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Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Hey y'all,
I've always wanted to build a Tamiya semi truck. They're just so cool looking and I've been a fan of big rigs since I was a kid (maaaaany moons ago!). I've spent hours and hours watching those incredible expos in Europe where people build and drive their amazingly detailed trucks through scale cities, but sadly, it doesn't seem to be very popular here in the States. :cry: So that means if I were to build a semi truck, I would likely have to run it with my crawler buddies. Now I know converting one of these trucks to all wheel drive will absolutely NOT make it a crawler. However, I should be able to do mild trails with it and honestly, that's all I care about for this truck. So which one to buy? The Euro cabover trucks like the Scania, Mercedes, and Volvo look fantastic, but all the front overhang and such a short wheelbase would combine to make an already ill-performing offroader nearly useless in our terrain. I would really need something with a slightly longer wheelbase and minimal front overhang. So I looked into the US trucks like the Globe Liner, King Hauler, Aeromax, Grand Hauler, etc. Some had a wheelbase that was just too long so they got ruled out. I also figured this truck would have a bit of a "heavy hauler" or "construction" type look so that ruled out the trucks with tall sleeper cabs. That left me with the Globe Liner and the King Hauler. And since I won't go full bore "heavy hauler", I felt calling it a "medium hauler" was appropriate. And after months of researching them and what it would take to make them all wheel drive, I opted for the King Hauler. The longer cab would likely give more options for drivetrain and the mandatory sound system! :mrgreen: Tower Hobbies hooked me up with a generous gift code and I already had a gift certificate so they got the order. Three days later.... BAM! https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7249-XL.jpg The first order of business is to do a stock 6x4 build with RWD only. It's crazy, but after being in the hobby since the '80s this will be my first Tamiya build! I can't believe they still use philips screws, but oh well. Once it's built I plan to convert it to a 6x6 and I'm still trying to decide which method I want to follow because there are plenty of options! I also figured I'll do some bodywork during this time. Since the King Hauler isn't really a Peterbilt or Kenworth or any other specific brand, I would like to put some effort into making it a Peterbilt. I'm not yet sure how far I plan to go with that, but it may include front fenders, a grill, and some badges. That would likely be all I'd consider, to be honest. Specifically, I'm after the look of a Peterbilt 359. Now let's build!! Chassis all done! https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7250-XL.jpg For the axles I had something in mind. I didn't want to fully lock the axles because I'd like the truck to have a reasonable turning radius on concrete. However, it needs a true 6 wheel drive to get anywhere and open diffs just won't cut it. So I decided to try an experiment with some Gravity RC 2.5 million weight diff grease. My hope is that offroad it will lock up enough to spin all the tires, but allow diff action when turning on grippy concrete. Time will tell if it works! Here's the goop going in. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7257-XL.jpg Roller status!! I also installed a Savox 1256 servo for the steering. It's only got about 277 ounces, but I think that might be fine for this type of rig. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7259-XL.jpg Transmission coming together. I'll lock it into first gear for now, but eventually I'll have a servo to shift it. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7265-XL.jpg Trans and an Integy 55t motor installed with the stock 10t pinion. I hear these things are way too fast with the stock gearing so I'll have to address that for sure. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7268-XL.jpg Now the body and accessories. The base build is pretty much done. :D https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7278-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Check out that crazy articulation!! LOL
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7279-XL.jpg My plan all along has been to run a Tamiya TLT front axle in this thing. Same gear ratio as the semi rear axles and a good width. They're increasingly more difficult to locate these days, but I found one on ebay and guess what arrived from Canada over the weekend? :D I gave it the same treatment as I did for the rear axles. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7301-XL.jpg Then I greased up the gears, along with a coating on everything else in there to prevent rust since it may see some light water crossings. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7302-XL.jpg And so much for an assembled truck! I yanked the front axle so I could figure out how I want to attach the TLT axle. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7304-XL.jpg I am now at a crossroads. I need to determine how to mount the TLT to the leafs. The stock leaf spring has no holes in it. That would mean I'd need to drill two holes in order to attach it to the axle. Not sure how well this steel will drill since I suspect it may be spring steel? I also have Hi Lift springs, which has three holes in it. I may look into installing it, but am not sure if it will be stiff enough to support the weight of this truck. If anyone has thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears! Lastly, I still need to determine my transfer case choice, as well as my gear reduction method. But whatever I choose, it's looking more and more like I'll need to run the TLT upside down.....or maybe run my rear axles upside down if that's easy enough to do. Haven't looked into that yet, though. Again, any input is appreciated, but I've giving strong consideration to this transmission/transfer case: 1/14 rc car truck for tamiya 2 position 2wd/4WD Metal Transmission Planetary gear box http://www.wtbcar.com/shopping/image...hv-600x600.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
to mount front axle use the leaf springs from the hilift truck they have the holes in them:D
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
I drilled my leaf springs, a good quality bit no problem. Did one hole at a time, bolting it in place as I proceeded, managed to keep everything straight. :)
Two trks this way, years later & many scale miles, everything still intact. |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
As luck would have it, I had purchased a set of Hi Lift springs YEARS ago for a project, but never used them! Sure enough, the outer holes of the springs line up well with two of the holes of the TLT, which is great. However, I assumed I would need to drill through the axle housing to secure the springs to the housing, but I just threaded in some screws and was surprised to feel how strong it felt!
Could it really be this easy? These are the longest screws I felt comfortable using. I think the screw was close to bottoming out in the hole. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7307-XL.jpg The screws are pretty short, but the spring really feels secure in there! If this holds, I would just need to slightly space out the leaf spring hangers and shackles from the chassis since the TLT's spring mounts are a little wider tha than the stock axle. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7308-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
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Now I just need to determine what kind of transfer case I want to use to determine the orientation of the front axle. |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Before mounting it up, I measured the side-to-side spacing of the stock leaf springs is 74mm. The TLT's spacing is 79mm. So I'd need to space the leaf spring hangers and shackles out 2.5mm per side. I just used some 2mm spacers because that's what I had.
Front (hanger): I'd like some longer screws here. Not too confident in the lack of thread engagement, but I lack the proper screws at the moment. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7312-XL.jpg Rear (shackle): https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7313-XL.jpg And installed! I'm just using 6mm long screws (4 total), but the axle really feels secure. That could be sufficient, but I will likely drill all the way through it for a little more peace of mind. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7311-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Looking good! :D
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
I'm also building up an off road construction semi and found the following Utubes useful;
For spacing out the springs on TLT or F350 front axle;all the parts come from an included kit parts sprue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW_b...QteXToZiELTMwW This one shows road speed with the transmission/transfer box before and after using a gear reducer between the 55T motor and the transmission to slow down the truck more; You'll need to mount your trans. far enough to the rear to fit the gear reduction in position. You WILL need this GRU if you want to run with your crawler buddies… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osZC...ELTMwW&index=9 For even MORE tandem axle articulation, remove the shocks. But then there might be too much articulation that will let the stock inter-axle dog bone fall out, and the dog bone will need to be replaced with an aftermarket driveshaft. You could also go with aftermarket $$$ servo controlled locking axles if that super grease doesn't work out... |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Hey, I know that guy! LOL Yes, Dean's videos have been very helpful, but I hadn't seen the one with the gear reduction installed. Thanks!!
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Well. That escalated quickly. Sold the stock wheels/tires and removed the body to do some work to it while I wait on the new wheel/tires to arrive.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7317-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
looks good Tommy.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
I was asked on another forum what my plan is for wheels/tires. Here was my reply....
Here's what I'm getting. These are the rear Lesu tires: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...M-S1212S_1.jpg Here's the wide fronts: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...M-S1212W_1.jpg Rear wheels: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu.../LM-W-2012.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...M-W-2012_1.jpg Front wheels: Gotta make sure to order the correct ones because standard fronts use bearings/bushings, not a 12mm hex drive like I'm used to! https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...M-W-2041-A.jpg What it looks like installed. It's the closest I could get to the look I was after without spending an absolute fortune! https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...O/W-2042_2.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Trying to visualize the final product. I plan to keep it with a 5th wheel. I'll eventually pick up a flatbed trailer for it and I plan to challenge it with hauling heavy loads of bricks and such across various terrain. I can also put drifters on it when we're have a drift event. :D I'm going to make it like a nice looking, well cared for truck that isn't quite a "heavy hauler", but is designed to haul just about anything.....anywhere. Hence the driven front axle. I may also consider building a removable flatbed for it.
For the final product, imagine a mix/match of these trucks: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...10f5122994.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...DSCN2017-S.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...ugClint1-M.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Your tie rod should be behind the axle or it's not going to steer very well, nor very sharp.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Thanks for the heads up. I haven't started working on the steering yet, but I appreciate the input!
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
I was trying to decide how far I wanted to go to make this look like a Peterbilt. Well, I guess I decided. :D
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...IMG_7325-L.jpg My string method for cutting styrene needs a little help, but whatever. :p At a minimum, I plan to fill in the front fenders to make them smooth and maybe go with this grill/light assembly. It's a bit pricey, but I like the look. Hmm.....I wonder how LEDs/wires would look with this setup? :confused: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...%20%282%29.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...%20%281%29.jpg What I now need to decide is if I want to just stop there or if I want to just replace the fenders altogether. I've never bought anything from Shapeways, but these look rather promising. Curious if this may be easier than filling in the headlights and marker light openings on top of the fenders. Does anyone have experience with these or other fenders from Shapeways?? https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...1459354305.png |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
If you haven't decided on a transfer case, take a look at an Axial transmission. Remove the motor plate and do a little modification to the input shaft and it gives about a 3:1 reduction, its also less expensive than most t-cases available.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Thanks! I believe I have an Axial trans that I could use. My concern is that the front driveshaft will be all into the transmission and that I would need to raise the transmission to clear it. I'm hoping to keep my interior intact with minimal hacking. I suppose I could raise it while not having to cut into the dash area, but not sure if that would be enough. If so, I'd consider it! It would definitely be cheaper! Pretty sure the Axial trans is 2.6:1 so I'd likely still get a 2:1 bolt-on reducer up front, as well. But still, that's way cheaper than the other options!
I definitely want to keep a multi-speed trans, though. And I like the idea of having a 3 speed where first gear will be for suuuuuper slow speed crawling. Most normal putting around would be in 2nd gear. 3rd gear would be used for those rare occasions where a walking pace would be required. I don't have a need or desire to go any faster than that! :) |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Awesome Build! Cannot wait to see the progress! Gives me some ideas for my Globe Liner.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Check out posts 42-44 in the link below to see what I did, if you look close you'll see that I took the lower rear case screw off the transmission. You will have clearance issues if you don't lift the trans mission which will be the case with any t-case you use. I'm not a fan of the Tamiya 3 spd due to its space sucking size, so this one is going away soon. You might also notice the spring pack on my steer axle :D. The extra height was in my favor but not so much in yours.
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...?t=9138&page=3 |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
That ride height addition is what turned me off from doing the 6x6 on my Mack build :(
Yours is looking very good! Nice work man |
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Didn't have much time to mess with the truck until this evening and when I did I decided to focus on my gear reduction and transfer case solution. First things first I looked into how the tranny is going to interfere with a front driveshaft. Obviously, that's definitely got to be addressed! :D
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7341-XL.jpg I think I've narrowed down my drivetrain choices to these: 1. Use an Axial 2.6:1 trans as a transfer case and possibly a 2:1 planetary gear reduction in front of the Tamiya transmission. 2. Use a planetary gear reduction (probably 2:1) and add a t-case like the 2.18:1 RC4WD Disruptor or the 2:1 t-case from wtbcar.com: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...S/TFCB01-S.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...-600x600-S.jpg In either of these solutions, the stock Tamiya tranny needs to be raised up fairly substantially....for two reasons. As mentioned, the tranny will prevent a driveshaft from reaching the front axle, but the 2:1 planetary will hit the steering/shifting servos because it'll push the motor forward. My best guess shows a height of 15-20mm is needed. Here's a rough approximation of the height required: https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7344-XL.jpg The floor will need to be trimmed, but I'm okay with that. I can always just build a simple cover for it so the trans is hidden from sight. My first estimation of where it'll need to be cut (everything within the white markings). https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7343-XL.jpg So before I order some standoffs I made some temporary 15mm spacers to see how that would work. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7346-XL.jpg Driveshaft clearance should be okay with the trans raised 15mm, especially since the trans output will be fairly low. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7349-XL.jpg Front view showing the height of the motor compared to the servo. It'll be reeeeally tight, but I can easily add a few more millimeters of spacers if need be. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7348-XL.jpg Thinking this is what I'll need to cut away to accommodate the new trans height. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7351-XL.jpg So now I need to decide what to do about the transfer case. I have an Axial trans so that's the cheapest solution. I'll just have to fab up a bracket for it. And it'll definitely get the outputs low enough to clear the stock trans. The wtbcar.com t-case looks like it would bolt in after drilling a couple holes so that'd be super easy, but it would cost me ~$50 and time to wait for shipping from (presumably) China. Not sure I'm patient enough to do that. Ha! |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Axial transmission (all metal internals, of course) ready to be used for the new t-case. I just need to trim off the excess on the input shaft.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7353-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Did you give a thought to moving the motor transmission assembly forward? If it'll still clear the hood it would give you more room for the drive shaft and less material to remove from the floor. Doesn't look like you need to go up but a bit to clear the servo.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Ooh, good idea! Thanks! Here's a quick mock up keeping the trans at 15mm higher, but moved forward. Not sure how far forward I can go if I run a gear reduction like I was planning, but it would definitely safe some interior cutting!
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7354-XL.jpg As shown, it looks like it would protrude about half as far back into the interior. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7356-XL.jpg What I also need to consider is where the speaker box will go. Don't most people run the speaker just behind the grill? If so, moving the trans up/forward will kill my space. I need to look into my options for speaker placement. FYI, I don't know that I'll go with an MFU from Tamiya. While that would be great, I may opt to save some money and go with an alternative sound generator. As always I'm open to suggestions, but was most seriously considering this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...413729518.html |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Speaker locations on these things are a personal thing depending on cab configuration and what all else you want to cram in there. One thing you need to watch when moving that tranny forward is where it is in relation to the front axle, ie so the axle itself doesn't get into the bottom of the tranny ;) Isn't custom building these things fun:lol::D
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
LOL! Yessir! I'm keeping the tranny just far enough back to prevent any unwanted contact. :lol:
Got the rear wheels in the mail today! Only issue is that I don't have a hex driver small enough to fit the nuts to secure the wheels to the hub. The Tamiya multi-tool is too short to reach down in there. I'm guessing it's a 4mm or 4.5mm hex? Anyone know for sure? FYI, these are Lesu wheels. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7357-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Hey Tommy R, I bought these sound units before and they look the same but a bit cheaper if you are interested.http://www.rcbrmin.com/index.php?mai...roducts_id=786
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
So whichever transfer case I end up with, I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a gear reduction. Using an Axial trans/t-case and a 2:1 gear reduction unit (GRU) would get me to 5.2:1 reduction over a stock setup. That's pretty darn low, but not sure if it'd be TOO low. However, I can't locate any 2:1 GRUs. Closest I can find is a 3:1 unit. It's cheap so I went ahead and ordered it.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...1VgogKH36L.jpg Doesn't look to add much length to the motor. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...1EU8tVKYkL.jpg Now I'm thinking the Axial t-case may be too low so I may consider a unit with a little taller ratio like 2:1. I have several options. I'm open to suggestions from those of you who've geared down your trucks. Knowing I plan to take this thing offroad and pull reasonably heavy loads with it, what kind of overall gear reduction should I look for? 3:1? 5:1? 7:1? :confused: |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Im running a 55T through the Tamiya 3 spd into the Axial trans as my my t-case no other reduction. Plenty of climbing power loaded, empty in sand dirt whatever, works fine.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
That's great to know, thanks! I guess the next order of business is to relocate the motor/tranny and then figure out the t-case placement. I'll also have to start looking into driveshaft options.
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Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Check this out:
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...read.php?t=708 I use K&S brass tube which is an easier fit than the aluminum tube, but the rest is the same. |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Ooh, great idea! Today I had to go to the hobby store to get a 4mm hex driver so while I was there I picked up some 1/2" brass tube. Look forward to trying it out!
Speaking of that hex driver, it allowed me to finally put together my new rear wheels Love 'em! https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7372-XL.jpg |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
I've just been using a Nicd 7.2v battery pack so far on the one truck I have it installed in.
Next time I get home, I will try a Lipo on it and let you know. Probably won't be home for about a month, though. |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
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On a side note, my Shapeways front fenders shipped today! Can't wait to see how they look. I guess it's time to do some more bodywork..... :o |
Re: Peterbilt 6x6 Medium Hauler
Since the fenders are on the way, I decided that I may as well start on the one thing that I've been dreading......bodywork. I'm okay with styrene, but it's been awhile since I've done any detail work with the stuff. And in an effort to make it as easy as possible to replace the hood sides I wanted nice, square cuts and edges. Eventually, I decided to just jump on in and make it happen.
I decided to remove the fenders first to make it easier to cut by the cowl area. First I outlined the cut areas with a thin Sharpie marker. Then I used string to cut through the fenders and removed them. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7376-XL.jpg Next I measured the styrene of the body to be .060" (1.5mm) thick so I used my calipers and scribed a line at the .060" mark. Applying black ink beforehand made it easier to see. Then I used the string method to cut along the line as carefully as I could. Came out rather clean! That's encouraging! https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7378-XL.jpg Now with the fenders removed I was able to use my razor saw to get nice, straight lines along the cowl and the horizontal line near the top of the hood. Using a combination of sawing with the saw and scoring with the Xacto blade, I was eventually able to cut the sides out. Honestly, it went quite a bit smoother than I expected. https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7379-XL.jpg They look nice and square to me! Mocking up an uncut piece of styrene confirmed my suspicion: nice and square. Good stuff! :D https://photos.smugmug.com/Hobby-Stu...MG_7381-XL.jpg An update on other components.... The front wheels and all the tires should arrive to the States any day now. The posts to raise the motor/trans will be here Saturday along with a bunch of hardware in my goal to replace as much Philips head hardware as possible! And I was able to cancel my order for the 3:1 reduction unit. Sweet! :) I've got to pack for a camping/offroading trip this weekend so time is tight, but if I get some time I may try to bond the new, uncut hood sides to the KH. It still has a long way to go, but progress is progress! |
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