Deadbolt 12.3" links

[CJonLP]

So I installed an Axial 12.3" link kit on my Deadbolt. I knew what I was doing, I liked the idea of extending the wheelbase. Other than the wheel/tire not being centered in the wheelwell, which can be remedied with some trimming, will there be any adverse affects to how it behaves?

One benefit to the kit is that when I moved my battery tray up front, the weight made the front sit lower, even after adjusting the shocks. Pushing the axle back and moving the shock upper mount foward sat the back end down leveling out the vehicle.

I liked the way it performed before installing the kit, which may make you wonder why I did. I just liked the idea of extending the wheelbase, I just hope I haven't ruined it. I can't test it when its 0 outside with a windchill of -20.

Anyone have any experience doing this?

First post, First RC vehicle ever.

[snicklefritz]

Going from 12" to 12.3" isn't too drastic. It will help prevent flipping backwards on steep climbs, but will increase your chance of getting high centered. Did you make your links or buy them?

[CJonLP]

Originally Posted by snicklefritz

Did you make your links or buy them?

It is an Axial kit that I purchased.

[snicklefritz]

Cool. I was just curious because there's some "high clearance" aluminum links on ebay. The lowers are bent to stay up closer to the frame and keep from dragging on rocks.

[old_dog]

Should not have any problem with the extra wheelbase. Did you also extend the drive shaft? You can use the medium length female section to bring back the spline engagement. I did that and had no issues with my Dead Bolt.

[chino]

Originally Posted by snicklefritz

Going from 12" to 12.3" isn't too drastic. It will help prevent flipping backwards on steep climbs, but will increase your chance of getting high centered. Did you make your links or buy them?

What's getting "high centered" mean?

[snicklefritz]

High Centered =


I don't think adding 0.3" is going to make a difference, but the farther you stretch it, the more you have to think about your skid plate getting hung up.

[CJonLP]

Originally Posted by old_dog

Did you also extend the drive shaft?

I did extend the driveshaft using the midsized splined center section.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by snicklefritz

Cool. I was just curious because there's some "high clearance" aluminum links on ebay. The lowers are bent to stay up closer to the frame and keep from dragging on rocks.

Bent aluminum links are a no go in my book, unless they are machined. Once you bend aluminum it's too easy to bend again. Just like the old Axial high clearanced pipe versions, they stopped making them and went to machined in the high stress areas.

[im gunna crawl]

I've gone to the 12.3 in wheelbase on my dead bolt. Painted it the lt. Green color to go with the sleeper look. It works well.

[CJonLP]

Originally Posted by im gunna crawl

It works well.

I didn't think it would be a problem, just wanted to make sure. Did you move your front axle forward or the rear back?

[snicklefritz]

Originally Posted by Harley

Bent aluminum links are a no go in my book, unless they are machined. Once you bend aluminum it's too easy to bend again. Just like the old Axial high clearanced pipe versions, they stopped making them and went to machined in the high stress areas.

I have no experience with the ebay ones ("White Knuckle" brand) so I can't say for sure if they're really bent or machined. The description isn't specific on how they're made. The vendor has a lot of good reviews and no bad ones, but mostly the feedback is fast shipping but no details on the product. Also there's no pic with the rod ends off so I can't tell if it's solid aluminum or a sleeve like the home made type, with all thread inside or tapped like the axial ones.

[bayareaaxial]

.3 you will not notice a difference driving it unless you've been running one for years.

[Captainkickass]

The white knuckle links are solid and threaded for little studs like the axial one except they're 4mm for more strength. I believe they're bent not machined from the wraith set ive got.


Sent from the clouds

[jwk1977]

I just ordered a used deadbolt body to put on my 12.3” scx10 ii. Hopefully I won’t have any issues. Has anyone else done this?

[biev]

Originally Posted by jwk1977

I just ordered a used deadbolt body to put on my 12.3” scx10 ii. Hopefully I won’t have any issues. Has anyone else done this?

You might have to trim the body a bit depending on your mounting setup ect, nothing ya can't handle.