The truck was originally supposed to be 11.8". We stuck with 12.8" due to mold costs and retaining the $299 price point. Since the truck is unlicensed, it also made more sense that all 'SE' trimmed enduros remain 12.8" wheelbase.
I’m Aussie, I drove 500 miles/week in the Aussie bush for many years. Here’s what an Aussie Ute must have: Massive front Roo Bar, not just a single bar. A row of big spottie’s along the back of the rooftop. Long mudflaps on all four wheelwells. A slab or three of VB in the bed. A map of Australia on the door, with traces of long journeys painted on it. And, a bloodthirsty piggin’ dog in the back.
That IFS2 seems to be really working. It looks way more responsive than the IFS1. Looks like Element did a banger of a job evolving the platform. KnightRunner body gets my vote btw.
I've been running a trailrunner for a.few years now, and it's incredible what my little C1 ifs rig can do. It often outperforms my buddies class 2 rigs, and while I will take some credit (I have a ridiculous amount of wheel time, or controller time?) but the capability of the rig is not to be discounted. Element did a great job with the original ifs system, and this seems to be even better!
@@AsurasWrath164 I have it and I have enjoyed it since I bought my Trailrunner. It does force you to take a different approach when crawling. I wonder if that majority just got frustrated when it didn't perform just like their solid axle did. It's not supposed to.
@@AsurasWrath164 it took some shock tuning to get it to perform like I wanted, but I don't have any major complaints and haven't run into any insurmountable issues
It just goes to show about personal preference. I really like the look of this body! I think it looks great. 😎👍🏻 And it performs as well as it looks. I've one got experience of solid axle crawlers and trail tricks, but I'd definitely have a look at these, although they're quite expensive in the UK. Definitely a good job by Element. 😎👍🏻
I'm happy that I kept holding off on buying an ifs Enduro now seeing that they've highly improved the design..... I'm ready to make the purchase. I've got that same radio that came with my FMS Jimny. That radio works great but for some reason it is a battery eater 😂😂😢. My old tactic radio that came with my axial lasts for over a year on 4 AA batteries. The Jimny radio batteries last 2 months (if I'm lucky), and I only drive it maybe 2 hours a week. I use my tactic radio about 3-4 hours a week. Super weird
Keeping IFS in the focus, a scale prerunner like josh did in the 24h bascamp mayhem would be cool. Also I would really like so see what you could make out of the stock body!
Thank you Matt for this demonstration with the new innovation! I appreciate all the time and effort you put into the videos and always a fan watching every episode. Thank you my friend. From the Midwest.
Instead of chopping rails, the Nikko on a different frame rail set makes more sense to me. Maybe wait for the IFS2 kit. With the Utron frame, Mfab Tacoma ow that he's back and using newer printer tech.
im back after watching some running video. your driver and video mods are killer. i cant wait to get one. and what a sweet location for a trail run too. awesome.
Am crossing 🤞🏼 that element will have a builder’s kit. Great for newbie’s who want affordable rtr. For me the electronic n motor will jus be swapped out for a HW quick run fusion all in one to fit a hardbody scalers build. Thanks for sharing as always
Great video Matt. Love your bench review and running video. Especially like the way your newer videos do the end summary while still driving. I’d like to see an Ecto style body. Something to see the full potential of the chassis without body getting in the way. Thanks for the entertainment.
Fantastic review and run video. I'm curious as to how the power gets to the front hubs. Would really like to see more of the mechanicals there. I have little to no experience with that. Thank you so much for including the price! So many review videos use the "cheap, cheaper, cheapest" click bait in the thumbnail but never actually mention the damn price! Having invested 28 minutes of my life watching your video, I'm glad I didn't have to go hunting online to figure out this basic fact. I've seen a lot of your builds, I'm fairly confident that you will wow me with which ever direction you choose to take this. kudos. PS. my favorite builds are the funkier pre-war bodies from across the pond. But probably not applicable for this set up.
Just add some accessories to the bed, dress it up some, and you're good to go. Otherwise, lots of great bodies out there. (that are not a Knight Runner). The looks are growing on me but impressed by the excellent performance of the new IFS! The Utron is just a great option to have in your lineup.
tbh the tire size was more of a hold back for performance than the clearance of the system but the 1.55 looks so good lol glad they made it even better thoigh
Night runner please, that included body is going to wind up as material for repair of other bodies in most places. Also, if they had tried the body as a four door version of the FJ as an almost gladiator ripoff- that would have looked better.
After building an Ecto out for my brother last year I’m an Element fan, they’re just so smooth. That’s said I like the Knight Runner BUT I would like to see the Utron body kitted out with all of the KR accessories. The bed rack would cure the “Is it coming or going?” Mind bender it sorta gives you.
I LOVE this truck! always wanted a FJ but no one makes a body with a crawler wheelbase anymore. Tamiya only fits Tamiya chassis (like 267mm?) Can't wait to get one.
The pickup type bed feels like a nod to the old fj40 trucks, i like it since I've recently fallen in love with it. It just needs more work on the cab as it feels a little too flat.
Honestly Matt, I would make an attempt at showing others what could be done with that body. A knight customs bed rack would offset the length look the utron body has . Maybe a “trophy moose “ build… ? Just give the everyday consumer a chance to make something great out of something we are questioning the design of. And we all know you are the man for the challenge 👍🏻
I say you go with the FJ hard body. I have the same one sitting on my shelf waiting for the perfect build. Need some great inspiration, love your builds. Keep up the great work.
I’ve commented on everything at this point before even seeing the video. Hardbody. I have a gspeed with IFS and a new bright bronco body. I’d like to see something similar done to your quality.
Absolutely fantastic to hear it performs as well as I hoped it would. I could see building it with the night runner body with either no gear changes as a fun beater or gear changes and make it my new crawler. Great review!
Anything but the utron body. Like the idea of Knightrunner if the Scale Garage bed is used. But I think you might be leaning toward FJ. Which would look very scale. Whatever you do it will turn out great and be an improvement over the utron. Hope element makes the ifs2 available to upgrade my original trucks
I'd like to see you make this body look half decent, maybe a rear cage, spare tire, sort of unlimited trophy truck style. Stick the gatekeeper rear setup on and it would be quite 'scale'. Great video again, really like the intro, driving and summary voiceover format.
Great video, always appreciate your take and input on new releases, rtr’s, kit’s, or components. As for what to do with this one…PLEASE get rid of the Utron! Of the three options, I like the Knightrunner best, but that’s because I like the Tacoma and personally don’t care for the FJ anything. To do something different, I could get behind the Nikko FJ body with some SBG flair of course.
I have always found the ifs1 didn’t look right, this one looks awesome, and I personally will deck out the body as an « overlander » and with a small tent trailer too!
That would be my plan buy it & then the Tacoma body put that body on it then start some mods but I think it’s not worth spending a lot to upgrade it. It kind of is what it is.
Hi Matt, Love your work. I have been waiting for this ifs 2 to try ifs for the first time so glad its here. I am not a fan of the body or even FJ looking trucks in general and I had it in mind to do a knightrunner on it, so I think you should do a new Knightrunner body on the ifs 2 chassis. Although your other one is already inspiration.
Great running video man, I’d run the nightrunner body myself over the other body. I’m a fan of the Toyota Tacoma’s to be honest, but it looks like they done a good job on the ifs system on it. Keep up the great work, looking forward to seeing what you do with this one.
Thanks, wanted to see it runnin'. I have the V1 on my knight and it works good, this looks like it works GREAT! The body has grown on me as well, kinda like the trailwalker. Thanks for sharing and be well!!👍😁✌
I really like the video format you are using Matt, the running video and then the commentary are great. I agree that the body is ugly but would like to see what you could come up with to try to improve it before you ditch it for something else if possible 👍
The truck was originally supposed to be 11.8".
We stuck with 12.8" due to mold costs and retaining the $299 price point. Since the truck is unlicensed, it also made more sense that all 'SE' trimmed enduros remain 12.8" wheelbase.
HI AARON! Thanks for letting us know!
I've seen Toyota talking about the real one coming to the USA called the stout
11.8 would have been sick!
Great job Aaron! It's a beautiful setup. I'll be purchasing one for sure. And I just stubbed to your channel😎🤙🏽
@@brsrc759 thank you! :)
I’m Aussie, I drove 500 miles/week in the Aussie bush for many years. Here’s what an Aussie Ute must have: Massive front Roo Bar, not just a single bar. A row of big spottie’s along the back of the rooftop. Long mudflaps on all four wheelwells. A slab or three of VB in the bed. A map of Australia on the door, with traces of long journeys painted on it. And, a bloodthirsty piggin’ dog in the back.
What is "VB"??
@@brsrc759 cheap aussie beer, not our worst by a mile.
Short for "Victoria Bitter"
@@kosmokat111 😎🤙🏽
Vagina backwash*
That’s so spot on 👍us Aussie’s had the best Ute in the world WB 1 tonner
Stick with the Utron body. Work your magic with it and see what ya can do. I like it but thats just me. Have a good week man, cheers!!!
I'm probably going to change it, but I'm glad you like it!
Utron, Itron, we all tron. Aaron better be carefull, Jconcepts will be trying to grab him up as their new body designer
Hahahaha this comment wins!!!
😂😂👏👏
😂
That IFS2 seems to be really working. It looks way more responsive than the IFS1. Looks like Element did a banger of a job evolving the platform. KnightRunner body gets my vote btw.
I’ve always been a fan of the Trailrunner and it’s IFS, can’t wait to get my hands on the updated version.
I've been running a trailrunner for a.few years now, and it's incredible what my little C1 ifs rig can do. It often outperforms my buddies class 2 rigs, and while I will take some credit (I have a ridiculous amount of wheel time, or controller time?) but the capability of the rig is not to be discounted. Element did a great job with the original ifs system, and this seems to be even better!
A lot of ppl saying that the first ifs was quite lacking. The majority of owners actually.
@@AsurasWrath164 I have it and I have enjoyed it since I bought my Trailrunner. It does force you to take a different approach when crawling. I wonder if that majority just got frustrated when it didn't perform just like their solid axle did. It's not supposed to.
@@AsurasWrath164 it took some shock tuning to get it to perform like I wanted, but I don't have any major complaints and haven't run into any insurmountable issues
@@PorkinsTheWhite yep. Can't just expect the front to conform to the terrain. Once you get your driving style dialed, it's an absolute blast
I think it's a great update!
Keep it as Utron and do some magic design add-ons as you always do to inspire us. Cheers mate, thanks for all videos.
Thankyou for helping passmy Saturday afternoon Josh always a good time buddy 😂🎉👍
I think the Ecto bed cage would help with the look. It would smoothen the visual transition in the middle of the body.
It just goes to show about personal preference. I really like the look of this body! I think it looks great. 😎👍🏻
And it performs as well as it looks. I've one got experience of solid axle crawlers and trail tricks, but I'd definitely have a look at these, although they're quite expensive in the UK.
Definitely a good job by Element. 😎👍🏻
I've got some plans for the body, so stay tuned!
I really like that live commentary trail run 👏
Glad to hear it!
The lower control arms now mount to the wheel hub in the above position. Some might call it a ball joint flip? Cool changes
Knight Runner.
If they made the bed of the Ute look more like a truck, tailgate and the gap between the cab and bed. It might look better ish.
I do enjoy the commentary on the running footage. Definitely the fj hardbody! Looks like a fun project.
I'm happy that I kept holding off on buying an ifs Enduro now seeing that they've highly improved the design..... I'm ready to make the purchase. I've got that same radio that came with my FMS Jimny. That radio works great but for some reason it is a battery eater 😂😂😢. My old tactic radio that came with my axial lasts for over a year on 4 AA batteries. The Jimny radio batteries last 2 months (if I'm lucky), and I only drive it maybe 2 hours a week. I use my tactic radio about 3-4 hours a week. Super weird
It’s pretty satisfying to watch that ifs work, I’d love to see another Knight Runner!
That blue fj body looks good
I really wanna see you do something with this truck. I think this truck is special and would like to see it, Compete.
Eagerly awaiting the IFS2 conversion kit so I can try it on the Enduro SE!
Keeping IFS in the focus, a scale prerunner like josh did in the 24h bascamp mayhem would be cool. Also I would really like so see what you could make out of the stock body!
Stay tuned!
@@scalebuildersguild sure will 😎
Hands down best running videos. So cool.
Thank you!
I always admire your skills at being able to drive and film at the same time. Great video as always.
Thank you very much!
YEAR of NO LEXAN Matt!! That FJ hard body looks pretty nice 👍
Thank you Matt for this demonstration with the new innovation! I appreciate all the time and effort you put into the videos and always a fan watching every episode. Thank you my friend. From the Midwest.
Glad you like them!
Fantastic video! I think a prerunner body would be awesome to see!
The body reminds me of the jconcepts lloyd
My vote is for the hardbody!! The Utetron body looks like it should have 4 wheel steering.
That's a nice rig, great review, love that crawler area you have access to
Thanks! It's a great spot.
Instead of chopping rails, the Nikko on a different frame rail set makes more sense to me. Maybe wait for the IFS2 kit. With the Utron frame, Mfab Tacoma ow that he's back and using newer printer tech.
im back after watching some running video. your driver and video mods are killer. i cant wait to get one. and what a sweet location for a trail run too. awesome.
It's a great location, not too far out of the city!
The intro cracked me up....''wooohhh''
Am crossing 🤞🏼 that element will have a builder’s kit. Great for newbie’s who want affordable rtr. For me the electronic n motor will jus be swapped out for a HW quick run fusion all in one to fit a hardbody scalers build. Thanks for sharing as always
I just bought a Utron and I love the body
I’m liking this rig on that running footage. I’ll probably put the Canyon Trail tires on this…or ProLine BFG Krawlers. 😊
Great video Matt. Love your bench review and running video. Especially like the way your newer videos do the end summary while still driving. I’d like to see an Ecto style body. Something to see the full potential of the chassis without body getting in the way. Thanks for the entertainment.
I appreciate that!
Fantastic review and run video. I'm curious as to how the power gets to the front hubs. Would really like to see more of the mechanicals there. I have little to no experience with that. Thank you so much for including the price! So many review videos use the "cheap, cheaper, cheapest" click bait in the thumbnail but never actually mention the damn price! Having invested 28 minutes of my life watching your video, I'm glad I didn't have to go hunting online to figure out this basic fact. I've seen a lot of your builds, I'm fairly confident that you will wow me with which ever direction you choose to take this. kudos. PS. my favorite builds are the funkier pre-war bodies from across the pond. But probably not applicable for this set up.
It’s a standard ring and pinion, with dog bones to the axle stubs. Still locked, and a pretty stout setup! Thanks for watching!
Just add some accessories to the bed, dress it up some, and you're good to go. Otherwise, lots of great bodies out there. (that are not a Knight Runner). The looks are growing on me but impressed by the excellent performance of the new IFS! The Utron is just a great option to have in your lineup.
I love the commentary while you're running I find it very helpful and I think I would put a Ford raptor body on that chassis
Thanks!
tbh the tire size was more of a hold back for performance than the clearance of the system but the 1.55 looks so good lol glad they made it even better thoigh
Night runner please, that included body is going to wind up as material for repair of other bodies in most places.
Also, if they had tried the body as a four door version of the FJ as an almost gladiator ripoff- that would have looked better.
After building an Ecto out for my brother last year I’m an Element fan, they’re just so smooth. That’s said I like the Knight Runner BUT I would like to see the Utron body kitted out with all of the KR accessories. The bed rack would cure the “Is it coming or going?” Mind bender it sorta gives you.
I'm curious as to what you did to the ecto.
KnightRunner gets my vote. I think you can make it look amazing!
I LOVE this truck! always wanted a FJ but no one makes a body with a crawler wheelbase anymore. Tamiya only fits Tamiya chassis (like 267mm?) Can't wait to get one.
The pickup type bed feels like a nod to the old fj40 trucks, i like it since I've recently fallen in love with it. It just needs more work on the cab as it feels a little too flat.
Love seeing some Cruiser Gear shirts in the videos!! 👌🏼
Stay with the utron body in my opinion, just put your touch on it (paint and clear windows etc.) Either way great content as always.
I love this body. I drive one of these and comp class 1 with a Nikko hardbody FJ build.
Great video! Ive been toying around the idea of either getting one of these are an Ecto as a new trail truck.
This has just come on my Radar. Love the IFS2. This is screaming out for a 3d printed Lada Niva body on it with a slightly shortened wheelbase... 😊
Honestly Matt, I would make an attempt at showing others what could be done with that body. A knight customs bed rack would offset the length look the utron body has . Maybe a “trophy moose “ build… ? Just give the everyday consumer a chance to make something great out of something we are questioning the design of. And we all know you are the man for the challenge 👍🏻
Thanks! Stay tuned to see what I have planned!
Great video and review, love the live commentary while driving. Excellent stuff, looks like a great platform, not sure about that body though 😆
That spot u was running looks amazing.
It's really beautiful!
I say you go with the FJ hard body. I have the same one sitting on my shelf waiting for the perfect build. Need some great inspiration, love your builds. Keep up the great work.
Thanks! Stay tuned to see what I have planned!
You should use the Nikko body and use another ifs2 in the rear. Thanks as always for great content!!
I am thinking F150, because I really want a mini me for my beloved daily. A kit version is what I am hoping for. 👍🏻
I’ve commented on everything at this point before even seeing the video. Hardbody. I have a gspeed with IFS and a new bright bronco body. I’d like to see something similar done to your quality.
Should be picking mine up tomorrow, gonna throw on the knightrunner lexan body and rock it!
Enjoy it!
Fj hard body for sure. Want to see the make it fit process!
The knightrunner body set but you gotta make a SBG trophy truck. McFly Racing livery if you please!
Good honest review! Awesome running video! Keep the great work!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Do the knightrunner body on it. Then get a shorter frame like a deadbolt to do the fj on.
Cool, I'd vote for Knightrunner. I don't have any Element RC, I might try this one when it comes out in Canada.
Absolutely fantastic to hear it performs as well as I hoped it would. I could see building it with the night runner body with either no gear changes as a fun beater or gear changes and make it my new crawler. Great review!
I was really impressed!
Comprehensive Review!Thanks a lot.looking forward to having that rig🤞👌
Hope you enjoy it!
Definitely gonna be getting one. I’ve got a clear HPI FJ Cruiser that’s gonna find it’s home on it.
Thanks for the great vid and review Matt. That location is sweet!🔥
It really is! Not too far from the city.
Anything but the utron body. Like the idea of Knightrunner if the Scale Garage bed is used. But I think you might be leaning toward FJ. Which would look very scale. Whatever you do it will turn out great and be an improvement over the utron. Hope element makes the ifs2 available to upgrade my original trucks
I'd like to see you make this body look half decent, maybe a rear cage, spare tire, sort of unlimited trophy truck style. Stick the gatekeeper rear setup on and it would be quite 'scale'. Great video again, really like the intro, driving and summary voiceover format.
Thanks for watching and stay tuned for what I have planned!
I’m really digging the body! I vote to keep it as is.
Superbe véhicule et carrosserie
I really like the idea of the FJ body.
A scale FJ would be awesome (in brick red😁)
That would be cool!
Would like to see it with the 12.3 Proline Tacoma body.
I'm a mopar fan so I'd find a newer ram crawler body. I remember proline made a 2013 and they might make a 2020ish body now too
That IFS really makes it looks like a comfortable ride. 17:11
You could put the Killerbody Land Cruiser for a trx4 I believe is a 12.8 wheelbase. Could be cool… may not be super accurate but oh well! Haha
That drives well! Nice review.
I voted Chop chassis shorten links etc and fit the FJ Cruiser body 👍🏻
This needs to be the next budget build off with Josh
love the videos
Thank you!
Excellent video !!
Glad you liked it!
I may have to pick one up. And get a 90s chevy silverado body for it
Great review Matt. I think you should keep the Utron body and work your magic on it!
Love to see a Udr style build
My vote is for the hard body FJc. Great review Matt.
It could be a sweet platform for the ProLine Nissan hardbody pickup
Knightrunner body for sure!
Great video, always appreciate your take and input on new releases, rtr’s, kit’s, or components.
As for what to do with this one…PLEASE get rid of the Utron! Of the three options, I like the Knightrunner best, but that’s because I like the Tacoma and personally don’t care for the FJ anything. To do something different, I could get behind the Nikko FJ body with some SBG flair of course.
Thanks for watching!
I have always found the ifs1 didn’t look right, this one looks awesome, and I personally will deck out the body as an « overlander » and with a small tent trailer too!
Very cool!
Knightrunner truggy but with the bed sides, n totally scaled out
That would be my plan buy it & then the Tacoma body put that body on it then start some mods but I think it’s not worth spending a lot to upgrade it. It kind of is what it is.
Great running video, your video skills are awesome. Look forward to seeing your changes will it.
Thanks! Stay tuned!
Hi Matt, Love your work. I have been waiting for this ifs 2 to try ifs for the first time so glad its here. I am not a fan of the body or even FJ looking trucks in general and I had it in mind to do a knightrunner on it, so I think you should do a new Knightrunner body on the ifs 2 chassis. Although your other one is already inspiration.
Thanks for watching and stay tuned to what I decide to do!
Great running video man, I’d run the nightrunner body myself over the other body. I’m a fan of the Toyota Tacoma’s to be honest, but it looks like they done a good job on the ifs system on it. Keep up the great work, looking forward to seeing what you do with this one.
It's a great system, that's for sure, and I've got some plans for the body. Stay tuned!
Thanks, wanted to see it runnin'. I have the V1 on my knight and it works good, this looks like it works GREAT! The body has grown on me as well, kinda like the trailwalker. Thanks for sharing and be well!!👍😁✌
I’d like to see what you can do with that Utron body Matt. 🤙🏼
I really like the video format you are using Matt, the running video and then the commentary are great.
I agree that the body is ugly but would like to see what you could come up with to try to improve it before you ditch it for something else if possible 👍
Glad you like the video, and stay tuned to see what I have planned!
Year of no lexan! Gotta run the FJ body. Could make for a great tutorial on chassis/ wheelbase shortening.
Great idea!
IFS, no ... Utron body, no. ... commentator, YES. ... another great review, YES!