RC10Talk - The Net's Largest Vintage R/C Community

OK, so if you've ever owned a Lunchbox you probably know that the steering setup is difficult and doesn't ever work quite right in stock form. When turning, the outside tire doesn't ever get much past straight, while the inside tire is the one doing most of the turning. This is because the stock servo saver setup doesn't have a long enough arm to really give it all of the movement the tie rods need. I've tried other setups w/ longer servo arms but the arms are breaking off pretty much instantly.

Any suggestions? Pictures of a better setup? Thanks, you'll make my wife a happy RC'er!

Also... the motor mount came loose and the tranny is now suffering. What parts bag do I need to replace the gears? Instruction manual is buried in the garage and I'd like to get it ordered if I can find out the part numbers.

Mine turns lock to lock with the stock re-release steering setup. Make sure you have the end points and dual rates on the transmitter set to max and turn down from there to prevent binding. one side needs a lot more throw than the other due to geometry.

There is not much you can do to actually get the lb to steer better as it is light in the front, especially on-power.

its ok... its just not great... at least on my end.
the main issue is the outside tire won't turn in.
if i find the manual maybe i'll give it another shot... i remember it being very specific about the length of the tie rods. we set it up in the beginning per the manual, but it still never seemed fully functional.

and yes... the lunchbox front tires are rarely on the ground... steering is difficult at that point

if the wheel won't turn in, check you toe alignment. if the truck is always up in the air, set your toe to give you adequate steering in that postion, ie, with the suspension at some level of droop. the geometry is pretty crappy all around, but it's usually effective enough.

if you don't think the truck is turning very well, it may be time for a new servo saver, get a heavy duty one, I guess kimbrough still make them?

if you want the truck to handle better and don't mind modifications, check out this thread:
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=9470&hilit=heavy+metal+lunchbox

and this one:
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=10223&hilit=lunchbox

A heavy duty servo normally helps to. With a normal servo there isn't enough power to move it! Let me know what you did in the end!

Cheers!

here's a writeup I did on improving your VLB, it's in french but a translator should help and it's pretty obvious anyway... "etape 1" (step 1) is the steering beef-up. Kimbrough servo saver on a manly servo is a must have, and grinding the knuckles sure help too

http://www.overrc.com/techniques/reglages/tamiyalunchbox/essaitamiyalunchbox3.htm

Paul