Carmine's 1/14th scale Semi Truck steering mod!!

[Carmine A 2602]

Hi friends! This it part of my Grand Hauler Smokey and the Bandit Kenworth build.... but since it can be applied to EVERY Tamiya 1/14th scale Semi Truck, it's getting its own thread!

I'm excited about this, because this will DRAMATICALLY increase the steering angle of any Truck! Tamiya, LESU, Hercules, whatever shares this basic chassis. Although you may not want to go through the bother for a Globe Liner or 2 axle Euro Truck... but for the rest of you, here goes!! 

First of course, remove the front wheel. Hopefully yours isn't as tedious as mine!

The "Drum Brakes" came with the wheels. I just rusted them up a bit! 😉

Remove the hub and steering draglink. (Note, I've already done Teri Wilde's steering mod to the axle). Also remove the front shock. Unless you're creative, it's likely not going back on!

This is pretty important, if you're a little unsure. Keeping the other side tightly fastened will maintain the correct alignment. 👌 

Your springs will probably not be as KNACKERED as mine!!

I was working on different ride heights. Need new leafs...

This is important. The whole basis of my mod is to move the leaf springs inboard!

.....end of first part

[Carmine A 2602]

Part 2..... assembly!

These are available.... I will try to find relevant links to get them. They're NOT expensive!

Of course you know why we call them that! 🤬🤬🤬🤬 But they do sit in nice brass bushings. Much less slop than Tamiya!

It IS! Because now, the springs will sit ON the frame, instead of beside it. Looks more scale to boot!

Don't ask me how I know!! 😳🙄

You've got 2 choices.... I drilled a 3.2mm hole, and ran screws with nylock nuts inside.  You can also choose to drill a 2.5mm hole? And tap 3mm.... the screw and nut is much stronger though. 

NOT going to until the first side is all tightened down!

WAIT until you see how much MORE steering I'll have! And this is on a Grand Hauler!!

Part 3.... tomorrow! 😉

 

[Beetlemankurt 760]

Nice work! Very handy mod. I'm sure you will inspire some rc truckers to give this one a go! 

[Mad Ax 10598]

Wow!  I never thought of that, but that's a neat solution, and looks great too!

[Carmine A 2602]

34 minutes ago, Beetlemankurt said:

Nice work! Very handy mod. I'm sure you will inspire some rc truckers to give this one a go! 

It didn't come easy! I've thought about this for 2 years, shamefully hoping that someone else didn't beat me to it... (SOMEONE meaning one of the big, overfunded YouTube channels!!)

8 minutes ago, Mad Ax said:

Wow!  I never thought of that, but that's a neat solution, and looks great too!

THANK YOU!! I've looked to you for ideas over the years.... 

Part 3 will be up tomorrow. I'll take closer pictures and better explain the specifics of where and how.... Teri Wilde's axle grinding mod must also be done, or you're doing all my work for naught.

This will give any Truck 20-30 degrees more steering. It could make a two axle Volvo, turn like a Mini!! If you're feeling cheeky....

[Mad Ax 10598]

5 hours ago, Carmine A said:

It could make a two axle Volvo, turn like a Mini!!

Anything that makes a big rig turn tighter is welcome - they are so famously poor at turning on the tight and twisty layouts we have here, it can actually make them a chore to drive.

I'm seriously considering converting my MAN 6x4 to a 4x2 and shortening the chassis to make it nicer to drive.

[Carmine A 2602]

11 hours ago, Mad Ax said:

I'm seriously considering converting my MAN 6x4 to a 4x2 and shortening the chassis to make it nicer to drive.

You should! And please consider trying my mod... I'm curious about how others can duplicate this.

[Carmine A 2602]

One day delay.... wasn't expecting THIS. When I bought these Chinesium steer axles 3 years ago, I was concerned about the plastic bushings in the kingpins......

 

Well worry no more, the bushings actually DISINTEGRATED!! 😳😮🤬🤬 So I need to sort that out first. 

[Carmine A 2602]

All problems should solve THIS perfectly!! I took a chance that the kingpin holes could be widened to 6mm....

And fitted 6X3 ball bearings, from a WPL truck!! Now it's tight, and smoother than ever. Cost: ZERO!

Now to get all those tiny bolts back in the wheels!! 😮

[Carmine A 2602]

One thing I think I forgot.... on the axle, where the springs will NOW go, drill two 5mm dimples. That's where the leaf spring rivets will go.

This is what I bought.... but the sixth option. Just leaf spring mounting points. 

Now, even with super wides, there's PLENTY of room for maximum steering!!! 🍻😁👍👍

This could steer even SHARPER, by filing away some metal from the hubs. The leaf springs under the frame even clear the shift servo saver! If you go that way!  Tomorrow I'm going to get video, measuring the new turning circle.... 

I FORGOT to measure the steering circle BEFORE my mod! 😮🙄 If one of you with a Grand Hauler, can measure the stock steering circle, I would appreciate it. 

[ploots 310]

That's looking good and a great write up well done that man 

[Carmine A 2602]

6 hours ago, ploots said:

That's looking good and a great write up well done that man 

Thanks 😊 I really appreciate it. 

[ploots 310]

What wheels are they i do like the super wides on the front,I'm hoping Xmas might bring some 

[Carmine A 2602]

57 minutes ago, ploots said:

What wheels are they i do like the super wides on the front,I'm hoping Xmas might bring some 

They are some Chinesium knockoff of American Alcoa wheels... 25mm wide instead of the usual 22mm. Very nice wheels, for the price!

[ploots 310]

I was just looking on aliexpress but there's so many I'd probably end up buying odd matching wheels 

[Carmine A 2602]

1 hour ago, ploots said:

I was just looking on aliexpress but there's so many I'd probably end up buying odd matching wheels 

I bought mine as a 10 wheel set, because I was worried about the same thing...

[ploots 310]

24 minutes ago, Carmine A said:

I bought mine as a 10 wheel set, because I was worried about the same thing...

I certainly want the wider fronts as they look better in the wheel arch 

[Carmine A 2602]

I haven't forgotten this....

When they release me from this white prison (Hospital), I'm going to redo some of the pictures. I'd like to make this easily reproduced by anyone. 

[Tamiya Fan 1 379]

On 12/3/2024 at 12:16 PM, Carmine A said:

I haven't forgotten this....

When they release me from this white prison (Hospital), I'm going to redo some of the pictures. I'd like to make this easily reproduced by anyone. 

Carmine A,

Hope everything is okay with you! Wishing you the best!! Take Care.

You have to get those leds done with pictures.