Gears break to easy.

I'll look and see if I can find it, but he was ADAMENT do not get it. Use clod axles instead.

 

[william g]

ok
here is the thread, same axles different chassis but you should listen to him.
http://www.myrcmt.com/bd/showthread.php?t=6265

He's a good guy and wouldn't say it if it wasn't true.

 

[FinishLineRC]

The Gmade is a waste in the long run:wnk

 

[ElkySS]

thats good enough for me. If not that then what would be suggested? I am not looking for "realism" right now, just something to have some fun with. I was also looking at "the stick" with a 16" wheel base. for the ground clearance. It does not look like it comes with axles at all so I would then need to order up some clod axles. Is there a a really good place to get the axles? Here is about the best I have found.

 

[JKRacing37]

Why not get an Axial AX10?

 

[Electrohacker]

I would suggest getting the DX7. theres more channels and a three position switch, and supposedly is easier to program

 

[ElkySS]

I was thinking about something in the 16+ wheelbase size just for big car fun and 40 series rubber. From what I can tell the AX10 is 12 - 12.6. Would not be bad by any means. Its just a few less inches and runs the same 2.2 tires I have on my rusty.

So lets say I did go with THIS AX10 set up. It looks like it already has the ESC and motor so i would not need to get those. How much power/climing difference am I going to see with only the one motor? Also with only one motor you cant "dig" right. Not that at my level that will do a whole lot for me but just asking. If I am not mistaken that is a complete kit minus the body and Tx right? would the DX6 or (as mentioned in the last post) DX7 still work for it or could I just run my TQ or TQ3 Tx with it?

Thank you all for your input.

 

[Electrohacker]

you can use any controller you want, I just suggest the DX7 because:

1 no crystals
2 no interference
3 FAILSAFE
4 multi vehicle profiles (one controller, multiple trucks)
5 3 position switch (good for three speeds and winches)
6 dual sticks are easier for independent 4 wheel steering

a dig can be made using a micro servo on the drive shaft. basically you have to mod a slider shaft so it can be disengaged by a servo. there are also ways of locking the axle with servos so it doesn't move.

 

[FinishLineRC]

Ok to answer IMHO, you can get any TCS super chassis or a Bender SW2, or a coouple others on the market now, a set of clod axles ( I sell them slightly used / stock no broken parts for $100/pair, and your out less than $250. A DX3 works fine for a super with rear steer --you dont need an expensive DX7 (no offense) or if you dont mind a 2 position 3rd channel with a manual center point adjuster you can get the Futaba 3pm with spectrum as well. Both under $200.

 

[FinishLineRC]

Your just getting started so dont confuse yourself with everything you can do in a crawler.
To get dig in a clod super you have to get (2) ESC's ---- $$$$$$$
To get dig in an Axial you only need 3 channels. Dont get $$$$$$ on yourself!!
A winch is used on scalers or serious competion rigs only (for winching the cage down for a vertical climb) you may need a 4th channel but your not going there-----yet
Have fun...dont kill your wallet cause crawling isnt the cheapest but it IS the funnest out of all the RC's I own (30 or so)

I own a super, a 2.2 SW3, and 2 scalers--one of which is this months readers rides so :rock
Let me know if you need more info -Dan

 

[FinishLineRC]

To end, you'll have around $650-$900 in a decent 2.2 $1000+ in a comp ready with hardened gears, dig, cvd's, a BEC, aluminum narrowed wheels and such....

A decent super will run you $800 but youll be parts gettin from plastic so if you want a comp level super....$1200+

Scalers..name it

 

[quick5pnt0]

It does not look like it comes with axles at all so I would then need to order up some clod axles. Is there a a really good place to get the axles? Here is about the best I have found.

Just for the heck of it you might want to keep an eye on ebay. I've seen stock Clod Busters go for under $100 on there. It would be like getting the axles cheaper than buying them separately and then getting a hardbody, clod tires/wheels, and stock clod parts for free! You could sweeten the deal even more by selling all the extras on ebay. The stock clod parts aren't worth much but a few dollars here and a few dollars there starts to add up quick.

I remember years ago adding up the costs for everything and it actually turned out that with the right tower code you could get the axles cheaper by buying the entire Clod Buster kit and selling the extras on ebay than you could if you bought them separately. Of course it takes more time and effort going that route too.

Think about it, the clod kit on tower is $200. With the right tower code you can get $25 off of $199 which would put you at $175. Clod hard bodies go for $40-50 on ebay. That puts you at $125-$135. Then the stock mabuchi motors go for about $5 a piece putting you at $115-$125. The stock clod tires/wheel are worth about $30, putting you at $85-$95. Finally if you sold the chassis, suspension parts, owners manual and stock speedo you could get another $20-$50. If you played your cards right your brand new axles would be under $50!!!!!! :tmb

 

[ElkySS]

Hey there guys. Sorry to dig this tread back up. I have been looking around and taking some of the advice that you all were giving. Especially the post about not breaking the bank. My girlfriend really liked that part as well. I think I have settled on a basic set up for now. Can you let me know what you all think?

I have:
Traxxas TQ-3 Transmitter
Traxxas 3-Channel Receiver
from my Tmaxx

Would be ordering:
Axial AX10 Scorpion $236.99
Novak Rooster ESC Crawler Edition with 55t Motor $109.99
Hitec 5645MG $48.99
Apogee 2-Cell 2000 mAh Receiver Pack Long $19.99
Deans Ultra Plugs $2.50


Looks like it would total up to be about $420 or so. Do you know is some other parts would be better for a newbie that is wanting to have some fun and get into rock crawling or of anyplace to get the parts cheaper? Also is there anything that I am missing? Thank you all for your help here!!!!!!!! would the TQ3 work for now? I fugure that if I ever add dig and rear stear I will have to upgrade to a much better one, but for starters it sounds like it would be OK.

 

[william g]

not bad
I can beat the Ax10 price if your in the lower 48 US states and have paypal.

Deans plugs, I just found out you can get similar on e-bay 10 for 10 bucks the plastic is different, so you just can't overheat when soldering..

 

[Electrohacker]

Your just getting started so dont confuse yourself with everything you can do in a crawler.
To get dig in a clod super you have to get (2) ESC's ---- $$$$$$$

LIAR

you can do it with a switch and servo all you have to do is tie the motor wires together to create a motor brake.

the switch would disconnect the ESC from the rear motor and tie the comm wires together