why spend 80-100$ on shocks? I have a cheaper alternative

[redsawacs]

So, I have been looking at a way to improve the ride on my wraith since I got it and with a limited budget, and a 2 year old who loves to break my RCs, I needed a solution that would keep money in my pocket for repairs and not in upgrades.

As everyone knows, the wraith suspension is just too stiff. i wanted a slightly lower ride height and faster/softer dampening in my suspension. What I was looking to achieve is something that will soak up the terrain at full throttle and not tip over while still allowing full articulation and good movement when in and over the rocks.

Here is what I ended with...

My only purchase in this mod is ALUMINUM SHOCK BODIES (20$ for all 4 in the classified). I have found that an aluminum shock body works wonders over the stock dampening....never thought I would say that. On some manufacturers, it makes a difference. Axial aluminum shock bodies makes a world of difference!

I started with the "B" or "C" 3 hole shock piston and drill the piston holes out using a 1/16 drill. This will give you a total of 4.5mm of dampening hole diameter vs total 3.6mms of dampening in the stock "B" piston. I am using stock 30wt oil. First tested with stock oil and found it to be great so, no need to try other weights. I am sure I'll change to 20wt this winter....we'll see.

Then I match the piston diameter to the shock body using a scotch bright pad on the piston edges just to make the plastic piston smooth inside the aluminum body. (Installed the piston on the shock shaft and spun it with my fingers) I found some pistons were tight in the body while others were loose, the loose ones got discarded since I didnt want too much "blow by" around the piston and more throught the dampening holes.

Taking the time to bleed the shocks correctly is very important! Unseat the piston once or twice as you fill them (allow oil to get under piston) and let them sit for a few minutes to remove the air bubbles, seat the rubber gasket firm in the cap and removing the large air gap trapped between the gasket and oil is critical (Burp the shock). Doing this will lead to less leaking shocks....at least until the o-rings wear out AND when you bottom out, they wont pop the caps off the bodies.

**I fill my shocks just until the oil covers the piston at top dead center without sucking air into the dampening holes - yes, you can add too much or too little!**

I still use the stock shock caps as I have yet to pop one off.

I use this set up on both my ridgecrests and both my wraiths. All have similar builds....(minimal variations in weight)

I would love the feedback on this post - this is my contribution to make the hobby more affordable and enjoyable by "getting to know your rig"!

[Ohioskills]

pictures

[Steelfish]

I dont know, for $10-$15 more of what 4 alloy body shocks cost, you better off waiting for some nice shocks and some luck on the classifies and you will still have your 4 complete stock shocks as spares.