FCX24 Power Wagon UPGRADES - Stretched Rear Links - Best Possible Mod??
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
In this video I install the McCue RC links on our FMS FCX24 Power Wagon. This upgrade adds significant length to the rear end and really sorts out the chassis. The parts are high quality and a direct bolt on. I used the scx24 Jeep gladiator driveshaft to complete the conversion. Check out the video to see the install and the results!
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Пікірлер: 87
Timestamps Close look at the links: 2:00 Baseline course run: 5:57 Installation: 8:47 Finished product: 13:40 Upgraded course runs: 16:51 Initial reactions and final thoughts: 18:13
Those really seemed to do the trick! Amazing climbing ability! Nice video yet again Adam, thanks for taking the time to do this! Take care!!!
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! They made a huge difference! The climbing ability is bananas.
Wow hells gate was crazy with the extra length.we are getting ours next week,and i'm kinda glad i waited for the upgrade metal gears.Awesome build, looks bullet proof.thanks for inspiration.yeah chase that flex.i would liks to see abit more if we can get metal extensions to finish out look and performance...awesome build love it
You can drill out the extension arms that bolt to the chassis and put a pivotball in and you will have flex
Ok great video. I have had those links in my bin since he first started making them. I have been reluctant to install them for the reasons you highlighted. You have changed my mind. I will put them on a weight loss program with the dremel. Be sure and order all the other drive gears. Now we can get everything metal.
@shockman8014
Жыл бұрын
Yes we can including any length metal links too. I doubt these would be that bulky if they (being 3D prints) didn't need to be that bulky.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I’m very relieved to have full metal gear sets!!
Awesome video 👍 I definitely tried to go for improved looks, climbing and high speed handling. Also keeping the stock amount of flex while bolting on to anyone's stock truck. I've never heard of anyone breaking them either. And if you manage to break them I support what your doing 100% and will send you replacements and extras 😂 I favored the screws over ball pivots as the FCX doesnt have captured ball pivots like an SCX24.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, and awesome product! I’ve put some significant time on this thing since this video was published and I’m amazed at the capability of the fcx with these links installed.
That was a worthy upgrade thanks for sharing
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
It has a real need to be stretched, not to have a stretched look but to finally have a proper look. A couple more subjective cons I see is the result of mismatched links and the misplaced shocks. I think I could get use to the comical stubbyness of it sooner than the shocks being that far out of position. I would also bet that a metal set will show up from a third party with proper dimensions and shock top mounting clamp that lets you put the shock closer to a realistic position. Another option is threaded rod stock and sleeves to cover the unused threads between for truly custom lengths. The link ends come alone without links, predrilled for scx and fcx, your choice, and length options that are only threaded at the ends all this sold separately. With this method you can have a scx link end on one end and a fcx end on the other end so good for hybrid builds like fcx axles on scx chassis. kzread.info/dash/bejne/iIKdvJVxksabYqg.html.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Great ideas! Especially the tuned length links! I am also betting more linkage sets like this will arrive on the market soon. I think it depends on how high demand is for the fcx24 and subsequent parts. I hope demand stays high so we can get some good, innovative parts!
@nathanjohnson9231
Жыл бұрын
The mismatched links are one of my main dislikes as well, after lack of articulation. I was thinking about buying a set and cutting off the ends to add ball-joint ends, but then they'd still be mis-matched. Will probably end up building a set out of 3/16 brass rod with the ball joint ends. Then I can stretch to fit the bed right, have a little more weight, and build front and back to match. Not the cheapest, or easiest option. but will fit my articulation and aesthetic desires.
How cool is that. Looks great, awsome 👍🏻
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! It's a great mod for these things.
Adam you should try using Goody rubber hair ties stretched between your upper and lower shock mounts. It prevents the suspension from unloading on steep climbs but does not limit flex, definitely great tuning option!
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I usually use rubber bands but I have been able to squeak by without them on the fcx24 but I think that period is over. If I go back to the short links I will definitely implement the limiting straps.
@abudhabikid
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers if you want to do this, but want it to look a touch more scale (or at least less like a rubber band), I'm using scale bungee cords from Club 5 racing (maybe others sell these too?).
Articulation can be double edged sword... It looks cool, and can be fun. It can also help in certain situations. I try not to get too hung up on is though, as it's not the be all, end all, when it comes to maximizing performance. After all, at the end of the day, from a performance standpoint, clearing a section is what matters. Then again, if you're just in it for fun, and your bag is watching a rig that has a ton of flex, then that's cool too. 👍
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Very well said! I’ve built all my rigs to focus on flex for the fun of it, but I think I’m going to shift my focus on the next couple of builds, this one included
Going to check those out. Having issues with shocks binding with my current set up. Wish there were better shock mount positions on the fcx24.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I think you’ll like the links! I agree about the shock positions. I drilled my own holes in a couple spots as you can see but it’s certainly not ideal
@BONEZ-8
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers I might try drilling new holes. Do you happen to know what size the ball studs are on the stock fcx24? Tried some scx24 ball studs, but they are too small. Thanks for your time.
what a massive difference
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Huge! It’s crazy how it can climb. I just posted a KZread short video of some of the uphills it can climb.
so cool love it
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
They make a huge difference!!
@HONDAJEFF05
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers it does
They look good Adam...i used the Injora stainless gladiator links as the Mccue ones the freight was just to expensive to my country and when i emailed him he didnt even respond, and it will be great when Injora, etc do a proper rear stretched link with a few lower rear shock mounts , high clearance with proper link ends for good articulation.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
You did the gladiator links on the fcx24? I’ve thought about that but I wondered if the mounting points were too small on the scx24 links to make work. I would like to see an anodized aluminum kit for this!
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
@Itskrave I may have to try this out!
what shocks are those and how come no springs?
Do you rekon that these links would work if the shocks were on stock position with the Injora double Tele shocks??
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I think so. I have the extended links with the shocks in the stock position now and they work great.
How much did it add to the wheel base? It looks a touch too stretched IMO, like it would get hung up on the belly out in the rocks. I just made some homemade brass links that push the front out 3mm and the back out 13mm and it now has the same wheelbase as a Gladiator and think it's just about right.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
It's 28mm I believe. I have noticed that I get hung up on breakovers much more.
@havikhobbies
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers OK yeah that is a lot!
What’s your GO TO replacement servo for the FCX24? I stripped the stock. Replaced with an AGFRC 7.5. Now, that one is 100% stripped.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I splice connectors and use an Emax. Ramp Crab just released a new servo that fits the FCX. I have a couple on the bench but haven't installed them yet. They're inexpensive and look decent on paper!
@walterowen8410
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers TY!!!
Have you seen the McCue front extension links? I ordered them, and the rear links (along with the steering links) and I haven't even gotten my FCX yet! If you haven't seen those, could you get them and test them out?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I'll take a look. McCue stuff is excellent.
That's so sick Adam. Are you going to get the furitek Caymon? I just ordered one today and a body I can hopefully turn into a fake Honcho, lol.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I am thinking about it! I would like to do a bobbed gladiator body on the cayman chassis
Maybe I flexed out the front end, but overall my flex is a little more then stock, but not what it could be with longer links. I have no binding on the linkage, chassis or body. It's all in the screws and hole in the linkage. The heads of screws bind unless they're completely outside . Also the shocks angle out from the chassis to the linkage which causes similar binding to the shock tower mod you tried. IMO They are worth running till something better comes out.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Excellent points! I wonder if there’s a way to retro fit some of the pivot ball hardware to the McCue links? I may try to make some shock spacers to counter act the shock binding due to the angle that you point out. I also agree they are worth running. The rig works better as a whole with them installed.
@trailwomanrc
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers Maybe some precision dremeling of the base flange of the ball stud? Grazing with a reinforced cut off wheel. I might try that. I have few extra ball studs now. Spacers worked on my stock chassis but now I need longer screws for the furitek chassis to catch thread on the other side.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
@@trailwomanrc I'm going to try some spacers this week. I will anxiously await the results of your ball stud mod!
Great other video. I think the links are just a little to long. What tires & beadlocks are you running on this?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! The wheels are RCAWD beadlocks and the tires are LGRP grippers.
do the shocks have oil in them?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
They do not. They're friction damped. RCAWD does offer oil shocks but this was before those were released.
Was the sound of the truck normal it sounded like when u got on it the gears or something was slipping?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
It’s wicked noisy. I’ve heard others make similar sounds so I’m assuming it’s okay. Hard to tell though!
@rcjoe406
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers lol cool good to know... have one coming for xmass... hope a brushless system is in the future for this rig so far after watching you video it got potential
I like the colored links as well wonder if you could paint them ?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I’m sure you could. A nice metallic red would look good to match the rest of the pieces I’ve got going on
@sammiller8497
Жыл бұрын
That would look great I'm planning doing it too@@CapeCrawlers
Why do you turn the shocks upside down? And do you think it would help every build?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I had a lot of success using this trick to reduce binding in double barrel shocks. Now it's my go-to method to mount shocks. I use it across almost all of my builds.
@jakobscarbrough8038
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers ok thanks
Definitely needs a bit more weight in the rear with those to help give some more traction. If he can get those mass produced in aluminum, and brass, they can be half as thick, and he would have a real winner of a product on his hands.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Just an inside tip: RCAWD may or may not be releasing aluminum kits like this in the VERY near future. And they could be available in two colors and include a driveshaft as well... But I cannot confirm or deny that ;)
@sonorangaming449
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers Oh wow, I look forward to the possibilities! May have to pick up another for a mudding build.
Is this the same fcx24 as the one with the monster truck body?
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Same basic platform but not the exact same truck. The monster truck is a different body and has different differentials.
@josephlawrence6873
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers oh ok that's good info to know thank you
You don’t have a Dremel? Oh Adam! 😂 You likely have one by this time - and you will wonder how you have done without!
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
LOL I got one for Christmas!!
Personaly I’d buy a bunch of different scx links and create the perfect combo jlu rear in front gladiator rear in rear
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
I like that idea 👍🏻
It a real Fms ,big noise
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
They are very noisy!
@michelrousselle6394
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers I have a 6x6 atlas and I change for furiteck motor I order all meus axel ,now looking for link Do you have a way to find I like the way you do your video Look one of the most credible ,honnête Sorry bad English but love your video ,look serious and tell the thrue
Uses some different stuff than what I'm used to seeing from Axial. 🤔
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
It is a different beast. It’s taken some getting used to but I like it!
@RCCrawlerz209
Жыл бұрын
@@CapeCrawlers Awesome, man.
Reference the "finish" on the 3D printed links, you can sand the surface just enough to pretty much smooth it out. Then, you could spray them with several very light layers of filler-primer to smooth them out. Then, paint them what ever color you want. Just keep in mind that they will get scratched up on the bottom. If you don't to mess with having your paint scratched up, you can VERY CAUTIOUSLY heat the surface of the links by flashing a small butane lighter flame over them. It will put them back to a semi-smooth plastic finish. But, be warned, if you over heat, they will melt/warp.
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
Good points! The aesthetic of the 3D prints is a very minor gripe. I am in awe of what people are able to do with personal 3D printers; I love it.
ahh noooo lol more 3d printed plastic hahah, I get it that there a cool upgrade but fit and finish says Harbour freight to me,,,sorry
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
It's a difficult pill to swallow as I love quality fit and finish and aesthetically pleasing upgrades. Harbour Freight.. LOL
@William-McCueRC
Жыл бұрын
harbor freight 😂 I get that printed parts won't be as strong as metal but the copy and paste China aluminum sweatshop parts drop shipped on every site under different names are closer to harbor freight than American made parts. I do appreciate the feedback though 🤘 - McCue RC
@deanweller5789
Жыл бұрын
@@William-McCueRC Ya i hear you, I actually agree with you, I just wish 3D printing didn't look like cheap plastic parts is all...
Like your videos in general, but you lost me at "I don't have a Dremel". Dude! You have thousands of dollars invested in RC, and you don't have a Dremel??? Seriously? I've burned through at least a couple. No self respecting hobbyist, of any type, can say, "I don't have a Dremel". Come on now! Pony up with at least the hundred bucks it takes to get a basic Dremel tool...
@CapeCrawlers
Жыл бұрын
LOL I know, I’m ashamed of myself 😆 I always seem to find a workaround and then the thought of buying one disappears until I need it again! I need to get one for sure.