I've had my Big Rock for 2 years and have put countless battery packs through it. Can confirm everything you've said here. I run it on 3S and only jump maybe 10 ft in the air at most, and I've still had to upgrade the motor mount and the spur gear, almost immediately when I owned it. I also just recently had to upgrade the differentials as they finally chewed themselves up. Surprisingly, the rest of the truck is very durable --- I've never had any issues with the chassis, shock towers, A-arms, etc. The actual superstructure of the truck is very tough. I know it's a cheaper entry-level basher, but the fanfare on the internet about how "durable" these 3S vehicles are, was a bit misleading.
Hey buddy , Yes i do agree with you with what your saying . I know everything is subjective to case use , But i will say that once you start having to upgrade all the parts on a truck like this is becomes a expensive exercise . and people should know about the shortcomings thats for sure . i think each truck deserves a long term review . Stay awesome Chris :)
Something I've done to my big rock is placing a front suspension brace that allows me to place the top mount wider. This stopped it from bottoming out so easy with the wider typhon arms in it. Totall fixed it for me!
I just upgraded my big rock to rpm typhon arms and hot racing 17mm hex hubs with 10mm o/s. Followed up with typhon buggy wheels and 4s esc. Love my big rock.... passed down a arms from big rock to vorteks and its a keeper too. I use the metal 4s diff set from arrma and have good luck with them so far
WOW ,Sounds like you got hell of a build there buddy , there a awesome truck for sure. got some plans now for mine all will be relieved very soon . Stay awesome Chris :)
I have had my Big Rock first addition for a few years now and the only thing that I have had to do was replace the servo and I put better shock oil in all the shocks plus added more and better grease to the front and rear diffs . ARRMA is bad about not putting enough oil and grease in their components . I think that when you buy a 3s RC you should probably not change it to 4s because a lot of your parts collection just may be the result . Thanks for the video !
Hey buddy , Hope that your well 🤙 So as far as diffs go yes I agree is always worth checking your diffs before running your trucks that’s 💯 I’ve heard from a few the reason they don’t fully fill the diffs up is to do with transporting them I don’t know how true that actually is mind . As for the servo I believe it’s the first thing I replaced myself . As far as the composite diffs go mind I find them garbage 🗑️ The 4s range in my opinion way better value in comparison.
Congratulations buddy on the new truck , so glad you found this informative. Enjoy your new Big rock and just upgrade what you feel is needed as and when . Stay awesome Chris 🤙
I bought mine cos i got tired of waiting for the new 4s range to come out, have to say i wish i had waited, im just not going to spend another £250 on upgrades it is a good truck when it works but that dont last long
Well i got to agree with you buddy . I mean dont get me wrong i love mine but in hindsight i wish i had just picked up the 4s first . Stay awesome Chris :)
Thank you for detailed Review on the big rock. As my son will use the car o buy i think the differential issues will make me think it over to buy one. Seems i will buy a used maxx 4s and run it on 3s.
Hey buddy and no worries , I got to agree with you on the traxxas maxx over this if you can afford one , there very robust and reliable. Don’t get me wrong mind my daughter who is 10 has her own big rock now and she has also kicked its ass , now with it being stock as I’ve have left hers the only thing I’ve upgraded is to a Hot racing metal spur gear ⚙️ so question is this the only upgrade your actually needing ? 🤔 Stay awesome buddy , Enjoy your new truck Chris 🤙💪🤘
The only thing that used to do my head in was the shocks always pulling the rods out of the end eyes on little roll overs,motor plate bending,, I sold mine after getting a Mt10 🙄
Ja, it seems like it's better going for the new Outcast 4s. End of the day, cost will be much less. Really like the Big Rock but there's just way too much needed upgrades to do.
A huge request. Please write the original numbers of differentials, drive shafts, engine mount plate (do I need some new part to add to the plate?), steering link. If I don't upgrade to a 4s motor, will the clutch be ok? Is it worth changing the native plastic levers to aluminum? (The Chinese are offering a kit from RCAWD). And maybe a couple lines about what parts you should have on hand if you have no RC driving experience. Steering lugs, levers? What's best to buy as a spare? There are no spare parts in Belarus or near us. So I will order everything in advance. Again, thanks so much for the video. It is very informative and helpful to many!
I own this truck, and agree it's fun to drive. At just over 6 pounds, it's fast on 2s. I'm not expecting the dead parts pile that comes with over powering a 3s vehicle to 4s. You were running 4s, right? I also owned the new 4s Kraton v2.5, and sold it. It tended to run warm, and has no space for a larger motor, like the HW XR8 combos I have. It also wouldn't steer worth a crap, since they left the crap servo saver in it. If you have to have 4s, buy a 4s truck. There's many advantages to keeping weight down, as with most 1/10 scale cars. Adding weight for un-needed power mods makes these 3s truck less reliable, and less fun. It looks like my Big Rock 3s, and Kraton 6s EXB, can remain stock, as long as they're running nice and cool, below the max cell cell count. :)
Hey Peter , thanks for watching and giving your thoughts on it , I got to say it was fun making the truck the way it is now . It’s super quick and does not run warm due to the lower KV infact I found the 3300 motor to be worse . As for fortifying the truck it’s something I do tend to enjoy finding out what works for me . Each to there own there isn’t a right or wrong way in my opinion as long as your having fun with them . Stay awesome buddy Chris 🚀🤙👊💪🤩
Thank Joe buddy , yeah it’s been a great truck so far a lot of fun , like all RC trucks though they do have some issues to be aware about 👀. But do feel that the 4s range is a lot more robust and not for a lot more money . Stay awesome Chris 💪🤙🤩🏆🚀🚀
Thanks buddy , Yeah its a cracker of the truck but does have caveats. i cant see me getting rid of it any time soon but going to keep it on 3s for now . Plan is to use a 4s esc and a 3660 3800kv motor . Should be a rocket . Stay awesome Chris :)
I love my Big Rock but I feel like it's overbuilt for what I use it for, which isn't bashing but just general FPV exploration. I haven't had any problems with it just casual driving. All I can really think to upgrade would maybe be the ESC or trying to tune the suspension for softer off roading.
@@ChriswithaCrc Really I have no issues with the stock rig, but throwing bigger tires on did heat up the ESC way faster than I anticipated. I've ran it all stock pretty hard in the grass but I suppose it's possible I could bring it into over temp. Not a good thing if I'm way out somewhere far away. I thought about a crawler or trail truck but I also need to be able to haul ass away from people if needed.
Hey man , Yeah i hear you on the diffs they dont last long at all do they ! i never understood why Arrma choose to make composite diffs ! whats the plan get the 4s diffs like i choose to do ? Yeah the Maxx is going to be damned tough as nails , i have 3 friends running them and man they take some abuse thats for sure . Stay awesome Chris :)
Hey Chris, could you please share links on where you purchased your body protection plates? I see you have hood, roof, and tailgate skid plates. Would love to find some for our Big Rock. Thanks in advance! :)
What is your opinion on Spektrum Firma 150A Brushless Smart ESC / 2050Kv Sensorless Motor Combo, for my BigRock. Is this a 4s system? I’m new to the r/c world.
Hey man , to be honest with you i think that system is a bit overkill in the big rock , if your looking for a good 4s system go for the Spektum 3668 2400 kv motor and the 120 amp esc to run it on 4s . Even better maybe look at a Hobbywing system thats equivalent, Stay awesome Chris :)
Hey buddy there are loads of great places to get upgraded parts for it Custom RC upgrades Oktays M2C Modelsport Wheelspin models EBay AliExpress Man there are loads of places this is to name but a few !
Hi buddy , No i set all my 3s and 4s trucks the same on my Arrma range . Yeah so i follow the rule of tighten all the way up and back off by a quarter to half dependent on how the truck feels , Then set it with a drop of loctite and leave set for 24hrs . Stay awesome buddy Chris :)
Hey buddy no the outcast 4s shocks are a good upgrade buddy . The Big rock was and is owned by a good friend now . But good news I’ve bought another and planning a load of upgrades for the one coming again . So no you haven’t wasted your money at all . Stay awesome Chris 🤙
No Worries at all buddy , All i did was remove the shock spring retainer at the bottom and then slide out the spacers . Hope this helps buddy Stay awesome Chris :)
What batteries are you using buddy and remember the extra force of the grass or the extra weight of the snow will causing the motor to pull more amps from the battery 🔋 Hope this helps Chris
@@ChriswithaCrc I'm using 5200mah battery 3 cell but yesterday I was trying to do a video for some reason it drained so fast a full charge battery it's stock car
Driven hard on 3s the Arrma 3s cars are not made to last. Shocks, driveshafts, front and rear differentials, slipper clutch and servo will all fail. The money and maintenance time needed to keep them running is crazy. Fun rigs but not built to last. Better off with a TA Rival MT10 or a Arrma 4s.
Could not agree more with you on this point buddy , 4s range for me is definitely were it’s at that’s for sure 👌 Way better trucks Stay awesome Chris 😀
I've had my Big Rock for 2 years and have put countless battery packs through it. Can confirm everything you've said here. I run it on 3S and only jump maybe 10 ft in the air at most, and I've still had to upgrade the motor mount and the spur gear, almost immediately when I owned it. I also just recently had to upgrade the differentials as they finally chewed themselves up.
Surprisingly, the rest of the truck is very durable --- I've never had any issues with the chassis, shock towers, A-arms, etc. The actual superstructure of the truck is very tough.
I know it's a cheaper entry-level basher, but the fanfare on the internet about how "durable" these 3S vehicles are, was a bit misleading.
Hey buddy , Yes i do agree with you with what your saying . I know everything is subjective to case use , But i will say that once you start having to upgrade all the parts on a truck like this is becomes a expensive exercise . and people should know about the shortcomings thats for sure . i think each truck deserves a long term review .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
Something I've done to my big rock is placing a front suspension brace that allows me to place the top mount wider. This stopped it from bottoming out so easy with the wider typhon arms in it. Totall fixed it for me!
That's a great idea! 💡 I’ll let others know at some point ,
Stay awesome
Chris 🤙
I just upgraded my big rock to rpm typhon arms and hot racing 17mm hex hubs with 10mm o/s. Followed up with typhon buggy wheels and 4s esc. Love my big rock.... passed down a arms from big rock to vorteks and its a keeper too. I use the metal 4s diff set from arrma and have good luck with them so far
WOW ,Sounds like you got hell of a build there buddy , there a awesome truck for sure.
got some plans now for mine all will be relieved very soon .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
I have had my Big Rock first addition for a few years now and the only thing that I have had to do was replace the servo and I put better shock oil in all the shocks plus added more and better grease to the front and rear diffs . ARRMA is bad about not putting enough oil and grease in their components . I think that when you buy a 3s RC you should probably not change it to 4s because a lot of your parts collection just may be the result . Thanks for the video !
Hey buddy ,
Hope that your well 🤙
So as far as diffs go yes I agree is always worth checking your diffs before running your trucks that’s 💯
I’ve heard from a few the reason they don’t fully fill the diffs up is to do with transporting them I don’t know how true that actually is mind .
As for the servo I believe it’s the first thing I replaced myself .
As far as the composite diffs go mind I find them garbage 🗑️
The 4s range in my opinion way better value in comparison.
Just got one today and this video is amazing, thanks brother
Congratulations buddy on the new truck , so glad you found this informative.
Enjoy your new Big rock and just upgrade what you feel is needed as and when .
Stay awesome
Chris 🤙
I bought mine cos i got tired of waiting for the new 4s range to come out, have to say i wish i had waited, im just not going to spend another £250 on upgrades it is a good truck when it works but that dont last long
Well i got to agree with you buddy . I mean dont get me wrong i love mine but in hindsight i wish i had just picked up the 4s first .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
Thank you for detailed Review on the big rock.
As my son will use the car o buy i think the differential issues will make me think it over to buy one. Seems i will buy a used maxx 4s and run it on 3s.
Hey buddy and no worries , I got to agree with you on the traxxas maxx over this if you can afford one , there very robust and reliable.
Don’t get me wrong mind my daughter who is 10 has her own big rock now and she has also kicked its ass , now with it being stock as I’ve have left hers the only thing I’ve upgraded is to a Hot racing metal spur gear ⚙️ so question is this the only upgrade your actually needing ? 🤔
Stay awesome buddy ,
Enjoy your new truck
Chris 🤙💪🤘
The only thing that used to do my head in was the shocks always pulling the rods out of the end eyes on little roll overs,motor plate bending,, I sold mine after getting a Mt10 🙄
I might pick up a MT10 soon and compare them.
Would be nice to have one .
Chris :)
Ja, it seems like it's better going for the new Outcast 4s. End of the day, cost will be much less. Really like the Big Rock but there's just way too much needed upgrades to do.
Hey buddy , Yeah i got to say thats a good choice , all the upgrades you need are already in the 4s trucks .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
A huge request. Please write the original numbers of differentials, drive shafts, engine mount plate (do I need some new part to add to the plate?), steering link. If I don't upgrade to a 4s motor, will the clutch be ok? Is it worth changing the native plastic levers to aluminum? (The Chinese are offering a kit from RCAWD).
And maybe a couple lines about what parts you should have on hand if you have no RC driving experience. Steering lugs, levers? What's best to buy as a spare?
There are no spare parts in Belarus or near us. So I will order everything in advance.
Again, thanks so much for the video. It is very informative and helpful to many!
I own this truck, and agree it's fun to drive. At just over 6 pounds, it's fast on 2s. I'm not expecting the dead parts pile that comes with over powering a 3s vehicle to 4s. You were running 4s, right? I also owned the new 4s Kraton v2.5, and sold it. It tended to run warm, and has no space for a larger motor, like the HW XR8 combos I have. It also wouldn't steer worth a crap, since they left the crap servo saver in it. If you have to have 4s, buy a 4s truck. There's many advantages to keeping weight down, as with most 1/10 scale cars. Adding weight for un-needed power mods makes these 3s truck less reliable, and less fun. It looks like my Big Rock 3s, and Kraton 6s EXB, can remain stock, as long as they're running nice and cool, below the max cell cell count. :)
Hey Peter , thanks for watching and giving your thoughts on it , I got to say it was fun making the truck the way it is now . It’s super quick and does not run warm due to the lower KV infact I found the 3300 motor to be worse .
As for fortifying the truck it’s something I do tend to enjoy finding out what works for me .
Each to there own there isn’t a right or wrong way in my opinion as long as your having fun with them .
Stay awesome buddy
Chris 🚀🤙👊💪🤩
Nice update. My buddy has one all stock and its a runner.
Thank Joe buddy , yeah it’s been a great truck so far a lot of fun , like all RC trucks though they do have some issues to be aware about 👀.
But do feel that the 4s range is a lot more robust and not for a lot more money .
Stay awesome
Chris 💪🤙🤩🏆🚀🚀
Great insight into the bigrock👌
Thanks buddy , Yeah its a cracker of the truck but does have caveats.
i cant see me getting rid of it any time soon but going to keep it on 3s for now .
Plan is to use a 4s esc and a 3660 3800kv motor .
Should be a rocket .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
I love my Big Rock but I feel like it's overbuilt for what I use it for, which isn't bashing but just general FPV exploration. I haven't had any problems with it just casual driving. All I can really think to upgrade would maybe be the ESC or trying to tune the suspension for softer off roading.
What problems do you have with your esc buddy ?
And would a crawler or trail truck be better your use case ??????
All the best , stay awesome
Chris 🤙
@@ChriswithaCrc Really I have no issues with the stock rig, but throwing bigger tires on did heat up the ESC way faster than I anticipated. I've ran it all stock pretty hard in the grass but I suppose it's possible I could bring it into over temp. Not a good thing if I'm way out somewhere far away.
I thought about a crawler or trail truck but I also need to be able to haul ass away from people if needed.
Nice video buddy 😊
Thank you so much fella , Really do appreciate the support .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
🤣 mine sits needing diffs now. Waits for Maxx to come from the skatepark for story time 🤣 got tired of messing with it.
Hey man , Yeah i hear you on the diffs they dont last long at all do they ! i never understood why Arrma choose to make composite diffs ! whats the plan get the 4s diffs like i choose to do ?
Yeah the Maxx is going to be damned tough as nails , i have 3 friends running them and man they take some abuse thats for sure .
Stay awesome
Chris :)
Hey Chris, could you please share links on where you purchased your body protection plates? I see you have hood, roof, and tailgate skid plates. Would love to find some for our Big Rock. Thanks in advance! :)
Hey buddy sure can
Mud Guards - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174679576257?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=12cid8oCS4O&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=tujh-yrcStq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Roof skids - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384133418464?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vu86eulrqse&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=tujh-yrcStq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Front hood - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295249137689?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=n1EVMq5pRk2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=tujh-yrcStq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Hope this Helps buddy
Stay awesome
Chris 🤙
Do u have any videos u poting they green drive shafts in bud it's tony Smith a have the gpm ones there just waiting on a other 2 coming
I don’t buddy unfortunately
@@ChriswithaCrc it's kool dude got them on had problems with the silly silver ring things so end up cable tye it lol
Great video. Do you run toe out on your front tires. Mite just be my POV.
Hey there , right on most bashers this helps with turn in and stability .
What is your opinion on Spektrum Firma 150A
Brushless Smart ESC /
2050Kv Sensorless Motor
Combo, for my BigRock. Is this a 4s system? I’m new to the r/c world.
Hey man , to be honest with you i think that system is a bit overkill in the big rock , if your looking for a good 4s system go for the Spektum 3668 2400 kv motor and the 120 amp esc to run it on 4s .
Even better maybe look at a Hobbywing system thats equivalent,
Stay awesome
Chris :)
We're best place buy upgrades a use modelsport just now
Hey buddy there are loads of great places to get upgraded parts for it
Custom RC upgrades
Oktays
M2C
Modelsport
Wheelspin models
EBay
AliExpress
Man there are loads of places this is to name but a few !
almost all the issues you described seems to related to correctly set the slipper no? how much turns you go out from full lock on the slipper?
Hi buddy , No i set all my 3s and 4s trucks the same on my Arrma range . Yeah so i follow the rule of tighten all the way up and back off by a quarter to half dependent on how the truck feels , Then set it with a drop of loctite and leave set for 24hrs .
Stay awesome buddy
Chris :)
@@ChriswithaCrc oh yeah, i go 2.5 turns on mine :) and the drivetrain lasts for ever.. so quite a difference between us
@@yonicozacWhat kind of adjustment is that?)
Are the shocks from the 4s on the table?
Why did you put back the standard shocks? I ordered the outcast 4s shocks. For nothing?))))
Hey buddy no the outcast 4s shocks are a good upgrade buddy .
The Big rock was and is owned by a good friend now .
But good news I’ve bought another and planning a load of upgrades for the one coming again .
So no you haven’t wasted your money at all .
Stay awesome
Chris 🤙
@@ChriswithaCrc
Thank you for the answer! You said you had to remove some spacer rings from the 4s shocks? Do you have to disassemble it for that?)
No Worries at all buddy , All i did was remove the shock spring retainer at the bottom and then slide out the spacers .
Hope this helps buddy
Stay awesome
Chris :)
Why it drains the battery fast specially on snow.
What batteries are you using buddy and remember the extra force of the grass or the extra weight of the snow will causing the motor to pull more amps from the battery 🔋
Hope this helps
Chris
@@ChriswithaCrc ok so need a bigger amp battery tht means
@@addyrcshorts what battery are you using buddy please and have you changed any gearing etc to it ?
@@ChriswithaCrc I'm using 5200mah battery 3 cell but yesterday I was trying to do a video for some reason it drained so fast a full charge battery it's stock car
Kind of battery am using core onesfrom model sport@@addyrcshorts
Driven hard on 3s the Arrma 3s cars are not made to last. Shocks, driveshafts, front and rear differentials, slipper clutch and servo will all fail. The money and maintenance time needed to keep them running is crazy. Fun rigs but not built to last. Better off with a TA Rival MT10 or a Arrma 4s.
Could not agree more with you on this point buddy , 4s range for me is definitely were it’s at that’s for sure 👌
Way better trucks
Stay awesome
Chris 😀
@@ChriswithaCrcare parts available easy for 4s line of Arrma? I would like to buy 3s or 4s soon