[WIP][MOD] 9395 4x4 Off-Roader

[offroadcreations]

Hello,

When I saw the very first preliminary image of the 42070, I was inspired to convert the 9395 Tow Truck into a 6x6 off-roader. After looking at some pictures, I realized it would be easier to make it a 4x4, so I've decided to go for that instead. I've had the idea in my mind for a few weeks, and don't have any current projects, so I'm going to start this one.

 

Reference picture. ^^

Here is what the set looks like, IMO.

This is what I want it to look like when I am done. ^^

The functions and features I want it to have are:

4 Wheel Drive with an XL Motor
Steering with an M Motor
2 live axles
pneumatic raising/lowering crane
pneumatic extending crane

I don't want it to be a rock crawler, but I want it to have off-road capabilities. Let's get started!

I have built the truck with new axles and removed all of the inside functions. It has many problems, though, like the wheels rubbing the fenders and small range of movement for the suspension. Some pics:

I'll be redoing the chassis soon but keeping the axles and changing them only a bit. 
Please tell me what you think. 

Edited February 5, 2017 by Offroadcreat1ons

[Dafgek81]

Sorry, can't say I like it.

[offroadcreations]

18 minutes ago, Dafgek81 said:

Sorry, can't say I like it.

Could you tell me what, so I can change it? Also, it is still a WIP, so it's nowhere near complete, so you might like the finished version.

Edited February 5, 2017 by Offroadcreat1ons

[Imanol BB]

For me it looks pretty good so far, maybe i would change the gear ratios, but only if it is going to do some heavy off-roading or hauling, just to protect the gears, i am very interested in the crane, the whole model looks promising to me.

[agrof]

Agree with Imanol BB, the more weight You add, the more the risk, that u-joints and gears will crack. A gear reduction (portal axles) might be involved if You add the crane.

 Looks good so far!

Edited February 6, 2017 by agrof

[syclone]

Maybe you have to change the chassis a bit to make it stronger and more reliable ( Use the ball-joint frames with the u-joints inside ) but I like how it looks with those tires 

Keep it posted up :)

[offroadcreations]

Thanks everyone!

@Imanol BB I will see about the gear ratios when it it done. Right now it is 1:3, but I will probably change it after I see the final weight. 

@agrof Portal hubs are a good idea, but it doesn't look like I'll be using them. But who knows, maybe I will.

Here is the redone chassis: 

I may have to make it longer to fit the body. ^^

Here are the pneumatics I have to choose from. I also have some in the assembled 42053, so I can use the manual or motorized pump. 

[offroadcreations]

So, the truck is almost done, but I have ran into a big problem. Whenever I try to drive it, the rear axle goes off to one side, and something in the drive system breaks, usually a u-joint. I believe it is the lack of a differental, but the chassis of the black crawler I built had a nearly identical chassis, and it worked fine. I need help to fix it, so all advice is appriciated. Once that is sorted out I will share the complete truck.  Please excuse the poor photo.

[suffocation]

I'd try adding a differential. If that solves the problem but you want to preserve the truck's off-road capabilities you can add a diff lock as well. It looks like there's plenty of room for both.

[JJ2]

10 hours ago, Offroadcreat1ons said:

So, the truck is almost done, but I have ran into a big problem. Whenever I try to drive it, the rear axle goes off to one side, and something in the drive system breaks, usually a u-joint. I believe it is the lack of a differental, but the chassis of the black crawler I built had a nearly identical chassis, and it worked fine. I need help to fix it, so all advice is appriciated. Once that is sorted out I will share the complete truck.

Try getting rid of the panhard rod and putting a 4-link or leaf springs in using flex axles, your panhard link is misaligned also, it should not be at a diagonal like that put strait with the place its mounted, you could try a beam instead of a link to make it more rigid and have less of an effect when your axles goes up and down.

[Myers Lego Technic]

because of the way you have set up your axle, if there is significant force to stop the tires from moving the rotational movement of the tires will transfer to a sideways movement as the bevel gear will be treated as a gear rack, in essence. A differential would solve this, or a cross bar from the axle to the chassis would help negate. 

[offroadcreations]

Thank you everyone, but I believe I've found the real problem, and it's because I wasn't paying attention. When I started this, I built the real axle first, with a 1:1 gear ratio. When I rebuilt it, I took the axle directly from the black crawler I had built, and it had a 1:1.667 ratio. The axles had different ratios.  Sorry everyone.  I'll be adding some photos soon.