FMS FCX24 Build - NEW UPGRADES for Big Performance Gains!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Timestamps Parts overview: 1:05 Baseline course run: 8:18 Upgrades installed: 10:40 Pre-run complications: 17:37 Upgraded course runs: 19:39 Recap and final thoughts: 23:49

[@FarmerFpv]

SO sick, bro. I always look forward to your micro crawler videos. Always learning something new that benefits my rigs. By far the best channel on 1.24 crawlers. I would love to see how you made your foam mountain that we see you do the test climbs on. if possible. Thanks.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! I plan to do a indoor course build soon!

[@FarmerFpv]

@@CapeCrawlers Sick, bro I look forward to seeing it, I'm trying to make mine with newspapers dipped in flower and Elmer's glue kind as we did as kids in school making balloon masks. instead of plaster.

[@TheNeck-rc46]

Keep them coming Adam, built my first rc 40 yrs ago., For my son. Now my grandson the same age that he was . And now I'm back at it, but with the crawlers . Learning all over again, an you've been a great help.thank you . Loveing it.

[@shockman8014]

Mine is a lemon. I got it first release day and it worked for about 30 seconds before a portal gear carrier stripped out. With that glued the next run stripped another different portal gear carrier. With that glued as well as having to glue the portal covers because of the very soft plastic the screws (all but two counting all four corners) would not even begin to snug up on. So I bought 2 sets of complete axles (better and screws held) $32 with shipping and two weeks. It worked for a few minutes at that point when it lost almost all speed and all the torque. So a new esc/receiver/radio combo (just got it yesterday) $55.98 with new glass part ($7) and the esc/receiver will not bind with any controller I have including the original fcx24 radio I got with the truck and the new one that came with the esc combo. I have spent almost as much as I paid for this truck to try to no end to get it to work. No response from FMS though it hasn't been the usual 4 days they hold a message before even looking at it to respond that they will respond in another 4 days and saying something stupid like they need pictures or videos and a receipt . FMS is dead to me in all but the battle to make this right. I know I would like the truck if it worked and it's obvious that not many are the state of lemon they sold me, but sorry, I care for mine more than the other ones. If there was anything I could do to get this company banned from the US I would not hesitate.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Wow, that sounds like a terrible experience for sure! What a bummer. I hope you get it sorted out and they go good for it. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. I’m in contact with their marketing folks pretty regularly. They are much more responsive than the service teams.

[@shockman8014]

@@CapeCrawlers Thanks. I have posted similarly on most of FMS own youtubes on the fcx24 so I'm sure marketing is aware. I don't expect it to be made right already, but there has been plenty of time for them to respond and they won't. Prior problems were enough that I should have gotten a product that works. This last problem should be enough to shame them into making this right if they have any pride in their company not to mention this product.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

@@shockman8014 ideally, as your experience has been so bad, as a goodwill gesture they should replace the entire truck.

[@RCFIEND24]

Question. In your video. around 9:10. Where did you get the o ring? So when I install the portal covers, I'll be able to fix it as well.

[@CapeCrawlers]

These were extras from various SCX24 linkage sets. I had a bunch from a scx24 tool/hardware kit as well

[@kevinhill2929]

Looks awesome. Still working on my Scx24 jeep then thinking of one of these. Thanks for video Adam.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! It's a lot of fun. I highly recommend the brass hexes and a metal steering linkage right off the bat. It will save you some troubles.

[@CrazyQuadBrothersP3]

I’ve been teasing myself to get one of these in blue. I’ll eventually give in. Also can’t wait to rock a black 2X cape shirt when they hit the market hopefully in the near future!

[@farmboyrc]

my older brother came to me today and asked why we ran shocks without springs, and I couldn't really explain it can you make a video on that?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I talk about it in my shock setup video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3aoe6WJqNx9Zpo

[@TrevorParkJones]

Those parts look fantastic! And they seem to perform quite well too. That's cool you work with RCAWD testing stuff, that sounds like fun! Thanks for another informative, and entertaining video Adam, take care!!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! I enjoyed my portal axles so much on the gladiator and promoted them a lot before we made the collab official. They make great parts and I’m really fortunate to be an early tester. They also know I’ll thrash the parts and give them honest feedback 👍🏻

[@Thegreatpnw_rc]

Love your videos. Can't do the droopy front end lift no springs look you always got going on haha. I like a tight crawler not a loose droopy one.

[@trailwomanrc]

Looks great...if they made some longer rear high clearance links like the McCue linkage I'd buy some. I had to flip the McCue for high clearance and either way they don't pivot well.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I also wish they had extended versions. Im sure they will eventually, or I hope at least!

[@jpkmates]

AWESOME. do you have a video on how you put your course together, that's nice.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! The indoor our outdoor course? Here is the indoor course: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nYmpeMjcl_ock

[@travelinwithTODD]

i am upgrading my FMS power wagon with high clear links and new shocks. i am missing what the pivot balls are for? where do i use them? i have some for the high clear links to but not sure where they go either

[@Machine_Brad]

Great videos and I've been binging all of your content ahead of my FCX24 Power Wagon RTR arrival; for my son for Christmas, you understand. ;) I've ordered various internal upgrades too so wanted to ask if you would perhaps provide a quick rundown of tools you would recommend, sizing etc, for maintaining and modding, coupled with anything obvious to you but maybe not to a noob, like a grease and/or thread lock etc? Keep 'em coming and thank you.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks Brad! I hope you and your son enjoy that power wagon. The primary tool you will need is a 1.5mm hex driver. FMS also utilizes Philips head screws, so a good set of tiny screwdrivers is important. Definitely some blue locktite and a small tube of grease.

[@Machine_Brad]

@@CapeCrawlers I'm certain of that! Great and I'll get those ordered right away. Appreciate the heads-up.

[@S5UPERCHARGED]

I just got these axles and portal covers for my fcx24. How did you manage to tighten the rear ones onto the alloy axle housing? I don't want to keep tightening the screw and strip the brass

[@CapeCrawlers]

I ended up using shorter screws to get them tight. Initially I had put some small rubber o rings in there and that worked as well.

[@kalimahhh]

That rig is coming along great! One thing I would really like to see is review of the treal aluminium axles with that capra look. The other I would like you to test and comment is the new full brass Injora wheels. I've been thinking about ordering those and mount them with no brass portal covers... if you have contact with rcawd, please tell them make a kit of longer back links and the respective shaft. A 1cm longer option and a 2cm option. I bet they will sell them better then stock size.

[@CapeCrawlers]

All good ideas! I will mention the longer links and drive shaft to rcawd. I bet they would sell a ton of those kits if they released them! Those brass Injora wheels are awesome. Aren’t they like 60g a piece or something crazy like that?

[@kalimahhh]

@@CapeCrawlers yes they weight around 60g... do you think they can be harmful to the gears, motor and performance? Or are they super improvement to crawling? We need to see them in action!...

[@ericcolorado746]

Are the scx24 links and other aluminum upgrades compatible with this rig?

[@CapeCrawlers]

They could be but the hardware they the fcx uses is bigger. You may have to drill out the eyelets if the scx24 components to get them to fit. Minor tweaks and I bet most of it would bolt up 👍🏻

[@malcolmlester4585]

regarding the front lift, have you considered internal spring set up to pull the shocks down?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I have not, but only because I’ve never ran into one that lifted bad enough for me to feel like I needed that type of setup. This thing though, it may be the one!

[@aladinsane5771]

Did you ever consider making it 4x4x4 ? Or is the lack of option for an extra steering servo on the receiver too much ? I did it with my Furitek Cayman ( wich uses the FMS axels ) and it really improved the performence on certain tracks...

[@aladinsane5771]

Oh, it does help upgrading the electronics / transmitter, my fav for crawling is the noble nb4 right now, specially the steering mix modes you can instantly change during a run...😎

[@CapeCrawlers]

I had never considered it honestly. I ended up stretching this with the RCAWD kit and reached a point where I felt it was nearly perfect. The 4x4x4 sounds awesome though!

[@aladinsane5771]

@@CapeCrawlers The 4 x 4 x 4 does run great, next problem i got is "how to" get a good system to make a 6 x 6 x 6 , the driveshaft between axles 2 and 3 is a big problem so it will probably end up being a 6 x 4 x 6....

[@twman111]

Please do a budget build for the fcx24 like you did for the scx24 and trx4m 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Laika106]

I bought these shocks but I can’t figure out how to mount them, did you find any instructions for it?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Do you mean with the pivot balls and the mounting hardware?

[@Laika106]

@@CapeCrawlers yes I couldn’t figure out the correct order

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

Are the socks and to bottom out, or is something else bump stopping?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Shocks are bottomed out.

[@unogno]

You need to get the extensions to make the chassis longer. I'm waiting for mine to be delivered. I saw a video on them and it climbs MUCH better and looks better too. The short wheel base is what made me almost not buy the power wagon but when I saw the video I changed my mind.

[@CapeCrawlers]

If I come get them anodized red like these I would be all over it. I still might order them to try. I agree about the stubby wheelbase. It throws off the balance from a visual and practical perspective. I can imagine with the stretched rear ended it would be nearly unstoppable!

[@JohnyPatrick]

Wouldn't a weighted wheels, oil shocks and metal drive shafts give a similar performance like this one without the other upgrades? I'm still considering the steering links and all for extra clearance but do let me know.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Oil shocks would be better I think because they're smoother. These are just friction dampened. The wheels on here are brass and quite heavy. The portal covers do make a big difference and non-rotational mass is always preferred. They all work pretty well together. The axle housings are mostly aesthetic, but everything else works well.

[@bobdefiglio2.045]

Will these upgrades work on the FMS K5 Blazer?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes they will

[@QuinnsRC]

So jealous of you getting these parts first. It must be so exciting. Some day. I ordered the Injora 23g portal covers, and have been thinking about the inner plastic covers stripping, especially with all that weight. But I don't really want to order new RCAWD stuff just to get those inner portals and have the outers sitting around. Hopefully Injora comes up with inner covers. Did you have any fit issues combining the two manufacturers' portal covers? Also sorta bummed to see that Treal didn't include the pivot ball hardware, and that it makes a huge difference. Man your rig looks so nice now! Can't wait for the shootout!

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’m really fortunate to have access to these parts, no doubt about that. If you’re cautious about tightening the bolts on the portal covers you should be fine. Mine never got to the point where it wouldn’t hold the cover tight. I could just feel it starting to turn and not tighten any further. No issues combining treal and rcawd components. They played nicely together!

[@QuinnsRC]

@@CapeCrawlers OK, I'll be extra cautious tightening them down. Good to know re: mixing treal and rcawd parts. Keep up the great videos!

[@stevelucchini87]

Great videos. Overall, which would you say is the best aluminum/copper part upgrades? A lot of people seem to say Treal what do you think?

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's hard to beat Treal quality. Their fit and finish is second to none in the minicrawler industry. Plus they make some of the heaviest, most beneficial mods on the market. For the FCX I don't think there is any more superior brand. RCAWD makes excellent parts as well. I've had great success with their parts.

[@andreasbitsch7229]

Did you cut the grill?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I did not. I just unbolted and removed the bumper.

[@goreyboggs]

Awesome man, I need to get one of these Little guys! I ordered 2 TRX4M last week tho!😜

[@CapeCrawlers]

Nice! I’m excited to try out the trx4m. I’d like to demo one before I buy one, but we’ll see. If the initial reviews are positive I’ll probably just buy one!

[@360woodierc]

Man your builds are great.Only Fms I have is the fj cruiser. There are zero mods available for that sweet little rig.Gotta say I’m looking forward for the new traxxas trx4m and how it will perform.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! I’m excited for the traxxas as well!

[@ToGrimmToWin]

I can't believe traxxas didn't put portals on the trx4m

[@360woodierc]

@@ToGrimmToWinya I hear ya.

[@garybeckwith9045]

Have a link for the axle housings? You raged but didn't post one. Ty.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Here you go: rcawd.com/products/rcawd-fms-fcx24-upgrades-aluminum-alloy-bridge-housing

[@covecityboys]

Are you tightening your stuff down manually or do you have an inch ounce torques tool?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Manually. And when I say stripping bolts in the video I mean stripping the plastic housing that they thread into.

[@covecityboys]

@@CapeCrawlers understood. Using an inch ounce torque tool will help that. I have the same problem. I can be turning them in with my little Dynamite tool like the red one you use and strip them right out before I realize they’re tight.

[@covecityboys]

@@CapeCrawlers check out the fcx24 motor transmission combo from furitek

[@suncityoutlawcrawlers6547]

Great stuff! Any idea when those axles housings will come out from RCAWD? Keep the great content coming!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! I'll ask them and see if I can find out!

[@malcolmlester4585]

looks good..you realize treal do inner covers as well in alloy colours.

[@malcolmlester4585]

i just saw the screws being to long...can you not shorten them with a dremel or do you have shorter screws?

[@malcolmlester4585]

ahh..i see you went shorter...good work lol

[@CapeCrawlers]

I think they released them after I got the outer covers (treal). They’re turning things out fast!

[@randall4411]

150 for a truck then 150 for upgrades and whata ya got ? Think I'll save for a Vanquish .

[@CapeCrawlers]

Hard to argue with that logic. Thankfully I enjoy the tinkering and modifying just as much as driving it, so I don’t mind

[@PhilipBallGarry]

@@CapeCrawlers at the end of the day though, you've got a great custom truck - and there's a lot of value in the enjoyment of tinkering.

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@PhilipBallGarry Thank you, and perfectly said!

[@rcgeordiecrawler2710]

Yet again another awesome video Adam, u never fail to hit the spot when it comes to mini crawler goodness 👍🏻😉. Do you think you will have be getting your hands on the Traxxas TRX4M when it comes out? I know its not a 1/24 scale rig but wouldnt mind seeing it on your indoor course. I’ll be getting myself the Bronco when they land here in the UK cos i love my 1/10 TRX4 79 Bronco so i’m hoping its going to be just as good. 👍🏻👍🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! My curiosity for the TRX4M is growing by the day. I was initially turned off because 1) I don’t need another bronco, and 2) I am not a big fan of the Land Rover body. But more and more I am eyeballing that blue bronco 👀

[@rcgeordiecrawler2710]

@@CapeCrawlers snap Adam, i have my eye all over the Blue As well cos i have the same red Bronco SCX24 as you. I do also like the look of the Black Bronco body as well and the Red just looks like a basic Red not like the SCX24, i love that Red and the way it changes colour under a certain light. I really do have to get myself the TRX4M cos i really do like Traxxas and their build quality. I’m looking forward to see what you do with ur’s Bud. As always i love the channel 🤙🏻🤙🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@jercsgn]

Looks good

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! I've got some more goodies coming for this soon. I've been neglecting it lately, but I still love it!