CC01 Front suspension swap

[OSRC]

So i was running the 'Jero this weekend, and was getting fed up with the steering. I was not happy at all with the tons of scrub radius, the GPM rack came loose again, and it was either pulling left or pulling right depending on whichever whim it felt like at that moment. So it was time for some mods..

Out playing with 2 trailfinders, D110, SCX10II, and a GCM based rig. Sucky steering not withstanding, the CC01 kept up no problem!


First thing is first - super simple, and doing it to all my rigs - drilled a hole in the skid plate so I get to the steering screw without tearing the entire front suspension apart. Also made a small skid while I was at it. I shaved the skid down 1mm so the new rear skid sits flush. Red threadlock on the steering rack this time.


First off, let's figure out why the steering works so hard in the first place. The stock suspension geometry has a ton of scrub - especially with wider offset wheels. I dug around in parts bins until I came up with something that was close - HPI suspension parts were close enough to get started.


The front arms are not quite the right shape, so I used the rears instead. They have the same "rake" as the stock arms. I cut out some of the webbing so the C hub could slide in, added a spacer for the hub and they were a perfect fit. Aluminum arms would be best, but these will do for proof of concept.



Had to mess around a bit - the stock HPI universals didn't fit - too long. As of right now, I have the stock HPI axle and a Tamiya FF01 dogbone and already have better steering angle than stock and no binding. I'm going to try some other combos to see if I can get a CVD jammed in there.


Can see the difference in suspension geometry... The HPI parts also give me 10 degrees of negative caster, with 8 as an option..Also, I can about go about 10mm longer with the shock though I do not have one here handy.


The only drawback so far is to clear the HPI suspension, I need non-beadlock wheels...or beadlocks with a ton of offset (but that's what I was trying to avoid) so for now I moved over the entire assembly to my FJ. It also widens the rear track somewhat. It is however a much better suspension set-up - more travel, better steering, adjustable toe and camber, and built in negative caster. Not to mention that with the improved geometry, the steering servo and rack don't have to work as hard. I think with a bit more fiddling, it'll be a win.... I'll post up with it's complete.

[58_Willys]

A Tamiya TL01LA suspension is perfect for these.

I put this suspension on my Wrangler

Not sure if you've ever seen this, but it could be very helpful.
CC01= TA02 and TA03 Parts Compatability CONFIRMED - Scale 4x4 R/C Forums

[grunt95]

Originally Posted by 58_Willys

A Tamiya TL01LA suspension is perfect for these.

I put this suspension on my Wrangler

Not sure if you've ever seen this, but it could be very helpful.
CC01= TA02 and TA03 Parts Compatability CONFIRMED - Scale 4x4 R/C Forums

you think its worth to do the TL01LA swap willys?

[OSRC]

Originally Posted by 58_Willys

Not sure if you've ever seen this, but it could be very helpful.
CC01= TA02 and TA03 Parts Compatability CONFIRMED - Scale 4x4 R/C Forums

I have, and I remember your build - very nice!

I'm well versed in Tamiya suspensions.. I've got pretty much all the TA's, TB's, TLs, and DF chassis here somewhere.



Only thing with using the Tamiya LA kit is I'd have to rob it off my TL01! The parts are a bit hard to find. I have some leftover TB02 parts from when I upgraded to the lightweight suspension, but the HPI's were a better fit.

Figured the HPI stuff was still very common, and since I had it laying here, I thought I'd give it a try.

[txbart]

Is that an m-scale chassis with TA-02 gear boxes in the center?
I bet a new chassis section, front arm mount (to fit m-chassis arms) , & new driveshaft is all that is needed & the MF-01X becomes irrelevant

[58_Willys]

Originally Posted by grunt95

you think its worth to do the TL01LA swap willys?

It is a great help with the travel up front but they are hard to find and can be expensive for the entire kit.

Originally Posted by OSRC

I have, and I remember your build - very nice!

I'm well versed in Tamiya suspensions.. I've got pretty much all the TA's, TB's, TLs, and DF chassis here somewhere.

Only thing with using the Tamiya LA kit is I'd have to rob it off my TL01! The parts are a bit hard to find. I have some leftover TB02 parts from when I upgraded to the lightweight suspension, but the HPI's were a better fit.

Figured the HPI stuff was still very common, and since I had it laying here, I thought I'd give it a try.

HPI stuff is pretty common and if it works, why not.

txbart - I think that might be a TA01 with a custom chassis, by the looks of the arms and knuckles.

[OSRC]

It is a TA01 w/custom chassis.

[JohnnyAnguish]

I'm watching this thread because it's interesting, but I should probably cut the brick off my FJ Cruiser before I go and swap out the whole front end.

[metalry101]

Originally Posted by JohnnyAnguish

I'm watching this thread because it's interesting, but I should probably cut the brick off my FJ Cruiser before I go and swap out the whole front end.

I'm in the same boat. I run the hard Pajero body so modifying the front end will require a little more finesse than some of the Lexan body cuts I've seen since I need some of the structure there still to mount the body.

[OSRC]

I put body posts on my Jero for simplicity's sake, but hacking off the brick and leaving the front body mount is very doable.

Older pic - this one's got a "lift" of a few bushings, otherwise the mount would be in stock location. Maybe the pic will be helpful.

[metalry101]

Originally Posted by OSRC

I put body posts on my Jero for simplicity's sake, but hacking off the brick and leaving the front body mount is very doable.

Awesome man, thank you. I'm even running the same wheels and tires you are and have a similar setup as a body lift up front to clear them.

[SFC K]

Any updates on this with the HPI Suspension arms?

[alexleblanc]

What HPI model are the arms from? I'm dying to do some front end work on mine.

[OSRC]

Originally Posted by alexleblanc

What HPI model are the arms from? I'm dying to do some front end work on mine.

190mm arms, I assume they are from the the HPI Sprint. They've used the same style arms for years, so assume there are quite a few models they've been on.

(EDIT - not sure which arms these are, sorry - came from my parts box)

Originally Posted by SFC K

Any updates on this with the HPI Suspension arms?

Nothing major, have to build the rest of the truck....down to the bumper and some small details. Probably won't see any action until spring. I way need to paint this body!!

[03f350]

Correct me if I'm wrong but, aren't the FF01 dogbones 45mm?
Would these CVD's work? 44mm.

https://www.gpmparts.com/hpi-sprint-...-90070954.html

I'll be trying this swap when my CC01 finally comes in the mail.
Great looking build by the way!

[capitanharlock]

They work perfectly.
Just swapped mine with those Gpm.

[mcleveland1969]

So the parts used as follows?
All HPI Sprint parts
A arms
Knuckles
Hubs
Can the stock shafts and axles still be use?

[K.O.M.]

OSRC, it might take me the whole summer based on other commitments, but it would be possible to just model an all new lower suspension arm with an all new c-hub same as the reverse/inboard mounted HPI arms you have shown. The design constraint is to be able to use all existing mounting points and shock geometry--might pick up some track width, but also add more travel. Only additional items required are longer tie-rods for the steering, and longer upper turnbuckles.

I'll design it to work with my steering knuckles of course, or model a new set of knuckles to work on aftermarket CVDs that are more robust and longer; this would kill a lot of birds so to speak.

[OSRC]

Originally Posted by mcleveland1969

Can the stock shafts and axles still be use?

Originally Posted by OSRC

... stock HPI axle and a Tamiya FF01 dogbone

[OSRC]

Originally Posted by K.O.M.

OSRC, it might take me the whole summer based on other commitments, but it would be possible to just model an all new lower suspension arm with an all new c-hub same as the reverse/inboard mounted HPI arms you have shown. The design constraint is to be able to use all existing mounting points and shock geometry--might pick up some track width, but also add more travel. Only additional items required are longer tie-rods for the steering, and longer upper turnbuckles.

Well, not all the same mounting points I would hope. The C hub mounts at the end of the arm compared to stock, and it's a much better setup.

Honestly, The HPI setup is excellent. They've already done all the suspension homework. It bolted right on with very little fuss. The only thing I would change is redo the lower arm slightly so that no dremeling is needed to fit - the tolerances are a little sloppy.. and narrow it slightly to better fit the C hub. Can see where there is a spacer jammed in there.

In case you missed the other thread, it's all set up now with an Ascender axle out back.