It’s that time of the year where I start my build for the 48 Hour Challenge. Last year’s 48 Hour Challenge we used Axial Racing’s CRC JK Jeeps. These Jeeps were bone stoack, minus a few changes, like Pitbull Tires, battery relocation, and Team KNK Hardware. Some waterproofing and winches were added, and we went for it. We succeeded and so did the Jeeps.
This year is a little different, and we are building new rigs, and some are bringing bone stock rigs. There were four drivers last year, this year, who knows!!
This build series I’m doing is going to be the accumulation of past experince and new build setups. 48 Hours give’s you a long time to know what works, what needs to be changed, and what is total garbage. So, I am using some staple sturdy products, and trying some new stuff. I will start with the chassis, and start from there.
This years platform is based of CBE RC FAB, chassis called Switchback. I wanted to use this chassis for a few different reasons. The tuneability in this chassis is huge. It has tons of options for the builder in you. It can be used for the wroncho style builds, stocker, class 1, modified; so many options.
Switchback V1
This is the first version of the Switchback I am building off of, version two is almost released as of this writing. As you can see the chassis has a ton of tunibility and options for your building needs.
I also required some of CBE RC FAB’s newest release of shock towers. These new designs which I call – Ritz men – are beefy, big, and ready for real work. These towers are also made for tons of adjustability.
With everything coming together fairly easily, I decided to make things a tad more difficult by adding a front motor/transmission mount design. I selected the R2 Transmission from RC4WD for these duties. I’m not 100% if these transmissions are capable of withstanding 48 Hours of abuse, but I am going for it. The R2 transmission bolted perfectly to the Switchback chassis, and I was able to mount the shock towers right into the transmission too.
RC4WD R2 mounted to the front.
The rear shock towers by CBE RC FAB.
So, with last year in mind, and remembering that the plastic was getting fatigued by the end of the 48 hours, I decided to go with metal links, 12.3″ solid one piece links to be exact from Boom Racing. The links are on their way. I like the one piece design for long runs, as rod ends and plastic wear down and may make the days longer by having to fix them. One piece, bolt up, and forget.
I also have to have serious sturdy armor for the old Jeep body. So I went with ScalerFab’s pro series bumper. I am a fan of these bumpers, and how well they are built and how strong they are.
Scalerfab.com pro series bumper
This is as far as I have gotten on this build. Waiting on some parts and pieces to get the next wave of building underway. Thank you for reading and following, and we’ll see you on the trails!
Wheels down, throttle open,
Trevor
Vermont Scale RC 