How to build a Clodbuster Rock Crawler

Index

Part 1: Buying the components

Part 2: Available Chassis Kits

Part 3: Construction and assorted notes

Part 3: Construction and assorted notes

This is a work in progress.

Make sure to use locktight on any metal to metal hardware like a metal screw going into a metal part or into a metal nut.

Nitro or gas powered trucks do not make good crawlers for many reasons

Electric motors have allot more "control". You can control the torque and power you apply much more precisely. Electrics have instant reverse. Not all nitros even have reverse systems stock. Nitros free wheel (no brake or engine power) when the throttle on the radio is returned to neutral. This allows the truck to roll which you don't want to do when crawling on inclines.

 

You can lock your differentials (diffs) using jb weld or hot glue.

We'll be posting some more info on this soon!

 

Four Wheel Steering

To make the most capable rock crawler you should setup four wheel steering (4ws - steer the front and rear wheels). You can use a Y servo cable to do this. The y cable is inexpensive ($4-$10) and you can get them at any local hobby shop or online hobby store. But this will give you full time 4ws which is not really that good. The best setup is an independent 4ws system. Setup like this, the front and rear servo are wired seperately into the receiver on different channels. For this you need to have at least a 3 channel radio system. The cheapest method to do this is to modify a tq3 system. You can buy the parts or a complete system from thecrawlerstore or you can modify your system with the info found here:

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9765

You can also use a 3 or more channel radio system. Different radio systems are listed above in part 1 of this article.

 

Mounting servos

Here is some info on how to mount your servos to the clod axles.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showp...3&postcount=20

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30889

You should also cut off the 4 little knubs (steering stops) on each knuckle to increase turning radius. I use a pair of wire cutters or knips, but you can use a dremel tool with a cutoff wheel (use safety glasses) or any other means.

 

About Super Clodbuster kits

The super clod kit does not come with any type of controller and receiver, servos, batteries, or any wiring that you would use on a clod based crawler. the stock clod can't do much of anything. It's only worth buying for the axles.

 

Making you own links

http://www.rccrawler.com/customlink.htm

http://www.rccrawler.com/links2.htm

 

Wiring your motors

http://www.utrcrc.com/utrcrc/tech.html

 

Links to other useful threads

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4521

An explanation of the different types of crawlers, 2.2, super, unlimited, shafty, tubers, price considerations, performance, etc.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27643