Hey man! Congrats on the new truck coming in! I definitely understand what you mean by feeling overwhelmed, just for to take it one step at a time, dont rush, take your time, and ask questions. The only dumb question is the one that wasnt asked. Mostly all my experience was self taught lol, definitely understand the unease of going into it blind, just remember though, these were meant to be taken apart and put back together, I definitely also recommend an exploded view (type "Losi LST" into google and chose the link directly to Losi site then resources then manual 2.) It also has all your part numbers too and parts lists.
my biggest recomendation is to get a good 1/16 driver, like dynamite:
https://www.amainhobbies.com/dynamit...4aAq9SEALw_wcB
or MIP:
https://www.amainhobbies.com/mip-tho...mip9001/p14504
those 4-40 flatheads strip so damn easily.
honestly one of the main reasons I have build threads is so I can look back and figure out why I did something, how i figure out easy ways to do things, and pictures as references.
Do not know if you know but those screws that go into the engine mounts are 5-40 pitch 1/2", they are hard to find without ordering online, what i did though is used the ones from the lower shock mount screws and used a 3mm screw there instead for now. I plan on doing the 4mm conversion on this.
as far as gearing I think it was 63/70 on the spurs, and 18/25 on the CBs.
i personally am liking the Dynamite Max Life clutch shoes:
https://www.amainhobbies.com/dynamit...ynp5180/p10016
but the stock plastic ones are cheap and do work well also.
the RX, for testing purposes you can plug the black plug from the battery directly to the RX, I dontreally get why they switched plugs for the battery like that.
red connector is called a "JST" connector black is a "JR" connector.
I switched mine to use all JR(black) so it will work between all my trucks If I need ( less charging adapters too)
yes you will need a 3 channel, or mechanically lock the truck in forward only (I have used fishing line to do it in a pinch)
did you recieve both RX/TX that it came with? (JR Racing XS3 /RS300? , If so that is still a good radio.
that said I do recommend the FOC eventually. Really drops alot of weight as well as rotational mass.
Any other questions do not hesitate to ask. I am completely fine with helping here on my build thread or even PM, but I recommend starting your own asap just so you have all the info In one place.
I can also take pics of my trucks to show that way too.i dont mind tearing down if it will help. Can attempt to do a video if needed but have never done that.