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Here's a DIY to build a HUGE RC Monster Truck. You'll need to have a welder.
I have enjoyed seeing remote controlled trucks come a long way over the past couple decades. I've even owned several of them along the way. It all started with the AA powered 2WD trucks with simple springs as shocks. Then along came 7.2V with oil filled shocks, then 4wd, then NITRO powered and then 2 speed transmissions capable of 50MPH with reverse. The past several years the industry has had no where to go except bigger. From 1/16th scale to 1/10th scale and even 1/8th scale. Well, I'm going to beat everyone to the punch. I'm going to design and build a 1/4 scale remote controlled truck with my own unique twist.
Step 1Start with the Frame
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I've made several drawings and I couldn't wait to get it out of my head and start welding! I've had this idea of an independent suspension where all swingarms pivot from a common center pin and all shocks are inline and attched to a parallel upper pin. I useda solid steel rod as the pin and welded matching tubing to the swing arms and honed them for a good fit. I'll do the same for the shock mounts. Here' s the start of it all. The 4 swing arms with the lower pin, front steering knuckles and 4 golf cart tires with ball bearing hubs. I made the swing arms out of 3" electrical conduit. The steering knuckle are simply 3/8" thick steel plates with washers, bolts & bearings to make for a proper knuckle. I had to weld a keyed sleeve into the rear hubs to make a proper fit to the 3/4" keyed axle shaft.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iRI5VxCJxU
It is what I wan't to do if I ever get to making one of these. Mine will also be a 16 hp engine so I am trying to pick a good, high-speed gear ratio, I wish I had a CVT laying around.