Build or Buy

Boonie Buster · Dec 11, 2008

I think I had a post like this before, but i am putting down a more narrowed swath of options (I hope) I want to do a setup similar to the AX10 but a 2.2 comp/trail rig setup...

Do you guys suggest starting with a ax10 base and going form there? Or starting from scratch bit by bit, buy a frame, links, etc....:eeek:

I am gonna start forming a parts list in this thread for a build I think.:corn:

Chassis - RCP Crawlers BlackJack 2.2 Chassis by SinCityRc (or similar)
Axles - AX-10s
Links -
Shocks -
Tires - Rock Stompers 2.2 Tires
Body -
Radio - Traxxas TQ3 Transmitter With Reciever
Servo -
Motor -
Battery -

bite me · Dec 11, 2008

better off piece by piece... the axail chassis sucks for a comp rig...:stirpot:

Boonie Buster · Dec 11, 2008

What's a good chassis? I am open to suggestions for parts and such.:corn:

HotRodJosh · Dec 11, 2008

If you're going to build a comp rig....make your own chassis. They are EASY to make. Aftermarket chassis' are way overpriced for what you are getting, especially tubers. You can also make all your own links using aluminum tubing from Ace hardware and T-Maxx heims....

Good axle and trans to use are Axial. Inexpensive, durable and good parts support.

I recently bought the AX10 kit but used a scale chassis for it....and am building a 2.2 comp style rig with the original AX10 chassis with my own links.

Going with the AX10 kit isn't a bad way to go though....as all the hardware when building from scratch can add up quickly. If you can't make many parts yourself (which is pretty easy), buy a kit.

Be sure to post up progess and ask questions, there's quite a few guys that know this stuff well. And there's more than one way to build one.

Boonie Buster · Dec 11, 2008

What do you think of getting TLT axles, with a pre-fabbed chassis to start? (I dont want to be making my own chassis, i want to just buy one first time, then figure out the phsyics behind chassis building later... But I want 2.2 tires. i don't know what electrical stuff i would need, I can figure out the mechanical side, i just dont know anything about the electrical.

crash2 · Dec 11, 2008

I am getting ready to build another rig from scratch (TLT based) and I will post it up..

Boonie Buster · Dec 12, 2008

To give an idea of what i am after, I want to build something like the blue one or possible the orange one, something that looks sort of stock, but has a more modified suspension and maybe the option to use it at a comp or something... I'm kinda torn as to whether or not i want to try to compete or not, and no, i dont want a full on comp rig...

hotwheels000 · Dec 12, 2008

It is not possible to have a comp/trail rig that will perform well at both and fit the look you are after.They are 2 different types of vehicles(frames, tires, link geometry, physical appearance etc.....)

Build one or the other,or both and you will be much happier.

crash2 · Dec 12, 2008

hotwheels000 said:
It is not possible to have a comp/trail rig that will perform well at both and fit the look you are after.They are 2 different types of vehicles(frames, tires, link geometry, physical appearance etc.....)

Build one or the other,or both and you will be much happier.

I can contest--- I tried it---it don't work so swell :haha:

Boonie Buster · Dec 12, 2008

crash said:
I can contest--- I tried it---it don't work so swell :haha:

Ok, so i guess i will prolly lean more toward the scale side then... Is that chassis i linked a good base? Do you think the axial axles will hold up?

crash2 · Dec 12, 2008

I am parial to the TLT's---I don't like how the axial link mounts are.....

Boonie Buster · Dec 12, 2008

crash said:
I am parial to the TLT's---I don't like how the axial link mounts are.....

Ok, I've seen that theyre pretty much the same price and the TLT's look beefier...

Boonie Buster · Dec 12, 2008

This a good deal for everything???:corn:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Axial-AX10-Scor...3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:3|39:1|240:1318

Todd1803 · Dec 12, 2008

It's a fair deal, but the problem with it is you are buying electronics that are bottom-shelf stuff.

Where are you located? If you can, try to stop by Edmonds waterfront on Sunday. We'll be having a competition there. You can learn more in a couple hours there than you can in a couple days worth of posting.

These guys are right - a scale truck will never be very competitive as a competition truck. It can be built to be comp legal, and you can run it, and have fun, but it won't be a contender. It would be like running a streetable truck in the pro class at we-rock.

My advice - The same axles, transmissions, and electronics are common core between scale trucks and comp trucks (for the most part). The chassis, suspension, tires, wheels, body, etc are what seperates. Do what you can within your budget to buy good "core" components. That way you have stuff that will carry over if you decide to change direction down the road.

And the AX10 axles and transmission are a great place to start. If you don't have much RC experience, the kit might be a good idea, so you start with something you know works before you start piecing things together, but that depends on the individual.

T.

T_MADD1 · Dec 15, 2008

Buy one already done. I've found some good deals on used rigs.

Here's my last one I bought for my daughter.
I threw a rooster crawler esc I had laying around in it but thats all I've done and it works great.

$240 shipped
http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=458821

I bought this one on ebay for my son
$200
TLT axels,weely king tranny,novak rooster crawler esc,novak 55t motor,hi-tec servo,rc4wd allu.beadlocks,losi claw tires,allu.shocks,& custom frame.