First thread, my Bruiser

[76jimmy 28]

Recently got a bruiser in a trade. It was in rough shape but everything was there. Cleaned it up and figured I'd start playing with it. All the rubber parts were toast so I ordered some tires and other bits.

[76jimmy 28]

Decided the electronics box had to go. Updated with new electrical stuff I had laying around.

It's a little leaner now. It's lost some nostalgic appeal but gained more in performance and reliability. Plus I'll save the original equipment in case someone wants to return it to to original state. It really wasn't in collectable condition so I figured I'll use it as a little trail truck. Maybe make some videos with my youngest son.

[GeeWings 2312]

Welcome to the forum @76jimmy I look forward to the Bruiser progress updates!

[76jimmy 28]

Thanks. Gonna need fresh paint. The box art is absolutely beautiful but I think I'm gonna go with a period factory Toyota paint scheme. And I think I'm gonna do some lights also. This will be my first attempt to at a trail truck build. Most of my experience with rc is racing indoor carpet buggy in the winter months. 

So far here's what I'm thinking 🤔

[GeeWings 2312]

Lots of good options there but the second image (red, orange, yellow, white) is super cool. 

[Mr. Horsepower 15]

Awesome truck and fun to see what you're doing with it. Have you driven it already? Any issues with the transmission or mechanics?

[76jimmy 28]

I did get a chance to run it around outside yesterday. Have to go over everything with lock tight. Couple pieces would come loose after a while of use. The steering is the weak link on this one as far as I can tell. Keep messing with the steering arm as it only connects to the front knuckle with 2mm screws. I'm probably going to use 2.5mm cap head screws to attach the arm. Just need a tap and bit at the hardware store. I think if I used longer bolts and a nut it would stay tight and if it did break I'd be able to remove the part from either side of the knuckle. After that gets sorted out I'd like to widen the front wheels a bit and get some shocks that actually dampen the springs.

 

[76jimmy 28]

5 hours ago, GeeWings said:

Lots of good options there but the second image (red, orange, yellow, white) is super cool. 

Ampro has something like that one on his YouTube videos. Check it out looks great. I'm leaning towards the yellow with blue stripes.

 

[76jimmy 28]

Solomo  Stock bruiser bounce

[76jimmy 28]

I waterproofed the electronics with plasti-dip. Seems to work well.

 

[76jimmy 28]

Some progress. 

Found these upper shock mounts on Amazon

They're tight hole space but the do fit without drilling. I tried 90mm eye center crawler dampers but they were too long. Going to try 80mm center.

 

[76jimmy 28]

Some progress. 

Found these shackles here:

WEISHUJI 4PCS RC Car Shock Absorber Mount, CNC Metal Adjustable Height Angle Stand for 1/10 Axial SCX10 RC Crawler Car #F (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FNT9KHK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_MPDHYTHC9BGTMWAGB7N8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They're tight hole space but the do fit without drilling. I tried 90mm eye center crawler dampers but they were too long. Going to try 80mm center.

 

[76jimmy 28]

Used this angled servo mount for front servo. Trying to get the drag link parallel to the steering arm. Got it pretty close. It just clears the rs750 motor maybe 1mm close. But it clears.

GPM angled servo mount:

 

GPM Racing LS0108 Silver Aluminum Angled Servo Mount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014YX041I/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_A4SB1J01EBPTQEAV85WK

[76jimmy 28]

Another slomo after mods. Removed 2 leaf springs from the rear, 1 from the front. 

Used 80mm off brand crawler shocks with 50wt all around. I feel like the rear improved the most. I might try and use slightly thicker oil in the front. Not much dampening effect from the scale looking shocks.

Slomo

[76jimmy 28]

Also had to flip those shackles around and mess with the upper mounting location to get max droop and up travel. I think it came out good for very little money and work.