Rock Crawler noob

[zeek_RC]

I've been looking into getting a rock crawler for some time now. I was going to get the TLT and geta 12'5" wheelbase conversion kit, but now no one seems to have the TLT or the Max Climber, not even ultimate hobbies. Towers has the 1/18th scale PTI Goliath, but it doesn't seem very "goliath" like to me. I am looking for a 1/10th scale. On occasion, I may take it up to the LHS to compete, but its mainly for fun. I want something that will look as realistic as possible but also be able to perform like a true rock crawler. I am willing to spend up to $200 on the kit as I already have most of the electronics already needed. What do you suggest I look into?

zeek

[savage100]

Here is a website that has lots in stock for $90.

http://www.orcrc.com/crawlmart/crawlmart.htm

I have the SW2 chassis on mine, with a 12.5 in. wheelbase, and i really like it. There are a lot more chassis than that out there though.

[zeek_RC]

Has anyone ever worked with those in the link above? If so, how was their service? And do they really have "Lots in stock", or have they just not updated their site?

zeek

[yeti73]

Has anyone ever worked with those in the link above? If so, how was their service? And do they really have "Lots in stock", or have they just not updated their site?

zeek

They are well known and keep their site updated as much as possible.

[savage100]

The guy who runs it is very good and very popular over on rcc. I haven't heard a bad thing about him ever.

[zeek_RC]

Cool, thanks guys. Thats what I wanted to hear. I want to buy from someone who has a good reputation. But anyways, what 12.5" conversion kit should I use for the TLT? On thecrawlerstor.com, they have 3 different kits. Which one should I go with?

Tracer TLT/Max Climber 12.5" Wheelbase Chassis Kit

Conversion Kit - TLT/Max Climber to 12.5" wheelbase Axle Brace Mounts with heavy Duty 4-Links Kit

Bender Customs SW2 TLT Chassis Kit

Is there one better than the other? Or are they all really the same in performance?

thanks guys,
zeek

[savage100]

Out of those, i would get the sw2. I have it and i really like it. The tracer uses the stock tlt transmission, which isn't good for rock crawling. Whatever you decide to use, i would reccomend the stampede transmission. The sw2 comes with the holes to mount it already drilled, so it is a drop in without any mods.

[zeek_RC]

Ok, so if I understand this right, I will have to use the lower TLT control arms as uppers (same thing as tierods right?) and then get a set of EMAXX 105mm tierods for the lower. And a stampede tranny. Do I need to get the one with or without the link mounts? I am assuming with.

Ok so far:
TLT rockbuster ~ 89.99
Silver SW2 with Link Mounts ~ 94.95
Stampede Tranny ~ ?
Traxxas Turnbuckles 105mm T-Maxx (2) ~ 5.79 x 2 ~11.58
Traxxas 27mhz receiver ~ 24.59
I have a ESC, motor, and RX already. I will be using a Traxxas Stinger motor with really low gearing as I need to save money where I can.

If I am missing anything let me know. Also what is the price of the stampede tranny?

thanks for your help,
zeek

[savage100]

The price for the stampede tranny is about $50. You will need a spur gear set, gear cases, idler gear, planetary gear differential, top shaft and roll pin, and some teflan washers. You can get all that at either www.thecrawlerstore.com or www.rcpcrawlers.com

[zeek_RC]

ok, instead of going with the SW2 kit, since its $95, Im going to go with the Conversion Kit - TLT/Max Climber to 12.5" wheelbase Axle Brace Mounts with Heavy Duty 4-Links Kit. (found here (http://www.thecrawlerstore.com/chassiskits.html)) It will save me some money and it looks like it will work just fine. Like i said, im not gonna be competing with it so if its not a competetion worthy kit, o well. BUT, if there are any other REALLY big reasons not to buy this then let me know.

Thanks,
zeek

[zeek_RC]

After closer examination of the plain conversion kit, I am now unsure if I will go with that. The SW2 will be the better kit to go with. But my one question is I was wondering if I had to get the kit WITH the link mounts? I am a complete nood at rock crawlers. so is it necesary to have them. (i think they are but i am unsure!) I am in a bind with money so i would perfer to go with the $65 kit vs the $95 kit.

thanks again,
zeek

[zeek_RC]

Once again I changed my mind. I decided to go with the Junfac Tracer TLT conversion kit. It comes with everything needed to turn the stock TLT into a 12.5" wheel base. Has anyone everyused this before? If so what are some pros and cons of the kit? Seeing some pictures and videos of it it looks like it will perform like I expect. Yeah it is $99 vs the SW2 kit, but it also comes with all the links, driveshafts and all the hardware. The only thing I am unsure about is if it is compatable with the stampede tranny. But once again, this is going not going to be a competition crawler. Ill provide links later.

[savage100]

It isn't going to work with the pede tranny, unless you are going to drill and cut the chassis to make it fit. If you get the sw2, you will need the link mounts also. One thing about the tlt tranny, is that if you get in a tight position, which you will do a LOT in rock crawling, the tranny belt slipps and you get no power at all. And if only one half of the truck (like the front or rear) gets stuck, the other half will only get power, and you still won't go anywhere.

[zeek_RC]

Well how bad will the tranny slip since it is a belt? I don't mind doing some of my own modification to make the stampede tranny work.