Vanquish VS4-10 Phoenix: FINALLY the Crawler We Hoped For!

Рет қаралды 6,320

Күн бұрын

When we first got the Vanquish Phoenix on the rocks, it was frustrating to drive and difficult to handle on the steep stuff. Over the course of this series we've looked at how it might be improved on the rocks. We've been tuning with tires and wheels, track width, adjusting center of gravity, different power systems, and more - but still, performance stayed out of reach.
After the Vanquish VTX tires and Phoenix wheels performed well on the Sendero HD in our last dry rock tire test video, we were more determined than ever to find the key to getting the Phoenix to rise from the flames of failed rocky hopes.
Well, we've done it! Don't miss this one!
(Did you spot the tool I left attached to the Phoenix throughout the video? I've been looking for it this week and only watching this video tonight I finally found it! (Hint: front left wheel). D'oh!)
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Changes made:
- Swapped the 80mm shocks out for 90mm units (I used TRX4 stock ones, but most of similar size would be fine).
- I swapped the stock steering link rod ends with Axial bent rod ends that come with SCX10.3 kits. M4 thread. Standard ball end. www.axialracing.com/products/a...
(Or, try adjusting the existing ones first, that might actually give you enough length for it to be usable without replacing the links. Another option is to buy 4mm threaded rod from your local hardware store and cut to length, using the existing vanquish rod ends your rig came with).
- I added 5mm to the panhard rod length. I replaced mine with a spare link of the right length. As with the steering rod, you might DIY with threaded rod or threading your own steel link (M4 thread to suit the stock rod ends).
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Mentioned in this video:
Our most recent tire test: • Dry Rock Crawling Tire...
Full tire test playlist: • Tire Test Series
Vanquish VS4-10 Phoenix Portal Playlist: • Vanquish VS4-10
TRX4 Bronco Long Arm Lift Kit: • Is Higher Better? We T...
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Chapters:
0:00 Vanquish Phoenix Fixed?
0:10 Rock Crawling Demo
1:20 Just One Change!
2:16 Tires Are Wearing In
2:33 My Phoenix Tuning Tips
3:20 Phoenix is Fun Now!
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Website: rc-tnt.com/
Twitter @rctrailandtech and on Instagram:
/ rctrailandtech
WHERE TO BUY RC STUFF:
Buy kits, models & upgrades here: www.asiatees.com/shop-now?rc_...
Send money directly to people living in extreme poverty (lets combine our resources to help those most in need):
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#rccrawling, #rcreview, #vanquishphoenix, #vs410phoenix

Пікірлер: 96

@YoShImUrA53 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, this is such great news. This puts the Phoenix back into my mind's own "I need this rig" shopping list. Haha! I really hope Vanquish take notes of this, and make a V2 of sorts and update these relatively small changes for the big performance upgrade. We're so spoiled for great content and ideas in your channel. Always a treat whenever you release a video. Thanks, Craig!!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Careful how, my ego can only get so big. But seriously, thank you. If we're talking Phoenix V2, another thing I'd like to change is to swap that adjustable overdrive for 1st and 2nd gear!

@shannoncold 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for all the effort! Lookig forward to my Phoenix a bit more now!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear it. It's a great truck.

@BK33REVIEWS Жыл бұрын

Love to see you put the research in instead of just toss them to the side

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Of course! They're here to be used, tuned and improved :)

@mikehogan27 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great video. I really enjoyed it.

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it, no worries! Thanks Mike.

@DaveGlitchHare 2 жыл бұрын

Good news! You can see it in your smile and hear it in your voice!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Smiles per mile as someone put it recently here, yep! It's fun to drive now. I'm relieved - it's so nice, I wanted it to do well from day 1. Cheers

@josepharrington8080 Жыл бұрын

Appreciate you my Man 💯👍🏿

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Heh thank you!

@madsrcbuggy 2 жыл бұрын

I love your doggy's appearances in the videos, this one was really special and cute, there must have been a nice bird poop to roll in right there, ha ha! And even though I don't care about that particular truck, I'm happy for you, and happy you're sharing your experience. I think what I experienced mostly with RC's is we build them as the kit suggests and might tweak a bit here and there, but sometimes some fundamental changes need to be done, I am beginning to learn that these days. Your videos are really helpful!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a positive and encouraging message! I'm really glad you're getting something out of these videos :) I'll give Tully a pat for you.

@dkmgm2011 2 жыл бұрын

Look who learned to dig! Great job man!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Lol thanks, yes, your comment was really helpful. I've been doing that with my pro MOA rig for years but it never translated to actual, y'know, dig units. Once you wrote that, I had a "well d'uh, Craig" type epiphany, haha. Thanks again.

@dkmgm2011 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT you're welcome brother. Thanks for the content!

@Ronh83 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of trying this. Now Im sure I will try it, just need a decent set of 90mm shocks. Thanks for testing it out!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@jeffsrcchannel2191 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool. Well done :)

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@rccrawlerextreme 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome setup bro

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm pretty happy with it now!

@BlindGuyRc 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips man. Just ordered mine haha

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

It's a beautiful machine, I hope you really enjoy it!

@fishnrc294 Жыл бұрын

Back for a look at this video I just got the new Phoenix RTR & I remember commenting on being disappointed with the performance but loved the look. Well here I am back to learn from you. I’m going to get the longer shocks. I’m currently running a Holmes Hobbies Crawlmaster Expert with Hobbywing 1080 esc. I only had it out today but I’m impressed with it & the drag brake is insanely good. Thank you for making these test & problem solve to get performance I love it. As I skimmed past the many RC’s you gave us a look at it was impressive to see so many great RC’s. Look forward to many more. Not sure what’s next for me maybe a basher. But I’m eying the Redcat Gen 9 so hopefully you get it. Also been Loki g at getting a RC4WD RTR rig not sure of the name but it has just a cab no bed. Now that I have a Vanquish next step is to get a RC4WD.

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Ah great! So glad you're happy with yours :) This has grown on me, too. Thanks for letting me know! Happy tinkering.

@Andy_Yates 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I had a feeling after that last video that it needed a little more travel to reach the rocks for traction :). I wonder if it is less noticed because some people trash the 80mm shocks out of the box? So many variables like always with these tiny trucks. The terrain we're crawling on can really influence what type of setup works best. The most important part? This rig is FUN for you now! 🙌🙌. Great to see it pretty well sorted now 😁

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

You write well, Andy. Once again, nicely put. Agreed!

@Andy_Yates 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT Thanks Craig 🍻. I'm learning a lot thanks to you and West Desert Wheeler, and getting out on the rocks myself. I'll be on the coast this weekend for another comp. Can't wait!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@Andy_Yates that's so great! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Great scene, RC Crawling.

@stalyun8211 Жыл бұрын

Great video and info. Anyone else waiting for a king brown to come out of them rocks? Can't wait to see your video on the just released straight axle Phoenix.

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Heh no king browns here, but many browns! I'll have to look into that phoenix. Like a brown snake, I myself live under a rock when it comes to media. Didn't know about the new release. Thanks! Ed. Ok have looked into it. Shipping has increased since I bought the last Phoenix and it's now USD$260, plus the truck itself. I'm going to have to wait for it to be available locally. Might be a while - the TRX6 Hauler was released in Australia yesterday, for example. We'll see!

@stalyun8211 Жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT only the second most venomous snake. I don't know how you all do it. wow. I am fascinated by them, from afar. like on the TV. We have copperheads, rattlesnakes and cottonmouth/water moccasins here. But you normally have to be near the water, woods or rocks to have chance encounter with one. On second thought I think I will forget scale RC vehicles. LOL. That is too bad on the shipping. Im going to complain about paying 20-30 bucks to ship mine back to California so I can get the straight axles.

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

They're not so bad if you leave them alone. We get browns, tigers and red belly black snakes here on the property. The browns keep out of sight, the red bellies are huge scaredy cats and the tiger snakes are like a big dumb dog. I've had one come right at me so it could get around an obstacle and get away from me. We locked eyes about a foot from each other while I was squatting on the ground fiddling with a water hose last summer. They all just want to be left alone. Well, apart from king browns, they tend to be grumpy and easily provoked! We don't get em this far south though. Enjoy the new Phoenix. I'd have ordered one today if shipping was about half the rate it is. I'm patient, can wait. Enjoy yours!

@stalyun8211 Жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT I'd be scared Sh&tless to walk outside. lol. I may post a video of it on my channel one of these days. I don't really do anything with regards to videos. I mainly use YT for info purposes. Thanks. Cheers.

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

If you were born into it you'd be fine, I bet. Australia has a tough reputation but most of us are big softies!

@royhopkins6197 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you figured out what the problem was...and I've been thinking really hard about buying the gen 8 v2 and the only thing that's stopping me is the body because I hate it lol...and I've not Seen or heard of any replacements for it

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

You can adjust the wheelbase on the Gen 8 V2 a bit. With body posts (included in the box) you should be able to mount most 313mm bodies on it. I'm sure someone (several someones, I bet) on YT has done this already!

@royhopkins6197 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT ok great I didn't know that so thank you for the information I appreciate it so much..

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@royhopkins6197 no worries! Wouldn't be too hard to mod your own body mounts into it too, if you don't like the stock locations. Happy body hunting.

@danweiss4928 2 жыл бұрын

The truck is nice. But I am impressed with that steering servo wow it was dragging the whole truck up the rock. ..

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

They're great servos!

@goreyboggs 2 жыл бұрын

Really, ok I’ll watch.

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Well, yes! I thought so anyway! I hope it delivered for you :)

@mikebrewz 2 жыл бұрын

Love the channel, been watching for a while now. I've been having trouble deciding on my first rig. This vanquish has caught my eye. Is it worth paying extra for this vs a sendero or emo at4 from a capability standpoint? I don't care about scale. Thanks

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! If you want performance, the Sendero is brilliant. It'll leave you with more money too, which you can spend on upgrades as you see fit (and I'll do a sendero upgrade and test video soonish). The EMO AT4 and TRX4 are similar enough that either are an easy recommendation for an all rounder - being able to unlock the diffs and having 2-speed gives them both flexibility that neither the Phoenix nor Sendero HD can deliver. But if it's just performance, out of the box I don't think you can beat the Sendero on value for money. And it's just plain great on the rocks!

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

That has its benefits too, especially if you're new. Good point!

@cl-audio322 2 жыл бұрын

Curious, once you install 90mm shocks, can you perhaps make a how to video detailing the steps you took to adjust the steering and pan hard links? Thanks mate!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Don't know if a video is needed, though I can do it if there's enough interest. Seriously it was adding 5mm to the panhard rod (I replaced with longer one to get the length) and replaced the rod ends of the steering link with axial bent ones. Did the job!

@cl-audio322 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT I can lengthen the link by unscrewing the rod ends right or do i need to buy new rods like you did? Do you happen to have the size of the links you bought or can you provide weblinks by any chance to the links you bought and the axial ones so I can make sure I get the right stuff? Thank you very much!

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@cl-audio322 I used links from my parts drawers but they're just the standard axial bent rod ends that come with SCX10.3 kits. M4 thread. Standard ball end. www.axialracing.com/products/ax31186 Or, try adjusting the existing ones first, that might actually give you enough length for it to be usable without replacing the links. Another option is to buy 4mm threaded rod from your local hardware store and cut to length, using the existing vanquish rod ends your rig came with.

@cl-audio322 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT Thanks for the advice. I'm currently working on the build. Question, I'm going to use the stock TRX-4 shocks as well, how did you overcome the binding of the shock collars with the shock towers? I'm having to lower the shock collars quite a bit to get them out of the way.

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@cl-audio322 I have a bunch of 5mm spacers. I may have used them between the shocks and the mounts, on longer screws. I can't recall if I did that, but if so, you may need longer screws too. I'm unable to check that right now, sorry, but that'll do it.

@jayb3518 Жыл бұрын

Don't you hate when you lose a tool, only to find it sitting out in the open... I assume it's a special socket/adapter to assist with getting wheel nuts on in tight spaces. I've spent hours over a few days looking for my small pair of vice grips only to find them a year later. I had previously used them to clamp off a fuel line on a lawn mower when I needed to do some carburetor work. Just wanted to let ya know, that your viewers also read the description of your videos... Keep up the great content.

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Yes! Frustrating isn't it. I've got a set of hole saw bits that for the life of me I can't find at the moment. I've looked everywhere and they're somewhere, but I'm nearly at the point I have to buy another set. I've been holding off but man is it confounding to know they're here somewhere.. Thanks Jay :)

@alexonthemountain8343 Ай бұрын

Hi Craig, I’ve just bought one of these (on ebay). If I get some new 90 mm shocks to replace the stock ones, do I just bolt them to the same exact location where the stock shocks are? Cheers buddy

@RCTNT Ай бұрын

Yeah I used the same shock locations, though I had to change the panhard and steering links from memory. Be aware I'm going to do an upgrade video on this car soonish, incorporating Pricey's shocks, some front weight, different tires etc. But yeah, you'll need to fiddle with the steering and drag links to get the steering geometry good if you're still running cms. But otherwise, go for it.

@alexonthemountain8343 Ай бұрын

@@RCTNT thanks for getting back to me on the shocks. Looking forward to the video on the Phoenix. Cheers 👍

@jamesblack4539 Жыл бұрын

Have you gone through the straight axle version of the Phoenix and done a review and evaluation on it?

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Hey James, I haven't done so. If it's anything like going straight axle on a TRX4 then the center of gravity will be better but the overall ability lower - at least in my testing. On courses where high break over angle isn't so important, the straight axle rig will do better. Really depends on the terrain!

@EvolVillainRC 2 жыл бұрын

So, its a great rig, but needs a bit of tuning to suit the type of driving you do. That describes any rig I have ever owned ever, so personal perfection out of the box is a little unrealistic. You are also denying yourself a lot of capability by not enabling the additional overdrive. In my area we have opted for a slightly larger tire to get that extra reach on tough break-overs. If I have any complaints with the shocks its the stock shock caps. I'll be replacing those in the near future. I don't want people to get the wrong idea about this truck. It is a phenominal performer. Even though I disagree you get a like for a well documented opinion. Thanks for posting :)

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

And you for your reasoning, that's fair enough! Always more to learn and I think I'd take a different approach with the Phoenix if I was doing the review and testing again now. In any case, it isn't a bad machine. Cheers

@DavePinnock 2 жыл бұрын

Great video dude, can you tell me was it the panhard and the servo link you extended? And if so how much did you extend them to sort the geometry? ta

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave, it's exactly as stated in the video, 5mm on the panhard and I added Axial bent rod ends to the steering link. Check the video comments, there's a link to the Axial plastics and some ideas for link options in another of my replies. I'm on mobile right now. Will update description with more detail later today (edit. now done). Cheers :)

@DavePinnock 2 жыл бұрын

Damn it, sorry I swear I checked the description and it wasn't there lol.

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@DavePinnock lol, it wasn't! It was in the video, but I added it to the description after your question. Thank *you* for the prompt! Cheers

@DavePinnock 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT well I gave it a proper test today and can say it does seem to have made a massive improvement. Only downside it has raised the cg slightly but I think that is out weighed by the improvements. I guess we could add some brass to improve the cg :)

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@DavePinnock oh cool! Glad you found it helped. You could wind back the suspension collars all the way and / or mount the shocks a tad higher. Could also experiment with using shorter/stock shocks. Both these actions will help get the cog down again. More brass down low also could help, though it's a two edged sword option. Thanks for letting me know anyway! Glad you found some benefit from it :D

@johannwitt1854 2 жыл бұрын

I assume with the wide setup front and rear?

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

Narrow, actually. Performed better this way on these rocks, at least, per previous Phoenix video ("This One Wide Trick")

@johnbarnicoat9423 Жыл бұрын

I tried the TRX-4 shock substitution but found the shock collar on these interferes with the shock mount area at the top, it's bigger around than the stock shock and doesn't fit all the way into the recess below where it mounts. Tried putting the Vanquish collar on the TRX-4 shock but different threads. How did you get these to fit? Thanks. BTW, you are one of the best RC channels in my opinion, as I've said before!

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

Thanks John, that's some helpful detail. I put an extra 5mm spacer between the shock top and the tower. You could use anything you have on hand to help move it out but I have a bunch of little spacers for this kind of thing.

@johnbarnicoat9423 Жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT Thanks. Trying to figure out what kind of spacer you mean. Can you give a bit more info?

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

This or something like it: banggood.onelink.me/zMT7/x2c3k8tx

@johnbarnicoat9423 Жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT ok thanks but I'm lost. got plenty of those but how/where do you put it to move the top of the shock out from the tower? hate to be a pain man understood if I am lol.

@RCTNT Жыл бұрын

@@johnbarnicoat9423 not at all, I'm happy to go deeper! But it's bedtime now. Back in the office tomorrow I'll grab some photos and write a short post on my website's Q&A page to give you more detail. Thanks John!

@WoodsUnknown 2 жыл бұрын

awesome review on the vanquish, are you going to be competing this summer.

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

This summer is nearly over. I've gotta get the comp scene going again but need to get insurance set up for the club first. It may not be this year but I'm keen on doing it sooner than later!

@WoodsUnknown 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT lol i forgot its summer there its -15c and 3 feet of snow here in New Brunswick, Canada. Stay safe with all the craziness going on my friend.

@WoodsUnknown 2 жыл бұрын

@@RCTNT Just need to do more research on gate width for classes and then im going to set something up on my 6 acres, trail walk, rock crawling and dirt track. Big summer ahead.

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@WoodsUnknown heh thanks, things aren't overly crazy here. Lucky to be here. Keep warm and thanks for following along with my adventures here! Cheers

@RCTNT 2 жыл бұрын

@@WoodsUnknown awesome! I've got the rcca rules on our site but some clubs use sorrca instead. I've run under those too and I don't mind which (ie. I don't feel strongly either way, I just like clearing gates. The rest is just details). Good idea to identify which rules your local clubs run and replicate that on your home course. I use rcca because that's what the Aussie clubs use, so it's easier for interstate comps when we're all on the same page already!