Element Enduro Builder's Kit... 2

[MOguy]

I got the kit a couple years back and the panhard bar mount/shock tower were a week point so the GKS could be good up grade. The high link clearance links are a good up grade. The link ends sucked in the kit I got, they would pull out and and the plastic pivot balls didn't last. Delrin is a hard plastic, may they will work? Hopefully the links ends themselves are better then they had been.

They still need to do something about their axles though.

[CamoColton]

Potentially dumb question - the GKS panhard mount: will it fit the stock chassis rails included with the kit, or do holes need to be drilled?

[soze]

Originally Posted by CamoColton

Potentially dumb question - the GKS panhard mount: will it fit the stock chassis rails included with the kit, or do holes need to be drilled?

Kit v1 - holes will need to be drilled and servo mount notched.

All the newer post Gatekeeper releases have the updated rails I believe.

[MOguy]

Originally Posted by CamoColton

Potentially dumb question - the GKS panhard mount: will it fit the stock chassis rails included with the kit, or do holes need to be drilled?

it is a kit so I would think the frame rails that come in the kit.

[CamoColton]

Originally Posted by MOguy

it is a kit so I would think the frame rails that come in the kit.

Will have to get into my kit box to double check but so far the manuals for the builders kit vers. 1, and gatekeeper kit have different part numbers for the rails. So unless they are still making two separate rails, and haven't updated the manuals, I'd have to drill holes for the GKS panhard.

[HumboldtEF]

Originally Posted by MOguy

The link ends sucked in the kit I got, they would pull out

I heard that they did revise the rod ends early on, I noticed that they didn't have much thread grab.

[DarthBacon101]

hmm..I wonder if my Sendero HD has the holes for the GKS panhard mount, guess I'll need to check when I get home today

[MOguy]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

I heard that they did revise the rod ends early on, I noticed that they didn't have much thread grab.

Mine were soft. They would wallow out and the susp links would pull out. The ones on the steering link would get spongy or soft and would flex when steering.

[CamoColton]

Originally Posted by DarthBacon101

hmm..I wonder if my Sendero HD has the holes for the GKS panhard mount, guess I'll need to check when I get home today

It looks like my builders kit does have the necessary holes on the frame rail. I’m guessing your truck should too. It’d make no sense for them to be making two different rail sets anymore.

[CamoColton]

https://www.associatedelectrics.com/...uilders_Kit_2/

$10 more MAP price compared to the original kit. -__-

[BigWonton]

Originally Posted by CamoColton

https://www.associatedelectrics.com/...uilders_Kit_2/

$10 more MAP price compared to the original kit. -__-

Looks like it only comes with links for only the 12.3” wheelbase now?

[twade984]

Also worth noting, it does not appear to include the machined trans gears. Personally, I can live with that.

I think this is a really cool option. I’ll be curious to see if the original kit is discontinued.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MOguy]

Originally Posted by BigWonton

Looks like it only comes with links for only the 12.3” wheelbase now?

The changes in wheel base were so close that you could adjust for the others with different link ends, especially if you want to go a little longer.

[JimInMiami]

I was looking fwd to this, but looking at the specs, kind'a disappointed.
Upgrades:
1) High clearance links .
2) Aluminum Panhard Rod mount.

Downgrades:
1) Plastic end caps on shocks instead of aluminum.
2) Only 2 gear options included instead of 3 as original Builder's kit.

Tossup:
1) Delrin pivot balls instead of metal.

Not sure there's that much to get excited about here

[twade984]

Originally Posted by JimInMiami

Downgrades:
1) Plastic end caps on shocks instead of aluminum

I’ve had the rtr shocks, the kit shocks, and the FT bronze shock set… can’t say I noticed any performance/functional difference between the aluminum or plastic shock caps.

Why do you feel plastic caps are inferior?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phyro]

This release appears to be the Factory Team version, similar to the AE’s racing kits. Not really innovative, but good solid slider to start with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JimInMiami]

Originally Posted by twade984

I’ve had the rtr shocks, the kit shocks, and the FT bronze shock set… can’t say I noticed any performance/functional difference between the aluminum or plastic shock caps.

Why do you feel plastic caps are inferior?

All else being equal the alu caps ends are more durable, dimensionally stable and will not distort / strip threads over time as easily. If you never open your shocks to replace or change the shock oil, it might not be an issue, but I prefer aluminum over thermoplastic any day of the week.

[Mongol Pete]

Originally Posted by CamoColton

A week or so after I ordered Builder's Kit.

Same

[meatmonkey]

Sorry Element, but I'm not getting one until its fitted with proper sized pinion bearings, preferably with a high pinion gearset and housing to match.

[svt923]

Originally Posted by meatmonkey

Sorry Element, but I'm not getting one until its fitted with proper sized pinion bearings, preferably with a high pinion gearset and housing to match.

It really is amazing for the amount of popularity that there is no aftermarket upgrades for the axle housings. The first company that makes an Element housing with larger pinion bearings is going to sell a boat load of them.