Axial Racing SCX10JK - Full Scale Build by Rebel Off Road

[REBEL OFFROAD]

http://axialracing.com/wordpress/2012/03/19/axial-2012-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-unlimited/

Rebels,
We are VERY excited about this project. We've been keeping it under our hats for some time - and details still cannot be shared in full. Stay tuned to this thread and the Official Axial Blog!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial Blog
Last week we were talking about Jeff Johns and his search of the best trail rig for his needs, see previous blog post here. The strongest argument going was the idea of building a full size Honcho, which would be really cool! We could model the bed and cage exactly like our 1/10 Honcho and hit the trail with a full size SCX10 Honcho. This was dismissed rather quickly by Jeff as he stood and pronounced three statements, #1. He is a “Jeep” guy, and #2. He needed room to take his family out for adventures, and the Honcho style of vehicle just wouldn’t provide the space, and #3. He is a “Jeep” guy. Due to the fact that most of the other employees involved in this conversation were also proud Jeep owners, Jeff was leaning toward a new Jeep, but which one and why?

This is quite often the topic at the office, not necessarily about Jeeps, but about the different wheelbase that is best to use for trail driving with the SCX10 Dingo at 11.4″ and the Honcho’s wheelbase at 12.3″. Not even a full inch separating the two and they drive very differently and the same can be said in the full size arena as well. The Jeep options on the table were the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Both platforms were very capable vehicles, especially once they are prepared for battle. The shorter wheelbase Wrangler offers a tighter turning radius and better break over angles like the Dingo SCX10, but Jeff just parted ways with a standard Wrangler and it provided very limited space for his family and gear. The longer Wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited offers more interior space and better handling over the bumps and steeper climbs like the Honcho, so the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited really seemed to fit the bill.

With both options on the table, Jeff and Axial crew headed down the road to meet with Bond at Rebel Off-Road. Bond is the local go to guy for Jeep preparation and maintenance. He has vast knowledge about everything Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and is very well known for his extensive jeep builds as well as his experience on the trail. We didn’t even get half way through our question before he blurted out “Get a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, it is an improvement over what is already the most popular and capable off-road vehicle on the road, the 2011 model”. He proceeded to show us several vehicles he had built for customers including his own Wrangler Unlimited. The popularity of the Wrangler Unlimited meant that there are a ton of options on the market personalize the rig for its intended purpose. It was settled, Jeff would secure a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

Fast forward one week and Jeff has secured his 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. He chose the silver Rubicon model. The 2012 Jeep has a more powerful engine, better fuel economy than previous models and is pretty well ready for some trail action right off the dealership floor. The Rubicon features the Rock-Trak 4WD system, an electronic sway bar disconnect, Tru-Lok locking diffs in Dana 44 axles.

Here are a few shots of the new rig…. Let’s call it the Axial SCX10JK!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial Blog
Keep checking back for more info as we get ready to put this 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited under the knife at Rebel Off-Road!

 

[REBEL OFFROAD]

Axial “SCX10JK” - Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension

http://axialracing.com/wordpress/2012/03/26/axial-scx10jk-icon-vehicle-dynamics-suspension/

Originally Posted By: Official Axial Blog
We have officially placed the Axial 2012 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited “SCX10JK” in the capable hands of Rebel Off Road for them to start the build. The first thing on the to do list was a proper suspension system. We have had Icon Vehicle Dynamics as one of our marketing partners for quite some time now, and have decided to run their “Jeep JK 4.5″ complete suspension system” found here. We are also working with Dylan Evans, their head engineer to further test their new compression clicker reservoir shocks on our JK, talk about some incredible shocks, we can’t wait to run these on the trail! I personally have worked with Dylan for many years on different motorsport projects, and am really excited to see these guys working together on this. I am confident that this suspension system will suit our needs and surpass our expectations. Dylan is a mastermind at tuning shock and spring combinations for the best of both worlds, day to day driving, as well as a healthy dose of off-road abuse. Take a look at this suspension system as we break down the different components, and what purpose they will serve.

The new Icon Suspension System consists of:
Upper and lower front links
Upper and lower rear links
Front and rear springs
Front and rear pan hard bars
Front and rear pan hard brackets
Front lower shock mounts
Front reservoir mounts
Front and rear bump stop spacers
Extended sway bar links
Front and rear 2.5″ body Compression Clicker Reservoir shocks

Here is a shot of the entire system laid out on the Rebel shop floor..

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogWith the Axial SCX10JK up on the rack, it is time to get to work and tear it apart..

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe suspension links have a brilliant design. First off we have some race car parts with these huge heim joints, because strength is paramount in any suspension system. Second, Icon have developed a 2 stage threaded adjustment system. This means you simply place the link in place on the vehicle, then you adjust the length to desired spec, then tighten down. No more of this remove the link, adjust it, then replace it. It makes setting the caster on solid axle vehicle as easy as it gets!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe links themselves are designed for maximum flex. Pictured here are stock links with Icon links. You can see that the flex for the stock arm is meant to come from flex in the bushings and the arm itself. The Icon arm, has a race spec heim on one end and a Johnny Joint style joint on the other, meaning that the link is allowed to articulate throughout its range of motion without any resistance from rubber or torsional twist from the arm.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe front upper arms are designed to flex from one side and solid mount to flexible bushings in the Axle housing, these solid mounts have also been beefed up significantly.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial Blog
The front and rear Icon springs are quite a bit taller than the stock springs, and should provide plenty of extra ground clearance, as well as the perfect rate once the vehicle is outfitted for battle.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe pan hard or “track” bars from Icon feature a much stronger and lighter tubular design. The ends of the Icon bars are equipped with heims or Urethane bushings which is a significant upgrade from stock.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe shocks for this project are probably the most striking change from stock. It is hard to imagine running on stock shocks after seeing these 2.5″ reservoir bad boys from Icon….
Rear Shocks

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogFront Shocks

Originally Posted By: Official Axial Blog
The install of the suspension system goes really smooth, at least that is what the staff at Rebel makes it look like.
Here is the front suspension before and after Icon links

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe front springs and shocks are huge!!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe compression clickers on the reservoir are going to be awesome, we cant wait!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe lower shock mount moves the shock out for clearance during full articulation

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAnd pictured with the reservoir mount in place, almost ready to rock!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe rear suspension was next on the list
In stock form…

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogWith the Icon links…..

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogRear sway bar links

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogRear springs and shocks

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogCompleted rear suspension

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe suspension stage of this project is only the beginning, be sure to check back in the coming weeks to see this vehicle coming together. We intend to build a proper Jeep JK with the highest quality products and then take it out and hit the trails. For the history on how this vehicle came about please check out our earlier blog postings here….

 

[REBEL OFFROAD]

Axial “SCX10JK” Armor - Poison Spyder Crusher Flares and Crusher Corners

http://axialracing.com/wordpress/2012/03...ner-protection/

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe next stage of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon dubbed “SCX10JK” involves some protection, styling and clearance. We headed back over to Rebel Off Road to check on the progression of our build, and they are busy working on the next few steps to include the front and rear steel Poison Spyder Crusher Flares (check out the front here , and the rears here ), and steel rear Crusher Corners (found here) .

The Crusher flares will offer a significant amount of extra space for the wheels to travel while the vehicle is fully articulated. They will also offer some much needed strength should our rig rub up against the rocks while out on the trail. Let’s have a look at the stock fender then the Poison Spyder Crusher flares….

The stock front and rear fenders on the JK

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe front and rear stock fenders removed from the Jeep

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogRebel sent out the Poison Spyder Crusher Flares to have them powder coated in a Matte black, should look great against the silver!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogYou can really see the difference between the stock fenders and the Poison Spyder Crusher flares, they will offer a tremendous amount of extra clearance, and will offer strength should they hit the earth.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThese Crusher flares are very easy to install, completely “bolt on”, and man do they look good!

Here are the fronts….

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAnd here are the rears…

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe next step was to install the Poison Spyder Rear Crusher Corners. These are a work of art. Made from steel, they have been formed to fit exactly against the rear corner of the Jeep body shell. This body armor will likely see a few scratches if the jeep ever rubs up against a giant rock versus completely crushing the stock body panel in the same scenario. These are a bit more complicated to install, as it requires a little more surgery to get them on proper. This is where the owner of a brand new Jeep JK should probably leave the shop, it is hard to watch the drill push through the outside of the brand new body for the first time!

The first step was to send these Crusher Corners out to be powder coated. Bond at Rebel knew the exact color to powder coat them to almost match the silver of the Jeep exactly, they came out perfect!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe contours and curves in this part is what makes it a work of art, as a metal fabricator, I can’t imagine what it takes to make the tool that made this

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogBefore install, Rebel needed to completely strip the corners of tail lights and place some blue tape on the crusher flares to protect them while mocking up the corner to mark the holes

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAs stated before, we fully trust Rebel to the job, but you still cringe when the drill cuts the first hole!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogWell Jeff, there it is, the first bit of Body damage to your brand new Jeep, and the guys at Rebel were smiling the whole time they were doing it!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAfter all the holes are drilled, riv-nuts or threaded inserts are installed to be able to bolt on the corners, this process looks crazy!!!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAfter all the inserts are installed, it is time to “final” install the corners

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogOnce the corners are installed, the LED tail lights are placed in the rear corners

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogWith both rear corners installed, the body protection is really coming along, got to love the “Rebel” spare tire mount block off plate!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe guys at Rebel also put a little black behind the Poison Spyder logo on the Crusher Corners to make it stand out. These are the details that make the difference in a build, and that’s why this rig is at Rebel!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogJeff stopped by Rebel to check out the progress on his Jeep build, here is a candid of him obviously playing with the compression clicker on the Icon shocks. Busted!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThis Axial Project “SCX10JK” is at full speed now, with more and more parts being installed every day over at Rebel. We will continue to update you with the progress as it happens. Next on the list are the front and rear bumpers, sliders, and some more body protection from Poison Spyder. Please stop back in to the Axial Blog on the regular to see the latest updates. For the history on this vehicle, please visit our past blog entries outlined below… Oh, and thanks for stopping by!

 

[abbuyyd]

delete

 

[REBEL OFFROAD]

Axial “SCX10JK” Armor - Poison Spyder Rocker Armor and Rocker Knockers

http://axialracing.com/wordpress/2012/03...ocker-knockers/

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogWe are starting to get extremely excited about Project “SCX10JK” . We have been at Rebel Off Road almost every day checking out the progress of the build. Those guys really make quick work of the parts install. Standing there watching them in action is pretty cool, it is like a well oiled machine. Every person there has a job to do, and they all seem to work really well together. Yesterday’s progress included adding some much needed armor to the side of the Jeep in between fenders. The rocker panels are one of the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle when out on the trail. Just because the Jeep can climb over something, doesn’t mean it should. For those moments when Jeff is faced with climbing over a huge rock, we needed some rocker protection for when it comes down on the other side. I know from experience with my SCX10, that the sliders are very important, same goes for the full size action. Unlike my Lexan bodied SCX10, failure to install proper sliders on this rig, will result in very expensive damage. To handle protection of this vital area of the vehicle we once again turn to the Jeep masterminds over at Poison Spyder. This time we will be installing the Aluminum Rocker Armor and the Rocker Knockers or sliders.

Of course we need to stick with the same theme that we started with, so Rebel sent both components out for powder coating. We decided to make the Aluminum rocker protection match the corners in that silver powder coat, and do the Rocker Knockers in black. That way any protection bolted to the body surface will match the silver paint, and the Rocker Knockers will look great with the Crusher Flares previously installed.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe first part of this process involves stripping the stock rocker panels down to bare metal

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThis would be another one of those moments where you cringe seeing the drill hit the fresh paint, but I imagine after the corner install, this would be a little easier to swallow. The process is very similar to the rear corner install as it requires the drilling of several holes in which you install threaded inserts to bolt the parts on.

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAfter all the holes are drilled, the threaded inserts are installed. These threaded inserts also known as “Riv-Nuts” and are just like rivets in how they are installed. I need one of these tools!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAfter all the threaded inserts are installed, it is as simple as bolting the parts in place. The fitment of the Poison Spyder parts is spot on, that or Rebel Off Road really makes it look easy

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogAll of the hardware is countersunk, so the result is a completely smooth surface, very clean!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogOnce the rocker protection is in place the crew at Rebel got to work installing the Rocker Knockers Rock Sliders. These are really cool, and look very similar to the sliders that come as standard equipment on the SCX10 line of vehicles, so they definitely fit the theme of this build!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogWe are very pleased with the result of the Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers, I am sure Jeff will hit the rocks with confidence with these bad boys installed!

Originally Posted By: Official Axial BlogThe next step is the front bumper and rear bumper with tire carrier. Be sure to stop back by and check out the progress over the next few days! The guys at Rebel Off Road are working extremely hard to get this rig ready for action, Thank you Rebel!

 

[Stu Farish]

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