RC4WD Trailfinder 2 Motor-drop conversion and other performance modifications. Trail Finder.

[@midliferc1165]

Yes sir!!!! Well done!!! Now I'm going to do the servo drop also!!! Thanks for sharing Tom

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Cool Josh. I hope you can see the linkage set-up enough to help you out. please let me know how you like the increase in offroad performance. Tom

[@brandoshobbies5353]

Very nice set up!👍🏻👍🏻

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you. That's a very old set-up. It's come along way since then. I only had the red leafs on there a short time....later I ended up with roughly 4.5 inches of trail-flex....9ve reduced that amount quite a while back....a leafed rig just doesn't need that much..... anyway...thank you for watching.

[@brandoshobbies5353]

I've just put the red leafs on my tf2 have not ran it yet but here soon I just getting my body painted and plan on running soon. I was thinking about that Tera flex set up as well just 35 Buck is alot for them lol. But if it's worth it then I'll get em. But you got a new sub and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos 👍🏻👍🏻keep up the great work

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

@@brandoshobbies5353 Thank you much. $35 isn't bad...it'll give flex , that's for sure. At one point I was run'n the Red leafs and Shooter-shackles. Lots of flex and it was cool watching the suspension move while boogy-through-the-field. But on side hilling, ascending or descending the highest side would always unload and cause a flip or roll. In the end I ended up with SCX10 RPM(not D110 shock-hoops like everyone else runs)shock-hoops Pro-line 90mm shocks(no coils/springs)all around, Stock main leaf-springs with medium-leaf on top for anti-wrap and short-leaf on bottom for support. I also run/still run the O-ring modification. Even if you only set-up the leaf pack(use the reds)up as described , take the springs out of the stock shocks and do the O-ring modification...you'll get 3+ inches of flex.

[@robbrcnstuff4220]

Great looking rig

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you. Appreciate it. It's come along ways since this video.

[@krashkingrc9715]

Awesome video excellent upgrades definitely nice job makes a huge difference

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you. That was a long time ago. Change things up a bit since then.

[@RcDungeon]

Fantastic video and great mods and info for the TF2

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you much. Old modification for sure but they still work great today. A Buddy of mine , Sean...did the same mods to his new-to-him TF2....it performs awesome.

[@RcDungeon]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 I'm currently running the A&M front shackle reverse amd thr Bowhouse rear leaf mounts definitely going to do the motor clock to help bring weight down lower. I subed thr channel you got some good content

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

@Rc Dungeon Thank you. I've made updates on the suspension since then. I don't run a steering rod(coming from the servo) under the motor anymore. In testing on the bench the rod didn't hit motor but out on the trail , it does. I now run the rod from the servo to the passenger side. Problem solved.

[@RcDungeon]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 ok I'll keep all this in mind when I start my drop on mine.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

This is by far the best tutorial on the motor-drop conversion. My Buddy Josh did this video. It's much more in-depth than mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4vGd42OobephpI

[@scotty555babe]

I think I will be re-modding my G1 after watching this, I thought it was an awesome performer how I had it, clearly there is a heck of a lot more performance to gain

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

You'll like the performance gain from the motor-drop conversion. Did I explain the O-ring modification ok?...the TF2 gets almost 3 inches of flex with the O-ring modification. I know my camera wasn't focusing the best on some parts of the video.

[@poppysrcandmodels]

Nice set-up man!👍

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you Jeff. I really like the direction the rig is heading.

[@satorrotas]

Nice update and great job !!

[@TravisDVH]

Unreal man. Thanks for the tips.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you. This is an old vid. My set-up has changed so much since then. Some of the newer Trailfinder vids might help. But this set-up still works good. I seriously need to do an update video.

[@rodcognito002]

Some really good ideas. Hope to get my own tf2 soon

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Rod Lilly hit me up when you get your Trailfinder. since this video....I have almost 4 inches of suspension travel out of leaf-spring.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Did you ever get you a Trailfinder?

[@joj2580]

Hi. Do you think the gelande ii motor can be lowered too?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Yes...you can physically clock the motor down and do the motor-drop conversion , the problem is the pan-hard bar. I think the pan-hard bar will hit the motor. I don't have a linked front suspension so I can't say for sure. Sorry I don't have a solid answer. Thank you for watching.

[@joj2580]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 thank you. I hope the g2 motor can be turn even for a little

[@gagakrimangrc3780]

Does your servo horn hit the front axle when it is articulated? If so, how do you solve that?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Gagak Rimang You should watch my updated video. This one is well over a year ago. Those red leafs were only on there for a short time and I get almost four inches of flex. In this old configuration...which I really liked where the steering linkage was....didn’t have a problem with the leaf-springs/linkage problem but what made contact was the outrunner motor and linkage. Now...during bench testing it didn't hit....there was clearance but in the real world...out there crawling...it started hitting. So I had to move the linkage to the passenger side.

[@flossin415]

Thanks bruh! Good stuff Juan

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

No problem J. Just trying to show how to close that performance gap that Scx10's have over the TF2.

[@thesaint3389]

Where can I find those hubs?

[@TowingLilly]

What are you running for front shock mounts? Great modifications, can't wait to try some out on my rig.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

RPM 7-hole SCX10 shock-hoops. Sorry its been so long since you ask....I just looked and seen the question. I rarely get notices from KZbin anymore....you'd think I get e'm because I have KZbin Premium but I usually don't.

[@djr01974]

Any special parts to move the steering link above the leafs? Or is it straight forward switch

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

I need to do an update on my current set-up. It's changed alot since this video. During bench testing the steering link going to the drivers side about the leaf-springs but below the motor....the motor cleared the rod....but on the trail it hit the motor during flex. I now run the steering to the passenger side. It works great. Nothing hits. I do turn my "steering throw" to 150%....but with the current Boom Racing BRX70's(converted to BRX90 axle) axles...they have ALOT of steering and I dial it back a little. I'll try to do an update video soon. In the meantime here's my Buddy Josh's video on the motor-drop conversion(and thank you for watching...and no feel free to ask anything). It's very in depth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4vGd42OobephpI

[@rickkentner1713]

Great info! Old video but I have questions. My tf2 is 2 yrs old. Noticed power losses. I put in new motor, ESC with the BEC turbo thing (came all together), and a new battery. Afterward my drive was reversed but regardless no improvement. What the hell? I expected it to be like new. It was an rtr and I just did a re and re. What did I miss? Ideas? Please help.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Rick Kentner Hey Rick....ya , it's an old video. I had my TF2 for many years before I made that video. Just FYI...I don't recommend the red leaf-springs. I only had them on there because the stock one broke...they were old. Ok.....I'm assuming you bought stock replacement electronic's?...they are mediocre at best. I would've went with a Sidewinder 4 or Mamba X esc or if I was on a budget...a Hobbywing 1080. Anyway...I "think"....not positive...that your problems might be in your hand-radio. Maybe the settings are off. I've seen it a few times. Always a little hard to diagnosed unless it's infront of me. I'd post-up on the RC4WD Trail finder facebook page.

[@rickkentner1713]

Madeline Lucas ok good idea. I did try adjustments on the radio, that’s how I reversed things to correct the opposite directional problem. She is still slower than the out of the box speed. I will act on your advice though. Worse case scenario, I’ll just spend money what the hell. Thank you very much, big help. Cheers.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Awesome!! love it.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

andrew richey Thank you. It's an older set-up. Rig has been updated since then. Newer video on my page.

[@osolaser]

Hi dude I have a question You know if the leaf spring works with the rc4wd gelande II d90??? If work, I need to replace the links for the leaf spring or not? Thanks buddy

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Brian Bicz I can't answer that because I've never had a D90. RC4WD does some weird stuff. Someone on the RC4WD Trail Finder 2 facebook page may be able to answer that.

[@charvelgaming2975]

With the o ring mod do you replace the existing bolts with longer ones than what was originally installed?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Yes Mark. You'll need longer bolts. I use button-heads and I go through the top , going down and I use blue loc-tite. Use a washer under the button-heads so the O-rings don't squish out. Don't over tighten...just barely...that's what the loc-tite is for...so the bolts don't back-out. I'll have to do another video. Those red leaf-springs were only on there a short time because I bent the stock blacks while experimenting. I don't recommend the reds. I now get almost 4 inches of flex running all stock leaf-springs. I run the medium-leaf on top for anti-wrap and short-leaf on bottom for support. 90mm Pro-lines shocks with no springs and 30-weight oil.

[@charvelgaming2975]

Thanks for the detailed answer I am slowly getting my TF2 together. Work has been nuts lately so I work on it when I can. Your videos have been very helpful. In the future I plan on doing the motor drop also. I am just wondering where I will mount a hidden winch in the front with the servo there. Space is limited...

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Mark Carvalho your right....winch space is limited. Alot of guys I know put the winch in the back and run the winch line through either an old rc antenna tube or small aluminum tubing , bent and routed to the front. Oh....almost everyone I know use servo winches.

[@charvelgaming2975]

Are you using the 90mm shocks on all 4 wheels? I got a pair of 90mm king shocks for the front and the Gelande shock mount to allow for the taller shock.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Mark Carvalho​ Mark....yes...90mm Pro-lines shocks with no springs and 30-weight oil and RPM Shock-hoops. D110 shock-hoops are the most common to run because they are taller than stock but the RPM Shock-hoops made for the Scx10 seem to work too.

[@2krcbackroads421]

Great vid and explanation!

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you bud. It's always fun isn't it?

[@2krcbackroads421]

Madeline Lucas Always...

[@chriscastillo6299]

what gain is there from dropping the motor? lower center of gravity? same goes wit the dropped servo? and the Orings add flex?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Your right Chris. It does all of those. Everything I do to my TF2 is for performance in keeping with the true nature of the truck but also to close that offroad advantage that the SCX10 has over the Trailfinder 2.

[@chriscastillo6299]

+Madeline Lucas I love my tf2 chose it over SCX10 for the whole scale setup, the engine up front detail and all that but have noticed it rolles alot lol so these slight modifications help alot?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Chris Castillo​ I've convinced several others to do the motor-drop and everyone loves it and has no regrets. Watch "Mid Life Trail Finder 2 RC Motor Drop" ......spelled and spaced just like I have it. We've both been helping each other get this info out there to you guys. It's a good tutorial on how to do the motor drop. Also make sure you get on RC4WD Trailfinder Fan Page on Facebook. Spend some time scrolling before asking....you'll find everything you need from my info on performance and lowering the center-of-gravity to tips on getting more flex from the leaf-springs to scale looks. I get about 3 inches of flex with the O-ring modification and moving the leafs around....other guys are getting a little more with the Chino-mod. Research those mods....they're worth checking out. I just skim-over the O-ring modification in this video. Watch my video again...it covers alot...even a wider stance for more stability. Tom

[@chriscastillo6299]

+Madeline Lucas 10-4 bro thanks

[@charvelgaming2975]

Those are some awesome upgrades. I too also want to do the lowering of the motor mod after I saw Medics video. That search lead me to your video. Have you done anything battery-wise? Smaller battery or relocating it?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Mark Carvalho Hi Mark. Yes....the rig has come a long way since this video. First off , I only had the red leaf-springs on there because I bent-up my stock main black leafs at a trail-run before this video....Tip....don't run single leafs if you have alot of power. lol. Ok....here's my set-up now and I don't see me making any changes soon. Because I'm getting pretty much as much flex out my suspension as the leafs will allow. O-ring modification, medium-leaf on top for anti-wrap and short-leaf on bottom for support. 90mm Axial aluminum shocks or Pro-line Shocks with no springs and 30-weight oil and D110 or RPM Shock-hoops made for the Scx10, (of course)the motor-drop conversion, I've made a new electronic's tray and I now have the batteries on both sides of the transfer-case...set-up as saddle packs (moves the weight forward a little). I'm running SSD Wheels with brass Beef-Patties(all corners) and homemade knuckles weights(front only) made from 5/8 collar-locks. I'm still running a Tacon Big Foot 15 OutRunner motor on 3s and 4s. I have the Helical cut gears and XVD's and Punisher Shafts. I've also installed pinion degree shims on the axles to correct pinion angle because I also installed a RC-ADDICT high-clearance transfer-case crossmember which threw my driveshaft angle way outta whack. I get just a hair under 4 inches of flex. Tom

[@charvelgaming2975]

Madeline Lucas, Thanks for responding to me and also for the advice. I just ordered my TF2 and will get it Wednesday. I have been on youtube, rccrawler.com etc.. Looking at various things to do with the truck. I am a little concerned with having a lipo battery under the body and having to remove 4 screws to get the body off. I may try the mod with using grub screws for the 4 mounts up front.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Mark Carvalho​​ oh....I forgot to mention that. Yes...I have the grub-screw's in the body post. The body just snaps on and off in seconds. As you can see....I'm also not running a bed , which allows me to move my cab around. I drilled new body mount hole in the cab...up above the stock ones 'up & back' about a 1/4 to 3/8. So my body sits lower for a better center-of-gravity and back a little for better approach angle. Your going to have to go to Google+ and to Madeline Lucas. You'll see a red Ford F100. Just punch on that and you'll be able to see all my post plus the pictures. 

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Mark Carvalho Also...if your on Facebook....get on "RC4WD Trail finder2" page. Just as I've written it. I'm on there as Tommad.

[@jamesmiller2005]

what make and model are the shocks?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

James Miller Pro-line 90mm.

[@arizonadualsport2590]

Front shock mounts ... what are they ????

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Wow..I just saw this. KZbin hasn't been notifying me of comments for a long time. I had to download a separate app that would notify me of comments. Anyway , the front shock-hoops are made by RPM for the SCX10.

[@Mango_Productions]

What are the major benefits of lowering the motor?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Not only did I lower the motor but also the servo. Doing this significantly lowers the center of gravity. The motor is the single heaviest piece of equipment on that rig besides the Hardbody. This is an old video...you should check out the updated version of this same truck.

[@garongerster488]

Ok! But what´s the advantages of this?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Lower the center-of-gravity significantly...better flex...everything I've done to my Trailfinder closes that gap that Scx10's have over the TF2. You did watch the whole vid...I explain what all the modification do. Josh over at Mid-life RC did a whole tutorial on how to do the motor-drop conversion. Tom

[@garongerster488]

Great! Thanks! ;-)

[@rcsnapon2132]

Cool tf2

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you. The Trailfinder is literally sitting in front of me with a bag of upgrades...just trying to get the motivation to tear into it.

[@benruether8294]

Chattanooga Choo Choo

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Hahaha, we're streets away from the tracks. It's gets loud , especially in the summer when the windows and doors are open or outside BBQing.

[@benruether8294]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 No prob lol. It was a good video. Thanks for sharing

[@hawaiiangangster5562]

19k views! SHEEESH

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Old video. My suspension has changed since then. Is that a good "SHEEESH" or a bad "SHEESH?" HAHAHA

[@hawaiiangangster5562]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 good lol could use it as bad too but for this its like SHEEESH THATS CRAZY as in cool

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Thank you. Hahaha I'm in the process of doing new updates and testing suspension mods on the new BFGoodrich Edition Trailfinder I have. I'll do a video when I'm done.

[@_Tidian]

이때 이후로도 별다른 변화가 없다는게 tf

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Yes Sir. There's been a whole lot of changes. Even right now my old 10+ year old Trailfinder is going through a total redesign. Some may like it , some won't like it....most likely because I'm using another manufacturers transmission. I'll do a video when it's done. As for the motor-drop conversion....the most significant is I run the steering link to the passenger side knuckle instead of under the motor to the driver-side.