Question Regarding The 4 Wheel Steering On The Clodbuster

[Ionic]

OK guys!! I just started working on restoring a used clodbuster that I recently purchased.

When I'm driving it around FORWARD it seems like just the REAR wheels turn, and when I drive it backwards it seems like the front wheels are the ones that turn.

My question is it supposed to act this way, aren't both wheels supposed to turn at the same time?

Any help or tips would greatly be appreciated. I want to tear it down fully, clean her up and make sure that everything is in good shape.

Thanks!!

[TA-Mark]

When you lift the weight off the wheels (pick the truck up) do all 4 wheels steer? Maybe you need stronger servos if they do.

[Henk4Focus]

Yup you need stronger servo's. I think the one I have in my one Clod is 6.4kg and it still won't turn the front wheels when the trucks weight is on the wheels. Think 10kg plus will be the answer.

Enjoy the rebuild. I love the Clod.

[terry.sc]

Yes it does that. If you are running the kit setup no matter how powerful a servo you fit it will always happen thanks to the soft servo savers built in to each end. Mounting a servo on each gearbox improves things regarding turning the wheels but the steering geometry means the rear wheels will always steer the truck rather than the front.

[HereBeMonsters]

Recommendations for a strong enough, and waterproof, servo?

[Fab Esav]

Recommendations for a strong enough, and waterproof, servo?

Move to servo something with at least 130oz-in. Use silicone & white greese to waterproof, it works well & is cheap. Tower should have what you need. If you plan on keeping 4WS & and original type set up then you may want to consider upgrading your steering links and your servo savers to aluminum types. Crawford Performance (CPE) has some nice affordable alternatives that will make both a mod or stock clod steer much better. Also, you may want to cut the stops off the steering knuckles to give your steering more travel. It helps a bit but you will then have to cross braces off the lower bumpers as they will interfere with the stock tires (unless you add wheel wideners-also nice).

While you are at it, you may want to look at some other smaller upgrades if staying with a stock chassis. An aluminum ESP chassis brace is a must IMO, prevents the plastic from cracking and it is not too expensive. Also ESP and CPE also sell 1/2" lifts for the stock chassis shocks, Nice addition and again prevents stress cracks. Throw in some e/t-maxx oil shocks, 4 inner aluminum axel stiffners (cheap insurance) and a bearing kit & you will love what your Clod has become.

[HereBeMonsters]

Move to servo something with at least 130oz-in.

What's that in real money?

[mongoose1983]

Hey Y'all,

Last Christmas I got me as a present a box full of Clod Buster junk. So I made one, and restore it. I love how this thing runs, but I am experiencing an issue when it comes to steering. The rear wheels don't return to straight as fast as the front ones. Now the rear axle has a standard servo saver, while the one I have in front is made of aluminum. Any idea on what would be the problem?

The first test run of my 4x4x4 Clod Buster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6_7dUBPLI

Y'all have a great day!

EB

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[Fab Esav]

What's that in real money?

They can be expensive but if you search you can find powerful servos at a reasonable cost. The example below is $36 US on tower's site & it is 133.31 oz-in at 6.0V (9.6 kg-cm).

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI00...RCH=hitec+645mg

If you want something fancier/stronger then expect to pay around $100 US. Oh, I almost forgot, it would also be a very good idea to pick up an ofna servo saver like this:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti00...=LXFNE8&P=7

Probably one of the strongest (if not the strongest) you can find and it will improve a Clod's steering a lot.

[terry.sc]

Also remember it doesn't matter how powerful a servo you use it will make no difference at all if you are still using the standard servo savers. They need to be locked up and replaced with a decent servo mounted servo saver like the Ofna one mentioned above. Of course nothing beats sticking a servo on each gearbox for better steering control.

[Ionic]

Thanks for all the tips guys!! I usually like to keep my setups as close to stock, but the steering is just sloppy, this is something that I will def upgrade with the above mentioned modifications.

Thanks!