Panther6834
I wanna be Dave
I'm toying with the idea of a semi-custom build, with a longer-than-usual wheelbase...329mm, to be specific...but I'm having trouble deciding what route I should go. For full disclosure, I don't even know (yet) if I'll be able to go ahead with my idea, as I'm still awaiting some information related to the body is be using (yes, I know exactly what body). The problem, as I've brought up in a few other threads, is what chassis to use, primarily due to the required wheelbase.
I had considered the Gen8 P.A.C.K., but that's been eliminated, due to certain "design flaws" (especially if using the selected body). I also considered the TRX-4 kit, but I'm not so certain (I'm not anti-Traxxas, as I have 1 'converted' Traxxas vehicle, and 2 Traxxas "rolling chassis" awaiting 'conversion'). I was also considering the VP VS4-10 Pro, but it's quite costly (I had already purchased one, proper to coming up with this particular build idea, but decided to return it, and got the Trail King Pro, instead...which I'm still trying to decide on a body for). Also currently being considered are the SCX10.2, and another Trail King Pro. If anyone had other suggestions/recommendations, I'm open to them.
Before offering suggestions, understand the rest of the build. I plan on using machined axles, not only for the added weight, but also for the additional structural integrity (ie. strength), as well as longevity (obviously, metal lasts longer than plastic). The other part of the 'equation' is wanting a transmission/motor position that's as low and/or forward as possible. The Trail King has a mostly-forward transmission, and a very-forward motor, position, but the motor is a little higher than I'd prefer (raises the COG). In considering the SCX10.2, I could swap the trans & rails for the VP rails & FVD trans, but that greatly increases the overall cost, especially when knowing that I'd also have to get the VP VS4-10 front axle (Topher Builds mentioned I might be able to use the front TRX4 axle, which I'll be checking into).
I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there are no chassis kits with a 329mm wheelbase option, which I'm assuming would mean one of three ways of building:
1) Building to a 324mm wheelbase, using longer rear links (and possibly longer rear driveshaft), and having the rear shocks at a slight rearward angle.
2) Building to a 324mm wheelbase, using longer rear links (and possibly longer rear driveshaft), and drilling new rear shock hoop mounting holes, so as to have the rear shocks upright.
3) Building to a 324mm wheelbase, but drill new rear shock hoop AND skid mounting holes, this moving both skid & rear shocks further back, which would require using longer front & rear links (and, once again, possible longer driveshafts), which would also keep the rear shocks upright.
I'm not looking for the cheapest route (if I wanted to do that, I'd just get the Scx10.2 kit, and go with option #1), but I'd also prefer (if possible) not having to go with the VS4-10 Pro kit (it appears to be an outstanding kit, with "perfect" parts, but it's also quite expensive. At the same time, if I were to get the SCX10.2 kit, upgrade to the VP rails, trans, and axles, and it were to cost as much as the VS4-10 Pro...or the Trail finder w/ VP rails, trans, and axles, and it were to cost as much as the VS4-10 Pro...and it were to cost as much as the VS4-10 Pro, then I might as well just go repurchase the VS4-10 Pro. However, if I can obtain the needed wheelbase length, along with a low (and forward-mounted) CG trans, and machined axles, for at least $100 less (at least $200 less would be even better), and still have a high-quality product, then that's the route I'd prefer going.
So........suggestions?
~ More peace, love, laughter & kindness would make the world a MUCH better place
I had considered the Gen8 P.A.C.K., but that's been eliminated, due to certain "design flaws" (especially if using the selected body). I also considered the TRX-4 kit, but I'm not so certain (I'm not anti-Traxxas, as I have 1 'converted' Traxxas vehicle, and 2 Traxxas "rolling chassis" awaiting 'conversion'). I was also considering the VP VS4-10 Pro, but it's quite costly (I had already purchased one, proper to coming up with this particular build idea, but decided to return it, and got the Trail King Pro, instead...which I'm still trying to decide on a body for). Also currently being considered are the SCX10.2, and another Trail King Pro. If anyone had other suggestions/recommendations, I'm open to them.
Before offering suggestions, understand the rest of the build. I plan on using machined axles, not only for the added weight, but also for the additional structural integrity (ie. strength), as well as longevity (obviously, metal lasts longer than plastic). The other part of the 'equation' is wanting a transmission/motor position that's as low and/or forward as possible. The Trail King has a mostly-forward transmission, and a very-forward motor, position, but the motor is a little higher than I'd prefer (raises the COG). In considering the SCX10.2, I could swap the trans & rails for the VP rails & FVD trans, but that greatly increases the overall cost, especially when knowing that I'd also have to get the VP VS4-10 front axle (Topher Builds mentioned I might be able to use the front TRX4 axle, which I'll be checking into).
I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there are no chassis kits with a 329mm wheelbase option, which I'm assuming would mean one of three ways of building:
1) Building to a 324mm wheelbase, using longer rear links (and possibly longer rear driveshaft), and having the rear shocks at a slight rearward angle.
2) Building to a 324mm wheelbase, using longer rear links (and possibly longer rear driveshaft), and drilling new rear shock hoop mounting holes, so as to have the rear shocks upright.
3) Building to a 324mm wheelbase, but drill new rear shock hoop AND skid mounting holes, this moving both skid & rear shocks further back, which would require using longer front & rear links (and, once again, possible longer driveshafts), which would also keep the rear shocks upright.
I'm not looking for the cheapest route (if I wanted to do that, I'd just get the Scx10.2 kit, and go with option #1), but I'd also prefer (if possible) not having to go with the VS4-10 Pro kit (it appears to be an outstanding kit, with "perfect" parts, but it's also quite expensive. At the same time, if I were to get the SCX10.2 kit, upgrade to the VP rails, trans, and axles, and it were to cost as much as the VS4-10 Pro...or the Trail finder w/ VP rails, trans, and axles, and it were to cost as much as the VS4-10 Pro...and it were to cost as much as the VS4-10 Pro, then I might as well just go repurchase the VS4-10 Pro. However, if I can obtain the needed wheelbase length, along with a low (and forward-mounted) CG trans, and machined axles, for at least $100 less (at least $200 less would be even better), and still have a high-quality product, then that's the route I'd prefer going.
So........suggestions?
~ More peace, love, laughter & kindness would make the world a MUCH better place