5T/LT franken-build Help me out please...

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Nice choice..I think the 30dn is a little nicer than the Rovan. Very slight differences between them. The 30dn should have the right brake cams for your center diff already. Pull the bottom ring off the 36 and see how it goes, I've been wanting to do it to mine but haven't had the time and unfortunately I don't have anything to put it in at the moment. Definitely Zenoah for dependability.
I did some quick math and buying the 3dn roller is so much cheaper that doing a build ground up. It's the v2 and has a thicker chassis I believe. I'll probably drop the Zen into it. Also have read that the shocks are the same as losi? Should be a fun project.
 
I have seen this type of question posed several times on the forums and FB groups. Everyone always says to go with the Zenoah. I think it's just better built and more reliable.
Agree. I'll start with the Zen 320
 
I did some quick math and buying the 3dn roller is so much cheaper that doing a build ground up. It's the v2 and has a thicker chassis I believe. I'll probably drop the Zen into it. Also have read that the shocks are the same as losi? Should be a fun project.
The bottom eyelet on the shock shafts are a press fit but the internals are close to the same. I put 5t shafts in mine so i can use allumminum eyes and cups.
 
The bottom eyelet on the shock shafts are a press fit but the internals are close to the same. I put 5t shafts in mine so i can use allumminum eyes and cups.
So the 3dn bottom eyelets are not threaded on? is that common on these larger shocks for the 1/5 scales? I haven't dug into them that much yet.
 
So the 3dn bottom eyelets are not threaded on? is that common on these larger shocks for the 1/5 scales? I haven't dug into them that much yet.
I'm not sure if it's a common thing or not. It's just one of the differences between them.
 
I'm not sure if it's a common thing or not. It's just one of the differences between them.
So did you have to purchase them individually like in the below pic? Or is there a 4 pc complete shaft kit available? Thanks!

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I went ahead and ordered some springs (8lb rear, 11.6lb front) and some nitrite coated F/R shafts. just to swap out if desired.
Shafts are nutted. :ROFLMAO:
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Tripp you were right, I fired up my Taylor 35 this past weekend and it started right up with no issues. Since the engine had never been started, I did two pulls on the choke, (they recommend one pull but I did two since there was no gas in the engine at all.) I thought I felt a little brap on the second pull but I couldn't be sure. But I turned the choke off and it started on the 3rd pull. After that, I just did one pull on the choke and then turned the choke off and it always started within 2-3 pulls. This is my first gas engine and I found it very easy to start overall so I was pleased.

I ran about a tank and a half through it for break-in procedures. Then I was out of time. So next time, I'm going to let it rip!

I hope it hauls some butt. I converted this truck from electric to gas (yeah, not many people do that I suppose!) and on electric power it was really fast. But so many people say the gas trucks are so much fun I had to try it.
 
Tripp you were right, I fired up my Taylor 35 this past weekend and it started right up with no issues. Since the engine had never been started, I did two pulls on the choke, (they recommend one pull but I did two since there was no gas in the engine at all.) I thought I felt a little brap on the second pull but I couldn't be sure. But I turned the choke off and it started on the 3rd pull. After that, I just did one pull on the choke and then turned the choke off and it always started within 2-3 pulls. This is my first gas engine and I found it very easy to start overall so I was pleased.

I ran about a tank and a half through it for break-in procedures. Then I was out of time. So next time, I'm going to let it rip!

I hope it hauls some butt. I converted this truck from electric to gas (yeah, not many people do that I suppose!) and on electric power it was really fast. But so many people say the gas trucks are so much fun I had to try it.
That's awesome to hear! I'm glad it went really good for you! Every engine has its own little starting like's and dislikes. Typically, once its been running after the initial start of the day. You shouldn't need to choke it unless it has run completely out of gas or its super cold outside. The choke should only be needed for the cold start or the first start of the day normally. Consistency is the best practice on these little gassers. Keep me posted of your thoughts on the performance. I am really impressed with mine. I still only have one full hard run tank through it so far. I slowly introduced 40:1 Amsoil Dom into the last tank. That's what I plan on running in it.
What clutch are you running?
 
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Got some good news and some bad news....

The 30DN showed up today. Yee Haw that's good!
Now for the bad:cry:(n):

Looks like the front right shock body blew all the oil out. It's all over the front end right side of the truck, covered the bottom of the chassis, the side guards, and was all over the inside bottom of the shipping bag and bottom of the box. Damn!
Also, I was turning the front axles and noticed the center diff is completely out of alignment. The bearings must not be seated correctly. Both front and rear shafts are oscillating out of true turn and the entire diff housing is slightly pulsing back and forth while turning the axles or shafts.
Bummer!!!

Other than that so far, Its just Great! :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
Actually I was so pissed I have decided to walk away from it for a bit to rant to you all about this. I literally need to clean the entire truck off from all the oil before I can really dig into it.

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Other than the unfortunate 30DN situation, I got this delivered today also:
My Darkside Graphics from Jared!
These pictures taken from my old 13 Iphone do it no justice but I gott'a say the quality of the vinyl/material is top notch. very similar to motocross fuel proof graphics. However a bit thinner. I went with his new 5X series background (red, eliminated race numbers and name) and I kept it simple and went with the hi gloss finish.
Jared was great with the back and fourth, file sharing, and editing considering I wanted to do all the logo layout. He also kept me updated on the progress and timeline of production. Super good dude and highly recommended. He throws in several DS decals as well!
Prob gonna start the install on the black body tonight. The only problem would be me F'ng things up during the install. :LOL:

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Got some good news and some bad news....

The 30DN showed up today. Yee Haw that's good!
Now for the bad:cry:(n):

Looks like the front right shock body blew all the oil out. It's all over the front end right side of the truck, covered the bottom of the chassis, the side guards, and was all over the inside bottom of the shipping bag and bottom of the box. Damn!
Also, I was turning the front axles and noticed the center diff is completely out of alignment. The bearings must not be seated correctly. Both front and rear shafts are oscillating out of true turn and the entire diff housing is slightly pulsing back and forth while turning the axles or shafts.
Bummer!!!

Other than that so far, Its just Great! :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
Actually I was so pissed I have decided to walk away from it for a bit to rant to you all about this. I literally need to clean the entire truck off from all the oil before I can really dig into it.

Other than the unfortunate 30DN situation, I got this delivered today also:
My Darkside Graphics from Jared!
These pictures taken from my old 13 Iphone do it no justice but I gott'a say the quality of the vinyl/material is top notch. very similar to motocross fuel proof graphics. However a bit thinner. I went with his new 5X series background (red, eliminated race numbers and name) and I kept it simple and went with the hi gloss finish.
Jared was great with the back and fourth, file sharing, and editing considering I wanted to do all the logo layout. He also kept me updated on the progress and timeline of production. Super good dude and highly recommended. He throws in several DS decals as well!
Prob gonna start the install on the black body tonight. The only problem would be me F'ng things up during the install. :LOL:

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Looks great.

Did you figure out what exactly was wrong with your shock and center diff?
 
Not quite yet. I pulled the cap off the shock and the fluid was down over 1/2” from the top of the body. I thought it would have been empty considering how much fluid was all over everything. I haven’t pulled to other shock to see what level they had them filled to yet. As for the diff, did not have time to pull it out yet. I need to figure out what weight shock fluid they had in it from the factory and check the other one.
 
Put the 30DN chassis situation on hold for a few. Ordered some shock oil for it and decided to dive into the Darkside Studios Vinyl kit for the "Frankenbuild" truck. Got it all installed today. His material is awesome. He's now using air release vinyl film and it all went on without any issues at all. I use Rapid Tac application fluid. I've had the bottle for several years. Let's you float the vinyl around as needed then will set up once positioned. heat gun is needed for any corner/rolled edges. This vinyl takes heat and conforms very well .

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Digging into the 30DN center diff. It is super crunchy (like bad). Opened it up and though they actually used diff fluid instead of grease, It seems pretty low. Well below the topside gear shaft. Gonna pull it all out and inspect every gear for any imperfections or. If everything looks good I'll replace the diff oil with the 500K I have. Starting to wonder if the center diff was the leak.... oh well, I'll figure it out.
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Fearless contacted me this weekend regarding the condition of the shock and ctr diff after they looked at the pics/vids that they requested. Sounds like they might be replacing the entire center diff and sending me a new shock. There has has been several friendly back and fourths.
 
So on the 30dn, I completely disassembled and cleaned out the diff and gears. Reassembled with 200K for now. Fearless is sending me a shock but I went ahead and cleaned out the both front shocks and topped them off with 50wt losi oil.
Can anyone give me some 'Track" base settings for springs rates and oil wt. front and rear. I'm trying to keep the 30DN more race spec-ish than basher.
Does anyone know the stock spring rate on the 30DN. I have a new set of Losi 11.6 front and 8 rear. Just wondering if I should go ahead and swap them out. Thanks. Flh003, any thoughts?
 
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