Next up is the steering servo. I decided to give the ProModeler 470 a try because of all the talk about it on this site. I'm not sure if it's going to perform, but it sure is damn pretty!
Here's the servo installed. You can see the two nuts on the left required by the Yeah Racing mount. Before the kit arrived I had ordered a Traxxas metal servo horn. I assumed this kit would come with a plastic horn. It did not. It came with the metal servo horn so now I have a spare. No complaints for me. It was a nice surprise that the upgraded metal servo horn was included.
Even the battery tray is the highest quality that I've ever seen. The latch, seen on the right, is molded to fit into the battery tray one way and one way only. And it does fit perfectly. Details that Traxxas has nailed with this truck. Details like this abound and for that reason I can't think of a better first kit for new scalers. One downfall of this battery tray is that it's probably much heavier than it needs to be. But the Traxxas, tool-less battery strap is a great idea. Sure, Velcro does the job and is simple, cheap and light, but I do prefer this tray for ease of use. Once I try to get this truck into ultimate performance mode I may develop my own battery tray. I still don't think a perfect battery tray has been made for this truck.
I still don't exactly understand the recess in the battery tray. It's nice that it has provisions for Velcro straps, but even my 3S 2200mAh batteries won't fit down in the recess.
Shocks are next, but I hate doing those and it's late so let's move onto something else. Ohhh I know - tars! The stock wheels are nice looking. It's a shame that they're black (black wheels are boring and I hate them) and glue on. Oh well, OSRC and I agreed that we could use beadlock wheels. And, being the wheel and tire addict that I am, have numerous sets of new and used wheels at home.
I decided to use SSD slots because they are such good looking wheels IMO. If you've mounted RC4WD stamped wheels forget that completely. The SSD wheels were so much easier to mount. You don't even need to use longer screws if you don't want to.
Ahh much better. Shiny wheels are good for my soul...or lack of a soul because I am a ginger. :lmao:
Well it's a new day. Not here and now, but it was when I decided to move onto the next step. So get out your thinking caps, use your imagination, and play along with me!
Shocks...I see you. I will win even if I have to rebuild you.
The shocks come pre-assembled. Or, as RTR fans like to say, Ready To Rebuild. Those of you that have a TRX-4 or have purchased the take-off shocks on eBay already know that these shocks rock.
Not one to leave well enough alone I disassembled the shocks and added Noleen SF3 Green Slime to the top o-ring and lower x-rings.
Here are the shocks partially disassembled. I did not remove the C-clips or lower mount from the shock shafts. I didn't see a spare C-clip anywhere included in thsi kit. Shame on Traxxas!
Traxxas included this unique shock oil pouring mechanism. I've never seen a two-piece shock oil bottle like this. It works just fine. But you have to remove the spout to reinstall the black, rubber seal. So decide if you want to lose the spout or if you want to forgo the black seal and have your oil dry up - although will silicone oil dehydrate? I've never tried. Your decision. Choose wisely. :mrgreen:
Two hours later and the shocks are magically filled, rid of air bubbles, bled and reassembled. It didn't really take two hours, but it took longer than I expected. I've sure had easier shocks to bleed, but I'm the worst shock assembler so don't take my word for it.
Adios until next episode. Same bat time. Same bat channel.
