TLR 22-4 build

[Lavigna]

I know this doesn't qualify as vintage, but I wanted to do a build thread on the 22-4 because of how similar it is to the XX4. It's essentially just a modernized version, and the last of the unique 3 belt 4WD buggies. Today all of the 4WD 1/10 buggies look alike - shaft driven with center diff. It's hard to even tell them apart.

I have been collecting Exotek upgrades for the 22-4. They are quickly becoming hard to find. Exotek made some really nice pieces for the 22-4. I have been able to hunt all of them except for the rear Camber Block.

This build is starting from a partial built, brand new 22-4 2.0. The previous owner had already added some nice upgrades, such as aluminum steering, aluminum pulleys, titanium tie rods, CF front tower, etc. My goal is to build this up with nearly all of the available upgrades.

I think it will be cool to see it alongside my XX4. They will both be built using the best upgrades of their time periods.

[Lavigna]

Comparison of the stock slipper setup and the locked out Exotek setup.

[adam lancia]

Comparison of the stock slipper setup and the locked out Exotek setup.

So no zzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggggggggg from the front clicker when you're braking into a turn...? No fun there at all That was probably my favourite feature of my XX4. My least favourite was the peel away front arm mount...

Honestly, with all the cool looking drivetrain components you have for it, you should build with the belt covers off to display. Just build the front and rear suspension and set them beside it on the shelf. Unless you're racing it, in which case I hope you drive it hard as...

[Lavigna]

^ Adam Lancia - It's funny that you mentioned leaving the covers off because I have been sort of thinking the same thing. I am thinking of maybe cutting out sections in them to show off the insides a little, and give it a bit of a custom look. I think you just gave me the push I needed to do it. Damn you!

[adam lancia]

Or try to get some clear ones made...

[Lavigna]

I can't do much to this until parts arrive, so I started cutting into the belt covers.

Getting these cuts clean is quite difficult and time consuming. The plastic is hard and real thick in some spots. I think it will look cool in the end when you will be able to see the internals. Thanks for giving me the push Adam.

[GeneralZod]

Wow! Neat idea on the covers. I always wanted to get one of these myself simply due to the drivetrain layout. This will be a nice build!

[adam lancia]

I can't do much to this until parts arrive, so I started cutting into the belt covers.

Getting these cuts clean is quite difficult and time consuming. The plastic is hard and real thick in some spots. I think it will look cool in the end when you will be able to see the internals. Thanks for giving me the push Adam.

This is probably the only site where that push would be deemed not only reasonable and sane, but actually be called cool too
Is there room for some windows on the vertical aspects of the covers too...? I know that stuff is brutal to cut and get clean with any sort of rotary cutting bit because it melts. Get any molten plastic embedded in your skin yet? That's always fun...

[Lavigna]

I've made a good amount of progress on this 22-4. It still needs the front drives and steering spindles sorted.

I'm still looking for an Exotek rear camber block. Please let me know if you have one.

I added additional cut outs to the belt covers in the front, middle, and rear.

My buddy is my Jenday conure. I've had her for 22 years.

[adam lancia]

Those belt covers look great installed!

[romulus22]

Cool build as usual. Even cooler bird. I think it’s hilarious and awesome when pets want to get in the pictures.

[Lavigna]

I am happy to say I found a Exotek rear camber block. It was the last Exotek part I needed. I believe I now have (I have some Exotek shock collars coming) every Exotek part made for the 22-4. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I also got a nice set of front MIP drives. I'm just waiting on the aluminum front spindles to arrive, and this thing will be pretty complete. Servo and linkage also mounted along with wing and body.

A lot of the nice pieces are hard to see on this thing since most are black. Kind of a shame.

[Coelacanth]

I've made a good amount of progress on this 22-4. It still needs the front drives and steering spindles sorted.

I'm still looking for an Exotek rear camber block. Please let me know if you have one.

I added additional cut outs to the belt covers in the front, middle, and rear.

My buddy is my Jenday conure. I've had her for 22 years.

I'm loving your conure! In the past, I've had canaries, parakeets and cockatiels but always wanted a more parrot-like bird. Once you've bonded with them, they make great companion pets...very intelligent, playful, cute...the only reason I've never gotten one is with the fast metabolism, they sh!t all the time and literally everywhere. When I had budgies, I can't explain how, but they somehow managed to sh!t UP...there would even be birdsh!t on the ceiling of the bird cage. Physically impossible, but somehow they manage it. And not to mention the feathers, fluff and bird seed...but if you can overlook all that, they make great pets.

[Lavigna]

^ Coelacanth - Very cool to hear you are into birds as well. I had a Cockatiel as a kid that I loved very much. My Conure is named HunnyBee, although her real name is Tango. I've had her almost 23 years. She even went to college with me back in the day. She is toilet trained, so the pooping isn't terrible. As long as I remember to poop her when she is with me, I don't have accidents.

Yes, birds are very messy. It is INSANE how much mess such a small creature can make. I am totally laughing about the poop on the ceiling. I recently lost my Green Cheek Conure who I had for 16 years. She fley all over inside and out, which meant we would find bird poop in the craziest places.

Back to the 22-4. With the exception of the ordered shock collars and bottoms, paint, and wheels/tires this thing is done. Oh yeah, some more electronics too. Once done I will photograph it next to my XX4. It's crazy how similar they are. They are both great representations of heavily hopped up 4WD buggies from their respective eras. I think in 20 or so years this will be a real nice example to have.

[Headling]

Amazing build, looking forward to seeing what paint job you go for