independant suspension crawler

[spannerboy]

is it possible to make a crawler from a truck with independant suspension? all the crawlers i've seen have solid axles. also, is it actually possible to make a nitro crawler. i know that the let down with nitros is that the power and tourqe come higher up the revband than in electrics, but can't you fit a lowrange tourqe pipe, and geait down? i have a savage 21 and am thinking of conveting ti to a crawler

[phiber_optik]

I doubt you will be able to make a crawler the way ur discribbing, a low range pipe will not allow you to crawl at the speeds crawlers crawl at (3-5Mph) also with a nitro engine you will burn out clutch shoes incredibly quick! One option is to convert you savage to electric. and lock of the suspension along with some form of home made chassis.

[Backlash]

Spannerboy. There is nothing to say you can or cant crawl your Savage exactly as it is, as long as your having fun doing it.

To answer your questions (2 of).

First, as phiber optik said, the nitro engine is simply unsuitable for crawling. An electric conversion would be more suitable. I also think HPI have just released an "electric version" of the savage, maybe you could get the gearbox and motor from one of these and fit to your Savage.

The reason as I see it, that Most crawlers have solid axles is its easier to get more articulation with solid axles and a 4 link suspension setup, than you can with independant suspension. Simply when the independant suspensions travel "runs out" you will have wheels lifting off the ground and this is not good for traction.

My advice is if you really want to crawl, then sell the savage, and buy a TXT, Clod or TLT and away you go.

[backtomyroots]

Hey spannerboy. click on this link and make sure you watch the video. Should give you some hope:

http://www.traxxas.com/support/pub/revo_rock_crawler.htm

(i think anything is possible if you have the patience I don't have)

[spannerboy]

thanks, backtomyroots, it now seems possible, as i love my truck too much to sell it.

[_Jimbobulon_]

Hi all,

Its time for a visit from Professor _jimbobulon_! Lesson 1: Suspension Types and their advantages.

There are more reasons for a solid axle suspenison - much more than just 'cause it looks cool [8D] see this diagram (apologise for excellent quality, im just that great [])

I hope that helps to further your understanding of the different types (yeah, right []) but I had nowt better to do, so there you are.

Ta ta,

James

[DCLXVI]

Ok, now teach me how to explain that to ppl w/o using pics [)]

[_Jimbobulon_]

ermm, the gearbox is suspended between the wheels, and is free to move indepentantly (hence the catchy moniker) but a solid axle (wait for it...) has the diff in a straight line linked to teh wheels. This mean that as a wheel goes up, it tends take the diff with it. this carries it over (hopefully) over the obstacles but theres still teh fact that rockcrawling is unpredictable so its likely that summat will get caught up - enter aluminium sliders etc. phew! need to recharge the laptop, so that it for today ya crazy kids!

James