Why the ESP kit?

When I set out to do this project I decided that I wanted to build a very adaptable and unique truck. I wanted something (A) that I could build and then modify over time to my own likely varying specific tastes, (B) could be used in a wide variety of outdoors environments, (C) would be very tough and would also withstand a fair bit of punishment, and (D) wouldn't overly break my own personal bank.

I didn't want to build a competition level crawler, and I didn't want to build a highly esoteric super speed truck that used only high-end components which would inevitably end up being a shelf queen for fear of crashing or otherwise damaging the damn thing.

In the end it came down to either building something from scratch, which would take a lot more time and effort (not to mention the possible difficulty of sourcing suitable materials), or buying a ready un-made kit. I looked at everything that is out there in the marketplace and eventually came down to a shortlist of three suitable contenders:

http://www.crawfordperformanceengineering.com/

The Crawford Performance Engineering Evolution. This kit comes in either 14 or 16 inch wheelbase versions and has the classic four link 'top and bottom link' layout. It sells for $159.99.

http://www.mnlart.com/Z-Crawler.html

The M&L Art budget chassis. This is very similar to the Crawford Evo chassis, you can choose between two sideplate designs, the one you see here and another one which features a skull and crossbones design. As shown here it sells for $124.00, although for another $60 you can have differential lockers, new gears, and 9 tooth pinions and the required adjustable motor mounts included.

http://www.esphobby.com/prod03.htm

The ESP Clodzilla IV. This is what I eventually chose over the other two. It cost me $139.99 direct from ESP via eBay, although it otherwise lists at $299.99. The kit does include a full set of steering linkages, mounts to place the steering servos above the gearboxes, a set of body mounts, and an anti-sway bar kit, not all of which are shown here.

What I liked about it were the long chassis rails which will make mounting the body very much easier, the four lower link set up, and the fact that ESP offer a lifetime guarantee on all their parts. The cantilever suspension is very interesting and allows for a great deal of adaptability, although at this stage of the project I am still not sure whether I will finally adopt this configuration as I think I may try out some of my own ideas involving a long laydown shock absorber configuration. I would not be the first person to adapt a 'Zilla IV by any means, here's one built by another owner (in the style of the Crawford and the M&L ), unfortunately I did not record his identity, but he gets top marks for his work.