Building my ultimate/versatile SUMMIT

[TTV8RA23]

Hey guys. Im newish to the RC world and new to the traxxas world. I bought myself a summit the other day and im absolutely loving it. So much fun here in NZ up in the forest behind my dads. Im loving the low range box, crawling up boulders straddling ruts and climbing the impossible is all so much fun.

Thing is i would like to do a few mods. I have already purchased 2X 200oz waterproof servos to upgrade the steering. Im also seriously thinking about setting up 4WS. Before i go too much further and ask for your advice i should probably run you through what sort of terrain i run on and what i want to be doing with the truck.

I want to use the truck for about 80% fun crawling. No competitions here where i am and 20% high speed bashing. So more crawler oriented but still fun to bash.

The stuff i will be crawling on is mostly soft dirt/sandy/pumice with alot of uneven terrain and rain ruts etc. What i would like to know is what tires would people recommend for crawling on very soft terrain the factory canyon tires are pretty bloody good but i was just wondering if there is anything better out there.

What weight springs should i use? Or are the factory ones fine? What weight shock oil? Again all seems to work well standard but just wondering if there is someone out there that can advise a better setup for me.

Also im pretty keen to go to a brushless system. Not for more power or speed as im quite happy with speed etc. I have been told brushless motors are not quite as hungry on battery power as the standard brushed 775. Or am i wasting my time and money doing this if im happy with the speed. The batterys im running are 40c 7600mah ******* ********s. If people do think brushless is a good idea would these work together well with the right gearing??

This ESC
*******_*********_120A_Brushless_Short_Course_Truc k_ESC

Or this one
*******_160A_1_8th_Scale_Sensorless_ESC_w_Fan

Or maybe even this one
80A_Sensored_Sensorless_Car_ESC

And this motor
*******_XK4074_B_1400KV_Brushless_Inrunner

Also are there any drive shaft hop ups for these? As i have already broken one of my half shafts. And im looking at buying a few spare parts and because im all the way over here in little NZ shipping is not cheap so i would like to buy a whole bunch of parts and save on shipping. So what parts do people suggest i get spares of? What are people breaking out there? Whats getting worn out quickly?

Also would love to find a toyota body. Im capable of modifying it to fit.

Thanks very much for reading. Any advice or helpfull hints would be greatly appreciated thanks.
Simon

[TTV8RA23]

Would these wheels

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPEE1&P=M

And these tires

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXDCW1&P=ML

Be suitable for what i want?

[cougar]

I would stick with the stock tires to crawl. I've tried several popular tires on my summit and the stockers are the best for crawling. If you want the axial beadlocks. you need the narrows rocksters otherwise they will rub. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXTJG8&P=7 for the ESC. I would either stay stock ( i get about 45 min on a set of 2s lipos while crawling) Or get the Tekin RX8 combo. The tekin is the most popular crawling ESC for summits because ots sensored. but remember sensored brushless is just about impossible to waterproof. so no more mud/snow or water. I use the stock springs with zero preload. I cant remember the oil off hand. but its much more heavy then stock. also. if you really want to crawl. try to lower the summit as much as you can and put weight in the front tires.

[TTV8RA23]

I did look at the tekin combo. Only thing putting me off is the price. I struggled to save for the summit let alone spedning that sort of money again on brushless system.
What do the rims rub on? They are 20mm offset so should stick out quite far. Thing is though if im gonna use standard tires then there is no need to go to bead lockers is there. How do i weight the wheels? If i used thick soldering wire wrapped around the rims would this work?? Those wheels you linked to are way narrower than factory how does that work with wide factory tires.
Lower it?? It already sags alot and sits quite low as it is now. Is reducing the ground clearance a good idea? It already gets hung up under it if i dont get my lines perfect.
Sweet so i need to suss some heavier oil out ill look into that.
Cheers for your help.
Simon

[jamann]

For wheel weight ,automotive wheel weights stick on the inside of the rim
Try to balance the wheels as best you can before sticking them as in dry fitting them with some tape.save you issues later.To reduce the rear sag I used dbl orange springs(stock on the front) in the rear as well.I'm running 80 weight oil all around.... I don't know if that makes a difference or not.
I am running a tekin rx8 and a xerun 2000 kv sensored motor.In hi gear It's stupid quick on 4s.
for this truck it's too much when setup For crawling
It crawls just fine,but that much power on tap is hard to resist at times.lol
If you are just crawling mostly the dewalt is a good option cheap waterproof runs fine off the evx
I ran mine on a MMP.i may pull the brushless out going to run it for a bit and see how it does climbing

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[pavmentsurfer]

I run the Proline Trenchers that come pre-mounted on the Desperado rims. I think they would be GREAT for the type of running your doing as they are every so slightly wider and have a very square block tread design to they grip very well in looser soil and dirt but still seem to grip the rocks very well also. the stock tires are the best on rocks IMO... but the trenchers are great all around.

[summitcrawler]

cougar is wrong. not all axial rims will rub.. proline trenchers are an excellent tire! and highly recommended! and from my experience would be great for your terrain..

the stock electronics are all you need for a perfect crawler.. only thing id recommend is a stronger single servo and lipos i ran my stock esc, motor and batteries for almost 3 years with hundreds of hours on them.. and i still run the batteries,servos and TX/RX in my scx10


i run double yellow springs front and rear with 30wt oil with a about a quarter inch preload and the truck does not squat very much at all and has very responsive flex when crawling... i found this soft setup way better for crawling then a more firm setup.. a heavier weight oil is really just to slow down an impact to the suspension (like jumping)


but do take into consideration that i never even touch 2nd gear.... because 1st gear will get you anywhere just not as fast... i used mine for crawling and mudding only

i sure do miss her!!!

[TTV8RA23]

I have a dewalt motor on its way and im already running 2s lipos. And i now have a set of trenchers on the way too.
How much can the standard servo drive put out? I have bought two of these
BMS_620MG_High_Torque_Servo_Metal_Gear
and was planning on running them both up front as my steering upgrade and using the standard front ones to set up rear steer. Will the receiver drive all these servos? Or would i be better off just using one of these on the front and one on the back?? After all these have over 9kg of torque each and the factory ones are only 7kg so would be a small upgrade even just using one.

Im also very keen on buying this and building an external steel cage for it. With running boards bull bars etc.
http://www.hobbyfever.com/product_in...oducts_id=2597

Anf if i dont do that i would like to build a full on external cage like this m,ake up some body panels etc it would look awesome i reckon. Maybe one not quite so extreme with some ali body panels. Would love to find a tundra body for it.

Im a fitter turner by trade so maybe ill just machine up some weights that are i nice tight press in fit to the inside of the wheels. This will be a neat easy way to do it i think. If i was to carry on using the factory wheels then i was thinking about making some weights that bolt on in place of the factory side wall protectors. Would put the weight in the ecaxt right spot right out wide and low.

So noone else has any advice on a basic spare parts list?? Some parts that wear out or break more than others so i can get myself a little collection together as it takes two weeks for parts to get to me so if i break something its a long time before i can get back under way.
Cheers guys and thanks for all your helpfull replys.
Simon

[summitcrawler]

jeeze everyone is building showtime.. its an awesome rig but there is plenty of other southern buggies to model after.. the only reason showtime is so popular is because of Tim Cameron.. and i recommend you edit the asterisks out of your post before you get in trouble..

[jamann]

I maybe like the John deer buggy more just sounds nasty


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[jamann]

I would hit eBay and get some axles always handy to have spares. Maybe a diff as well because if you have one ....
it of course won't break.
I like the weighted ring idea. I myself went single servo metal geared high torque and upgraded to aluminum bellcrank and servo horn.steers good now.I had huge tires on it at the time
Running trenchers now pretty happy with them


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[TTV8RA23]

What do the asterixs mean? Is that cos i have linked to a site that is not allowed?? That pic was just an example of the full on type cage i want not necessarily just like that. So does anyone know if the traxxas receiver will drive 4 steering servos? I dont plan on running huge tires. The trenchers i have on order are about the biggest ill go. Maybe try big joes out next time.

[jamann]

Yep that site is not allowed here
The duel servo front and rear would be a big load on the bec 7 servos is drawing some juice.i had some issues with the dual servos keeping them adjusted so they wouldn't fight each other. So went single


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[ksb51rl]

What do the asterixs mean? Is that cos i have linked to a site that is not allowed?? That pic was just an example of the full on type cage i want not necessarily just like that. So does anyone know if the traxxas receiver will drive 4 steering servos? I dont plan on running huge tires. The trenchers i have on order are about the biggest ill go. Maybe try big joes out next time.

Yep that site is not allowed here
The duel servo front and rear would be a big load on the bec 7 servos is drawing some juice.i had some issues with the dual servos keeping them adjusted so they wouldn't fight each other. So went single

jamann has given you the correct answer. Traxxas is as serious as a heart attack about keeping that site off these forums, so please don't link, quote, reference, etc. them.

[detoboy1]

which site is that so i know not to reference it in future?

[TTV8RA23]

Site is HK you will know what one im talking about if you know it.
Ok sorry about that i didnt realise you werent allowed to do things like that. So i have ordered a few bits and pieces now just gotta wait for them to show up.
Well it might be a good idea to set them up individually. Considering the standard ones combined have 7kgs of torque and these are are 9kgs is that going to be enough of an upgrade or shall i maybe buy a heavier one maybe 15kg for the front? and use one of those 9kg ones for the back??
Cheers

[TTV8RA23]

So what do people reckon about tires?? Big joes or trenchers better? For sand/ soft dirt/ firm dirt with loose stuff on top.
Cheers

[summitcrawler]

the john dear buggy is my favorite!!

and asterisks are these: *********

I maybe like the John deer buggy more just sounds nasty


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[TTV8RA23]

If i set up an external bec would i be able to run the 4 steering servos?

Yeah i know what an asterix is i just didnt know why it was there.

So noone has ran big joes and trenchers before and can advise me on which is best for soft stuff? Maybe i just get big joes as well and try them.
Cheers
Simon

[jamann]

You could use the external to run just those servos. And leave the built in one to feed the Rx. It takes some wiring. I'm
Assuming that you have some knowledge on this. If not,scanaris has a good thread on a bunch of options.


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[TTV8RA23]

Oh sweet as thankyou. I have a bit, not bad at the basics. Can do most things on an RC will have to read up about this a bit. Will have to buy a little 2slipo pack for BEC would last forever.
Cheers
Simon

[TTV8RA23]

Ok i have a bit more understanding of what a bec is now. If i buy a good quality BEC can i just wire the whole lot up to that and leave the ESC one alone? I could not find the thread about the wiring from scaniris?? I suppose once it gets here and i see the instructuons all will become clear. Would a 10amp BEC be enough?
Cheers
Simon

[TTV8RA23]

Well i got a bit silly today and ordered a heap of parts for my Summit. This is definitely an bad bug to get bitten by and i have only had an hour or so run time.
My ******* ******** 7600s showed up so i should have bloody good run times with two sets of them as well as my old 2s 5000mah ***** packs i had from previous HSP mistake!!
I also have a set of proline trenchers on there way mounted on desperado rims, and i just ordered today
Castle Creations CC BEC 10A 6S Switching Regulator
RC Screwz Stainless Steel Screw Kit
Integy Alloy Servo Saver Set Blue
Integy Alloy Left & Right Servo Arm Blue
RPM Front and rear Bumper Mount
RPM Front and rear A-Arms Blue
RPM Axle Carriers/Oversized Bearings Blue
Traxxas Slipper Pressure Plate & Hub Alloy
Traxxas Heavy Duty Slipper Clutch Rebuild Kit
And spare gears and half shafts etc.
I also have on the way a dewalt 14.4v "New style" drill motor.
And now im off on a two week maintenance shut down with work out of town doing long hours so by the time i get back all the parts should be here and ill be a very busy lad putting it all together and getting ready to go out and tear up some trails. And ill have to put up some photos i havent yet as i dont see alot of point in putting up pics of my standard summit. The only thing left to do once all that gets here is to weight my wheels and design and install a factory looking 4WS set up. The mrs will be stoked too i told her i would be keen as to go on heaps more bush walks with her and take the summit along! Liven up a boring bush walk nicely! We got lots of awesome terrain round here too i cant wait to get some pics up of some of the play grounds.
Cheers
Simon

[TTV8RA23]

I know this is an oversize servo but im thinking it might be a good one to use for my 4WS converesion. Opinions??
http://www.trademe.co.nz/toys-models...-474229650.htm
Cheers
Simon

[warnerhouse]

I am too looking into building a simple 4ws setup for my Summit. I will be using Hitec's 7950HT servo for the steering and have it mounted on a piece of aluminum attached to the rear body mount. Then I will use a Revo/ Summit steering arm to mate the toe links to the servo. just have to fabricate a bracket to attach the steering arm to the bumper mount. I have it all planned out in my head. I also had to buy the Hitec HPF-25 servo programmer to reverse the servo and fine tune everything else, servo-wise.

[noir 522]

Before you buy that fancy smancy servo reverser check on you tube. For servo reversing. Many servos have three wires attached to an internal pentoimeter (I think I spelled that wrong) but if you resolder two of these wires it will permeantly reverse the servo ( free)

[warnerhouse]

Good one, noir. Already bought the programmer though.

[noir 522]

This build thread is over two weeks old. Isn' t it time to show a few pixs?

[TTV8RA23]

Is there any point putting up pics of a standard summit? We have all seen them havent we? I have looked at the HITEC only thing thats slowing me down is the price. Have already spent over $1600 despite buying my summit 2nd hand (in very good nick)

Yeah i have it all planned out too im a fitter machinist so it should be pretty easy, i was more wondering whether the servo was appropriate. Also still wanting to find out whether the external BEC (10amp) will allow me to run four steering servos. Cos if this is the case then i wont have to buy a new servo. I will setup the standard traxxas front ones in the back for my 4WS and put my new gruntier ones in the front.

Im on a shut at the moment and wont be back home till next tuesday, hopefully some of my new parts will have arrived buy then. Im on the opposite side of the world to most of you guys so waiting for parts takes along time.
The first free weekend i have ill head up to the bush behind my dads and take some photos and videos of it in action. Wheels will hopefully be here along with my new batterys and my new axles so should be able to get some good footage.

Is tower hobbies always real slow shipping stuff??
Cheers
Simon

[warnerhouse]

I would think having four servos for 4ws would work fine. I thought of doing that for my son if he so desires to have 4ws. I wanted to use just two servos and use the ESC, plus I had the money and found a fairly good deal on Ebay. Hehe, I have the bug too, I guess. Whoever is shipping stuff to you, always seems real slow!

[TTV8RA23]

Yeah im not asking whether it will work with the servos. Im asking whether the BEC will happily drive all 4 of them on the one (steering) channel.
Turns out the order comfirmation email from tower hobbies was going to my junk mail and cos i dint reply they cancelled the orders so no parts for atleast another two weeks. But because i only will have to pay for one lot of shipping now not three i can buy more parts!! Just more waiting really really sucks!!
Cheers
Simon

[TTV8RA23]

Well most of my parts have showed up. Im waiting for the rest to arrive and ill be into it with the big rebuild. I have in my hot little hands, a fullo set of RPM suspension arms, RPM bumper mounts, Springs, BEC, alloy steering linkage kit, alloy servo horns, heavy duty axle carriers and bearings, heavy duty slipper clutch etc, body clip retainers, rubber seal kit, and a new Dewalt motor, proline Big Joes. Still waiting on traxxas alloy shocks and a set of proline trenchers as well.

I pulled the axle to replace it an noticed the CVs were looking very worn so i have a new set of them on the way inners and outers. I didnt get Mip ones as im a bit hard on it and the axles make good shear links and at the price they are i can afford to replace them every time i get a bit ****ed and get carried away LOL. Im really loving playing with this truck. Me and the Mrs went for a big walk the other day and took the trucks along it was a bloody good morning out. I got a few photos of it for you guys. Some pre mods photos and a couple of it a bit dirty after our trail run.
















Cheers
Simon