First Driving Test!! on the Mini Rock Crawler Build - Part 14

Today we finally get to test drive this mini rock crawler build. We test out the flex of the suspension and the 4 wheel drive setup. For this project I'm using the Fox 2.0 Air shocks. These are air only shocks and can be made hard or soft just by adding more nitrogen pressure. The fox air shocks are super easy to adjust and really light weight, perfect for these smaller projects but they can also work well in jeeps and other light rock crawlers. King air shocks are also a great option if your build is like mine, but I feel like the Fox airs have a better factory valving setup. The Fox air shocks should go together really well with the mini rock bouncer as that's really what they were designed for.
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[@atsekjoker]

i think you, red beard, grind hard and the others should do a build off once a year with given settings or parts and race the outcomes against each others in an annual meeting. that would be cool and a fix date in a year. Go on!

[@winterwolf640]

@johnnytheprick those guys are a bunch of goofballs

[@trevorstevens3994]

And the loser do a give away with there build to a random follower

[@tstricklin4808]

Cars n. Cameras always invites him ,I think he's been twice, but grind hard hasn't ever been a part of it tho

[@atsekjoker]

@@trevorstevens3994 yeah !

[@atsekjoker]

@johnnytheprick and vasily builds

[@SuperBigdanno]

Primary clutch needs a rebiuld, bushings are shot and wd whatever you used is a bandaid fix at best. Someone else mentioned it here too that you need heavier weights in that primary as well and maybe a different profile too. Lots of variables in a CVT.

[@kodywattus4648]

Toooooo many variables

[@austinconklin08]

Definitely needs to start with a heavier primary spring and heavier weights. This will solve both the engagement rpm (more weight - faster engagement) and clamping force (stiffer spring). When doing the flex test you can hear the belt wailing in agony due to slip. See a lot of this problem on the CanAm X3s when guys go to bigger tires (35s) or run paddles

[@tshupp72]

absolutely..bigger spring for sure. quality belt too ... once he glazed it it was shot ...take a brillo pad to the surfaces of the clutch

[@austinconklin08]

@@tshupp72 green scotch bright and clutch cleaner, scuffing at a 45 degree across the sheave faces 👌🏽

[@hb91]

@@austinconklin08 >neat

[@JoelArseneaultYouTube]

Did you read somewhere in a manual or get told by FOX that this is an acceptable method to reduce damping? I've worked on lots of shocks before (in the bicycle industry) and there's almost always a very specific amount of oil required. Removing oil, from my experience, will not reduce demping throughout the travel of the shock, but make it so that there is none at the top of the stroke and some at the bottom (compressed). The only reduction in damping you will get is due to foaming of the oil and that will be extremely unpredictable and constantly changing. To reduce the damping of a shock, if you do not have a damping adjustment, you either change the viscosity of the oil (remove and replace the oil) or open up the shock and change the shim stack. I would not recommend changing the shim stack unless thinner oil is not an option. Shocks require a specific amount of oil for more than one reason and you will reduce their performance and could damage your very expensive shocks by running them too low or to high on oil. Great work tho !

[@Grim0954]

Joel took the words right out of my mouth. Please listen to Joel.

[@bolaobikes]

@@Grim0954 same here, im a mtb suspensions mechanic and you never use less oil than whtas recomended by the maker... u change oil grades oe valve shims.

[@FarmerFpv]

Those fox air shocks are emulsion shocks so removing oil will change the damping.

[@JoelArseneaultYouTube]

@@FarmerFpv Really... I've never heard of that. I'll have to look into it. Do you happen to have a link to this information ? I had a quick look and don't see anything. Just had a look at their site and don't see anything about this... I do see in the specs that it says "Valving Tunable, velocity sensitive deburred valve shims" seeming to indicate what I thought was correct. Not saying I'm right, but I'd like to see where FOX recommends this.

[@ratherBweldingChris]

I’ve tried looking this stuff up but can’t find any information on it with the shocks that I have. But on the pamphlet that came with the shocks it says to adjust the oil level to adjust the damping

[@BobbyDukeArts]

That thing is crazy! So cool

[@charlieshell5231]

Cool seeing you here

[@ratherBweldingChris]

Haha amazing to see you here, thanks man. I love your videos 😁

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

@@ratherBweldingChris shock oil volume might impact rebound speed , but it should have nothing to do with whether or not it actually rebounds. Something doesn't compute. Unless the shocks you have had been overfilled with oil, causing some sort of malfunction. But they're just have an oil chamber and an orifice, so I dunno what would be malfunctioning from too much oil. I'm scratching my head on this one. Why did draining the oil finally get the suspension to rebound ? Do you have a Bad pressure gauge in your shop? Maybe the pressure you thought you put in them wasn't what the gauge said.

[@taspiderman1]

you need to change the fly weights in the cluch to engage faster at lower rpm for the gear box

[@buckpotter3184]

I definitely feel you about breaking down at the house then breaking down in the trails Definitely do all the test riding around the house when we break down we have A rope of shame to take you back home

[@joshmartin7924]

Those has got to be my favorite build out of any smaller scale thing ever

[@coldrolledcreations6661]

This is just an insane build like no other. Keep at it!!

[@supermotofeann]

for the noisy chain... replace the flat wheel with a small sprocket! it worked for me in the past

[@shootingsportstransparency7461]

Love to see the old Dutch *DAF variomatic* back in this nice piece of home brew

[@matthewf1979]

Thinner oil, not less oil. That belt is already done and spitting off burning rubber chunks. If you insist on using that CVT system, please make a full cover so you don’t start a fire somewhere in the back woods. It’s not too late to drive the gearbox with a chain/sprocket system. The motorcycle clutch will last longer and stay cooler if it’s under driven. A simple 3 or 4 to 1 chain ratio into the ATV differentials is enough to climb almost anywhere.

[@evanwebber9981]

He has the skills to make the correct 2-speed box with reverse. He could easily make a 2:1 reduction high range, with a 5 or 6:1 low range, then adjust primary and secondary sprockets for the best gearing. He said he wanted the CVT so he doesn't have to mess with the clutch on the trail, but the way it's set up he's going to have to modulate the clutch to avoid burning up the CVT and chain. It would be VASTLY better as a direct drive with clutch.

[@xxdjsolomanxx]

Yeah, CVT on a rig like that would not be my first choice, thats for certain.

[@leos7429]

That CVT there makes no sense. It will always be the weakest link in all the transmission

[@xxdjsolomanxx]

@@leos7429 Thats also how i feel about the side by sides, instead of CVT and belt drive garbage, they could have just beefed up the transmissions and diff setups from the large 4 wheelers, or just made better ones so you could get them in a manual transmission option or an auto/tiptronic style setup. Ive just never been one for CVT, sure, its fine on a snowmobile and a small go cart, but when the large toys have them, it just seems like a cheap cop-out. Belt drive CVT on a 4 wheel drive off road machine? No thanks, would much rather have even chain drive multi gear if shaft is completely out of the equation. I have no doubt there are plenty who just fabricate them with something out of, say, a suzuki samaurai or similar small 4x4, or even larger if able to fab it all under a side by side.

[@stevelipman1662]

That is by far the most badass thing I've seen anyone build on the planet . I would buy that thing in a heartbeat . Your a genius, mad scientist, and a great fabricator .

[@RandysRides]

Dude, you should start your own company and mass produce these. What an incredible mini rocker.

[@longsleevethong1457]

Seriously? That thing is garbage. He can’t even keep it running. He needs some help with ideas. All that shit he built as a drive train is a nightmare. Absolutely myopic af.

[@ItsGalaxys]

@@longsleevethong1457 let's see you build something better 🤣

[@longsleevethong1457]

@@ItsGalaxys I build classic cars and motorcycles. If I did this sort of thing I would never create so many worthless moving parts. Think smarter bro. That drive train is absolute garbage and you know it.

[@trentonnelson8593]

@@longsleevethong1457 a lot easier to put old cars together then make something new you could do no better

[@longsleevethong1457]

@@trentonnelson8593 lol ok. Says you. Look…this contraption is junk and you know it. This is poor execution.

[@wrenchg3954]

OMFG WOW! THAT FREAKING GETS TWISTED. YOU REALLY SCORED A W ON THIS BUILD

[@FarmerFpv]

That thing is so freaking awesome, bro! Those fox shocks are emulsion shocks so removing the oil is the right thing to do to soften the damping. I'm in love with this machine!

[@BraydenBarlow]

That thing has crazy articulation!!! Thats so rad!

[@WildfoxFabrication]

Thing flexes more than an Olympic bodybuilder. Fantastic job

[@jessed2282]

🤣

[@rosstempletonogskater]

You NEED to take that Thing out in the Country for a RIDE and have some FUN

[@bradwilsey9426]

You’ll need to change the shock oil weight not the amount.

[@possiblenewenergy8101]

Congratulation to be in in this step after hard working period.

[@GaisaSanktejo]

You could always replace the chain tensioner wheel for a skateboard wheel 😉 While its life wouldn't be as long as plastic, it wouldn't get chewed up as much as tape would

[@scotttod6954]

70-80s roller skates have very soft rubber. Find a pair at a second hand store and that is 8 wheels.

[@Grim0954]

That, or even a small sprocket.

[@88s10Durango]

Get rid of the plastic , put a small sprocket in place with bearings inside of the sprocket ...we used sprocket back in the 70`s and 80`s .

[@raimogeel9497]

A chain is always bumping on round objects. Use a sprocket, that’s designed for it.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

At 24:40 you can see a smoking strip of belt land between the tires.Close cations read (Music){Applause}when the motor revs and you take off.It really is music to the ears too.Well done so far Chris!Heavier weights in the Primary and it'll grab better,and sooner.

[@TheMlc4life]

Man I am so proud of you dude. You have progressed awesomely.

[@optimalprimidius7295]

That is by far the most aggressive and fun thing you have built to date. Cannot wait to see it off road!!

[@lunarrn]

Man if you were evil I would be scared....congrats on the awesome machine/build...

[@markyedlicka]

I think we all had the same reaction to the flex... WOW

[@dustinmiller7278]

proud of you man love the build you never cease to amaze

[@curtmartini66]

Wow!! I am 100% jealous. GREAT WORK!!!

[@jessed2282]

Pretty crazy to have the motor idle without the primary spinning like normal, 2nd and 3rd must top that thing out going pretty quick, or just smoke the belt lol

[@denmarkguy1]

My motorcycle has the same engine, its a great engine. Pulls hard after 4,000 rpm

[@Vinhhienvlog_1983]

It's amazing. Another homemade car read, thank you for sharing

[@steffentysnes5302]

i still think it would be better without the cvt and rather a chain directly to the gearbox, sure it would be a bit harder to get used to driving, but it would be more power efficient and smaller

[@superbanaan9]

do u even know what u talkin about cleary u have 0 knowledge of a cvt a cvt is better then any other gearbox ever made thats why they banned cvt in formula 1 racing u make all the power at any givin point u need it it never stops makin power lol go back to school

[@jordannorman1314]

@@NubsWithGuns I think he means for it to be 1 to 1 gearing. Like no variation

[@All_SportGG]

@@superbanaan9 Firstly, calm down. Secondly, why don't Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti, ... Use them on their high performance cars if CVTs are the best transmissions?

[@taepowell8821]

I was thinking the same thing at first I know what you mean . But That motorcycle clutch most likely can’t handle that much weight but that cvt is made for sxs’s so I think he’s doing it right just have sum tweaking to do this project is going to be major!

[@steffentysnes5302]

@@superbanaan9 do you honestly believe that a cvt like this which more or less works purely by friction won't take any power out of the system? Sure you can tune them to only engage at optimal rpm, but if you didn't have it it would work better at those rpm's

[@MsMotron]

crazy awsome mashine you built there!

[@Trevinator1990]

i think the primary bushings need to be cleaned up or replaced. also, a light sway bar in the rear would help with the body roll.

[@masonkaye5]

It needs a gear reduction at the axles, a sway bar will reduce flex but a gear reduction will not while doing a better job at reducing torque twist.

[@ryanrotten8595]

Climb the wood pile! That would be awesome.😎

[@erickvond6825]

Use a sprocket instead of the delrin. It'll mesh with the chain better and make less noise. You have the machine tools to make an arbor for one. As for the shocks, to make the dampening lighter there are actually parts you can get for higher flow rate and less dampening. You really shouldn't remove the oil though as it's there for more than just dampening. It's also the lubrication...

[@colossalbigfoot256]

This is just one cool toy! You could market something like this for sure.

[@calebberglund53]

that is the most badass go-cart I've ever seen. I always wanted to see someone build something like it and it has finally been done. mad props

[@calebberglund53]

also side note: I've been around 4x4 rock crawlers long enough to know that you are going to want a chosen weak point that is easy to replace when broken. guys with weak jeep axles sometimes wont upgrade to chromoly shafts so they don't destroy the ring and pinion gears, all I am saying is the slipping clutch may be a blessing in disguise.

[@mitchgohl4854]

Is there any reason why you wouldn’t use a regular sprocket as a chain tensioner instead of the plastic piece so it would be quieter and would also be less wear so you wouldn’t need to always be replacing the plastic piece?

[@geoffburrill9850]

Was thinking same. Wouldn't there be more friction with a sprocket due to area of teeth???

[@mitchgohl4854]

@@geoffburrill9850 I was thinking the sprocket would have less friction but I honestly have no idea lol

[@88s10Durango]

@@mitchgohl4854 Ya all are to young lol , I used a sprocket in the 70`s and 8-0`s on our dirt bikes , the sprocket had a bearing in the center , they never wore out ...

[@Hellsong89]

@@88s10Durango Never part i dont buy but lasted way longer than actual gears since there is way less force coming to tensioner.

[@mikeannen4458]

You are an extremely talent young man! You and a few others on you tube give me hope for the future. So many lazy good for nothing young punks out there not willing to put the video games down and get out of their parents basement and get a job or do something construtive. Keep using your talents and you will go a long way!!

[@squiduardsquarepants568]

I think belt was too tight

[@scrappy7571]

Agree

[@markwallace3181]

Your not gonna see anything leaning back like that in the seat. Either you’re gonna be leaning forward cramped as heck or staring up into the sky the whole time.

[@ronniewilliz153]

Thats what I thought too he first said I wanna build a rock bouncer then changed it to a crawler an didn't change the seat I guess

[@IDRIDER9]

Absolutely loved watching this dude stress testing the crap out of this beast. What a sick build!

[@patrickcarlin6668]

I love it I recommend adding unsprung weight to the axles give u less teetering

[@stevenwolf91]

I think your gonna have to lose that torque converter.. rock crawlers are usually in the low rpm range. Rock bouncers are in high rpms but this thing just screams rock crawler to me.. especially with that amount of flex.

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

That $12 spindle lock nut is exactly how i fixed my Bronco!!!

[@garyhill9516]

Awesome man. A dream of mine. Not nessasarily a rock climber but a off road build

[@robsdeviceunknown]

Well, this will be put up after the first time he actually "rock crawls". Seat position, weight distribution, generally dangerous with body parts less than an inch from moving parts, concussions from slamming head into cage, etc etc. I guaranty you no organized licensed off road groups would allow you to run that with them.

[@JETHO321]

😒

[@LandscapeAhoy129]

Spoken like a true expert. I'd imagine he'd be wearing a helmet and harness like in his other builds, so concussions aren't likely. And the weight distribution seems fine to me. That engine is far forward and the seat isn't over the rear axle. It absolutely isn't as optimal as a full-size chassis but as far as simple crawlers it will certainly suffice. The bottom line is you couldn't build anything like this, and I think you know that. Constructive criticism is fine, but not when it's based on non-facts and coming from someone with no experience.

[@jcobra09]

Wow. Super sick crawler. Talented dude

[@waynebrown5428]

That thing is the most awesome build yet!

[@DumbCarGuy]

I can't believe how much useful information everybody is chipping in.

[@JustThisGuy42]

"It kinda works!" The mating call of the handyman.

[@Caniboss1]

The best articulation I've ever seen out of a home built mini rock crawler by far. Par to none good sir. Good job!

[@darthgbc363]

Chain Tensioner - Maybe a skateboard, roller skate, or rollerblade wheel. Maybe use a double V-belt instead. I was actually hoping you could use a longer belt & mount the primary clutch inline with engine output with a 3-jaw coupler & a few bearings. The CVT is probably still setup for way higher RPMs. Mess around with the springs & weights. Getting rid of the CVT is most likely your best option. But, if you don't experiment & try things outside the box, than you will never know the answer to, what if?

[@Broken_AK47]

cvt is trash for very low rpm work. cvt wont engane when needed or will engage at idle lol. anyhow, amazing work as always.

[@johnwhauserman]

The crawler makes a hell of a parallel ditch digger.

[@danielhelbig1116]

Can’t WAIT to see the next mini motorcycle build video! You’re the greatest

[@hawaiianstylen]

8:46 you got a lot of faith in those Jack stands

[@michaelbaird2715]

This man has a lot of trust in them stand jacks.

[@dannystubblefield5478]

Impressive ramp travel- helluva good job

[@macleanlaird8374]

4wd is absolutely sick... 👌

[@ArloCaneCorso]

Get this beast into mass production 🙌🏼

[@amorsolocanuto37]

finally, nice job sir. I've been waiting for you to finish that project.

[@toddwilson5240]

That was awesome !!! Very talented Guy !!!

[@rong4189]

Nice job! The articulation is impressive.

[@DktheWelder]

Great to see all your hard work paying off , what a beast! Hopefully that torque converter holds up

[@Skiridr22]

Now that is some sweet articulations 👍🏾👍🏾

[@tristanmcnabb2741]

Allsome work 🌟 yip I reckon take the CVT pullys off and put sprokits in its place then the the rock nibbler will be powerful.👌😁👍🎉🌟 allsome work from cruzermans inventions 😁🎉

[@nathanpatrick7094]

Look like fun to ride look forward complete how it will look

[@dennissastini3312]

Wow nice flex I'm impressed great job

[@tomthumb4767]

When you done that flex test , I'm not sure which one of us had the biggest smile. Great build .

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there👋,how are you doing today?hope you’re having a good day?God bless you!!!❤️

[@brentheltsley7187]

Anyone else see the smoking piece of belt fly off while in HI range? Haha. Nice test overall. Great outcome!

[@mando719ad]

Add annon board air system to air up the other 3 sides etc when flexing like that, so you can drive a bit more level.

[@chadscott2499]

My favorite build besides the snowmobile gocart

[@HILLBURKE]

Take this thing to the next September Slam at Rush off-road park in Kentucky

[@45acp]

Really good flex. Now to to the rocks.

[@MajorProblem698]

Hey tip for yeah, while running with belt off. Rub the secondary with Emory cloth or sand paper. Belt sticks a whole lot better. Old sled trick for blown belt residue.

[@jackreacher1963]

Thats a nice machine you built. Impressive

[@theuntouchables808]

That thing look so dang awesome

[@danmcelroy6584]

I think you have a awesome little toy to play with! I like it! 👍👍✌️

[@dannychiguina3962]

Brother I appreciate all your Tips and Build keep up the great job 👍 much ablie

[@benjaminhuot8899]

I think there is a lot of great things with CVT transmission and before thinking about taking yours out of your vehicule, you should learn about them and ajust them the right way. Your primay engage to high? Bending your strap wont fix that problem. Now your strap is way to tight and I think that is one of your principal problem with your CVT setup. I’m a snowmobile guy and I know CVT may be capricius sometime but when its finetuned properly, it work insanely! Great job by the way!

[@jarnoverhoeven3118]

came here to see the self centering 6 jaw chuck, very nice. very cool project with a DAF 33-esque transmission 😀

[@geoffburrill9850]

That machine is amazing.

[@UrmatKasymov]

Прекрасная работа. голова на месте, и руки золотые.

[@Redneckmfg]

Great Video !! and the numbers show it... 361K views is a record setter for you... nice!!!

[@mountainmike1685]

Nice build. Once I used a sprocket for a chain tensioner worked well.

[@jamesmatthews2966]

That's a bad ass rig,it looks like a cyborg

[@solarfunction1847]

Fantastic so far.

[@waltershoults8803]

Dude I’m gonna be honest , you could go Big with your stuff. Just know that. 💯💣💣💣💣💣💣👍

[@acurarl9929]

Amazing rig you built. Maybe the best thing I’ve seen ever anywhere. Great job.

[@hillonwheels8838]

This project is showing that you need a bigger shop and some property that you don't have to worry about neighbors.

[@galieric]

Keep up the good work ... the squeel is cuz the belt is a hair to tight .. add a thin shim in the secondary.. those polaris gear box's are kick a** 👌

[@richbon9904]

You need to take that amd compete somewhere. You mite of started a new mini rock crawling category. Seriously awesome job. That would be tons of fun in the mountains

[@winteradventures9113]

that thing is insane!!!!!!!! great job dude

[@blacktopmediauk]

Awesome build. For the tensioner, try using a front sprocket as an idler. That should quieten it down nicely.

[@nyetcattheronislav2052]

HOLLY DUDE that is amazing shit here!!!

[@tonyfoley9988]

I wish I had your knowledge and skills. So excited to see the finished product and you've done a GREAT job with this insane beast of a machine. It's so hard waiting to see this BEAST out in the mountains somewhere climbing on and over any/everything. By the way I noticed the KFX700 in the background, I've been looking for 1 for quite some time now. Well bud keep making these great videos and have fun doing it but be safe also. 👍 🤘💪👌

[@tristanmcnabb2741]

Hi Criss I reckon you will burn the built on the main track test direct drive it more power more room 🎉🌟👍👌😁

[@3sgteyota]

Thinking vs. Doing. Wow!

[@josephpacheco7508]

Great work. So much time, creation and intelligence, but if you made it this far, now time to mill out a box and put that chain stuff in boxes with oil and seal it up with output shafts