Hey folks, been on a break for Xmas and the New Year, but back to video editing now - Hope to have a number of build updates uploaded soon as I have gotten behind. FYI I have run the Rubicon a couple of times now:
http://www.msuk-forum.co.uk/uploads/gallery_30889_3250_312754.jpg
It is running well overall, but needs a lot of work on the suspension: When the front suspension is at 'normal' deflection (in the middle) everything works fine i.e. not fully extended or compressed; the drag link length is tuned for that. But if I let the suspension drop to full extension (both sides) by lifting the wheels off the ground, it pulls the servo horn (when not switched on) and steers to the right (chassis mounted servo). But with the weight of my truck (9.5lb - 2 batteries and lots of accessories on the chassis & bodyshell) the suspension never extends this much when running, so it not a problem. If the front suspension is fully compressed there is a little steer to the left (maybe 20%), but the servo can fight that and keep the wheels pointed where they should be.
Tbh it'd be a lot easier to get consistent steering action over all suspension deflections with the servo back on the axle, but 1) I don't like that because of looks & servo battering and 2) Most of my running is trailing, with a little 'technical' woodland stuff, so I rarely need extreme flex.
But now I have begun to run the rig on rough terrain & slopes (videos to follow when I get time) I realised the shocks needed a LOT of preloading to stop the body flopping over to the left due to torque twist or when driving down/across a slope (1st gated competition I ran in I was rolling over loads :-( )... The stock Axial shock springs, even at full preload couldn't hold the chassis, so I have upgraded to GMade Piggybacks (video to follow). But lots of preloading increased the suspension extension (ride height increased) slightly, which messed up the 'sweet spot' for the panhard... so I raised the drag link another 2mm (with spacers), it seems to be okay so far. I am amazed how just 2mm on either the height of the drag bar's pickup to the main steering link, or its length (+ or -) can make a huge difference to the steering - It sure takes a while to dial it in.
I am also planning on trying different foam set-ups as (due to the weight of my truck) I get a lot of tyre sidewall rollover when going down slopes and having to steer across the slope to get to a gate (Crawler Innovation's Double Deuce foams on order).
I am planning on doing a video to cover all of this 'post build tweaking' and expect it will be a few more months of running & tuning before I have it sorted (I start a monthly scale competition here in the UK in late January). If you have any tips on the above please let me know as I am solving all this as I go!
