Think of a perfect RC truck you can buy off the shelf. Now think about that one brand, which makes the best machined parts you want to fit into your rig, that brand is Vanquish. The high quality no expenses spared quality products they used to make. They just put it all together to come out with the best builder kit out there. The VS4-10 Pro is a monster when it comes to quality and performance. It’s well thought out, the balance between the things is just right and it looks great while doing it all. Priced slightly at the higher end but the refinement of the product justifies that tag.
Body
The Origin Halfcab polycarbonate body not only brings the retro looks but also a touch of re-imagination of classics of yesteryear in today’s world. The whole polycarbonate interior designed by Knight customs come with front bucket seats, highly detailed dashboard and a large cargo area. The dash attaches to stuff like steering wheel and shift stick just complete the authentic look of the body. The front grill is equipped with full radiator assembly with fans and fan shrouds, the 10mm LED headlamp buckets can be fitted with Vanquish Rigid Industries Q-Series light pods facilitating better lighting. The rear light buckets are 5mm just complete the whole authentic look of the truck. Other details such as scale windscreen wipers, handle bars, fuel filler can and decals just helps with the detailing and makes the truck stand apart. The CNC machined and laser cut body just makes the build process simple. The Vanquish was even considerate by including paint mast for your painting the body efforts. The painting process will be simple as it has great design overall.
Chassis
Offered in both a clear or black anodized aluminum version, the Vanquish VS4-10 pro chassis provides a solid base for your ride. The performance is second to none and the balanced scale looks are just amazing. The steel C-channel design provides scale detail, molded front and rear cross members fill the chassis rails in the highest stress locations for greater strength. The features like Chassis Mounted Servo, winch line routing are a big plus in both aesthetics and performance. The Origin Halfcab body can also be attached with rock sliders which protect the whole package. The chassis works great with the VFD transmission.
Molded shock towers capture the top of the 90mm Incision Scale Shocks in double shear for maximum support. The battery and electronics mounts are also made out of aluminium providing different mounting options for parts. Full width molded front and rear bumpers increase approach and departure angles and increase flexibility on bumps. The fender wells have mounting positions for different types of suspensions.
The front has a 3-link setup up front with a panhard bar and then the triangulated 4 link in the rear. The links are machined stainless steel with wider rod ends and with a steel pivot ball. The front link is bent for clearance and the dual steering links provide much needed strength with dual sheer both on top and bottom. The panhard mount on the chassis is made from machined aluminium to make sure you conquer rough trails like no other rig.
Transmission
The VFD transmission is one of the strongest performers on this rig. The transmission is placed in the front and lower in the chassis which facilitates better weight distribution and low centre of gravity. The VFD’s combination of offset front T-case output and offset pumpkin of the Currie front axle make this possible. The T-case uses aluminium bearing plates which increase strength in vulnerable places by eliminating the flex which is usually found in plastic housings.
The gears are totally made out of high-end hardened steel which makes it durable and the wider gears allow you to put better electronics in the rig. The front motor plate is 6mm thick which is basically twice the average size. There is no slipper clutch, just a straight drive is the way to go with a transmission of this quality. The transfer case is also fortified and has a 6.5% overdrive feature out of the box.
- C-Channel Chassis Rails
- Chassis Mounted Servo
- Aluminium Panhard Mount
- Double Shear Shock Mounting
- Balanced Battery and Electronics Tray Arrangement
- Molded Front and Rear Bumpers
- Molded Rock Sliders
- Molded Lexan Inner Fenders
- Servo Winch Mounting Location
- Bodyside Retaining Guides
- Optional Rear Upper Link Mounting Locations
- Optional Front Upper Link Mounting Locations
- Standard Chassis Bumper Mounting Geometry (Fits popular post style bumpers)
Drivetrain
The drivetrain starts with the incision driveshaft with steel construction. The licensed Currie Enterprises F9 style front axle features an offset front differential housing and uses chromoly VDI universal axle shafts in the front, high-pinion hypoid ring gear, chromoly 6 bolt spool and one-piece bearing retainers to create an incredibly scale and durable front axle assembly. The offset pumpkin on the front axle aids better ground clearance. The machined aluminium axles are high quality and dual sheer points for the links which makes it ultra-durable as the truck is supposed to endure some rough terrains. The steering knuckle is also made of steel as well.
- VFD Transmission
- Currie Enterprise Axle Housings
- Offset Front Pumpkin
- Cantered Rear Pumpkin
- High-Pinion Hypoid Axle Gears
- 6-Bolt Ring Gear and Spool
- Chromoly VDI front axles
- Integrated Inner C’s
- Chromoly Threaded Inserts
- One-Piece Bearing Retainers (patent pending)
- Aluminium Knuckles with Scale High Steer Arm
- Chromoly Rear Axle Shafts
- Scale F9 3rd Members
- Double Shear Shock Mounts
- Aluminium 12mm Hexes
- Incision Steel Driveshafts
- Full Ball Bearing
Suspension
The suspension is the only thing which comes pre-assembled with this kit. The shocks are little bit on the smaller side but perform really well. The Incision 90mm Scale shocks with aluminium threaded bodies, dual X-ring seals, locking preload collars, keyed spring cups, polished steel shock shafts, and machined pistons. The whole aluminium construction gives the rig a sturdy feel. The suspension pivots on a full set of stainless steel links to keep the weight down low with a smooth transition from the link to the rod ends. The suspension mounts fit perfectly with a screw through clamp keeping it at place at all times.
The shocks do require oil to be filled which might be the only problematic part of this build. To fill them perfectly you need to be precise and take your time. They tend to overflow quite easily so take your time while filling the shocks. But they are great shocks with good suspension travel and built to last like everything on this truck.
- Incision 90mm Scale Shocks
- 3-link with Panhard Front Suspension
- Double Triangulated 4-link Rear Suspension
- Incision Stainless Steel Links
- Double Shear Shock Mounting
- Multiple optional link mounting positions at the chassis for suspension tuning
Wheels and Tires
The licensed KMC Machete plastic beadlock wheels with six bolt mounting hub. The hub mounts to the axle and the wheel is bolted to the hub. The realistic look comes from the centre caps and the beadlock ring above it to secure it in the place. The Vanquish VXT tires are 4.65″ tall and are molded in a soft and sticky natural rubber compound for performance right out of the box. The tires are little bit on the skinny side but the grip is phenomenal and they complement the whole package. The wheels are made out of firm foam which grips to the terrain and the sidewall support which prevents roll.
Specifications
- 12.3″ Wheelbase
- 9.4″ (240mm) Overall Width
- 19.3″ (490mm) Overall Length
- 9.8″ (250mm) Overall Height
- 3.75:1 Axle Ratio
- Internal Trans Ratio: Front 2.95 / Rear 3.15
- Overall Gear Ratio: Front 41.3 / Rear 44.0
- Overdrive Percentage: 6.5%
- 15T (3mm shaft) 32P Pinion Included
- 56T 32P Spur Gear Included
Required Items
- Shock Oil
- Tools
- Paint
- Grease (VPS01017 Recommended)
- Threadlock
- Battery
- Charger
- Radio System
- 540 size Motor (3mm Motor Shaft Recommended)
- ESC
- Steering Servo
- Servo Horn (20mm Length Recommended)
Conclusion
The Vanquish VS4-10 is almost a perfect RC crawler kit. It is built with purpose and precision. Every part fits perfectly. It is east to construct. Every material used is of the best quality possible which can be seen just by looking at the truck. It performs at a high level the better electronics you put in the better it becomes as the chassis and drivetrain are virtually flawless. I would recommend a high speed motor, so you can achieve quick wheel speeds to get the full experience out of it.