Pro-2 short course truck build

[mrgoodwinch]

Just received my truck wednesday, and so far have the front bulkhead, trans, rearend, and chassis put together. Going together smoothly so far. Trying to take my time, but why?

[Rob #28]

Looking good! Be sure to grease that ring and pinion!

[mrgoodwinch]

Oh, I loaded it up with Mip lube that came with it, thanks!

Also just got the rear shocks, sway bar and diff installed. Will have the paint tomorrow to start on the bodies and panels, and will try to get more done this week.

[sb4pro]

looks sweeet !!!!!!!!!!!

[mrgoodwinch]

MIP driveshaft assembled and installed along with the front and rear bumper. can't wait to get the wheels on!!!!

[Rob #28]

Its getting there!
I am going to run mine this weekend I hope!

[mrgoodwinch]

The wheels are together and mounted, really cool! I'll be painting another set along with the body and panels this weekend if it warms up enough.

[sb4pro]

Looks good bud . I just bought some RC4WD Mudthrasher tires when they get here ill post some pics

[mrgoodwinch]

thanks! let me know how the tires do, I have some RC4wd rock creepers standing by wen I get to that point. need to get the other wheels painted first.

[sb4pro]

Yeah I thought about the Creepers too I just liked the Mudthrashers cause they look a lil more scale . Too much tread on the sidewall of the Creepers . Oh and another tip put some 3-m chassis protector on the front skid plate it really saves it from being all dug up when hitting jumps and stuff

[mrgoodwinch]

Body panels and cockpit painted, have a couple of the panels installed. Wanted to get the electronics in before I secure everything. Ran the truck in the living room for a few seconds to make sure everything is good. No other driving yet, snowed yesterday anyway. Make a couple of fake shock reservoirs to hold me over until I get the RC4WD shocks. And the other wheels are painted and the Rock Creepers are installed.

[Rob #28]

wow those tires look great!

[mrgoodwinch]

The tires look cool, hopefully they perform well and don't wear out to quickly, they are kinda soft. Got all the panels on now for the rollcage, and will try to get the body finished soon.

[mrgoodwinch]

Got it all together, and got a body ready for it, need a couple more coats of clear on the other one.

Been trying to post pics today, but no worky!

I did get a battery run in before dark, what a blast! Of course, there is always the satisfaction of running a vehicle that you built, so I started with that!

I went to the empty lots behind my house, mostly packed dirt with light covering and sand, and a large rougher patch with grass and weeds. I put the stock tires on and ran with a 4600 7 cell battery. The speed was comparable to the Slash with the stock gearing, motor and the 7 cell.

I hit the dirt and was reminded that the tires are hard and its a 2wd! It does break traction rather easily, but recovered well off throttle and straightens up. A slipper clutch would be nice, and I am sure the other tires I got will make a difference. I went through the grass and weedy area that is pretty rough, and the suspension is very smooth and the truck doesn't bounce around. The steering is very responsive, and when making hard turns, the most noticeable thing is the lack of body roll and shifting of weight. I would have to attribute that to the battery placement keeping the weight low. I was expecting with the narrower stance, it would roll over, but I didn't flip it at all . The truck seems very solid, not rattling around, just the sound of the motor. On the harder packed dirt, I would lose rear grip, but I like to do donuts. As long as I was easier on the throttle off the start, I could get up to speed. On the pavement, I could easily spin the rear tires and get a little lift from the right front with traction.

I didn't drive it especially hard, I could roll it if I wanted to, but wanted to get a feel for it first, and I am very pleased. I am most pleased with how well it stayed planted over ruts and bumps and on the throttle in turns. It is hard to not make a comparison to the Slash, but these are bumps that would throw my slash in a different direction and break the tires loose, then grip and roll over. As I drive them together more, I can make a better judgement, but they are totally different animals, and it comes down to what you will personally favor more.

I'll play with suspension (plenty of mounting choices), and I have plenty of different fluids, diff and shock oil. Didn't have any big jumps to hit, so I will get to the track as soon as I can or find some good ones around here. It needs a little tuning to get it all right, and this will be a great performer. (I just need to learn to be easier on the throttle on the start).

Thanks TTR for producing a great vehicle that is one of a kind. The build was not hard, just took a little longer, and went very smoothly.

[Rob #28]

That's awesome. I need to get some more run time on mine. I may shoot down to the dirt track on a practice day and see how that goes.