(wIP) Jeep Wrangler 4x4

[unimog123]

Theres been a lot of activity lately on this forum so I decided to share my latest build: A Jeep Wrangler 4x4- in a rock crawler kind of configuration.

Here's what I have at the moment:

I used a similar idea to what efferman had on his Mercedes G, by using the L motor as the supporting linkage to the chassis directly. And that means NO UNIVERSAL JOINTS leading to the axle itself, only for the front axle steering pivots do you need them, which if you ask me is the biggest restraint on rock crawlers made of lego as well tires.

Now I've test driven this all over the place today and it crawls amazingly with a gear ratio of only 12/20 with no diffs and 2 L motors.

The problem is that the front axle is too weak, the drivetrain is perfect, but the axle itself is not strong enough to keep the steering rack and axle/hubs from being pushed apart by the Servo.

The U-joint and CV joint are also positioned a certain distance apart and this distance is not an ideal length for an axle to connect the two joints which causes me to lose steering after sometime.

This is what happens- the 2L red axles are the only mounting point so once that looses connection the top part of the axle rotates over on itself including the steering rack.

And even after all that I've had the wheel and hub come off on me twice so far while driving.

Despite all these annoying problems it crawls exceptionally well and does not have to be geared down several times so it drives on flat ground at about walking speed.

The body will be mounted pretty low, so the top of the hood will be right above the shocks to keep a low-ish center of gravity. If you have any solutions to these problems they would be appreciated, thanks.

Just realized after posting that the WIP is wIP, Jim if you read this could you change it to (WIP) when you get the chance?

Edited May 26, 2014 by unimog123

[D3K]

I like where you are going with this , but at a glance, I would say you have to reinforce and brace the front axle assembly a lot.

I have never built a crawler, so I am by no means an expert on the matter though

[D3K]

Double post, sorry about that, but maybe if you use this part (red) instead of the two connectors with a 2L axle between them, you woul lock the top in place I think

[Doc_Brown]

Keep up the good work, interesting design.

but prob should wash those wheels! Just getting dirt on your desk.

[unimog123]

I think I see what you mean D3K, I will try to implement that solution and see if it works.

I guess I should Doc.