what about a 4wd baja? calling all baja guys!
 

look at this


http://cgi.ebay.com/2011-UPGRADE-4WD...73274378127544

ok the body is trash, but has anyone seen a 4wd kit for the baja?
do you think mikes kit will fit on it with the 4wd kit?

if so i can see this being my next project because the one thing that has held me back from getting a baja has been the fact that its 2wd

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...Fw-7UfCQ_3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...BNFwFchQ_3.jpg

Someone needs to do a similiar conversion kit for the real "Baja". I know I've seen a couple of "at home" versions similiar to this.

I'm not particularly fond of the belt system. When working on my nitro 4-tec conversion, making the belts tight enough so they don't skip on the pulleys adds a lot of drag to the system, which results in lost power.

i only use belt in onroad, and i think if they arent set up right they do cause alot of drag

im not saying that this system on the baja will be all that great but i can say this, my serpent 1/8 has alot less drag in the belt drive than my 4tec did, but then again i think that the 4tec had one of the worst belt drives setups in the world too.

I think if the pulleys were a little bigger it might be a better idea.

What do you guys think about chain drive? I remember when i was in Jr High I had a Kyosho Rocky and a Kyosho Optima that were both chain drive, seemed to work fine.

This is what I plan on getting within the next month.
http://www.nutechracingusa.com/kalee...wd15scale.aspx
There are more pics of that truck on the website listed.
I have read that FLM makes some parts for that model too.
I plan on installing my Neu 2220 (550 kv) and CC HV 160 12s setup into the Kalee package.

Mm,that kalee looks nice! Is it a clone with added parts or is it all
built in house?--Josh

i still have an optima as well as a twinforce, both are chain drives but chains are not smooth and if you get a rock in the chain they lock up

i looked at the kalee to, do it share alot with the baja or is going to be trouble to find parts for?

4 X 4 all the way.
 

I agree with you SemiPro. I have not purchased a Baja 5b for the same reason. I want a true 4X4 version. It seems that RCM has put a lot of work into an "E"-conversion so why not get a good 4X4 conversion going as well. This would make teh 5b a truly awsome vehicle to own. I just do not like 2wd R/C vehicles either.

I think you're going to have problems using Mike's baja kit with that belt drive system. It may be as simple as drilling a couple holes into the rcm side plates, but I doubt it. Probably going to have to mill down something here, add spacers there, hope it lines up... You know the drill. Parts of the 4wd belt system appear to attach to the side plate, and other parts to the engine and clutch. Exploded views would help you see what you're getting into.

The Kalee looks like it has a wider chassis, so I'm doubting mikes kit will fit. Lots of pics of it can be found here tho http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9374797/tm.htm

Wonder why we have not seen something like a scaled up 1/8 buggy/truggy... Sorta like the redcat 1/5 scale. I would go with something like that to covert over a 5b.

Belt that are not enclosed cause alot of issues offroad. 2 pair of hypoid bevels and a center bearing supported shaft would be a much better way to transfer power.

The baja layout is mainly to get the gas engine in a suitable location given its dimensions and weight. We realy need a dedicated E-chassis that could use all or art of the baja suspension as that appears to be the big benifit over the other 5th scale stuff out there. Would not bee too hard, a large U channel chassis with milled suspension attachement points that bolt in. It has been a while since I had my ex baja apart, is the rear diff seperate from the rear suspension attachment points?

I had planned to make a buggy that used the XTM XLB buggy body. Would not be as long as the baja, but close. Was going to use muggy/lst parts, custom shock towers and a 4-6" wide al channel with 1.5" tall sides as the chassis. Narrow and strong. Planned to run a center diff/spool with a side or top mounted motor just like the rcm conversion parts for 1/8 buggies. Being long the motor and center drive could be closer to the rear and the batteries would be at the front. 4wd of course. Need to mock it up again so you can see what I am thinking...

Oh I know what you're thinking. I've had the same idea in my head for awhile, only difference is I have a bunch of maxx parts and a 1520 to put to use.

My only issue with maxx parts is the relative lack of strength. Howver if you were to make your oven metal bulks, use rpm arms with the hd front knuckels and a true track rear szetup and something like an 1/8 buggy steering setup you would have a light weight suspension. Couple that to a carbon fibre chassis (U shape and thick-ish) and you may be able to keep the weight way down.

I had planned to use 40 series wheels/tires for the rear, and the lpr truggy tires and wheels for the front to give the narrow/wide buggy look. The boddy of the XLB is boxy, and I think it would look good that way.

I have some extruded alum U-channel that'll do the job and still be light. All stock plastic for now, and probably only 2wd unless I feel like making a long front dogbone. Might try to make my own front bulk if I keep it 2wd, never liked the lower hinge pin support on the maxx. Plan on shortening it up about 3 inches (5b buggy body) and using either a buggy or a savage bellcrank setup. 3905 Emaxx trans converted to use a Revo mount, all mounted as low as possible and in the rear. Idk about tires yet, kinda like your idea with truggy up front. We'll see, this is just a spare parts (besides body) street and grass basher. Still have to start work on the custom chassis for my other maxx first, that truck is my "real" basher.