LEDFOOT 2.0 - Full Tube Chassis

[jlhustad]

After a whole lot of fun it's time to reinvent Ledfoot.
The truck/rig worked really well, very stable (low centre of gravity), freaky fast and very lightweight.

There were however a couple of drawbacks;
1. After breaking one of the upper front link mount tubes, I felt it might be a bit fragile.

2. Torque twist, a lot of it. Threeo reasons;
-leaky axial shocks (all are dry now)
-too much power
- no stabilizers
So I sat down and got working on a new concept, using the existing parts:
(I'll be using E-maxx shocks, Axial stock shocks are no bueno!)



Still a work in progress, but tubes and silver solder are on their way!

 

[jlhustad]

Time for a build update "thumbsup"

<a href="http://imgur.com/YWVH7bL"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/YWVH7bLh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Two smaller batteries in paralell replaces the longer packs for better packaging options

<a href="http://imgur.com/RoKnhyv"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/RoKnhyvh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
More tubes and steel floor added

<a href="http://imgur.com/eGPInfH"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/eGPInfHh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Test fit of components. The only issue might be the front driveshaft touching the ESC when the suspension travels, time will tell...

<a href="http://imgur.com/WMrR5g0"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/WMrR5g0h.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Lower link mounts and links are done

<a href="http://imgur.com/mEi2F5R"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/mEi2F5Rh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
In the background you can see the 3D model I made. Making a 3D model saves so much time as there is waaay less trail & error.

<a href="http://imgur.com/EiG3nmN"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EiG3nmNh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Plates for mounting the upper link mounts were added, aswell as the B-pilar tubes are done

<a href="http://imgur.com/75sw9Di"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/75sw9Dih.png" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Current state of the chassis model (only the tubes are shown).

The current challenge is the upper link mounts. I'm going for K-link suspension front and rear. The upper links therefore has to be mounted at an angle (on the chassis).
The way I see it, I got two options;
1. Fabricate the mounts from sheet metal
2. Machine something in aluminium

I'm very open for imput & tips, so any suggestions will be most welcome..

 

[MiteyF]

I don't know what a K link is, but I have used M3 threaded standoffs and welded them to the chassis before. They're tricky to get placed just right, but once they're welded on they're easy to bolt up to and sturdy.

 

[jlhustad]

@Mitey K link is another expression for a triangulated four link (straight lower links, the upper links points towards the pumkin/differential).
It's whats you find on ex Axial Wraith, SCX10 (1) or the Bomber.

Have not thought about standoffs before, not a bad idea.
Wish I had a welder, I'm siver soldering and really, really really miss the ability to tack things
You also gave me an idea, I'm thinking of using standoffs and Traxxas part #3727A (which I got laying around).

 

[jlhustad]

Build update 2

<a href="http://imgur.com/AnR8QmG"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/AnR8QmGh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Marking the bending lines for "the nose".

<a href="http://imgur.com/pTueaoY"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/pTueaoYh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Nothing but precision tools :lmao:

<a href="http://imgur.com/lQJLhmU"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/lQJLhmUh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Result!

<a href="http://imgur.com/pEjny36"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/pEjny36h.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
After test fitting I saw that I had a bit room to spare near the servo, so the tube will be shortened about 1cm.

1cm /( 2.54cm/in ) = 0.3937in, just so you americans don't feel uncomfortable ;-)

<a href="http://imgur.com/X1u6nbs"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/X1u6nbsh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Also 3D printed a mock-up rear shock mount.
I'd like to make that out of sheet metal, OR out of a steel box section.

Does anyone have any good tips to where I could find 1x1cm steel square box section, would save me a lot of time...

 

[jlhustad]

Build update 3



If my name was Richard, I'd tell you to get you some of that

I'm still not decidedon how I want to attach my upper links and front shocks, any suggestions? How have you guys solved that on your rigs?

 

[jlhustad]

Build update 4

<a href="http://imgur.com/P3CJ3do"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/P3CJ3doh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Designed a upper link mount for the front and made it out of steel-cheese (also known as aluminium). Just used a couple of hand tools, no CNC required 8)
This should meet the angle of the links nicely.....


Look, it's a scale hand... #AllTheScalePoints


The rear upper links are done...very happy whith how the geometry turened out as the upper and lower link movement is paralell.


Engine protection tubes added. These would typically protect the air cleaner on a real rig, and it looks badass.


These are CAD templates (Cardboard Aided Design ! ), get it ;-)
Just wanted to have a startingpoint before I started modelling in Solidworks...

Future plans;

• Getting the front upper link moints attached
• Machine the rear shock/sawybar mount
• Figure out how to mount the shocks up front
• Adding the rear stiffening tubes + figuring out how I'll strengthen the front. This will take some time as I'm waiting for more tubes to arrive in the mail...

Any suggestings for the color sceme?

 

[jlhustad]

Build update 5
<a href="http://imgur.com/sxUNqgS"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/sxUNqgSh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/eBiBPZ2"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/eBiBPZ2h.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Rear suspension is done.... waiting for tubes so I can finnish the rear...

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Sweet! Nice job.

 

[jlhustad]

Build update 6

Got a new rear truss on the thing..
<a href="https://imgur.com/6hqtZ4E"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6hqtZ4Eh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>


After waiting for 1,5 eternities I recieved som more pipes.
So I added some to the rear (from the B-pillar to the rear hoop) and drilled a couple of holes for the front upper link mounts..

Not certain about the battery holding solution thingy, but it might do...
(Open for suggestions)

<a href="https://imgur.com/ap95QQy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ap95QQyh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>


I also went to the final round of the Norwegian championship at Skien, so here is a couple of photos: (I was way to buizzy spectating to bother with more pictures;-) )

<a href="https://imgur.com/AMjvIP2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/AMjvIP2h.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/t9Vum7N"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/t9Vum7Nh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/OzYPgHP"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OzYPgHPh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[jlhustad]

Build update 7

Front suspension tower is done.
The only things left are to arrange the electronics, make some panels, painting and a bit of test &n tune.

Sorry for the big gaps between each update, but you know how it is... life happens...

I am considering to make aluminium (not alumanum, you know who you are;-) ) panels or lexan panels. Lexan I can paint on the inside of the sheet, but the aluminium will need skins (as the tires work as sandblasters)..What do you guys think? also, who do you know of that makes custom skins?

 

[jlhustad]

TEST VIDEO ON THE INTERWEBS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WmPqPWsG7E

And after that test run, major changes has been made to the battery location and number ( 2->1 batteries, no more paralelle connectors).
Also, the front shocks has been changed for a set of softer and longer shocks.
My thoughs after the test run was that it flipped backwards a bit too easily, so I hope that has been remedied now..

New post will come soon with the current status of the build, just though i'd share the test run..

 

[jlhustad]

Status update:

The chassis is painted..

Rolling chassis:

The next thing on the list is to decide the battery position and panting the panels. I'm going for a classic Iclandic look... think it's going to turn out great.

 

[suzuki]

Mint!

Sent fra min D5803 via Tapatalk

 

[Neal3000]

How are you going to attach the skins to the chassis?

 

[jlhustad]

How are you going to attach the skins to the chassis?

With difficulty
It will be a mixture of zip-ties and screws.
The work is almost finnished...