MrMeatHooks
Senior Member
- Messages
- 195
- Location
- Chico, CA
Ok, here is my new Rampage. I just finished the paint ( my first Lexan job ). I did alot to this truck already..
Here is a list of tasks I have done to this truck along with improvements and new parts-
1. I took the truck apart, finding the knuckles and transfer case bolts loose right off the bat, I decided to redo everything.
2. Replaced the crappy carb with a Walbro 998 w/K&N type filter, oiled and ready to go.
3. Increased the ride height of the truck by 1.50", total sag ( wheels hanging ) about 2.5". This truck, stock looks like a XT with big tires, and well, I wanted a monster truck. I simply bent the lower a-arm tabs down at a 45deg. angle. This allowed for ALOT more travel and better use of the suspension, while maintaining CV axle angles with ZERO bind, also the shocks do not max out on extension so there is no worries on ripping shocks apart when jumping..
Also, I set the shocks in the lower inner holes for more extensions and a bit more coil tension, also stops better as the weight does not transfer forward as much leaving the truck closer to level and maintaining better traction in the rear end.
Forgot to mention, as a guy who has done thousands of alignments in the last 12 years, I found that the back of this truck had WAY to much toe-in. I took the lower rear bushing out and flipped them to reduce positive toe. This did not eliminate toe, but it made it better. It rolls with less resistance like this. The thing is, when you apply power to those wheels they want to toe in naturally, as the wheels are always trying to pull ahead of the truck. With to much toe in, you get adverse effects on the tire wear and handling. Straight axles to independent axles, 99% of the time toe is zero.
4. The Jetpro pipe was added, stock motor and carb made this truck go sideways on dry pavement. The only issue is, I had to flip the gas tank around as the fuel cap was hitting the pipe. I was surprised as the directions said nothing about this, and have read nothing about this issue online. It works great now.
5. The body: Not what I expected.. but here is what I did. Metallic gray/black with metallic blue stripes and window tint spray. The tint was to dark after 2 coats, oops! Also, I flex-sealed the inside of the transmission gear cover to quiet down the chatter.
Future upgrades:
36cc FlowSystems engine from RAMtech-RC ( Ordered, just waiting )
https://www.facebook.com/eric.merlo.5?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.520505678008412.1073741825.100001469546145&type=1
Im not sure why the address did not work, please cut and paste.
Here is a list of tasks I have done to this truck along with improvements and new parts-
1. I took the truck apart, finding the knuckles and transfer case bolts loose right off the bat, I decided to redo everything.
2. Replaced the crappy carb with a Walbro 998 w/K&N type filter, oiled and ready to go.
3. Increased the ride height of the truck by 1.50", total sag ( wheels hanging ) about 2.5". This truck, stock looks like a XT with big tires, and well, I wanted a monster truck. I simply bent the lower a-arm tabs down at a 45deg. angle. This allowed for ALOT more travel and better use of the suspension, while maintaining CV axle angles with ZERO bind, also the shocks do not max out on extension so there is no worries on ripping shocks apart when jumping..
Also, I set the shocks in the lower inner holes for more extensions and a bit more coil tension, also stops better as the weight does not transfer forward as much leaving the truck closer to level and maintaining better traction in the rear end.
Forgot to mention, as a guy who has done thousands of alignments in the last 12 years, I found that the back of this truck had WAY to much toe-in. I took the lower rear bushing out and flipped them to reduce positive toe. This did not eliminate toe, but it made it better. It rolls with less resistance like this. The thing is, when you apply power to those wheels they want to toe in naturally, as the wheels are always trying to pull ahead of the truck. With to much toe in, you get adverse effects on the tire wear and handling. Straight axles to independent axles, 99% of the time toe is zero.
4. The Jetpro pipe was added, stock motor and carb made this truck go sideways on dry pavement. The only issue is, I had to flip the gas tank around as the fuel cap was hitting the pipe. I was surprised as the directions said nothing about this, and have read nothing about this issue online. It works great now.
5. The body: Not what I expected.. but here is what I did. Metallic gray/black with metallic blue stripes and window tint spray. The tint was to dark after 2 coats, oops! Also, I flex-sealed the inside of the transmission gear cover to quiet down the chatter.
Future upgrades:
36cc FlowSystems engine from RAMtech-RC ( Ordered, just waiting )
https://www.facebook.com/eric.merlo.5?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.520505678008412.1073741825.100001469546145&type=1
Im not sure why the address did not work, please cut and paste.
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