Ascender RTR mods and upgrades

[Minirider82]

So my son and I thought the RTR ascenders suspensions was too firm on the dampening, so after getting some ideas here on the forum I pulled the shocks apart and cut slots in both sides of all the shock pistons and put 20w oil in. I will be experimenting with different oil viscosities but for now the 20w seems ok and the suspension movement is much more realistic on the ascender.

We also boiled the rims and tires to removed the glued on vaterra interco sx's to install dual stage lil nova 4.5" soft outer foams and g-made white steel bead locks. The foams for the stock weight of this truck are perfect IMO, I love how they act like bias ply tires now. The wheels were cheap and the tires went right on with zero issues. We love the look, quality, and weight of these wheels. We haven't got it on the trial but should have time tomorrow!

[Minirider82]

Here is the shock piston mod

[Johnnysplits]

You cut SLOTS into the shock pistons? Who the hell recommended that? That's a first I've ever heard in 36 years of being in r/c.

[meatmonkey]

Uhm, I just assembed an Axial G6 JK kit, and guess what. It comes with slotted pistons. It's not really all that rare.

Why does it look like the front tires sit a little back in the wheelwell?

How does the width of the steelies compare to the stock wheels?

[Johnnysplits]

Originally Posted by meatmonkey

Uhm, I just assembed an Axial G6 JK kit, and guess what. It comes with slotted pistons. It's not really all that rare

I've never seen slotted pistons. Now if they come that way, fine. But to slot them yourself will require a bit of massaging to get them to fit perfectly in the shock bore. Usually, you just open the holes in the piston with a drill bit, or add an additional hole or two to get the action where you want it.

[Minirider82]

Dextan22 recommended it on a shocks and shock oil thread in November. I cleaned the pistons up before I stuck them back in. The E clip covers a bunch of the slot, It actually covered up one of the two original holes which were tiny.

The wheels are the same width at 1" as for the front axle it's factory spacing it might just be the picture. Or maybe I need to space it forward idk I didn't notice lol

[MikeMontgomery1970]

Minirider82, So what do you think on the RTR version? I was wondering if the RTR still has the parts included to swap the wheelbase to the different settings, or if they dont include that stuff. My second question, is how long did you have to boil the wheels and tires to get them to be removable from the stock wheels? Ive been looking at this version of the Ascender but havent found any real clear information on what all is actually included in the RTR box. That is if there is any included pieces and parts, or tool set. I appreciate the help if your willing to answer some questions, thanks!

[Minirider82]

I like it but when I buy one for myself I'll be buying a kit. It doesn't come with adjustment spacers. It comes with 3 Allen wrenches and a cross wrench. The tires took about 20 mins a piece and we're still pretty tough. The outer bead popped right off but the inner needed persuaded with a butter knife.

Also I'm not really happy with the spectrum s605 steering servo, it has a bushing on the output and it has a lot of play, also mine doesn't turn all the way to the left so I opened it and found the potentiometer is defected. I may just get another one but horizon doesn't have them in stock on their site and it's a little low on torque (125 oz in) even with the stock plastic wheels, but I just put it back in for now.

Other than that we like the truck.

[capitanharlock]

Originally Posted by Minirider82

I like it but when I buy one for myself I'll be buying a kit. It doesn't come with adjustment spacers. It comes with 3 Allen wrenches and a cross wrench.

I'd like to buy an RTR and using a different body. Do you know if is it possible to separately buy the spacers?
Is there any other piece needed for shortening the wheelbase?

[Minirider82]

You can get the spacers through horizon for 11$ and there in stock as of now. You won't need anything else as far as I know but I'm not 100% sure on the driveshafts. How short are you going?

[capitanharlock]

The shortest one, 278mm. I'd like to use an Rc4wd Def 90 Body...

[Minirider82]

Ok I took a look at my kit you could just trim the drive shaft where they slip together a little off both, male and female pieces. Looks like you will need a 61mm link shaft for the 278mm wheelbase for the front it's part number VTR234028. For the rear you will need the factory link bar with the spacers removed and a shorter piece of all-thread part number VTR235328

[capitanharlock]

Thanks so much!
Just a curiosity, are those parts included with the kit version?


Thanks for your help, I am going to post the buid thread here soon!

[Minirider82]

No problem! Yes the kit comes with those parts. Awesome! Can't wait to see it. I just ordered the 2 speed parts and a stainless screw set for my kit, so mine will be going together soon.

[Minirider82]

Got the hitec HS-5645MG in the RTR ascender a few days ago, This servo is wayyyy better than the stock one.

[Minirider82]

Also went ahead and wired a bec in set at 6 volts. Wired directly from the battery to the servo on the power wires. Only the signal wire travels through the receiver.

[jdmguy760]

Wish I could wire my stuff in my box that clean lol I just stuffed it all in lol

[Johnnysplits]

Hey man, you need the ground going to the Rx on Ch.1., not just the signal wire.

[jdmguy760]

Haha I didn't even notice that good eye johhny

[Minirider82]

I was going off post 7 & 17 but I can add one in there no problem.

Originally Posted by Goatsniper

Definitive wiring diagrams for BECs Rx Servos Motors etc.

check out post #3 & #17