powder4breakfast
Quarry Creeper
Update time.:
I added VP AR60 knuckle weights.
Holy... these make a very noticeable difference. It has been fun to see how changes to the vehicle have improved capabilities. I have seen it several times through this build. Still, I had no idea that these knuckle weights could have such an impact.
Installation is quick and can be done with knuckles and links still connected. I only had to remove the wheels to do it.
First stop after adding weights was to a new spot for me... 3 Peaks in Cedar City. This place is really awesome and I can't wait to go back. The area is littered with granite outcrops and the options seem almost endless. The traction there was incredible compared to the sandstone that predominantly surrounds southern Utah.
After enjoying an evening with the new weights I began to have crazy thoughts that I might finally, once and for all, be able to tackle the St. George obstacle that has plagued me since the beginning of this project.
For those not following this build ...understandable ...I have had one obstacle that I have used as reference point to make my vehicle a better crawler. The first night I tried it, people named it the Puke Obstacle. During almost 2 hours of attempts by several rigs, it spit everyone out that gave it a go. I did see a couple well built cars make it to the top over the next few visits; but, the vast majority were just not capable
So, for several months now, I have been building my car in hopes to bag this thing. With each upgrade and fix I have gotten closer to the goal. Then with multiple failed attempts after adding UD gearing in the rear I finally started to think I may never get to the top with my Bomber.
These weights gave me renewed hope and sure enough, after a few warm-up attempts, I FINALLY sent it!
The (X) is the crux of the route. Your rig wants to tip over the whole time. Your back passenger wheel drops into a hole and the front lifts. You can't make the left turn in one shot and have to bounce and wiggle to bring the back end around behind you. Once you are in position, you have to be careful not to roll back too far or you come off.
The Vanquish knuckle weights ended up being the final puzzle piece.
Then it was off to dinner. the heavens lit up to confirm I had done good work.;-)
It had been an absolute disastrous rainy day full of floods and mud slides. Zion national park closed down from a boulder slide that buried the road. The storm let up just long enough for me to play. Then the clouds and colors went off for an incredible sunset. Pictures do not do justice for the shapes and colors held in that night's sky.
At the end of the day, forums are fun to share info and learn; but, it's the getting out and experiencing that counts. Putting the "Puke Obstacle" to bed was awesome; but, that sky was the highlight of the day by far. We live in an amazing world.
I added VP AR60 knuckle weights.
Holy... these make a very noticeable difference. It has been fun to see how changes to the vehicle have improved capabilities. I have seen it several times through this build. Still, I had no idea that these knuckle weights could have such an impact.
Installation is quick and can be done with knuckles and links still connected. I only had to remove the wheels to do it.
First stop after adding weights was to a new spot for me... 3 Peaks in Cedar City. This place is really awesome and I can't wait to go back. The area is littered with granite outcrops and the options seem almost endless. The traction there was incredible compared to the sandstone that predominantly surrounds southern Utah.
After enjoying an evening with the new weights I began to have crazy thoughts that I might finally, once and for all, be able to tackle the St. George obstacle that has plagued me since the beginning of this project.
For those not following this build ...understandable ...I have had one obstacle that I have used as reference point to make my vehicle a better crawler. The first night I tried it, people named it the Puke Obstacle. During almost 2 hours of attempts by several rigs, it spit everyone out that gave it a go. I did see a couple well built cars make it to the top over the next few visits; but, the vast majority were just not capable
So, for several months now, I have been building my car in hopes to bag this thing. With each upgrade and fix I have gotten closer to the goal. Then with multiple failed attempts after adding UD gearing in the rear I finally started to think I may never get to the top with my Bomber.
These weights gave me renewed hope and sure enough, after a few warm-up attempts, I FINALLY sent it!
The (X) is the crux of the route. Your rig wants to tip over the whole time. Your back passenger wheel drops into a hole and the front lifts. You can't make the left turn in one shot and have to bounce and wiggle to bring the back end around behind you. Once you are in position, you have to be careful not to roll back too far or you come off.
The Vanquish knuckle weights ended up being the final puzzle piece.
Then it was off to dinner. the heavens lit up to confirm I had done good work.;-)
It had been an absolute disastrous rainy day full of floods and mud slides. Zion national park closed down from a boulder slide that buried the road. The storm let up just long enough for me to play. Then the clouds and colors went off for an incredible sunset. Pictures do not do justice for the shapes and colors held in that night's sky.
At the end of the day, forums are fun to share info and learn; but, it's the getting out and experiencing that counts. Putting the "Puke Obstacle" to bed was awesome; but, that sky was the highlight of the day by far. We live in an amazing world.
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