(falls to knees in front of the throne...)
Not I, good king!
"thumbsup"
(this is looking better and better)
Good, good.
Your spinelessness shall be rewarded handsomely with a build update.
Harking back to the posts of yore, we recall the King of Trails was substantially complete. Alas, it seems to always be that last 10% of a build that takes most of the time.
But no more!
Yes, gentle nobles, great progress has been achieved.
We start with the electronics. A great serpent has been called upon to provide motivation when guided by the grand sorcerer of Futaba. While it is a tight fit, the lines of communication from the Castle fit through the engine and to the great serpent.
Also, quite conspicuous, are the great barriers protecting the King which have been installed around the King. The walls of GRC are some sort of flexible plastic meant for the SCX10II but lacked several holes required for the King's assembly. Once the additional holes and trimming around the shock towers were secured, the wall were installed without much issue.
Thus we arrive at a complete King though lacking in a fine wardrobe.
Bumpers and wheels from the King's home of SSD were brought in to complete the assembly. More on those in a moment but gaze upon the V8 goodness we have going on here.
Front bumper is a SSD Wide Rock Shield because all great kings need proper equipment to lead their armies into battle.
An matching SSD Rock Shield bumper was equipped out back.
This one has been specially modified for the King as the mounting base has been flipped for maximum clearance. Flipping the mounting attachment requires removing the 4 screws holding on the mounting post assembly to the outer bumper and countersinking the screws holding on the posts. This allows the whole mounting assembly to be installed flipped around for a little more clearance.
Now we arrive at the wheels.
The fine examples of rolling stock are SSD Trail steel wheels that I had been saving for another build but this seems like a better use. You shall see why.
One final bit before we arrive at the King's outer appearance is an interior.
While not all trucks require a full interior complete with all the trimmings and trappings of a full size vehicle, not seeing batteries and wires through the windshield is a wondrous sight. This simple $10 ebay job will do nicely, just don't stare too long at the crappy paint.
The GRC inner fenders have a few threaded holes on the top side and this seemed like a prime use for them. All that was required was a few spacers in the front to get it level. I printed these spacers because it is easier than looking through parts bins.
We arrive at the grand unveiling!
Presenting the King of Trails!
Eww.
Why is the King wearing a dumpster?
This is certainly a grand tale.
When the King was first announced, dissenters decried "what is it supposed to be with a Ford axle drop and Chevy engine?" I responded that it is up to the builder to have the creative foresight to execute a vision, it could be V8 swapped XJ for example. As frequently is the case, those holding terrible opinions are often the last to know their opinion is terrible. The dissenters respond with "who would build a V8 swapped XJ? HAHA LOLZ". Well, fine purveyor of wrongness, I have and it is glorious.
Gaze upon its dirty, grimy crapiness and respect the total troll job.
Why would anyone V8 swap a XJ? Because how else would you run 38 inch BFG Krawlers and Dana 44s? With a stock engine? Ha! That is a big AMC 4.No.
That proper offset axle is so sweet on this build. Even better is the proper engine included in the kit. In fact, other than the pile of junk on top, it is all sweet.
The flipped rear bumper fits up high and tight to the body.
One modification to run the XJ body was to replace the stock SSD rear body posts with one from the SCXII. This was only for the convenience of having the body pins run parallel to the roof rack rails, the holes on the SSD body posts are drilled the other way.
What else would a box shaped turd run than a set of steel wheels with a fake beadlock ring? If this is a $2,500 truck, its because there was $2,000 spent on tires. These Gmade hubs from the parts bin complete the cheap steel wheel look nicely.
A quick glance in the windows shows how much of a difference even the simplest of interiors makes.
That is a face that no one could love; it is fortunate for this sad lump that love makes no sense.
At least with the high clearance bumpers and big tires, this should be a fun one to drive.
Now, we must bid the King farewell. He chooses the ragged clothes of a beggar to better blend in with the people for the King of Trails yearns to be part of the community, not merely looking down on it from above.
Return in the future to be regaled with tales and sights of action from the King's (hopefully many) adventures!
And just because I'm new 2 rocks doesn't mean I didn't figure out that you swiped my cylinder head so you could try to publicly ridicule me for not properly securing it to prevent escape (or confiscation). I'm on to your little tricks, trail prince! :ror:
