The Element RC Enduro Builder's Kit 2 is an advanced 1/10 scale remote-controlled rock crawler chassis designed for enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their vehicles. This kit provides a solid foundation for a high-performance crawler, featuring a robust chassis, independent front suspension (IFS), and a versatile gearbox system.
Function Description:
The Enduro Builder's Kit 2 is primarily a chassis kit, meaning it provides the core components of an RC crawler without the electronics, body, or wheels. This allows builders to select their preferred components to create a custom vehicle tailored to their specific needs and driving style. The kit is designed for rock crawling, offering excellent articulation, ground clearance, and durability to tackle challenging off-road terrain. The independent front suspension (IFS) is a key feature, providing improved stability and handling over traditional solid axle setups, especially at higher speeds and on uneven surfaces. The Stealth X gearbox allows for significant customization of drive ratios, including overdrive options for enhanced crawling performance.
Important Technical Specifications:
Chassis Features:
- Solid Axle Front Suspension: While the kit is designed for IFS, it also supports a solid axle front suspension setup, offering flexibility for builders.
- Stealth X Transmission: This advanced gearbox allows for multiple drive ratio configurations, including overdrive options.
- Aluminum Ladder Frame: Provides a strong and lightweight foundation for the vehicle.
- 5mm Heavy Duty FT High Clearance Links: Durable links designed for maximum articulation and ground clearance.
- Integrated Servo Winch Mount: Allows for easy installation of a winch for recovery operations.
- Adjustable Bumper Mounts: Offers flexibility in mounting different bumper styles.
- Sealed Receiver Box: Protects sensitive electronics from dust and moisture.
- Adjustable / Injection Molded Rock Sliders: Protect the chassis from impacts and provide a realistic look.
- Threaded Aluminum Shock Bodies: Durable and adjustable shocks for optimal damping.
- CMS (Chassis Mounted Servo): Improves steering geometry and reduces bump steer.
- Universal Front Drive Axles: Ensures smooth power delivery to the front wheels.
- Stamped Steel Frame Rails: Provide structural integrity.
- 12mm Steel Wheel Hexes: Standard size for compatibility with a wide range of wheels.
- GKS Shock Mounts with Adjustable Shock Location Inserts: Allows for fine-tuning of shock angles and suspension performance.
- GKS Panhard Mount: Enhances steering precision.
- Aluminum Motor Plate: Dissipates heat from the motor for improved performance and longevity.
- Optimized Ball Cups for More Fluid Axle Articulation: Improves suspension movement.
- Telescoping Driveshafts Front and Rear: Accommodate suspension travel.
- Extruded Aluminum Driveshaft Splines: Durable and reliable power transmission.
- One-Piece Rear Axle Design: Simplifies assembly and increases rigidity.
- Machined Input Pinion Gear: Ensures smooth and efficient power transfer.
- Metal Ring Gear: Durable and long-lasting.
- Sintered Slipper Top Shaft: Provides smooth power delivery and protects the drivetrain.
- Metal Ball Bearings Included: Reduces friction and improves efficiency.
- Steel 25T Servo Horn: Durable and reliable steering component.
Hardware Used (with optional replacement part numbers):
- Flat Head Screws (FHCS): Various sizes from 2.5x10mm to 3x14mm.
- Socket Head Screws (SHCS): Various sizes from 2x5mm to 3x10mm.
- Button Head Screws (BHCS): Various sizes from 2x3mm to 3x28mm.
- LP Socket Head Screws (LP SHCS): Various sizes from 3x6mm to 3x20mm.
- Set Screws: 3x3mm, 3x16mm, 4x16mm.
- Pivot Balls: Pivot Ball, Short (42041) and Pivot Ball, Long, Upper Shock (42041).
- Shims and Washers: 3x7mmx1mm, 3x7mmx2mm, 3x7x3mm, 3x7x5mm, 3x7x7mm.
- Misc. Screws: Shoulder Screw 3x4x10mm, Screw Pin 4x2022, Pin 2x11mm.
- Lock Nuts: M3 Locknuts (25215), M4 Locknut W/Flange (25391).
- Bearings: 4x8x3mm, 5x10x4mm, 7x14x3.5mm, 10x15x4mm.
Links:
- Various lengths of links are included, ranging from 73mm to 114mm, for different suspension setups.
Transmission:
- Spur Gear: 87T, 48P.
- Pinion Gear: Various options available (10T to 27T).
- Bearings: 10x15x4mm, 5x10x4mm.
Shocks:
- O-Rings: Red Silicone.
- E-Clip: 1/8.
- Washers: 3x5x1.3mm.
- Shock Shaft: 3x30mm.
- Shock Body: 10x42mm.
- Shock Piston: 4-hole.
- Shock Bottom Cap: Plastic.
- Shock Spring: Various rates available (e.g., 0.9lb/in, 63mm Long).
- Shock Collar: Black Aluminum.
- Shock Spring Cup: Plastic.
Battery Tray/Radio Box:
- Antenna Tube and Cap: Protects the antenna.
- Receiver Box (Grommet, Plug, Gasket): Seals the receiver box from elements.
- Battery Box: Secures the battery.
Bumper/Body Mounts:
- Body Clips: Secure the body.
- Body Mounts: Various options for different body styles.
- Shock Mounts: For attaching shocks to the chassis.
Driveshafts:
- Driveshaft Pin: M2x11mm.
- Driveshaft Parts: Molded and Machined.
Wheel/Tire (Not Included - Optional):
- Wheels: 1.9" Black, 1.55" Black.
- Hex Adapters: Aluminum.
- Tires: Various tread patterns and sizes (e.g., 1.9" Black, 1.55" Black).
IFS Arms - Optional (Not Included):
- M4x16mm Set Screw: For IFS arm assembly.
- M3x10mm BHCS: For IFS arm assembly.
- M2x3mm BHCS: For IFS arm assembly.
- M3x6mm LP SHCS: For IFS arm assembly.
- Pivot Ball Set: For IFS arm assembly.
- IFS Suspension Arms Set: For IFS arm assembly.
- IFS Steering Plates: For IFS arm assembly.
- IFS Link Set: For IFS arm assembly.
- IFS Hinge Pins: For IFS arm assembly.
- Bearings: 10x15x4mm, 5x10x4mm.
IFS Front End - Optional (Not Included):
- Washers: .250 x .125 x .015.
- M3x10mm FHCS: For IFS front end assembly.
- M3x10mm BHCS: For IFS front end assembly.
- M3x6mm FHCS: For IFS front end assembly.
- Pinion Gear: 30T.
- Skid Plates: For IFS front end assembly.
- Bulkhead Brace: For IFS front end assembly.
- Bearings: 10x15x4mm, 5x10x4mm.
Shock Fluids (Optional):
- Various weights from 10 Weight to 47.5 Weight.
Bodies & Decals (Optional):
- O-Rings: Red Silicone.
- M2x8mm SHCS: For body mounting.
- Body Clips: For securing the body.
- Decals: Various styles available.
- Body Sets: Clear, with window masks.
- Body Accessories: Chrome, Black.
- Fender Flares: Aluminum.
- Rock Sliders: Aluminum.
Pinions/Spur Gears (Optional):
- Various tooth counts and pitches for 48P and 64P gears.
Lubricants & Adhesives (Optional):
- Shock Lube: For smooth shock operation.
- Tire Adhesive: For securing tires to wheels.
- Black Grease: For general lubrication.
- Green Slime: For sealing O-rings.
- Servo Tape: For mounting electronics.
Usage Features:
The Element RC Enduro Builder's Kit 2 is designed for experienced RC enthusiasts who enjoy the process of building and customizing their vehicles. The comprehensive build manual guides users through each step, from assembling the chassis to installing the gearbox and suspension components. The kit's modular design allows for extensive customization, including different suspension setups (IFS or solid axle), various gearbox configurations (including overdrive), and a wide range of aftermarket parts. The IFS system provides a unique driving experience, offering improved handling and stability on technical terrain compared to traditional solid axle crawlers. The ability to fine-tune shock angles, link lengths, and drive ratios allows users to optimize the vehicle's performance for specific crawling challenges.
Maintenance Features:
The Enduro Builder's Kit 2 is designed with maintenance in mind, featuring durable components and accessible designs.
- Grease Application: The manual emphasizes the use of black grease for various moving parts, such as gears and pivot balls, to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear.
- Threadlock Application: Threadlock is recommended for screws that are subject to vibration, preventing them from loosening during operation.
- Shock Fluid: Shock fluid is crucial for proper damping and is easily replaceable. The manual provides detailed instructions for bleeding the shocks to ensure optimal performance.
- Component Replacement: The kit includes a catalog of parts, making it easy to identify and order replacement components when needed. Many parts are designed for straightforward replacement, minimizing downtime.
- Regular Inspections: The manual encourages regular checks of rod end angles and other suspension components to ensure proper alignment and prevent premature wear.
- Sealed Components: The sealed receiver box protects electronics from environmental elements, reducing the need for frequent cleaning or repair of sensitive components.
- Durable Materials: The use of aluminum, steel, and high-quality plastics for various components ensures longevity and reduces the frequency of part replacement.