steering link upgrade?

[djb2]

hi, i wanted some suggestions on which route to go for upgrading that from steering link thats super flexible. id like to go with something like a silver or gun metal color, any suggestions? i saw that "suicide" kit thoughts on thats? thanks!

[lostonthetrails]

Go vanquish. They're titanium and are a silver color. With a drag link it's about 24 dollars plus shipping. Strc has some but not as good. Don't buy Integy they're stuff isn't very good.

[WHITE-TRASH]

Suicide switch steering is crap.

VP makes some nice stuff and a bunch of nut swingers will be along shortly to fawn over their products and tell you they are the only solution. I have their steering on one rig and it works but the Ti tie rod is easy to bend so you end up with a sever toe out condition of the front tires.

I have 8-32 all thread and stainless tubing with revo ends as tie rods on the other two rigs and they are stronger but much heavier than Ti and I had to do a bit of measuring to figure out the correct length to account for the bends in the ends to clear the diff.

[lostonthetrails]

I have heard a lot of bad things about suicide steering so avoid that

[djb2]

im still new to the upgrading side of things. i just got my wriath a couple days ag. ive upgraded carriers and a-arms on my revo before but never anything more invloved. where would i even begin to get aluminum tubing? sorry to sound like an idiot but this is a whole new world to me. so if i go with the vanquish i need to get the steering tie rod and the drag tie rod? thanks again i hate not knowing this thing backwards and forwards yet but i'll get there

[WHITE-TRASH]

Don't use aluminum tubing unless you can find some that is thick walled. Most hobby shops should have it. For newbie friendliness I'd suggest going to an auto parts store and get some 1/4" steel brake line. Strong and cheap.

[djb2]

and then i just buy the "ends" to put the screws in? how do i connect the "ends" to the tubing?

[WHITE-TRASH]

I'm sure there is a writeup on here in several locations on how to so it but it's simple. Cut the tubing to length accounting for the added length of traxxas revo tie rod ends and then cut a piece of 8-32 all thread from either the hobby shop or hardware store that goes all the way through the tubing leaving enough length (3/8" or so on each end should do) sticking out to thread the ends onto.

[djb2]

will the all thread bend easily? cause i need to bend it on either end correct?

[WHITE-TRASH]

Yes it all bends pretty easily. I've held one end in a vice, used pliers and simply drilled a hole in a 2x4 board and stuck one end in and bent the other end. You'll want to put the all thread in the tubing before bending since you won't be able to get the all thread in if the tubing is already bent. I made a mistake in brake line sizing earlier, you'll want to get 1/4" tubing for 8-32 all thread.

[JetBlast]

You can get the Axial aluminum upgrade links for $50 on eBay and other online hobby shops. I made my own links for my SCX10 but decided to spend $50 on the Axial kit for the Wraith.

[Meatwad]

I'll second the 8-32 allthread, revo rodends and stainless tubing idea. Been using that method for years and no issues whatsoever, the traditional m3 rodends on the other hand

For the tie rod I put a single bend centered at the diff cover for clearance


For bending, hanging it off the edge of a 4x4 and standing on it works for me

[evan03]

I build my links out of solid 3/16 rod and thread the ends with a 10x24 die and drill revo rod ends out to 5/16".

I've thought about using aluminum but the weight savings is very minimal. Thwxweight is down low so its kinda good weight

[djb2]

thanks for all the feedback and instructions. i think i'll try tackling them with the diy option and see what happens!

[Bansh88]

I'll throw in my anit-reccomendation. Topcad off Amazon. Broke in 2 places after 10 minutes on the trail. That's what I get for being cheap.
I wanted to go the DIY route, but just bought the Vanquish. I've beat the hell out of it. Very happy.