Rusty revisited

[dcsally97]

I am building a Rusty yet again. I sold my ANZA chassis and I think I prefer the fun aspect of the Rusty. I was very limited on where I could drive the ANZA Slash. I have incorporated some ANZA parts into this build. I also am using the Protrac suspension so that it why it looks so wide. I am also using the Slash 4x4 bellcrank so you can see where I shved the side of the chassis. I also had to shave the rear tower in order for it to fit under the Rusty body. I am still waiting to get a new body (suggestions welcome), and I need to get a Link RX. Here are some teaser pictures. All comments/suggestions are welcome. Enjoy!!

[O.G.]

I don't understand what you did to the rear tower, why won't it fit? Is it protrac like the front tower?

[dcsally97]

The Protrac rear tower has 2 mounting locations for the top of the shock, I shaved the outer one off. It was too wide to fit under the stock body.

[dcsally97]

What a boring thread!!! Who started it anyway??? I figured that I would have more replies than this, oh well!!

[Petertje60]

What a boring thread!!! Who started it anyway??? I figured that I would have more replies than this, oh well!!

Lol. Those Dirt Hawgs on Desperados look great.

[dcsally97]

I thought the same thing. I was hoping that they would be Rusty sized. I am hoping to get a set of G-Force also. I can't wait to drive it. Does it look too wide? Does the rear look odd since you can see the carriers?

[rag6]

Looks just fine 8)

[O.G.]

What a boring thread!!! Who started it anyway??? I figured that I would have more replies than this, oh well!!

Here's my #2 post to this thread!! lol

What's the advantage of using the Slash 4x4 bellcrank? More heavy-duty?

[dcsally97]

The Slash 4x4 is heavy duty compared to the stock bellcrank. It also has a built in servo saver, so no need for the ugly white servo saver.

[dcsally97]

Well I received my Velineon combo back from Traxxas yesterday. The old one was cogging quite a bit and they had me send the system back for replacement. Now all I am waiting to purchase is STRC hinge pins, STRC bulkhead, Link Rx, esc fan, body, and possibly an aluminum tranny case.

[O.G.]

Does the 4x4 bellcrank break? What do you do if the servo saver goes south.

I like using the cool black kimbrough servo saver.

Sent from the cockpit of my Jeep Wrangler

[AngryPirate]

I just ordered that same wheel/tire combo They look great.

However, I only bought the rears, so I'll have the stock black-chrome All-Star Alias' on the front.

[y_whyknot]

Do you find that the -5° provided by those ANZA C-blocks provides a noticeable improvement on handling over the stock geometry everyone else just matches? I've been debating on specifically those for some time now.

[dcsally97]

O.G.-The Slash 4x4 bellcrank has a built in servo saver. It also uses a servo arm on the servo as opposed to the servo saver on the servo. I think this makes for a stronger, more precise steering system.

whyknot-I haven't driven it yet. It seems to have a lot of throw. As soon as I get my other parts I will let you know.

[y_whyknot]

Thank you, sir. Looking forward to your observations.

[dcsally97]

I am looking forward to driving it. It is taking too long to sell my Raptor body and my Slash 4x4 wheel/tires.

[dcsally97]

Do you find that the -5° provided by those ANZA C-blocks provides a noticeable improvement on handling over the stock geometry everyone else just matches? I've been debating on specifically those for some time now.

Update on the Rusty. This thing handles like its on rails. I'm so glad I built it!!! The -5 castor blocks really help the steering throw with the Protrac arms. I will post a video soon.

[RC-Fan]

Nice rusty, like it a lot.

[dcsally97]

Thanks RC. It still isn't done, but it is very drivable, lol.

[y_whyknot]

Update on the Rusty. This thing handles like its on rails. I'm so glad I built it!!! The -5 castor blocks really help the steering throw with the Protrac arms. I will post a video soon.

That is fantastic to hear. I'm getting excited.

[dcsally97]

The design of them is fantastic. You get a more positive steering feel when you are driving over rough stuff since the camber links are mounted to the top of the block.

[staab08]

Ok so what does the -5 castor block do to the truck? Why does less castor help it? I'm looking at a set of aluminum castors. I do some club racing with my rusty and it has the protrac and aluminum shock bodies and I'm just looking for more tuning.

[rag6]

It gives you less camber gain when turning. the more positive caster, the more camber gain. A little less may help keep more of the tire in contact with the surface while turning as it is not tilting as much when you are at full lock. This in turn will help make the car more predictable at the center of the turn and on turn exit. This will let you have less push under throttle leaving the turn. It can also reduce high speed "twitchyness"(is that a word lol?) on initial turn in.

Having the link on top of the block lets you change the roll center of the front suspension.

[dcsally97]

^Amen rag. That is exactly why I bought it.

[dcsally97]

I just ordered an STRC Gunmetal aluminum bulkhead and a set of STRC hinge pins last night. Hope the STRC bulkhead is a nice piece.

[Dadx2mj]

I just ordered an STRC Gunmetal aluminum bulkhead and a set of STRC hinge pins last night. Hope the STRC bulkhead is a nice piece.

I think you will be happy with the STRC bulkhead. I have had one for over 3 years now and definitely would recommend them.

[staab08]

Alright thanks for clearing that up. I actually race a rustler a little and just installed the protrac on it but haven't had a chance to run it on the track. Those c hubs may help quite a bit even to I don't seem to get much push on corners anyway

[O.G.]

O.G.-The Slash 4x4 bellcrank has a built in servo saver. It also uses a servo arm on the servo as opposed to the servo saver on the servo. I think this makes for a stronger, more precise steering system.

whyknot-I haven't driven it yet. It seems to have a lot of throw. As soon as I get my other parts I will let you know.

Stop the bus!! Did you say the 4x4 bellcrank gives more servo throw? I put the STRC lcog mod on my racing slash and the steering throw isn't enough IMO. (the STRC mod uses a rusty chassis and servo setup)

That would work nicely for my track rig.

Sent from the cockpit of my Jeep Wrangler

[dcsally97]

I received some new goodies today. I have my new body, STRC gunmetal bulkhead, and STRC locking hinge pins. I should be receiving a Traxxas esc fan in the next day or so. Here are some new pictures.

Stock wheels and tires

Proline wheels and tires

STRC bulkhead

Rear STRC hinge pins

[QYKSLVR]

That thing is coming together nicely. I like the Dirt Hawgs much better than the stockers. Get your RX yet? Still not driven it?

[dcsally97]

It is fully functional now. It handles really well and the steering is fantastic. It really helps that the camber link is mounted to the top of the caster block with a king pin. I will get a video up this weekend. Does anyone know if REM makes the gunmetal tranny housing? Do any other companies make a gunmetal color?

[QYKSLVR]

Only dark gearbox or housing Ive seen is Hot Racing one with the small blue fins over top, and its composite, not aluminum. But I would love to see if there is a gunmetal one also, as that is the color id be partial to. But remember to also look at slash 2wd housings not only Rustler/Stampede ones. IIRC they have some cool orange stuff by Venom (discontinued obviously, but still worth a shot for a gunmetal one)

[dcsally97]

New stuff/under body pictures..... I received my vxl fan today and I also wanted to show off my wire hiding. If you all have seen my builds, I hate wires, lol. Enjoy the pictures, dc.

[muck]

very nice build and pretty close to what i want to do... if i sell the ERB.. i miss my rusty LOL
I was thinking MMP3800, other shocks, mip rear axles, and Badlands again... If she was a little nose up, a cage....
Watching this thread!

[dcsally97]

Please check this thread and give me your thoughts.

[y_whyknot]

Can't say one way or the other on your hexes. I can say a little lacquer thinner rub down followed by a quick simple green wash will remove the mold release agent (and the yellow dots) and spiffy those Proline tires up real nice. Should have the added benefit of a little better traction until they get dirtied up, too.

Thanks for the heads up on those caster blocks. I'll be picking up a set or so eventually for sure.

[dcsally97]

Update on the revisited Rusty project. I installed my new STRC blue 12mm hexes and they look and fit very nice. I then decided after taking my sons Slash apart for selling purposes that I would bling the Rusty up. I had some REM aluminum parts that I took off of his Slash. I mounted the F/R shock towers and a set of rear carriers. I think it looks sweet!!! I was using the Protrac F/R towers, but noticed the front screws rubbing inside the body, so these made for the perfect solution. Now the front of the body sits lower. I like the look of the front shocks just barely peeking out. Enjoy the pictures and let me know what you think. dc
Front tower

Rear carrier with blue hex

Front end with blue hex

Low body

Front view

Rear tower

[O.G.]

As I recall, GH makes a gunmetal colored alu transmission. FLM makes a natural aluminium one which might be close enough for you.

Sent from the cockpit of my Jeep Wrangler

[dcsally97]

New goodies for the Rusty, Powerstrokes. They look great and perform awesome too. These shocks were so easy to fill and very easy to set up. Proline did a great job!!