Shock shaft solutions

[AlvaSpeed]

5 bent shock shafts in one day. 3 on a MT 2 on a TT.


Is there any solution yet?


What is the BEST way to tackle the problem?


upgrade original shocks?


buy other brand of shocks?

 

[Gas Jocky]

I swapped my fronts for Smartech Thunderbolt rears shocks, no problem since

 

[kryptonite]

oh man alva.. were running the hpi hd shafts the fit isnt perfect, but many of us are running it with no problems. all you need is 2 sets of hpi 6mm front shafts and 2 sets of hpi hd lower shock caps. the glitches come in the form of the stock piston. its fits fine, but needs to be shimmed. our piston is thinner then hpi piston, so the lock nut doesn't tighten down all the way, just a few small washers.


the front shock shafts bottom out on the shock cap. not a problem on the tt, but the mt does(wheel size).. its fixed with eather hpi shock body or rear redcat shock body mounted up front. the other problem is with the lower shaft end. its shorter the stock recats, so when you put the (lower)spring retainer on, it hits the suspension arm cousing the spring to rub on the shock body. its easly fixed with a spacer on the bottom or by dremeling out a small "U" shape in the arm. its not a problem with alloy arms. there is a few threads about the hpi's if you use the search key. you can do all 4 shocks for $62.00 us; i'll get you the part numbers.

 

[hamster huey]

Generally you can buy 4 brand new HPI front shocks on Ebay for $125 shipped with extras. Then limit the the droop with either straps or shock limiters (your preference). I like the fronts with 1" and the rears with .5" inch droop if I remember correct. If you want less than 1+5 you can always "dish out" slightly around the shock mount on the arm for clearance. The hpi shafts are 6mm and are cheaply rebuildable.

 

[AlvaSpeed]

Hamster,


So in other words, I can put HPI Baja front shocks on all 4 corners!!! (MT and TT).


By droop you mean the shock extension?


Kriptonite,


Let me know part numbers, I will try that first since we already have the Rampage shocks.


Thanks........

 

[csp1971]

I bought the following per catchasers recommendations for mine, I will be assembling them tonight hopefully:


Front Baja shock bodies for 10 bucks from Pythonmotorsports


Then two of these VVC shock kits: http://www.hopmeuprc.com/HPI-HPIC9813-87563-SHOCK-p7129938.html


Then move the rear shocks from the Rampage to the front and put the Baja bodies in the rear.


Then I'm doing this little mod as well:


http://www.redcatrampageforum.com/showpost.php?p=13503&postcount=1

 

[AlvaSpeed]

I have the Redcat piggybag shocks, so I rather modify them with a 6mm shaft if possible.


My other friends think the same about their OEM shocks.


Kryptonite,


Hurry up with those part numbers!!!!!!!

 

[kryptonite]

sorry bud. i must have got'in lost.. here they are.you need 2 of each. http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.402/.fhttp://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.657/.fthey are out of stock on the hd shafts, so just buy 2 sets of thesehttp://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.655/.fyou can see the size diffrence here..



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[AlvaSpeed]

Thanks.


I am going to order those parts right away.


What shock oil to use? HPI Baja or silicone? what weight?

 

[Piranha2]

Alva, try this....it will save you alot of time and you'll get more answers right away.



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[AlvaSpeed]

I did the "search thing".


But I am not afraid to ask.


Also when you search you will find (sometimes) old answers when you really are looking for are the "latest" answers. You know what I mean.


I already ordered the parts suggested by Kryptonite.


Thanks guys.........

 

[cable97526]

Just as a note if you buy the shocks bottoms complete with retainers "pre" built from HPI they work a little better and don't seem to leak as badly. I used the 6mm shafts and lower caps before and assembled them and they always leaked so this last time I purchased the complete assembled lower shock assembly and no problems since. Plus it saves time and it's cheap.


http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.656/.f

 

[AlvaSpeed]

That`s what I just ordered.


Thanks.


The last thing I need to be sure of is what oil to put in the shocks.

 

[cable97526]

I have been using losi 45wt front and 55wt rear now for a while with decent results, it's hard to stop those ginormous meats from bouncing around.

 

[AlvaSpeed]

I just got the parts.


Do I just bolt the HPI cartridge to the Redcat shock`s body and fill with oil?

 

[cable97526]

YEP!! works freaking great I have yet to break one so far. The lower aluminum bodies are a nice add to instead of plastic.

 

[AlvaSpeed]

I put 35w front and 40w rear GPI oil.


Is that ok?

 

[cable97526]

I think its a little light but it all depends on were you run lighter oils are for bumpier situations while heavier is for less bumpy and more controlled.

 

[AlvaSpeed]

I meant HPI oil (35w and 40W)

 

[cable97526]

same thing