thecrawlerstore - How to build a Clodbuster Part1

How to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler

Index

Part 1: Buying the components

This guide is designed to help newcomers with the task of acquiring the numerous components needed to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler. Move your mouse pointer over the associated text and left click to jump to the associated website.

To make this all a little easier to use, I've compiled an abbreviated list for the beginner crawler to use. This list of parts is a good starting point for anyone to build a clod crawler. I've recommended components so you don't have to decide yourself. The majority of parts you will need to build your crawler are:

Clod Axles (TheCralwerStore.com or rc4wd)
Clod Chassis (you have to choose this one)
Speed Control (recommend the tekin rebel 2)
Servos (recommend 645mgs)
TQ3 system
Batteries for truck (all but the stick can use whats listed below- subC 6 cell)
Battery Charger (see recommended below)
Tires (proline Moabs)
Wheels (Proline velocity or mambo)
Wheel Adapters (thecrawlerstore)
Motors (Integy Lathe 65t with 8 tooth pinions)
Diff Locks (thecrawlerstore or rc4wd)

Clodbuster Axles

Ebay ($80-$100 used)

TheCrawlerStore.com ($140)

rc4wd.com ($199-w/bearings and aluminum parts)

High Torque Servos

Hitec HS-645mg
One of the most popular servos. 133.31 oz/in at 6.0V ($40)

Hitec 5645mg
Upgrade to digital and increased torque 164.2 oz/in at 6V ($55)

Hitec 5955tg
Robot servos provide the most torque, but at a high cost. 339 oz/in at 6V ($115)

Hitec 5995tg
Robot servos provide the most torque, but at a high cost. 339 oz/in at 6V ($115) Note, this servo rotates 180 degrees. A normal servo only rotates 90 degrees. This helps preload the servo saver but may not be good for all applications

Servo Savers

Kimbrough Gas Car/Truck Servo Saver #124 ($6.29)

Ofna Gas Car/Truck Servo Saver ($8.59)
Really good for the 180 degree rotation robot servo

4 Wheel Steering Kits

Some chassis kits come with steering, so check with the manufacturer of the chassis you are buying to see if the chassis kit comes with steering or not.

RcGuy 4 Wheel Steering Kit ($60)

RC4wd steering kit ($60)

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

Tekin Rebel 2 ($80)

Novak Super Duty ($142)

The Novak Super Rooster was the standard ESC for rock crawling but is now discontinued. If you have one or can get one they are still a great choice for rock crawling. ($120)

If you have an EVX laying around, that can be used also. You can run one battery off your EVX. See how by clicking here.

Radio System/Remote Control

The TQ3 with rear steer is very popular. $10/Kit, $65 Complete System

The Futaba 4WD remote is also a good option ($110)

Or the Futaba 3PJS (discontinued, try ebay) or 3PK ($320)

Batteries

SMC 3600mAh Nimh packs are great ($32)

DuraTrax Shark 6-Cell 1500mAh Sport Standard, a more economical choice if money is an issue, use ($11)

Battery Charger

DuraTrax Piranha AC/DC Digital Peak Charger NiCd/NiMH ($50)

Tires/Rims/Adapters

Pro-Line Moab tires are the most popular ($25/pair of 2)

Pro-Line Velocity rims for the Moabs or other 40 series tires ($18/pair of 2)
(Requires clod to maxx wheel adapters, see below)

Pro-Line Mambo rims for the Moabs or other 40 series tires ($18/pair of 2)
(Requires clod to maxx wheel adapters, see below)

E-Maxx and T-Maxx tires are fairly popular, along with the BFT tires.

BFT tires ($26.29/2)

BFT rims ($13.79/2)

Imex items can be purchased directly from Imex.

IMEX JumboMaxx Swamp Dawgs for E-Maxx and T-Maxx ($35/2)

IMEX Rims for E-Maxx and T-Maxx

Stock E-Maxx/T-Maxx Rims ($8.59/2)

To run the E-Maxx and T-Maxx rims on your clodbuster, use these adapters ($45)

Motors

You need two motors for a clodbuster. Lathe motors are the most popular.

Lathe Motors $18.39 each

Thunder Tech Racing adjustable motor mounts $30/pair

RC4wd adjustable motor mounts $25/pair

9 tooth pinions $3.39/each. You need two of these.