Desert Storm Sand Rail build

[Mr. Burpsalot]

Well I started building the Desert Storm Chassis that received from RC4WD
today. Their quality is A1! I decided to take the easy route first and began with assembling the rearend. The Stampede/Rustler trans is a direct fit.
Check it out:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/chinese002.jpg

After getting the trans bolted in, I went for building the rear links that run from the carriers back to the transmission. i whipped up some temporary links
out of 4/40 all thread and bolted them in, just like the built ones that are featured on the RC4WD web site. After cycling the suspension up and down a few times, I knew this setup wasn't for me. Running them this way, they don't run parallel to the suspension arm resulting in what i am calling " TERRIBLE Bump camber". I think you know what I'm talking about. when 2 links aren't parallel, it screws up your geometry
So back to drawing board. I grabbed up the stock Rustler shock tower and started hacking!
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/chinese003.jpg
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/chinese004.jpg

Now I have the setup bolted back together and this is what i came up with. Works great now!
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/chinese005.jpg
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/chinese006.jpg
After that I bolted up the rear shocks and bolted the stock Rustler tires on as well. I have Panther paddles/Razors just waiting for the right wheel to put them on.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/chinese007.jpg

Now on to the front end! Sure wish I could get RC4WD to give up some info on what parts to use for the front end. It would sure make things easier!

Well i got the front end partially together. With the Jato front arms, the buggy
has a wider track in the front now. It looks like I will using Rustler wheels
with a wide offset in the rear and a narrow offset front rim.
Here are the pics:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/desert001.jpg

Here is a photo of the Rustler knuckle mounted in the Jato arm. I did this just to utilize a little more of the Rustler that I am parting out. It also gives me more hexed wheel options, like all the cool beadlocks that are available.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/desert002.jpg
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/desert003.jpg

It's officially a rolling chassis! what do ya think?
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/desert004.jpg
Collected all the Jato parts and and Now I have the front steering complete.
Thanks to RCWizard, I was able to finally get it all together.
It is apparent to me now, that the Jato steering rack needs to be moved farther forward in the chassis. The toe-links, I believe need to run
more parallel with the control arms. As it is now, it has some pretty gnarly bump steer. Gonna drill some new hole and move the steering rack forward.
this should eliminate some of the bump steer.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/desert005.jpg
After trying on some 2.2 wheels it was apparent that the Rustler knuckles weren't gonna clear the inside of the wheels, so Off to the LHS and bought the prescribed parts after all, now everything is just,,Uh hum,, Hunky dory.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/desert006.jpg
So, what do you guys think?

[tearemupanfixem]

I think it's really cool! Nice job! How about some vids once you have it up and running? Paddle tires look so cool, fun in sand and snow. :cool:

[Been 2780]

thats a pretty kool little sand rail

[dale_gribble]

Looks killer! That is one nice chassis right there. What does it weigh and what does it cost?

[bugz2002]

luckey, i hope to get one this summer. let us know how it runs and works.

[Mr. Burpsalot]

Looks killer! That is one nice chassis right there. What does it weigh and what does it cost?
I never did weigh it BEFORE the build, But i will after it is built.

$299 at www.rc4wd.com for the chassis alone and $599 for a roller with no electronics.

[pedeboi364]

amazing!!! how much was that chassis??

[Mr. Burpsalot]

See above post! $299.99, but I got it for free cause i was chosen as a tester!


SWEEEET!

[bugz2002]

any update on this thing? have you gotting to drive it yet? is it worth the $250?

[Mr. Burpsalot]

Going to the beach this weekend to ride my Banshee, gonna take the R/c rail along for some test runs. Gonna run the traxxas 12t for now just get a little run time. I wanna buy a Castle Creations brushless setup eventually!

[master_of_desaster]

ok im stoked to see this finished with beadlocks! get some vids! please and thank you

[OldSchoolRC]

looks great! and looks pretty light, the 12T should have no trouble tossing it around.

[Mouse4666]

you should get the electronics out of a slah and make the sandrail waterproof

[Mr. Burpsalot]

made up some new body panels !
ordered up a CC Sidewinder and a 4600kv brushless motor, it'll be here thursday!

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee33/tom_sikes/newpanels.jpg

[bugz2002]

oooooooo ahhhhhhh....looks good. cant wait to see a video of this beast.

[Been 2780]

the panels look pretty kool

[Schmidt]

That looks awsome!!!!!

[bugz2002]

so have you gotting to take this beast out and test it yet? how do you like those paddles and the front tires? thinking about getting a set of those for my stampede that i am making in to a sand toy.

[bwoods040]

nice. tat thing is pretty $$$$$ ehh.

[master_of_desaster]

sweeto sweeto!! those panels are killer!!!!