Lower suspension and steering mod

[iH8usrnames]

Issues and resolutions with lowering suspension.

I lowered my suspension by moving the shocks to the lower link location and mounted with longer screws. Doing so resulted in a few issues.

Interference from original mount location
- Most people use a spacer and longer screw to give clearance. I chose to cut a section out of the original mount thus no space. If I want to use the upper location in the future I can swap the plastic mounts to opposite sides and be back to factory spec.

Panhard bar limiting travel
- Panhard bar limited travel due to interference from the pumpkin. I made a new bar with a couple bends to resolve that issue. (this is still in evolution, I intend to make another with more precise and extreme bends).

Servo horn issue
- Servo horn hit frame so I shortened the horn.
- Link on horn hit the bar linking left and right wheels, I relocated the servo to be top mounted offering more suspension travel.

Steering/Panhard link interference
- Steering link hit panhard link limiting left turn radius. I made new mounts with the holes further from the center of rotation. This allowed a few more degrees of rotation.
- I also made a shorter link from the servo to the wheel allowing allowing me to utilize 100% of steering potential.

With these mods I have near 100% suspension travel in all steering positions.

All these parts look a little rough, I'll make nicer looking ones in the future.



This image was before I made the steering link.

[jason02ws6]

Great write up of what’s needed to lower the shocks. I plan on doing this soon and appreciate the knowledge.


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[jeeptec]

Nice write up. I did lower the rear of mine. Mine had a stink bug look. I had the some spacers laying around and used them on the rear shocks. Mine now sits level. Real happy with the way it looks and wheels better too.


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[Greatscott]

Looking at lowering my rig as well... You are limiting articulation and shock travel from the get-go, why not just put spacers in the shocks to lower them, instead of reengineering the front suspension?

[Prescott John]

There is an offset servo steering arm made for the HPI Venture that may clear the frame. Just a thought. I enjoy following your build.

[iH8usrnames]

Originally Posted by Greatscott

Looking at lowering my rig as well... You are limiting articulation and shock travel from the get-go, why not just put spacers in the shocks to lower them, instead of reengineering the front suspension?

My rear suspension has full travel. Front is about 3/16” from full travel and will be full travel when I’m done figuring it out.

Some have suggested softer springs, which may happen on the rear.