laedco58
Newbie
I picked up a TF2 Marlin the other day. My first RC4WD truck and also my first leaf sprung truck. I went over and through the truck checking for loose fasteners, which were many, checked the grease in the front and rear axle housings, transfer case and trans. Not sure how to properly shim the pinions in the axle housings as mine are retained by snap rings. My first run through the woods was with the included battery. I was impressed by how well the truck handled the terrain in my woods, but underwhelmed by the power available. My second run was with a 3s lipo. More power on tap but still lacking wheel speed to clear the tire treads in mud. I spent an evening with the truck on the bench, tapering the spring eyes, aka the chino mod, and clocked the motor to lower the center of gravity in hopes of reducing the trucks tendency to roll over when side hilling.
I elected to replace the 45t stock brushed motor and speed controller with a Castle Mamba X and a 2800 kv Slate motor I had handy. I also dropped the motor pinion down to a 10 tooth from the stock 14. This combo really makes the truck a blast to drive. Geared down the top speed is not excessive, and slow speed crawling over rocks and obstacles is smooth and easy to control.
I ordered up a few more goodies to enhance the performance and durability. I have a skid plate and front shackle reversal kit coming from A&M Garage, and a set of driveshafts from Supershafty.
I elected to replace the 45t stock brushed motor and speed controller with a Castle Mamba X and a 2800 kv Slate motor I had handy. I also dropped the motor pinion down to a 10 tooth from the stock 14. This combo really makes the truck a blast to drive. Geared down the top speed is not excessive, and slow speed crawling over rocks and obstacles is smooth and easy to control.
I ordered up a few more goodies to enhance the performance and durability. I have a skid plate and front shackle reversal kit coming from A&M Garage, and a set of driveshafts from Supershafty.
