Sherman's "Caballero" Sendero

[JatoTheRipper]

So while I didn't tinker much this weekend, I pulled out my old original links and identified two that are 100mm. I'm finding that when folks talk about the links themselves (just the metal) they refer to the size of the link, but once you put the end pieces on they're longer. So hopefully what I have works? I also ordered two 95mm turnbuckles, per your suggestion svt923, I think that will make minor adjustments much easier for the upper links.

So what's weird is that I upgraded my links to the Club5Racing husky hi-clearance links a few years back and I'm noticing that they're marked on the tubes with the lengths (pre-endcaps)...and they vary from the ones that were originally on the truck! They were supposed to be made specifically for the Sendero but they're longer than the ones that came on it according to the instruction manual. I wonder how much I've adjusted my geometry by using those?

I need to start one step at a time. Once I get the links in and installed I'll post some pics and see where we're at

You won't find consistency in the measurements of links. Some state the overall length with rod ends, overall length without rod ends, length of the link themselves without any rod ends and possibly even the rod end eye to rod end eye measurement.

High clearance links would have to be longer pieces of metal because of the bend, but the resultant wheelbase should be the same as stock unless they are said to be short or long.

 

[Sherman]

High clearance links would have to be longer pieces of metal because of the bend, but the resultant wheelbase should be the same as stock unless they are said to be short or long.

And that makes complete sense, except everywhere I've seen even with bent links I see folks (on Youtube videos) measuring them end to end lined up next to a ruler, so essentially measuring the invisible third side of the triangle. Now, I haven't pulled the Club5Racing links off and measured them to see if what's printed on them matches the actual "invisible third side" measurement, but I definitely will when I change out the links this weekend.

 

[Sherman]

Ok, after much tinkering I was able to shorten the wheelbase! How's it look now?

 

[JatoTheRipper]

That looks great! Do the tires rub the body at all?

 

[Sherman]

They don't seem to, but I need to fiddle with the bumper placement again and redo my attachment method. I took a break after spending a half hour changing out the links.

 

[Sherman]

So when I originally fit the body on a few months ago I ended up pushing the front bumper all the way in and the posts would run into the steering servo, so I chopped them off. Now that I've made this adjustment they're too short! Ugh. I went to Menards and picked up the closest sized aluminum rod I could find in an effort to just build my own. This'll be fun

 

[89Industries]

ugh, the diameter of the bumper mounts is one of the most irritating things I've found so far on tiny trucks. The Axial and Element bumpers use 7.5mm rods which equates to essentially nothing you can get except for things like drill rod blanks and other specialty (expensive, difficult to use, etc) rods.

But, RC4WD makes separate rods with threaded cross holes in them already. They are a little over 35mm long.

RC4wd universal bumper posts

I also just learned from re-reading that listing that they may make longer ones as well (Z-S1005) but I've never seen those.

If you make your own full bumper, I recommend using tabs that mount to the sides of the frame such as those from Scale Metal Supply or ScalerFab.

I've done both and the tabs make it easier and quite strong vs bolting a bumper to the posts.

 

[Sherman]

Nah, I'm sticking to the same bumper I've had. In fact, my truck is a spokesman on their Amazon page! LOL

It uses round posts that screw into a plate that attaches to the bumper. So I plan to just cut the aluminum rod to length, drill a hole in the end and hit it with a self-tapping metal screw through the plate. Then I just have to line it up where I want it, mark the holes and drill those out on my drill press. Custom made for the exact length I need! I figure I can then just wrap them in some electrical tape to make them more snug. I'm not opposed to "redneck engineering" over here.

 

[Sherman]

My "spokesperson" proof, LOL:

I didn't get paid for it at all...nor did I get asked if they could use my picture. I posted it on a review on Amazon. But I'm pretty flattered that my truck made it as an example! I know it's mine because...uh, I took the picture. But also I'm one of few who used a sliver marker on the raised parts of the Element Sendero grille and used that combo of the bumper and the original body. I've since painted it black and let it get chipped up for cool weathering effects.

 

[Sherman]

I ended up buying a set of replacement bumper rods, they were like $9 so why not?

Got the bumpers adjusted and decided to slap on the smaller General Grabber tires from the Zuul and it looks much more scale now. So this'll be my scaler rig and my Zuul will end up being my "dedicated rock crawler".

Adjusted the body forward just a smidge before redoing the body attachment (velcro) before I took this pic.