SCX10 Deadbolt Axle/4-link Help - First Crawler

[Ahod39]

Hey everyone, recently got into RC crawling and picked up an SCX10 Deadbolt.

I've learned a lot from these forums and am thankful to have such an awesome community to draw knowledge from!

I have done a few basic newbie mods to the truck and have been very happy with it so far. I'll list a couple of the mods just in case knowing what I installed helps solve my problem!

- 12.0" Wheelbase Axial Links kit (AX31142) includes steering links
- 4-link in front using said kit, keeping servo on the axle
- Moved battery tray to front and relocated electronics to the rear
- TSX Super Swamper XL 1.9 tires/G-made cheapy beadlocks
- Bumper Lift



The problem that I'm having is that my front axle seems to be at a weird angle compared to my friend's RTR Jeep SCX10. The steering knuckles and whole axle are pointing "up" towards the bumper, it's almost like the top part of my front 4-link is too short or something. (apologies for the dirty truck, cleaning tonight!)




The weird thing is that I installed my links kit and left it 3-link in the front originally. Still had this problem. Installed 4-link version thinking it might fix it, and while 4-link has been better the axle position is still funky. I ordered a couple of 2mm spacers to add to my front 4-link and extend it, thinking it might help. We'll see.



Posting photos to give some reference, any help would be greatly appreciated! Enjoying this new hobby very much.

[Eric0424]

The spacers will help, I had to extend my Dingo upper link(s) to get the pinion angle up enough to keep my drivehafts from binding at full extension. That being said, if your drivehsafts are not binding it's not really a problem.

[socal_crawler]

How do you like your deadbolt? Im trying to get my son one.

[Ahod39]

Thanks Eric0424, no issues with the axles binding so far but looking forward to seeing what the spacers do to leveling things out.

As for the truck, super fun and reliable. Seems like it was a good first truck and the electronics that are in it are awesome for the money. Half the fun is adding upgrades and working on it anyway, so might as well start with it pretty stock and learn why you need certain parts. Lovin' it.

[roksloski]

Really looks like you might have got the wrong length uppers....

Maybe too long lowers????
I would ck the links again to make sure they are correct and in the right place....
It will affect the steering a bit like it is.... wont steer as well....

Just my 2 cents...

Good luck with it, its a great truck.....

[Iakopa84]

Make sure you used the correct length tube connections for the upper links. I had the same problem with the axles being angled down like that. Went back and found I used the longer length pieces in the wrong spot.

[RiderZ]

Longer uppers to roll the diff up.

[Ahod39]

Originally Posted by roksloski

Really looks like you might have got the wrong length uppers....

Maybe too long lowers????
I would ck the links again to make sure they are correct and in the right place....
It will affect the steering a bit like it is.... wont steer as well....

Just my 2 cents...

Good luck with it, its a great truck.....

Thanks roksloski, I think you're right about either the uppers or lowers being the wrong length. I thought I followed the instructions correctly, but I'm going to measure the pieces and double check. I do think the steering isn't performing as well in the current angle, excited to make some progress!

[Gavinda]

I've a similar problem with my deadbolt. I've just 4 linked it in the front. I used the spare upper links from the kit but it seems like they are too long. The axle has rotated forwards and now the servo hits the frame brace. Any clues?

[waw]

if you're still using the stock plastic c-hub and steering knuckle, it must be the lower link.. it's too long by a few milimetres.. I had that problem before, then I switch it to a shorter one.. back to normal

oooya almost forgot, I use 3 link almunium on my front.. added a spacer (5-10 mm).

CMIIW

[Rat]

Just 4-linked my Deadbolt the other day. Not to impressed with the Axial kit. The upper links are too short. You can fix it with either the metal spacers that come with the kit (the longer ones) or use the 1/8th inch plastic spacers that came with the truck.

[BoilerUp]

Too much positive caster. Upper links are more than likely too short. Im running a vanquish 12.0" link kit on my G6 and its perfect. Get some spacers for the Axial links or replace with titanium Vanquish link kit.