Finding weak points on the mini rock crawler project - day 2

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[@blobcsgo7190]

I reckon bead locks air down a few PSI, bigger tires for clearance under the axles, relocate the rear top shock mounts higher up, to lower it for center of gravity, and add that nitrogen. And cut and move the bump stops up a bit more to keep the flex. Amazing work, all ur projects are great.

[@1one3_Racing]

The bead on those tyres would be stiff enough to run 3psi. On our farm quads we used to run sub 10psi no worries to avoid rock and stick cuts

[@mxwizzard]

Chris you did good with this mini rock crawler put bigger tires on it for gearing reasons and carry extra yolks for it fix the front right locking mechanism and add quicker steering and a small tool kit and you will be golden my friend

[@cwb4280]

Yes you need to tweak some things BUT Remember they bought their rigs, you BUILT yours!!! Be proud buddy. It performed awesome.

[@gavinconnell7589]

Well said

[@user-fx1dt3ul4t]

Dogg! I came here to say the same dam thing, but you took the words right out of my mouth. Rahter B did this shit from scratch. Those rigs had at least 3 engineers trying to develop those ATVs, on top of trying to make a profit to compensate them selves, on what one man did in his garage. 😢

[@itarry4]

Honestly you shouldn't be doubting the strength of your welds as long as you've been concentrating on it whilst doing it. The amount you've improved it over the time I've been watching your well beyond needing to worry about weak welds.

[@rhyswoodman6781]

Comments saying bigger tires will help with ride and gearing are correct but if you snapped a yoke with those little tires in wet slippery conditions then they won't stand a chance with bigger wheels. Especially in the dry. Either way awesome video, Love your work Chris.

[@martyn5799]

Don't care what anyone says Chris what you have achieved in your shed is bad ass for what it is it's a really capable mini crawler.Of course there's going to be problems like , someone said Rome wasn't built in a day.Cant wait to the results once you have figured out all the problems and weak points.Im in awe of what you have done in the mini crawler good on you Chris mate 💯💯💯👍👍👍😁😁

[@DigitalCruzer]

The fact that after a major break that it made it back on its own power is a huge success!!!

[@vintagetintrader1062]

The tiny Polaris gears and shafts lasted a lot longer than I thought. I broke them on a Sportsman 300 with less than 15hp. (Same part used on a lot of different Polaris models) Time for some Suzuki Samurai axles :)

[@tinkerne-round4079]

Putting bigger tires would solve your gearing problem, and possibly help with the ride.

[@harvey1166]

I agree, could run them a lot softer then and would grip loads too as well as being comfier

[@davestevens4263]

Absolutely it will , you need more flexible tires . Those are like the ones on my quad . I run 2-3 lbs & there basically run flat tires . Get rid of them to soften yo ride .

[@michaelblacktree]

My thoughts exactly.

[@Addison0526]

Help with gearing, ride comfort, and shock to the drivetrain that wore that U-joint

[@rhyswoodman6781]

Yes but what about the extra strain on the driveline? He snapped a yoke with those little tires in slippery conditions. Those tiny diffs and axles probably won't handle bigger tires.

[@Naughty_Ram]

Its like Matt says from Matts off road, "Even though its finished. Its not finished. Its still gunna take me another 5 years of using it to work out all the little things, which you can only find by using it." Projects like this, for the most part, never end. Its always a constant state of being built. Just look at it as a continuous project you do for fun, because... That's what it is. The discovery of what works/doesn't, combined with the times you do succeed is all part of the fun of it.

[@1one3_Racing]

"You'll have problems with those hubs" "Yeah I'm going to try them anyway"

[@Ratkill9000]

Breaking a yoke could've been a lot worse. Taller tires and not do anything with the gearing will help. Also make your steering a bit more sensitive and take less rotation from lock to lock will help control it more. What you have is essentially solid axles on a light weight vehicle. Solid axles by nature have a rough ride. Add to it an light vehicle and it's going to rearrange your organs. Kind of why I hate driving Wranglers especially 2 door.

[@meeeee9407]

I would recommend the tallest skinniest tire you can fit at full flex and steering lock. That rig is so light you can probably run your tires at just a few psi. That will help your suspension and gearing issues. For rock crawling fill your front tires about half full with water and strap your front axle to limit droop when climbing waterfalls. Good luck, you’ve got a great little crawler.

[@kah337]

If those are polaris hubs, the magnet in the hub uses a two part magnet. An inside ring and outside ring, if those two rings are not even with one another the magnetic field is not strong enough to hold the wheel in 4x4. I went through the same thing with one. This is most common to happen when your bearings get loose and push the outer ring back too far. Hope this helps! Keep up the great content!!

[@clintwalker7720]

Always love your builds! I recently rebuilt a 2000 Polaris Sportsman 500 4x4...my left front wasn't engaging when I hit the 4wd switch. Found out the hubs don't like grease...Titanium Man Garage has an excellent video on this...I cleaned up all the grease and then filled the hubs with ATF...and it works like a champ everytime I hit the button...good luck, look forward to seeing more videos!

[@JW-fq1pp]

Looks like fun. You may want to consider carrying a small set of tools and a good tow strap with you especially on these test rides.

[@CncObsession]

All rides

[@matthewboyd443]

It has potential, don't give up on it. It did good for a shake down ride. Now fix it and take us back out with you agian!

[@dustinmiller7278]

As an ATV four-wheeler and small engine mechanic when it comes to your ATVs and off-road your wheel hub bearings were the first things to fail I get about two or three rides out of my brother's ATVs before I have to go back to his house and replace the hub bearings 90% of the time

[@spdy3926]

Great job Chris!! For the home builder....Daaang. Super impressed with the rocks. The articulation is prime. As you said, 'this is where it shines'. Bad a$$ 100%

[@turbochardged]

fun tip, keep a book of tire, shocks, and other pressure settings so you don't have to remember. I keep mine in the glove box or battery box.

[@memorris2]

I think what you built works great for its size! You gotta remember that size and weight change performance. Its light and small, so it gunna perform better going slower than something that has twice the weight on the suspension.

[@jasonlind6790]

put some 35" tires on there and it'll make a world of difference. i love this build!

[@ethansheesha7709]

I'm jealous of you being able to build things like this, it's one of my dreams to do what you do lol this is all a massive inspiration to me. I really want to share a few tips tho. I believe changing the suspension geometry would be a massive help on this build. If you look at the actual rock bouncers suspension the geometry is way different. I think you should raise the shock mounts for all 4 corners so the suspension sits at the same height, but the shocks have more travel so you can properly utilize the valving of the shocks. Right now your feeling the compression of the downtravel at ride hight so it's probably way more stiff than it COULD feel. Also, limiting straps! That way, you can tune the suspension to be the way it needs to be, and if it's still too tall you can just tighten your limiting straps.

[@insAneTunA]

It's not too bad at all. I think that it held up pretty well. But I do have a suggestion for you. When you fix the roll cage and adjust the height of it some sort of roof, even if it were just some sort of very basic fabric roof, would be recommendable as well. When you are out on a trail and it suddenly starts to rain you can easily get hypothermia when you are all wet while you still have a long way to go. For example the fabric from an old army truck roof or a used jeep fabric roof, or even from a convertible car would all be a nice donor. That is with some modifications of course. If it is dry you can keep it rolled up, and when it starts pouring down with rain you can roll it out and fixate it with some belts or Velcro. Like they do it on the jeeps. And a small toolbox with some basic tools, maybe even with a small 12 volt air compressor for your tires, would not be a bad idea as well. Other then that and your own suggested modifications I think that you have already proven that your build is very capable of doing those trails. Even with 3 or just 2 driven wheels. So there is a lot of potential.

[@88s10Durango]

For the roof :: I have simply gone down to one of my local RV dealers before and they will give you wrecked awning material that has a hole or rip in it but have to take the whole piece . Saves them for garbage removal . Then cut out what you need and sew it up .

[@insAneTunA]

@@88s10Durango Perfect idea 👍

[@jongun78]

Always good to see you having fun! Send it -> bend it -> mend it, right?

[@davidpurdue3992]

I think adding larger, wider tires would help. Have you watched Fab Rats, Trail Mater, or Mat's Offrode Recovery? You might want to check them about the type of tires you might use for rock crawling. Your vehicle handled the rocks great. You amazing me by not having tools and possibly some extra parts. You're a great fabrcator!

[@fainttomcat652]

Can't wait for more 4wd mini trorpy truck to be done and tested

[@SouthernEnduroRdr]

Now we’re talking! Park the crawler for a while and lets see the truck ! 😊

[@Punisher_19]

There's a reason why manufacturers test their vehicle rigorously before making it available. Your builds are awesome but you always got that confident attitude on your build and that's how you lost your axle. Still it's a way of learning & improving this thing and hitting the trails once again.

[@FYAMOTO]

Nice dude the thing is sick i think you should put more air and mud tires on it!

[@impuls60]

If you made DIY Portals with 3:1 gearing your axles wouldnt snap anymore and you could run way bigger wheels ;) The body height still might work with more droop also. For fun you could buy an RC crawler and play with antisquat and tires. U learn a ton from build and driving such a car looking on it from a 3.rd point of view. You weight 'em down so they behave like a real crawler.

[@shaneanning180sx]

The flex looks unreal can't wait to see the v2

[@MrKingdavis13]

That is the yoke that broke not the u-joint. Keep the extremely low gearing and double or triple the size of the tires so you can climb over obstacles rather than slam into them and the larger diameter will make the gearing a lot closer to good for more than just mowing grass. Lol

[@toddabbott781]

You need larger tires and bead locks. Then you can go down to 2-4 psi. The tires will help a lot. Putt he intakes on the side and lower the bars over the engine. Raise the back suspension a bit more too. You likely do not need to change the gearing as the larger tires will help. Don't go crazy like that other rock crawler. He likely has 4x your HP. You need to fix that wheel lock. I miss the Grave Digger. The Grave Digger's driver is a fan of Vice Grip Garage. Maybe you can get a hold of him and his son through them and let him drive it. Think of how cool that would be. You should clean it up and maybe fix a few things. Add some underbody lighting or something cool like that. I still think it is your best build. You should do another collaboration with Power Wheel builds. That track/park you went to with the camping and all the different tracks would be a great location. On you next build maybe you should get a cheap Chinese quad engine Amazon and build them into a small aluminum suspension go-kart. Even a little 125cc engine would be cool. They typically have reverse and electric start and you can get kits with all the wiring and cables too for around $300 or so.

[@mrshaneyt4356]

Wow , you don’t realise it’s size till you see it along side that other rock crawler. Like you said the wheel’s looked so tiny when side by side . I’m still always super impressed when you realise it’s all hand made and came out your little shed👍

[@aserta]

It looked big in the build because his shed's small. It's pocket sized.

[@kinkong1961]

Hi Chris maybe instead of changing your gearing you should put bigger wheels and tires on it the tyres alone will give you a better ride as the walls will be taller and you will get more traction from them and have even better ground clearance and Then do your headroom and view problem and put in a better seat. so all the best from John from rugby UK.

[@adamlindauer1775]

I love the sound of that buggy!!

[@itarry4]

Always wondered why you were choosing to use such small tires on a vehicle you were building and using as a Rock Crawler. Bigger tires would definitely be the biggest, cheapest and easiest alteration you could make, giving you more grip and the ability to let more air out which would also improve the grip as well as giving you higher axles, better height and clearance for attacking and climbing any rocks. It'd make the whole ride far more comfortable, enjoyable and you could hit much harder trails. I would probably put some sort of suspension/springs and or at least extra padding on the seat as well and I'd definitely, 100% put panels on the entire vehicle with a door, coverage for the sides and engine, back areas and plates on the front, especially one on the very front running from underneath and curving up over the nose and front tire area. That'd help with the climbing giving you a larger area to use, rest or slide against rocks when needed. It'd also protect you and the vehicle and yhea the entire suspension system obviously needs work, not sure what or how as obviously haven't driven it but it definitely looks wrong at times when your driving, especially if you go over something a bit faster than usual. Love the consept, build, videos etc though. Definitely one of the projects 8d consider worth working on and really trying to perfect the platform idea, even to the extent of getting a more powerful motor and basically rebuilding the entire structure now you've got a better idea of what works, what doesn't. Maybe even pushing it to a 2 seater but still keeping it a mini rock crawler. As I say for me this is the best concept, project idea you've worked on and definitely has the biggest scope for improvement and really perfecting the build. One thing I really, really think you should build is a really high end, powerful and rugged E-Trike or E-Quad that uses a in frame motor not a wheel hub one and has good capacity on the battery whilst being built to go almost anywhere.

[@xyic0re714]

Next Project; bigger wheels, 1.3L car/diesel engine, bigger overall machine, maybe a roof for the rain. The time has come to build the full sized rock crawler

[@jerrywilcox9890]

He can't make or haul anything bigger.

[@GodschildinNC]

Did real good with this one. I thought the ammo can was for tools/spare parts. Keep a ro of bailing wire with you, and you can tie up things like the driveshaft so it does not flop around and damage more things.

[@rimfire2642]

I wonder if you are having those U-jints "every time I turn around" because you have no diffs? Turn sharp is going to put additional strain on the u-joints and axceles since the wheels are trying to turn at different speeds.

[@Maybe1Someday]

You either need more air in the shocks and or you need to get the bump stop shocks that mud trucks have. Look up Bruice Wilsons "Flat nasty" mud truck. He has videos on the suspension. It has the air charged bump stops for jumping so it kinda has dual suspension under heavy load.

[@pfrmarques]

Don't change the gearing, just get bigger tires and the gearing will be perfect, so will ground clearance and better obstacle attack.

[@frankieacosta8262]

Yeah you have some bugs to figure out! I’m a retired operating engineer, when they would bring out a new skip loader and it rode rough , l always filled the tires with water and low pressure . Big difference better traction and ride , And you knew when you have leak .

[@PracticalRecycling101]

A really capable machine. I recon in a rock crawling competition, rather than an off road environment, you would kill it.

[@michaelcrebbin7328]

Very cool now maybe some upgrades look forward to what you come up with

[@manaudio1]

The hub nut is castelated so should have a split pin to prevent it from coming undone? Larger diameter, softer walled, softer compound tires needed with bead locks. Bigger tires will increase loading on the steering ans suspension/hub bearings though.

[@ShaunKjar]

Awesome rig! You’ll get the gearing figured out. I’d cut the eyebrow bars off. While you’re making changes I wonder about moving that radiator to the back so you can clean up the front for better visibility. That may not be an issue worth changing though. Running the tires at an even lower psi will be more comfortable. You aren’t going fast enough to worry about slipping a bead.

[@inkmore9395]

That thing is awesome Mabe some bigger tires would be dope

[@michaelblacktree]

It would be cool to see a project like this with a small diesel engine. You know, for that diesel torque. 😎

[@TheWakeupsheeple]

Dude, you knew that right front hub wasn't working properly before you left and it more than likely aided in breaking the rear u-joint yolk. Kind of surprised that you didn't repair that before hand. Love what you do though. Getter fixed and go back and tear it up next time.

[@MrBenstero]

U-joints are easy and cheap to replace though. Bring a couple of them and a u joint press and you can change them on the trail. Slightly bigger tires, a gearing change and moving your rear shocks up a bit in the rear as others said will prob help you with some of your complaints.

[@danieljohnson2543]

You’re doing something right if you’re breaking axles! 😏 I was thinking you should change the rolling diameter, it would make a big difference to what obstacles you can get over and wouldn’t be so jarring. Might be cheaper to change wheels and tires rather than go to an odd ball tire size 😊 love your work! 👏

[@TnADoStuff]

Originally, I would have agreed that the engine choice should be great, but after seeing it running, think a better choice would be a similar sized Vtwin so it has more torque. This would help prevent stalling and allow for lower revving; I'm sure the loudness gets obnoxious and starts hurting your ears after a few hours. Definitely need a comfortable seat and not to sit so far back. That seating would be great for sand dunes but rock crawlingit needs to be more forward cause it helps a lot to be able to see your tires as easily as possible. As for tires; minimum 35s; larger tires will help with the bumpiness and ride quality a LOT. I'm building a Jeep rock crawler. Been stalled for about 8months due to a few things but in the next few weeks hopefully that changes.

[@gussrestu]

solid axle and biger tire 👌

[@jimhillbilly0866]

That's why I like you know Hubbs you know whether they work or not.

[@elmerrodriguez9817]

Love seeing how those axles flex keep up the good work

[@pierrelataillade7564]

Overall I think you did well out of the box...... Obviously it would have been better to hit a home run but it is what it is..... Keep on pushing buddy.... now that you put it thru the test I'm sure you will do better next time.....

[@laymanengineer7502]

I Think it's pretty dam good. One broke hub and one broke CV and still made it back under it's own power. Yeah you discovered a few more kinks but you'll get it straight. Just more content for the channel bro. Us patrons will watch it. So what if you have to make changes to perfect it. Just part of the growth man.

[@Stuckin330]

I’d move them rear top shock mounts up higher so you can get more shock out instead of the shock like 90 percent in . That way if you move the mounts up you can have more shock and you can play with the air in them more an better fine tune them . Rite now at your point there’s like not much play going on there . I’m not sure how much travel u have in the rear but I think you’ll be a hell of a lot better

[@timothymilam732]

Why it's called build, break, and build, break, but around the 4th revision you'll figure out how to make it last as well as performing the way you wanted it to at the beginning. Experience, and experimenting go hand in hand. Chrck out Busted Knuckle outta Alabama, they're primer rock crawler builders, and their builds will give you insight into where you're wanting to take your builds. That doesn't mean copying exactly what they are doing, but they can give your imagination someplace to expand your own methods of approaching your end goals

[@itzikca]

I’m stoked to see how the mini truck is doing

[@alessiocarlevaro6934]

remember that the sv650 engine doesn't like being tilted backward. it will starve from oil and blow up

[@Dante-ko1gu]

Has otro vídeo con tu go kart estaría genial, saludos admiro tus proyectos 👍👍

[@kevinklein1806]

If possible find remote locking differentials as to give the u-joints an easier time when turning and ditch the front hub setup currently on your machine.

[@jimmace6148]

Just repeating what others have suggested. Definitely relocate shock mounts for more up travel if your drivetrain allows it. Also bigger and lighter tires. Those tires you have are actually extremely heavy for their size. The main issue is going to be those small quad diffs and hub assemblies. They will not handle a bigger tire at all.

[@aserta]

Like someone else said, Suzuki Samurai axles. Polaris bits... well, let's just say that here in Europe, a few govs bought Polarises (because corruption and all that) and i can buy the almost unused units on auction lots and leave it at that. Taller tires will fix your issue and give you more fluff in the suspension too. Bead lock is a must, wider tire as well. Wider and taller. In metric, i'd say you need at least another 3~4 cm width and at least three sizes up on the tire diameter, not necessarily the rim, more wall, with less cordage so it's a bit more pliable. Dunno what size that'd be. I'd spring for some Maxxis tires if i were you. Pricey... but they're good, at least i haven't had any issues with them. I have them on my bikes, my ATVs, my cycle... heck my cycle tires are so old now, they're out of production.

[@xpndblhero5170]

I'm surprised and glad you made it out, now you just need a few repairs and upgrades..... Hopefully bigger tires and U-joints will be a possibility. 😁👍

[@donaldburkhard7932]

Rain really made difference on trails.

[@benschlack5814]

You have to run transmission fluid in the front hubs for the magnet to work unless you already know that

[@ric1179]

Buy a car seat from lkq. You can get them for under $100. Depends on the car. Like a Corolla or civic w/o air bag. A common vehicle will have the cheapest seats. Maybe for a future build. You can see the online at car parts .

[@DktheWelder]

Ouch so bigger tires will put even more load on the u joints ! But you don’t need u joints on the rear you can run a straight axle? Awesome build doing really well against some expensive machines!

[@Desperado1995]

I am sure I commented, when you put that seat in, that it leaned back to far, you just confirmed my comment was correct..

[@ryanwalker388]

Samurai axle upgrade? You could also go with some early CJ dana 30 axles (narrow). You can pick them up cheap and run 31-33 in tires no prob. I was wondering how jarring this build would be. I have solid axle vehicles, and I knew you would rather ride in the CBR kart. I love the various builds though.

[@kevinheiden6178]

Time to go way bigger and better

[@larrydavidson3402]

Honestly I think it done very well, you now know what the weak points are and will be able to address them.

[@AlanCastelani]

ola tudo bem? ainda quero um dia na minha vida fazer um carrinho assim pra min brincar aqui nas minhas terras. parabens pelo video. Abraço

[@babysweet-8132]

You should build a mini Offroad towtruck

[@willliamgillispie4686]

Just my opinion with the tire situation you have them at 7 psi I would run them at 3 or 4 psi I have 30 inch tires on my teryx 4 and run 7 psi in them

[@dezfan]

I told you it needed BIGGER tires! 🤣.

[@battleaxefabandmachine]

The tires will take a while to break in. Get some dana 20 jeep axles or axles from a Suzuki samari.

[@Caseusfette]

those polaris front hubs need to be filled with oil in order for the electro magnets to work properly. If they are dry or have grease in them they will not work.

[@dmayes101]

Put some 33" carnivores or rockzillas on there. Gearing fixed! Also beadlock wheels and run 5psi and the ride would be fixed too.

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

still an impressive home build

[@dustytrailswithepa]

That’s a sweet buggy

[@ezequielmartin7311]

My opinion Is upgrade to Polaris razer bearings and diffs and maybe make a front shaft disconnect like how you made the 2 speed gocart so you don't have to deal with the electric hubs

[@SeanKarleone]

You made it back which is the beat part. Defo rise the roof. Cz thats too low and it offers no protect should it roll or something, and way bigger tyres.

[@Kornatzz]

Just watched your other rock crawler video, nice

[@joshslackslack8115]

This is a cool rig but there is a lot you can upgrade i would build it more like a baby rock lizard buggy with Toyota or Suzuki samurai solid axles and more just look into the rock lizard buggy it's a upgraded version of what you have but built for kids and teenagers

[@michaelakers8698]

I bet you broke the u joint in the rock garden and it finally gave when you went through that dip but like you said now you know what needs to be made stronger good job

[@njmxjunkie3128]

I have a set of tires for you that would be perfect. You can have them, you can either pick them up from me in jersey or I can ship them but you’d have to cover shipping or we can meet somewhere midway.

[@ianmangham4570]

Awesome cool 🤟🤠

[@SouthernEnduroRdr]

My suggestion: Park that one for a while, and let the improvements simmer in your brain for a bit. And get back on the trophy truck for now 😉

[@williammercer6765]

It still did good

[@rarbaugh07]

Some Toyota axles and real tires this thing would be even more amazing!

[@tracynichole1679]

I'd give my left flitter cheek for one of these 😂😂😂🎉🎉😂😂😂

[@johanchristianto2438]

Bigger tires of course

[@quevicular]

Don't mess with the gearing just yet. Buy larger tires

[@Rccrawlerhobbyplus]

Love this you need paint it

[@troythemushroom7643]

you should fit a mini tool box to it so if anything happens your not stuck

[@corysafford]

Cool.