Why did I do this (relocation of upper link ends)?

[Olle P]

I've seen quite a few rigs where the rear upper link ends have been relocated on the axle. The common denominators are closer together and higher up than the stock position. (Extreme case being some "shark fin" on top of the axle where the ends are mounted.)

I did this simple relocation:


The primary direct result, as can be seen below, is that the drive shaft now runs almost straight at the worm pinion, reducing friction.


My question is: What other effects can I expect from this mod? (Why do so many other do something similar?)

[ghtpdm5]

the reasoning is to get more link separation. the stock locations are far too close, this allows the suspension to be in a squat position, meaning in the simplest terms, the rear shocks will retract on a climb (or rotating the rear tires rearward by hand). the shark fin allows the user to get to a neutral squat/anti-squat position, or to configure for anti-squat, forcing the rear shocks up in the same situation, transferring the weight forward instead of pulling it back. i've come to like a lot of anti-squat on my rig, neutral is a good starting point though. takes about 6mm above stock to go to neutral with the stock chassis. increasing the link separation also allows the user to put more bend in the links for clearance, a side-effect, but useful in its own right.

[Olle P]

Thanks for clearing that up!

Originally Posted by ghtpdm5

... neutral is a good starting point though. takes about 6mm above stock to go to neutral...

So my minimalistic uninvasive change makes a good starting point? Cool.

[Dini]

I thought you were done after your tranny flip.

[ghtpdm5]

no problem on clearing it up

your's is probably the most simple and not to mention cheapest way to go about it on a stock chassis. for a high clearance rig like the phoenix, ya need the shark fin to clear up the massive squat.

[Olle P]

Originally Posted by Dini

I thought you were done after your tranny flip.

Not by a longshot!
- I'm waiting for a set of rims that were mailed in Sacramento on the 5th, processed first in Sacramento and then twice in LA by the 13th. Curious to see when they arrive here in Sweden...
- In two weeks or so I plan to purchase a new ESC (MMP).
- Then it's time for a new motor, after that new batteries, and so on...

Constant evolution is the key for now, since I've had my crawler less than a year and the first couple of months were spent getting rid of most of the unnecessary friction.