Need new shocks - recommandations?

[Desmo]

Need new shocks for my tf2, but can’t decide on wich shocks to go for.
Can anyone tell explain the difference between the different Rc4wd scale shocks? Do all the Rc4wd scale shocks hold oil, or is it just the Bilstein or Rancho?

Any other scale looking shocks that I should consider on a leafed tf2?

[Natedog]

The Ultimate Scale Shocks that come on TF2 RTR and kit are probably the smallest external diameter. One of mine on TF2 RTR came with only one o-ring of too large a size, rebuilt them all with 3000wt diff fluid, two leaked a little bit after only couple runs. They housings are raw aluminum (non-anodized) best I can tell, ball ends are held in with pressed in knurled brass bushings that like to fall out. Dont' recall which I used, but carefully dabbed either little bit of CA or Loctite Sleeve Retainer in between the brass bushing and the aluminum shock so that they would stay together. Shafts are steel, but not coated in any way with anything.

Bought pair of new Marlin shocks Superlift Superide shocks in 80mm length to replace front shocks, they are certainly NOT hard chrome coated shafts lol. Ball ends are held in by swaging the aluminum after inserting the balls. Little larger OD (didn't measure ID), also filled with 3000wt diff fluid, seem to mostly hold oil. The 'hard chrome shafts' began peeling of in huge chunks after only one run, so I peeled off what I could which was most of the visible shaft while assembled and hoped the peeling, flaking pieces didn't cut the seals. They look great, but shame they didn't make them better, YMMV. I've got 70mm, 80mm and 90mm length sets, but have not used any other RC4WD shocks.

[Desmo]

Originally Posted by Natedog

The Ultimate Scale Shocks that come on TF2 RTR and kit are probably the smallest external diameter. One of mine on TF2 RTR came with only one o-ring of too large a size, rebuilt them all with 3000wt diff fluid, two leaked a little bit after only couple runs. They housings are raw aluminum (non-anodized) best I can tell, ball ends are held in with pressed in knurled brass bushings that like to fall out. Dont' recall which I used, but carefully dabbed either little bit of CA or Loctite Sleeve Retainer in between the brass bushing and the aluminum shock so that they would stay together. Shafts are steel, but not coated in any way with anything.

Bought pair of new Marlin shocks Superlift Superide shocks in 80mm length to replace front shocks, they are certainly NOT hard chrome coated shafts lol. Ball ends are held in by swaging the aluminum after inserting the balls. Little larger OD (didn't measure ID), also filled with 3000wt diff fluid, seem to mostly hold oil. The 'hard chrome shafts' began peeling of in huge chunks after only one run, so I peeled off what I could which was most of the visible shaft while assembled and hoped the peeling, flaking pieces didn't cut the seals. They look great, but shame they didn't make them better, YMMV. I've got 70mm, 80mm and 90mm length sets, but have not used any other RC4WD shocks.

I have the same experience with Rc4wd shocks, and I wonder if the bilstein version is any better?