_e_w_'s FMS FCX18 LC80

[_e_w_]

I've wanted a Trail Truck for quite some time. I had my heart set on an Associated Zuul until I saw FMS at the LA Auto Show. I was impressed by their line up, the detail and the build quality of their product. I went home read up, learned about their short comings, and ordered one. I also ordered some upgrade parts when I ordered the truck.

Today I received it and the only thing that was disappointing was the size of the tires and it's the first change I made. The front tire is a Little Guy Trail King, the rear is stock.

I plan on keeping this rig brushed, but will eventually be replacing the 2n1 with an Injora ESC and the Motor with a Injora 48T, both of which I have already purchased. The only thing I plan on upgrading are the diffs, driveshafts, and links, I will be using brass outer portal covers and brass hexes to add weight down low. I have no plans at this time to swap wheels. I'm hoping to keep the plastic wheels, I'd rather not add rotating mass unless I absolutely have to.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

It's a good looking rig for sure. FMS usually gets the looks right.

 

[_e_w_]

Unfortunately the build is on hold until I hear back from Injora. The pack of High Clearance Links I received was short a brass pivot ball. I’ve sent a couple of messages to them, but haven’t gotten a response yet. Unfortunately I can not find the pivot balls for sale separately.

I am going to be using the LC80 links on a Lemur build and one of my goals with this build is to keep wrenching to a minimum, so unfortunately the LC80 is currently a paper weight.

I did replace the diffs and the outer portal covers. I also figured out how to vent the included wheels so that I can remove the foam while retaining the air down feel. The trail I hike on has 3 water crossings, so I’m really hoping my current tire/wheel set up performs on the trail.

I will post some pics of the stock parts next to the upgraded parts and show how I vented the wheel. When rolling the wheels over an obstacle, the wheel/tire with out foams went over it better than the wheel/tire with foam.