Building a $2000 'Belly Dragger' LCG RC Crawler - Part 1

[@micky_mc_mullet1372]

Fingering grease in & sliding shafts in the wifes behind me ironing looking over at me like im on x hamster

[@TomleyRC]

I'm only pinning this so people that have never heard of X Hamster hit up www.google.com hahahaha

[@jameswilliams2633]

Lmao someone else who noticed 🤣

[@micky_mc_mullet1372]

@@TomleyRC 💯💯💯👌🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@teamjono69]

@@TomleyRC Phil, who hasn't heard of X Hamster?... I watched a video the other day on there and when it finished the credits started rolling... not for that video, but for the whole website, apparently I'd watched every video on there....

[@quackman7027]

Tomley lives to create chaos

[@aljensen7779]

I just watched this one again - I must have paused it to comment, then forgot to finish it - V8 Slap, here! Phil, I'm nearly lost for words - you've built one damn fine chassis that's just simply gorgeous. A quality piece of workmanship that I'm sure you'll tune to perfection. Did you ever think, back in the days when you were reviewing WPL(?) products, that you'd be building something like this on camera for nearly 75,000 subscribers? Back then I watched you because you were the only one giving inexpensive hobby-grade RCs any attention. Well, the only one worth watching, anyways. Now, building a crawler for which you've clearly given a lot of thought to the process, ie: designing weight into the bottom but protecting your drivetrain by reducing the rotating mass. Smart guy, you. That's something I'll remember if I ever graduate from building $100 trail trucks. I could go on, but I'll finish by saying this: If you ever decide to sell it for a dollar, you know who to call 🙂

[@christiantheimprovguy1769]

GSpeed Chassis are what everyone runs out here in the Bay Area in California USA. It's kinda fun to see them making their way around the globe!

[@stevekeiron30]

Loving this video. I think the best thing about it is that it's NOT ya typical build video. All the Innuendos just make it comedy gold 🤣

[@TomleyRC]

Haha.. glad you enjoyed it

[@FarmerFpv]

I'm binge-watching all your crawler videos. You sure know how to set them up correctly. Love these videos.

[@brianmassey7563]

When building the shocks and getting the top cap on, if you have your bladder pushed down so some oil comes out, when the shock expands it'll suck in the bladder a bit and allow for the cap to go on smoothly without breaking the "seal" the bladder made. Took a few times to get it right, but it's worth it.

[@TomleyRC]

Awesome cheers dude 👌

[@Tookie-2014]

NICEEE! Now you can join us taking it to the top. My gspeed is by far my favorite build and trust me you will love your dravtechs

[@TomleyRC]

They are super smooth 👌

[@wikyWargaming]

Welcome to this particular branch of the addiction! I mean, hobby, yeah, hobby 😂 G-Speed is my go-to for LCG components, great company!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Tomley! Beautiful build! 😃 Looking forward to the next part!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks mate… I love all the ‘bling’ 👌

[@TimsRcsurgery]

Agree 100% about build videos, takes ages!! I’m doing one on the Mayako prototype race buggy, with NO manual, you can guess how many times things were taken apart and rebuilt before the final edit 😃 Still waiting on engine and servos before I can upload the running footage 👍 I’m glad you done this, looking forward to to the next one

[@LogainTheHumane]

Not much point in adding brass to the axles if you're just going to use light weight carbon fiber wheels. The wheels center of gravity is lower than your axles. So you'd be better off having lighter axles and heavier steel wheels. Or do both heavy. But with a heavy axle and light wheels, you're losing some of your center of gravity advantage. Also a higher rear and lower front stance is better for crawling. It helps shift your weight more forward and lower in the front to help your front stay down when climbing steep slopes. It also helps you slide over rocks that catch your belly. Especially when you also have a forward weight bias. I run my shocks soft in the front and stiff in the rear. Huge upgrade

[@JT-np1op]

Yeah, it takes years of experience or natural talent to really understand the ins and outs of this hobby.

[@LogainTheHumane]

@@JT-np1op It definitely helps. Though It's not as complicated as people make it out to be. I've only been crawling for a year. But I just pay attention to detail and experiment. Doesn't take long to see what changes help and which hurt. And the biggest thing is common sense and logic.

[@DMarko22]

Since I'm lately watching quite a lot of your videos I'll give you a 6 month probation. I enjoyed this video with salty and sweet snacks on my hand...really shouldn't do that too often. Nice video, funny guy, subbed.

[@TomleyRC]

Haha… cheers dude. Think of it as a 6 month free trial… you can cancel at any time 😅

[@DMarko22]

@@TomleyRC 😄

[@rrrccc1571]

Looks like a great build! Appreciate the longer video

[@TomleyRC]

Thank you… appreciate it 👌

[@Gibsonlife573]

Just the one I needed to see I'm getting ready to build a lcg but I'm building a g shot and I'm telling you they are the most absolute capable truck I think

[@crawlstockrc]

Hi Phil, try some green slime shock grease on the orings when you build them up. It will make them so much smoother.

[@RhinoCards793]

That's looking so epic!! I can't to see this build finished

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers Brandon

[@TheRCScotsman]

I'm right with you, when it comes to building something & filming. Love building kits. HATED filming building my Gmade GS02, for example. Dunno what it is, but it just robs the fun out of it! Oh... I mean, NICE RIG!

[@TomleyRC]

Yeah… takes the fun out of it. I did this over a week or so…. made it far less painful 😅

[@RACEABLE]

30 minutes video for a crawler and I watched it all! I deserve one kilogram of ice cream and a dozen of chocolates..( apart from a new bike i promise my self i will buy in case i would watch the second part!🤣😂😅) Give us some monster trucks and truggies!

[@TomleyRC]

I’ll get you 2 kilos and you can share 😅

[@RACEABLE]

@@TomleyRC 😂😅🤭

[@stewartgreen22]

I love tinkering. Love my FTX and VRX stuff. A crawler is on the wish list. Thinking about building my own too. Excellent content as usual. Keep it up Phil

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks Stewart 👌

[@joeyfiend7864]

I really like the look of it all! Looks amazing! I never knew the green and purple look was "joker" themed 🤔 great build

[@TomleyRC]

🤟

[@bryantgenson5339]

I really love building and watching and learning

[@roblowrie1969]

It's looking like an awes build. I've been thinking about an LCG Belly Dragger for ages now, but never got round to it. This might be the inspiration. 👍🏻

[@MauzyrockRC]

Well, that was wicked! so much work to bring us this sweet sweet belly dragger! Now I want to do one.

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks dude 🤟

[@jayhow997]

Here's a little shock absorber location tuning tip . Tuning with Shock Mounting Positions On the front, laying the Shock down will make the Shock feel softer (as the car rolls) and will increase steering, but decrease damping. Standing the front Shock up will make the Shock feel stiffer (as the car rolls) and will decrease steering, but increase damping. On the rear, standing the Shock up will decrease traction (or add steering), but increase damping. Laying the rear shock down will increase traction, but decrease damping. As a rule, the more traction the track has, the more you can stand the Shocks up.

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks mate.. appreciate it

[@davethomas165]

If you can, use 3bros anti foams, and tusk tires, they will make an unbelievable difference in how your lcg rig crawls...... Great build!!!

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I honestly like the old looking rear axel... Don't u dare get rid of it... That brass look was so beautiful... I love that old Axel.. I want it so badly.. it was basically art

[@eprc7585]

Excellent stuff been looking forward to this!

[@bobbyspencer1490]

great thing you got built with that indoor outdoor carpet thing you was crawleing on oh my that is something i will be building thanks for the great ideal

[@michaelcain2174]

It’s looking amazing so far , really looking forward to the next video 👌

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@RichB07]

Very nice . Love wheel and tire combo. I like the longer vids on this kind of stuff . That's going to be awesome .

[@joematthews3379]

i hope we get a part 2 to this unlike the yokomo YD2-S build :D

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

Next time building shocks, definitely try some associated green slime. I'll never build shocks again without it lol

[@Death2unicorns]

Yup gotta use green slime!

[@Manutd4eva]

Love that capra!!!

[@damienparker-burgess7086]

Love ur bids Phil can't wait to see next vid on this

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Great video as always. Rig is looking awesome. I want one. Ha. Thanks for sharing. John

[@mehimrc1314]

Nothing better than knowing how to set shocks up properly. You've set them with no rebound, has nothing to do with droop. It's how fast the shock comes back once compressed. Great build shame you lost footage, that thing will look stunning once it's all adjusted.

[@TomleyRC]

Yeah… I kinda thought it may be the case. I remember watching your video on the WLtoys shocks 👍

[@evintacy7272]

Wow bud top notch parts your belly dragged going be sick! Awesome my man 🤘🏻💯

[@Nickwillfixit]

You should always use some shock 'O' grease there are a few different manufacturers I use Team Associated Green Slime as you could split the 'O' rings or the thread could cut them.

[@Johnny_Guitar]

*PRECISELY !!!* And thank-you for bringing it up! I personally use the Protek O-ring brand of lube.

[@SharkysGarageRCandMore]

Great video, really useful information. Looking forward to seeing part 2

[@petermakeithappen8336]

Team gspeed has epic quality firm and function. 3BRC and the lot are just really great products

[@TomleyRC]

I agree

[@danweiss4928]

I seen the shock parts made by Traxxas!! You did a good job hiding them!!! Lol!! I enjoyed it video!!

[@kevingilroy]

8:06 In a full size American V8 4x4. You overdrive the front axle. Because the heavy V8 squish the front tires down. Changing the front final drive to ground ratio.

[@bobmann8817]

I like where you're headed but you should keep the plastic axles for comping aluminium tends to hang up on rocks. Ideally 4-6lbs is the sweet spot. I would have gone Nsdrc or shift x2 servo. No brass in the rear. And a micro x ESC and revolver or yellow jacket. Ok I won't go on but you got me excited with this on nd would love to see it perform. Oh and toss the links and get titanium high clearance😉

[@ConditionZero76]

Nice build I'm shocked you're just now getting into lcg builds across the pond, with Dravtech shocks you don't need to run the shock shaft all the way down like that, you'll lose all your oil, you actually only need to push down like an 1/8 of an inch then set the bladder on top and at that point release the shock shaft and it'll suck the bladder down airtight, once you do that then screw your cap on. Also for droop you want to use lighter springs, the oil is all about dampening the springs are all about ride height..💯👍🏼

[@andrewupsidedown]

you have all the parts for a super nice LCG. I love my V3 crawlers and punks customs wheels are amazing

[@jasonhughes3587]

I agree with what you said about Titanium Vs Steel but also to consider is that Titanium has very high resistance to corrosion due to the tenacious oxide layer it produces. So although it's not as strong as a good alloy steel you can often benefit by its use in applications where light weight and corrosion resistance is beneficial.

[@Mr._Dice006]

Gotta love those axles. Nice build man.

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@lf_mocs]

This is absoloutly class

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@Modifier-RCs]

I really enjoy videos like this that gives you detail of step by step 👍👌

[@NCmountainsYouTubeChannel]

Looking forward to seeing your part #2 O yeah “

[@jahmenrcbuildingasone4254]

The paint on wheels is called iridescent Tamiya makes this color so nice!

[@rcwreck-creation]

Bit of a disadvantage for a LCG to have portals, No? Looks like a hell of a fun build anyways! 👌👍 nicely done Phil. Thank you for sharing.

[@Death2unicorns]

Yea, straight axles are generally used for majority of lcg builds. Kind of counterintuitive putting portals on one.

[@howardsmith5898]

If you leave the springs off til after you fill the shock oil and fit the diaphragm you don't need to keep pressure on the set the piston height. Also a pair of side cutters on the top thread ensures you can't damage the shock shaft

[@ISOSAILING]

first crawler i built was from scrap ni had kicking about blows my hobao dc1 out the water also found it works alot beter with cheep crap shocks as it's that heavy it more or less just bottoms them out just sitting there main prob i have is finding drive shafts strong enough as keeps braking them!! your one looks nice!! i know what you mean about the cheep crawlers they are more fun best bit they are a hell off a lot cheeper to fix as well.

[@heady2008]

The JConcepts Creep body is a popular choice for an LCG rig and can I suggest Tamiya PS-46 Iridescent Purple Green if you want the shell to carry on your colour scheme

[@dexterbeattie7884]

Cool wheel's and tire's. Love the rig.

[@evintacy7272]

Perfect 👍 just perfect! This is great build right here one day soon I will build my dream leg or belly dragged 🤘🏻💯👍😎

[@John.lakesrc]

Green slime on the shock orings 👌

[@smallsoundrc9678]

Great build. it’s looking stunning. can’t wait to see it out on the track 👍🏼

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@derricksazrc3411]

I hate building shocks too. I always have issues. This video was great. Those parts are juicy. I’m hoping to do a budget build LCG from the ground up soon.

[@mdgeist472]

Cheap solution for droop are rubber bands around the shocks.

[@fromfin90]

I am sure folks have told you but imma put in my two cents. Why OD? Overdrive front(and/or underdrive rear) Few reasons, as you mentioned when Climbing the weight goes on rear wheels, and often tips your truck back, but OD helps reduce that by dragging the front wheels along. It helps making turning radius smaller by pulling the front end of the car in, instead of pushing from behind or 1:1 drive ratio(front to back, no OD/UD). My class 1 and class 2 competition right both enjoy Overdrive. OD is not always The One DEfining factor of victory, but its a small tool in the toolbox

[@ericsrchobby5180]

Great video! Love your longer build videos👍

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude… this was a long one to make 😅

[@NoLimitRC87]

Build coming on awesome looking forward to seeing it finished ice got incision drive shafts in mine and highly recommend them 👌

[@TomleyRC]

I’ll take a look 👌

[@NoLimitRC87]

@@TomleyRC honestly bud they're probably the best route to go down I cant fault them nice weight to them also and they look the part also which is always a bonus 😉

[@Death2unicorns]

Yup incision shafts are the way to go

[@boy6named6zoen6]

Could also do a Riddler theme.. same colors and purple question marks on a green body would look awesome.

[@TomleyRC]

Yes could do 👌

[@seanriglin3527]

Would love to see a build video of a budget on a budget rig 👍

[@TomleyRC]

Yes, I have loads planned but I need to wait until I have more time later on in the year 😎👌

[@kriscarter5440]

We need a part 2 buddy!

[@stephenr6427]

Tomley your shocks are upside down and you could put shorter links on the shocks on the rear to drop it a bit and still have loads of travel great built looks awesome and great colour choice

[@JonathanHoing]

To run full droop you don't use springs on the outside. The springs go inside the shock housing if you use any. I've used spings from a click ink pen. Some pens have stiffer or heavier springs. But for droop I'd run 15 to 20 weight shock oil. However the heavier your rig the thicker the shock oil you can use . On my 2.2 rig I usually run droop front and back and on my 1.9 rig I usually run droop in front and regular sprung in rear. I use stick on wheel weights like tireshops use for mag wheels to weight for 2.2 I use 2 to 2 1/2 Oz. In front and normally 1 to 1 1/2 Oz. In rear. For the 1.9 it's 1 to 1 1/2 in front and 1/2 TO 3/4 OZ in rear.. anyway that's just a little of my setup.

[@MrFruitflan]

a drip of oil on the shaft thread before you insert it will protect the orings, green slime is even better for that, like the gorilla tape idea though, ill be using that!! :)

[@RC_Ira]

Amazing model, awesome crawler my friend!)🤩💥💯👍💫✨🌟

[@Hamzamakesfunvideos]

WOW THIS BUILD IS COOL!!!

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks dude

[@jonlaird5082]

I love my lcg rig. I use it constantly and it performs extremely well with the holmes hobbies revolver motor on it. I'm in the process of building a budget friendly lcg rig using a bunch of those chinese scx10 and capra parts to compete against my friends high dollar lcg just for shits and giggles,lol.

[@TomleyRC]

Awesome… I love making budget rigs 👌

[@channelisomo]

Most important is fast motor and suspension ...rest is just extras that A.adding sometimes very high value B.adding extras that won't make much performance improvement like spoilers or special carbon rubber off-road wheels ...etc...

[@ultimatekaiser5411]

You should look into getting wall outlets with a usb port. It would make it a lot easier to charge your 2s batteries.

[@TomleyRC]

Haha… yes, I should 😅

[@markskielliott5962]

Welcome to the gspeed community

[@homeworkpictureshq]

Wow... Nice crawler

[@TomleyRC]

Cheers dude

[@philipstarkey7920]

Always like your vids but this one is my favourite. I’ve just made a gspeed with element bits. Not run it yet but can’t wait. You mentioned a comp coming up. When and where is it please.

[@TomleyRC]

Awesome… glad you enjoyed it. There are a few around the UK this year. Check out GCRC Family group of you are on Facebook

[@islandrc-duke1972]

nice build so far,have a good one brother

[@TomleyRC]

Thanks mate

[@rcguy7244]

How much weight are you adding?

[@TomleyRC]

I’ll be weighing it and adjusting the weight etc in part 2 👍

[@tobydyes]

To get suspension droop put a spring between the body of the shock and the shock shaft use a string from a pen

[@Emtbtoday]

Was watching that loud Kev build one out the Ryft the other nyt he had a big servo gaurd on the front his was useless but this looks more sturdy his was to top heavy it kept rolling

[@chadedwards5908]

Great video very educational and fun a lot of that's what she said you held back on, congratulations LOL.

[@jacqueslandry47]

Hey mate just wanna tell you when I bought my Axial Scx10 it was supplied with extra parts including some different length driveshafts I don't know if it's included with the Capra but it might be worth a check!

[@italianstln43]

hi tom looking like the joker theme going on there very nice i just did a lcg slash 4x4 build using teal blue and green thats why i love rc imagination is fun

[@aravindrao9572]

19:56 ig it is know as unsprung weight It improves handling as well as the cars suspension can react to bumps quickly.

[@danwoodruff4323]

I have been looking into a LCG. There are so many out there. Just trying to find the right one for me.

[@Gibsonlife573]

To get more group you need to turn the shock upside down and take the spring off

[@IndiBGaming]

Love the channel man keep it up!

[@Andr31982]

Have you concidered preloading the rear shocks with the pen-spring mod? Could help the rideheight in the rear?

[@TomleyRC]

I did yes… may give it a try

[@donaldsneffe]

Surprised you did not use your Ixo for disassembling the Capra.

[@WheelsRC]

Nice build Phil. 👌

[@FUNNYVIDEOS-ri3in]

I want TO KNOW FROM WHERE DID YOU PURCHESED TABLE PAD AND TITLE NAME OF THAT YOUR ARE WORKING ON THAT PAD

[@rodz017]

great stuff.... i learn a lot from your videos very informative and on point thank you

[@wordreet]

Gotta see it running before I can approve those girly looking shocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JPRC_CRAZINESS]

Those wheels are nice!!!😎

[@benlait3696]

Hi Phil have you got the links around the right way? The high clearance links usually go on the front.

[@TomleyRC]

I wasn’t sure.. but did look at a few other rigs and they were this way around

[@benlait3696]

Just thought it might be the reason why your rear shocks look jacked up due to the shorter link's.

[@Gibsonlife573]

I don't know if my buddy has a video on it or not but he has an absolute amazing Trucking channel 2fmrc

[@ibgscalecrawlers7226]

What weights did you fit on for the Capra

[@lorrylemming]

Probably a dumb question but won't those wheels let water into the tyres? Or is it for dry crawling only.

[@TomleyRC]

They seem air tight… so should be ok