VP/STRC steering adaptability?

[Propane]

Originally Posted by Postclanker

I'm a big supporter of DIY..But I've tried to bend bending brake tube and aluminum sleeve ...with not much success...hard to keep it clean and not bind or crimp...any hints ???

First, don't use aluminum tube, get steel or brake line from the auto parts store. I use a hand brake line bender that cost less than $10. I bend the brake line with the 8/32 all thread inside.

Total cost for suspension links and steering links was under $30

[BELADOG]

I had the strc drag/tierod set and "upgraded" to the VP cause it was the thing to do.
I was ok with the fit, even with the toe in
But now I just installed the Axial universals I have been waiting for for a few months now and they are Useless!
The tierod hits the diff cover not allowing any more degree of steer than the friggin dogbones did. I have VP everything on my Wraith so I figured it was a no brainer they would allow for enough clearance to access the added benefits of the universals.

In all fairness the strc tierod hits as well.
Tomorrow Im building custom lower links and a new tierod. I will have no more issues.

VP is pretty, and trendy, but for all the hype I think its totally overrated.
The quality of the Axle truss is phenomenal. The knuckles and C-hubs is second to none, but there is too much play and they wobble at the flange washers! IMO the fitment issues dont make up for the positives.

[BELADOG]

OK. So this is what the axial universals should do for ya.
These pics were stolen from CKRC.
These are apparently with VP Knuckles and Axial Universal shafts.
This is a demo of the CKRC "Suicide Switch" steer link.

Scale or not, I'm building myself this set up this week!

Here is the link to the product on CKRC so you can see what it looks like.
https://www.ckrccrawlers.com/ckrcs-s...th-p-3828.html
Now, how they are getting this w/o rubbing is a mystery. Im guessing they removed the lower links???
Im gonna make custom lower links that pan in really steep.

[kmas]

wow, those universals are gonna blow.....that steering is cranked

[kmas]

Originally Posted by BELADOG

VP is pretty, and trendy, but for all the hype I think its totally overrated.
The quality of the Axle truss is phenomenal. The knuckles and C-hubs is second to none, but there is too much play and they wobble at the flange washers! IMO the fitment issues dont make up for the positives.

vp knuckles have the highest raised ackermans though, I still think I need to get some, I think I will stay with the my strc chubs though, what do you guys think.

[Cableman]

Strc hubs knuckles and r2j ss steering links. Run the links on top of the knuckles so they clear the diff cover. Takes alittle tuning but works awsome. I also made a new servo plate to work with the hot bodies servo arm.

[kmas]

Originally Posted by Cableman

Strc hubs knuckles and r2j ss steering links. Run the links on top of the knuckles so they clear the diff cover. Takes alittle tuning but works awsome. I also made a new servo plate to work with the hot bodies servo arm.

What kind of hub extenders are you using?

[kmas]

Propane, can you post a pic of your steering set up?

[BELADOG]

Originally Posted by kmas

What kind of hub extenders are you using?

X 2
I'm curious as well.

[mtnyote]

Originally Posted by BELADOG

These are apparently with VP Knuckles

This is a demo of the CKRC "Suicide Switch"

Now, how they are getting this w/o rubbing is a mystery. Im guessing they removed the lower links???

The vanquish knuckles dont work with stock wheels. If you look in the ckrc pics, you can see the wheels have a negative offset or no backspacing. That's why the Knucks fit and there is no rubbing of tires on links.

As far as the steering goes, give it a shot. I think it's just another gimmick, so don't waste too much time trying to make it work.

[BELADOG]

Originally Posted by mtnyote

...I think it's just another gimmick, so don't waste too much time trying to make it work.

Yes, I agree with you on that one.
It will only take a minute to make some straight links so I will try it just for shits and giggles.

I am also running a 7980 and have little room to tweak tie-rod and drag link to clear the diff, and still retain a long enough servo arm to get full throw.

I'm also gonna make new lower front links with a steep inward bend right at the front mount, just after the offset rod end. I want to keep stock width and still get super steering.

There is no reason a "funky link" shouldn't work as long as its length is kept proper right?

[mtnyote]

Originally Posted by BELADOG

There is no reason a "funky link" shouldn't work as long as its length is kept proper right?

Hey, post up and let us know!

A wide front axle will give you a higher r.t.i. And better side stability

Also, you could find some narrow wheels with negative offset and keep stock width.

[Postclanker]

Originally Posted by transambill

X2

Postclanker, what kind of bender did you try it with? I made mine useing a cheepo Harbor Freight bender and it was pretty painless.

I wasn't using break tubing...was using aluminum sleeve and a larger bender...trying to make do with what I had....will look into the HF bender...thanks

[Postclanker]

As far as the steering goes, give it a shot. I think it's just another gimmick, so don't waste too much time trying to make it work.[/QUOTE]

I believe it's a useless gimmick

[transambill]

Just an option but Traxxas makes a wider hex that will space your wheels out 1/4 inch per side which helps move the wheels away from the rod ends so there's no rubbing.
I'll snap a pic of how my front steering is set up when I get home. I'm running VP chubs and knuckles with the stock Axial Ackerman arms and home made links along with the bender I used.
I have full steering without hitting my poison spider diff covers.

[Postclanker]

Got a part # for that Traxxas wide hex ???

[BELADOG]

That's what I was looking for originally. Found the Gmades which widen it 1.2". There's also the mini widener Mini 12mm Wheel Widener (4) which is probably best suited.

I want more steering than the physical limits of the VP tie rod will allow.
The VP and the STRC tie rod will not allow more throw than the stock DogBones will allow. Even with the new universal axle They will hit the diff first before any gain is noticed.

This means I will need to make a new tie rod, OR, use the straight left and right arms like I linked above. This direct steer arm eliminates the tie rod altogether.
That's not a gimmick. Just a physically different way of controlling the steering that eliminates anything from hitting the differential cover and limiting the throw of the Knuckles.



As far as the wideners go. I would like to do this w/o widening the tract of the Wraith. I think it is wide enough already. Lateral stability has not been an issue for most, and certainly not for me. I think the combination of slightly larger offset (the mini spacers) and tighter to center links would come together in a seriously tight steer *.

I will definitely post back and let ya all know how it goes.
I still see no reason to not change the lower links. As far as limiting travel,
it wont. If anything it will gain travel. The mount points wont be changed, nor the length between the center plate and the axle. Simply the shape of the links. The 15mm spacers on each wheel will still allow too much rubbing for me.

[Cableman]

Originally Posted by kmas

What kind of hub extenders are you using?

Im not using any hub extenders? same as stock just strc hubs and knuckles. With the motoworx wheels im 12" wide from ring to ring.

[kmas]

I have xr10 wheels on my wraith, I think those extenders will be another must, but I need part numbers also, or even the traxxas application they are from so I can order some.....I love the build, this thread has been very helpful and informative, thx guys.

[Postclanker]

X2 on that Kmas....learned quite a bit from this thread
Thanks for that link to the mini wideners Beladog...those looke to be just right for what I want on my Wreckluse (using AR60 axels )