home brew rock crawler

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So I am a member of JKOwners, a large forum for people with 2007 and newer Jeep Wranglers.A few of the local guys are getting into radio control crawlers. Since I can't afford to drop 500+ on a toy,  figure I can build one from scratch.Just bouncing ideas in my head, here is what I am thinking.1/8" round CRS from the frame/chassis, mig welded with plenty of triangulation for strength.Live solid axles, 1/4" round CRS (pinion or worm gear)Reverse triangulated 4 link rear, 3 link front1/4" impact flex joints for driveshafts and front axle.Way too heavy and strong for an RC toy? Yep. But that is because of the powerplant.18v cordless drill motor, and a 1.9Ah battery.I only need to figure out a transmission/transfer case setup that will handle the power, and reduce the gearing for crawling speeds.
Reply:I wanna see this, I've built a few mini car model but nothing that ran.If you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:Look deep into the hobby world... My brother is pretty serious about RC cars, he has a truck called the FLUX that can do a backflip at 50mph on flat ground because it has so much power.http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/hpi/hpid4240.htmlThere is a wide variety of aftermarket and high performance transmissions, clutches and transfer cases for that car. Everything is ridiculously expensive, Id be surprised if you could build one for enough under $500 to be worth it and how it will compare to the ridiculous cars out there.Miller Dynasty 300 DXMiller CST280Miller Maxstar 150 STH
Reply:Mine is going to be about flex, torque and grip. Nothing else. And considering I have the radio, servos,  motor and battery, all I need to buy are some metal gears and a pile of metal.Should come in well under $100.
Reply:Sounds Like you are further ahead than i thought. I can't wait to see how it turns out.The weight may be to your advantage considering what you are looking to do. McMaster Carr might also be a good place to find parts like gears. (If you don't already know about them.)Miller Dynasty 300 DXMiller CST280Miller Maxstar 150 STH
Reply:What are you going to use for a motor speed controller?"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I think you are missing a bunch a little parts that are gonna cost you. Here's mine, just another T-maxx with a custom hand built cage. Body's don't hold up to the abuse... (Home)Miller Maxstar 152 (sold)MM211/spool gunLincoln AC 225C(Work)Dynasty 350Powcon 300STLincoln SP-175TWeldlodgic AWS150sWeldlodgic AWS300Custom Resistance seam weldersCambridge Vacuum EB weldersI smell something burning.
Reply:Speed controller will be a servo pressing the drill trigger. Reverse will have to have another servo to switch the trigger.I might need to upgrade to a 3 channel radio, or splurge on a high amp ESC.Definitely not going to be pretty, but I am hoping so overkilled that ill need to put lawnmower tires on it$
Reply:Drill motors can draw a bunch of amps, and PWM speed controllers aren't cheap.  You might be able to buy older Victor speed controllers over at chiefdelphi.com from some of the established robot teams.  Seems to me some of them would do 60-80 Amps continuous."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Well then it looks like I need to upgrade to a 3 ch radio