Cheap/Easy SMT 10 stock lower link fix/ reinforcement

[Dakratfink]

So with parts and spares being backordered everywhere I got creative and found a way to turn garbage into budget fix / reinforcement for stock SMT 10 lower links.
I had some broken traxxas Stampede 2wd fixed length camber links in my hardware bin ( no judgement for being a hoarder keeping busted parts around )

So, you know those empty hollow spaces left on SMT10 lower links ( in whichever space the shock isn’t mounted )?
Well these are a potential place to bend or kink under side load in a bad landing.

Well a piece of this broken TrAxxas part cut to length wedges in there perfectly and gussets this hollow space easily.


I’m sure if you don’t have broken Stampede links laying around another piece of scrap plastic or even some of that stryrene I-Beam that scratch builders use would also work.


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[MattKimble]

Instructions on the SMT10 Builders Kit say to put a spare plastic ball end in there. I didnt do that at first and they bent almost immediately. definitely needs something in there. I am also running my shocks on the axle.

[Rinanode]

Originally Posted by MattKimble

Instructions on the SMT10 Builders Kit say to put a spare plastic ball end in there. I didnt do that at first and they bent almost immediately. definitely needs something in there. I am also running my shocks on the axle.

+1

[Dakratfink]

Originally Posted by MattKimble

Instructions on the SMT10 Builders Kit say to put a spare plastic ball end in there. I didnt do that at first and they bent almost immediately. definitely needs something in there. I am also running my shocks on the axle.

The RTRs come with the spare ball in end with a screw threaded through there.
The little extra piece of I-Beam fits above that.

Does running the shocks on the axel put less stress on the link, or just change suspension geometry?


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[Gazzalene]

Originally Posted by Dakratfink

The RTRs come with the spare ball in end with a screw threaded through there.
The little extra piece of I-Beam fits above that.

Does running the shocks on the axel put less stress on the link, or just change suspension geometry?


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I am new to the SMT10 and would also like to know the benefit or reason to mount shock on the axle, I do think it looks better but do not want to move a mess up geometry etc.

[MattKimble]

Originally Posted by Dakratfink

The RTRs come with the spare ball in end with a screw threaded through there.
The little extra piece of I-Beam fits above that.

Does running the shocks on the axel put less stress on the link, or just change suspension geometry?


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I cant say for sure that it puts less stress on the link because the stress your trying to avoid is side load. I have metal links and keep breaking plastic Rod ends.

Putting the shock on the axle changes the geometry and will stiffen up your suspension when using the same springs. Lots of the serious racers still use the shock on the link to get more travel out of a shorter shock. My decision was purely based on looks. No monster truck has the shocks mounted on the lower link (actually 1 does)

[Dakratfink]

Originally Posted by MattKimble

I cant say for sure that it puts less stress on the link because the stress your trying to avoid is side load. I have metal links and keep breaking plastic Rod ends.

Putting the shock on the axle changes the geometry and will stiffen up your suspension when using the same springs. Lots of the serious racers still use the shock on the link to get more travel out of a shorter shock. My decision was purely based on looks. No monster truck has the shocks mounted on the lower link (actually 1 does)

I have to admit the front shocks look more scar to me moved out to the axle.
I’m guessing if I run that I should put a little less preload on the shocks ?


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[MattKimble]

Originally Posted by Dakratfink

I have to admit the front shocks look more scar to me moved out to the axle.
I’m guessing if I run that I should put a little less preload on the shocks ?


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Preload is easy to play with so just try it. Also the more straight up and down the shock is the stiffer the spring acts. if it is angled it starts to reduce the spring rate. Depending on the stance and size of jumps your doing you may want to play around with different oil thickness also. Suspension is a huge can of worms once you dive into it but its fun to try new things and see how it changes things.

[FormallySkullking]

I use Impact Resistant Resins on the daily. When I had mine I taped off the holes, mixed up the resin and poured it in the unused spaces. It worked perfect.

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[Dakratfink]

Originally Posted by FormallySkullking

I use Impact Resistant Resins on the daily. When I had mine I taped off the holes, mixed up the resin and poured it in the unused spaces. It worked perfect.

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So you have a specific brand or trade name of that resin ? Or just off the shelf epoxy ? I’m curious now how


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[meatmonkey]

Wonder if filling that location with jb weld after some scuffing would help?

[MattKimble]

Originally Posted by meatmonkey

Wonder if filling that location with jb weld after some scuffing would help?

Put a screw thru it while it is still soft and it would stop it from coming out.