What spare parts should I buy?

[sgil2001]

Let me start off by saying that I'm a hardcore axial scx10 guy. I have 11 scx10's in various forms. Last summer I purchased a RTR Ascender and added a few upgrade parts like aluminum c's & knuckles, ssd metal bumpers & sliders, and upgraded the steering servo. I ran it a few times on trail runs and at 2 local comps (class 1), but I never really got into it more than that. I really like the way it drives, but I hesitated getting more involved with it simply because I have so many other trucks, and a virtual hobby shop worth of spare parts to support them. As for the vaterra, I have zero spare parts. Now I'm feeling the need to take this truck to the next level and make it into a more comp-worthy class 1 truck. I have several hard bodies that I'd like to make use of and I might even buy another Ascender Kit for a second class 1 tuck. My question to all you Vaterra experts is what spare parts should I keep on hand if I start pushing this thing to the limit. What breaks most frequently? I don't want to go overboard with spare parts, but I really need to carry the essentials with me especially if I take this thing to some of the bigger comps.

 

[Natedog]

Congrats on your Ascender, Class 1 is sweet, pics? I've been running mine hard on 2s and 3s and so far nothing broken! I bought and carry trail spares when I bought my first Ascender, front CVDs/axles, HD piinion gears, driveshafts (both of mine came with HD gears and driveshafts already), link plastic ends with steel balls, spur gears, servo, servo horn, wheelnuts and screw, nut and washer assortment. They're tough trucks, I love mine. I also replaced all lower links with Vaterra HD, but didn't bend the stockers running them for months. SSD now sells some really nice titanium links for Ascender, I run their aluminum diff covers and they are very nice!

 

[new2rocks]

Glad to hear you're getting into the Ascender, Steve. I would say HD pinions for the axles and slipper pads would be the two things I'd definitely keep around as spares. Although my pinions have held up fine, they're not made of hardened steel and might wear under prolonged comp-level abuse. The slipper pads on mine glazed a bit after some serious abuse, so I just picked up some spares. The only other spare worth considering might be CVDs. A few people reported problems with theirs failing last year. I haven't had any problems at all (and mine's seen plenty if abuse on 3S), but it wouldn't hurt to have a spare set around.

There are some other upgrades I'd recommend for a comp rig if you haven't done them already. From a durability perspective, I second Nate on replacing the diff covers with the SSD ones (my stockers started pulling out from the housing after a 5-10 packs of abuse) and upgrading the lower links (my stockers are starting to look a bit rough and would benefit from replacements). Next up would be the GCM universal diff input shaft (allows you to use any drive shaft you want) and the GCM forward motor conversion (scale points, weight bias, ability to add full interior). I'd also suggest ditching the rear shock setup to make room for the interior or other body choices. Options include the Dinky cantilevers (which also basically eliminate the torque twist), the GCM rear shock relocation kit if you want to stay linked, or the GCM leaf conversion.

Overall, it's a very tough and capable little truck. I think you'll enjoy it, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[meatmonkey]

I don't know about you, but I only seem to break the parts I DON'T have spares for.

So if you pickup a second kit, then you will have every possible spare part and the first truck will be un-breakable.

Seriously though, the truck is really durable. I've basically tried to break mine and other than bending some lower links and stripping the servo horn it's been bombproof. It's certainly my best truck as far as workbench to drive time ratio goes.

I think that with smaller class 1 tires you'll have a hard time breaking anything really.

Unless your pushing stupid power with a lead finger all you'll want are rod ends, wheel and axle bearings, and a spur gear. If you are running stupid power and a lead finger, add front CVD's, driveshafts and ring/pinion gears to the list.

You've already got an aluminum servo horn right? Every crawler needs one of those.

 

[Natedog]

X2, great info and I almost bought a kit to have spares...but now I have two Ascenders! :lmao:"thumbsup"