What You've ALL Been Waiting For! IFS & Trailing Arms!

Tomley RC
9 Apr 202416:18

TLDRThe video introduces the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS 2 independent front suspension and a Land Cruiser-style body. The truck comes with a Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver, stealth X transmission, and gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars. The presenter also discusses the truck's performance on rocks and in mud, and expresses a desire for lights and an interior as standard features.

Takeaways

  • 🚜 The video introduces the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS 2 (Independent Front Suspension 2) and a Land Cruiser-style body.
  • 🔧 The Zul comes with a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver, offering enhanced control and preferred over the old REI system.
  • ⚙️ It has a Stealth X transmission with overdrive options, and the Gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars.
  • 🏎️ The truck includes a 550 motor, six-slot five-slot 14-turn brushed motor, and shock mount insert for adjustable shock positions.
  • 🎨 The body is designed with a scratch and weather effect, allowing it to look authentic as it gets worn from use.
  • 🔋 The Zul is compatible with a shorty battery tray, with a full-size option available and various settings for battery type and running mode.
  • 🚀 The vehicle can run on 2S batteries, but a 3S lipo is suggested for increased wheel speed and performance.
  • 🌧️ The Zul performs well in muddy conditions, with good control and the ability to adjust the drag brake for descents.
  • 🎨 The reviewer prefers a lower stance for the truck, adjusting the suspension for more droop and a visually appealing look.
  • 💡 The only major suggestion from the reviewer is the addition of lights and an interior as standard features for the truck.
  • 🤝 Sha, a team driver for Element, has customized his Zul with high-clearance parts, custom wheels, and upgraded components for a unique build.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS2 (Independent Front Suspension version 2) and its various components and performance.

  • What is the difference between the Zul and the Utron?

    -The Zul and the Utron both have IFS, but the Zul has a Land Cruiser-style body, whereas the Utron has a different body design. The Zul also features a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC receiver and a different transmission, the Stealth X, compared to the older REI one in the Utron.

  • What are some of the key features of the Zul Trail truck?

    -Key features of the Zul Trail truck include the IFS2, a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC receiver, Stealth X transmission with overdrive options, Gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars, a 550 motor, and General Grabber tires on bead lock wheels.

  • What does the presenter think about the IFS2 system?

    -The presenter likes the IFS2 system and believes it offers a slightly different experience compared to solid axle rock crawling. They mention that it requires finding slightly different lines and that they enjoy running rigs with IFS.

  • How does the presenter modify the appearance of the Zul Trail truck?

    -The presenter performs some mild weathering on the truck, using a blade to scratch the paint job to give it an authentic, worn look. They also adjust the suspension to give it a lower stance, which they personally prefer for visual reasons.

  • What are the overdrive options available for the Stealth X transmission?

    -The Stealth X transmission has three overdrive options: the one that comes with it (around 5.8), an 11% overdrive, and the option for a 1:1 ratio with no overdrive.

  • How does the presenter test the Zul Trail truck's performance?

    -The presenter tests the Zul Trail truck by running it on a rocky and muddy terrain. They also experiment with different settings like drag brake and wheel speed to see how the truck performs under various conditions.

  • What is the presenter's opinion on the truck's electronics package?

    -The presenter is impressed with the electronics package, mentioning that it offers a lot of control and preferring it over the older REI system. They also note that the 2-in-1 ESC receiver doesn't get dismissed due to its compact nature and actually performs really well.

  • What is the presenter's verdict on the Zul Trail truck?

    -The presenter concludes that the Zul Trail truck works well and is a nice trail truck that performs as it should. They had fun running it on rocks and in the mud, and they appreciate the customization options available.

  • What additional features would the presenter like to see on the truck?

    -The presenter would like to see lights and an interior included as standard features on the truck, as they believe it would enhance the overall appearance and desirability of the model.

Outlines

00:00

🚜 Introduction to the Zul Trail Truck and its Features

The paragraph introduces the new Zul Trail truck from Element, highlighting its independent front suspension (IFS 2) and discussing the general perception of IFS in rock crawling. The Zul is compared to the Utron, another model from Element, but with a more popular Land Cruiser-style body. The Zul comes equipped with a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver, a Stealth X transmission with overdrive options, and a Gatekeeper rear trailing arm with anti-roll bars. The speaker expresses a preference for the IFS2 and its unique rock crawling experience. The Zul also features a matte blue color and weathered body, adding to its appeal.

05:00

🛠️ Customization and Suspension Details

This paragraph delves into the adjustable rear suspension and the various options for setting up the Zul Trail truck. It mentions the anti-roll bar, General Grabber tires on bead lock wheels, and the solid rear axle. The speaker discusses the IFS setup and its benefits when navigating rocky terrain. The paragraph also covers the steering mechanism, which is likened to a rack and pinion system, and the alloy-bodied shocks. The speaker shares personal customization preferences, such as lowering the suspension for a more visually appealing stance, and the impact of these adjustments on performance.

10:01

🏎️ Testing the Zul Trail Truck on Challenging Terrain

The speaker narrates their experience testing the Zul Trail truck on slippery and muddy terrain. Despite the challenging conditions, the truck performs well, with the 2S battery providing sufficient power. The speaker mentions the truck's drag brake functionality and its effectiveness in controlling descents. The 3S battery is also tested, offering increased wheel speed and improved performance on the rocks. The speaker expresses a desire for more traction and better tires, but overall, the Zul impresses with its capabilities, especially in the mud. The speaker also reflects on the benefits of clear windows over stickers and the absence of an interior, which they believe would enhance the model's appearance.

15:02

🎨 Custom Zul Trail Truck Showcase

The final paragraph features a custom Zul Trail truck built by a team driver named Sha, who was given the previous Utron model and funds to create something unique. The custom truck incorporates IFS 2, high clearance parts, and features a mix of Dinks and Delin components. It boasts BF Goodridge crawler tires, a Holmes Hobby steering servo, and a brushed mini ESC. The chassis is a GC/RC Cayman, and the body is custom-made. The speaker plans to create a showcase video detailing the specifications and performance of this custom build, promising a comparison between stock and modified versions of the truck.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡IFS

IFS stands for Independent Front Suspension, a type of vehicle suspension system where the wheels on the same axle are allowed to move independently of each other. In the context of the video, IFS is discussed as a superior feature in rock crawlers, providing a unique driving experience compared to traditional solid axle setups. The video highlights a new model with IFS, which is praised for its performance and handling, particularly in challenging terrains.

💡Trailing Arms

Trailing arms are components of the suspension system used in many vehicles, including the rock crawlers discussed in the video. They are connected to the chassis and the axle and help to manage the movement of the wheels relative to the vehicle's body. In the video, the trailing arms are equipped with anti-roll bars to enhance stability and control, especially important in off-road conditions where terrain can be unpredictable.

💡Rock crawler

A rock crawler is a type of off-road vehicle designed to navigate extremely rugged terrain, particularly large rocks and obstacles where traditional vehicles would fail. The video discusses various features of rock crawlers, emphasizing their capability and adaptability with upgrades like IFS and enhanced transmission systems, demonstrating their appeal to enthusiasts of challenging off-road activities.

💡Stealth X transmission

The Stealth X transmission is a specific type of gearbox featured in the video's highlighted rock crawler model. It's notable for its versatility, offering various overdrive options which enhance the vehicle's performance by adjusting the speed differential between the front and rear wheels. This feature is crucial for improving climbing ability and handling in off-road conditions.

💡Gatekeeper rear trailing arms

Gatekeeper rear trailing arms are mentioned as part of the upgraded suspension system in the rock crawler. These arms help stabilize the vehicle on uneven surfaces and are equipped with anti-roll bars to prevent the vehicle from tipping over during sharp turns or steep climbs, contributing to safer and more effective off-road navigation.

💡Scratch and Sniff

In the context of the video, 'Scratch and Sniff' refers to a unique body paint feature of the rock crawler that simulates wear and tear through a scratchable surface revealing a different color underneath, usually a rust-like color. This feature is designed to enhance the aesthetic realism of the vehicle, giving it a weathered look that many hobbyists find appealing.

💡Fly Sky

Fly Sky is a brand mentioned in relation to the two-in-one ESC and receiver system installed in the rock crawler. This system consolidates electronic speed control and the radio receiver into a single unit, simplifying the wiring and reducing weight. It's praised for its reliability and control, contributing to the vehicle's overall performance and ease of use.

💡Drag brake

Drag brake is a feature in electronic speed control systems that automatically applies brakes when the throttle is released, helping to control the vehicle on steep descents without manual braking. In the video, the drag brake settings are adjustable, allowing users to customize how the vehicle handles on different terrains, especially useful in rock crawling where control is crucial.

💡Beadlock Wheels

Beadlock wheels are a type of wheel that uses a mechanical fixture to secure the tire bead to the wheel, preventing the tire from slipping off the rim under extreme conditions like low tire pressures and high torque, which are common in rock crawling. The video mentions these wheels as part of the rock crawler's equipment, highlighting their practicality and effectiveness in tough driving conditions.

💡Overdrive

Overdrive in the context of the video refers to a setting in the rock crawler's transmission system that allows the front wheels to turn faster than the rear wheels. This feature is essential for enhancing the vehicle's ability to climb and maneuver around obstacles by pulling the vehicle forward more effectively. It's one of the adjustable settings provided by the Stealth X transmission, offering flexibility in handling different terrains.

Highlights

The introduction of the new Zul Trail truck from Element, featuring IFS2 and a Land Cruiser-style body.

The Zul Trail truck comes with a new Fly Sky 2in1 ESC/receiver that offers enhanced control and is preferred over the old REI system.

The truck is equipped with a Stealth X transmission, offering various overdrive options for improved performance.

The Gatekeeper rear trailing arms with anti-roll bars provide stability and control during off-roading.

The IFS2 Camberg front independent suspension offers a unique rock crawling experience compared to traditional solid axles.

The Zul Trail truck features a matte blue color and a design that allows for easy disassembly, revealing a miniature 1/10th scale garage.

The Fly Sky transmitter pairs with the 2in1 ESC and offers a multitude of functions, including steering and throttle adjustments.

The truck comes with optional overdrive settings, allowing for 5.8 or 11-point overdrive adjustments.

The inclusion of General Grabber tires on bead lock wheels ensures good traction and performance on various terrains.

The Zul Trail truck's suspension can be adjusted to achieve a lower stance, which can improve visual appeal and potentially enhance rock crawling performance.

The truck's performance on muddy and slippery terrain is showcased, highlighting its capabilities and the effectiveness of the drag brake feature.

The reviewer's preference for a lower suspension setting and the truck's ability to handle challenging rock formations is discussed.

The truck's clear windows are praised over stickers, but the lack of an interior and lights is noted as a missed opportunity.

The Zul Trail truck's durability and performance are demonstrated through a series of off-road challenges and tests.

The reviewer's friend, a professional team driver, has modified the Zul Trail truck with high-end components, showcasing its potential for customization.

The importance of proper tire maintenance, such as drying out foam inserts after use in mud or water, is highlighted.

The reviewer expresses a desire for lights and an interior to be included as standard features in future releases.