Ansmann Alloy Shocks - Eyelet?

[ChrisRx718]

I have a nice shiny set of Ansmann Racing adjustable aluminium shock absorbers which I have re-sealed with tamiya parts (oil went everywhere on original seals) and had intended to install on my FF02.

I've had to change the bottom ball joint connector to get the correct shock length, but the top eyelet is too big for my Tamiya 5mm ball connectors.

Does anyone know what size these are?

I've taken a measuring caliper to it and it's quite awkward to measure, but the inside eyelet size appears to be 4.7 / 4.8mm?

Tamiya 5mm ball connectors are nowhere near 5mm across - I'm guessing the actual ball diameter is closer to 3mm?

[AndyForbes]

Standard ball connectors are supposed to be 5mm. I've just measured a used one, and its 4.6mm. If you are measuring one at 3mm something is not right. 3mm is the width of the screw thread.

If you are measuring the opening of the hole at the top of the shock, remember you are measuring at it's smallest point, and that it will open up slightly in the middle to fit a ball connector.

You will probably find that its 6mm fitting. My 3-Racing shocks for my M05 used a 6mm ball at the top, but a 5mm ball at the bottom.

[ChrisRx718]

I think I recall the same 3Racing shocks on my M-03, I replaced the ball ends on those too for the same reason!

I'll have to do a re-measure.

If anyone else has these shocks and has successfully fitted them on ball connectors I would be very grateful for the info!

[GregM]

6mm ball ends are quite common on aftermarket oil dampers and 1/10 scale R/C cars sold by Conrad Electronic and Carson Modelsport. Kyosho has different ball sizes on their camber links, too. This makes finding the correct ball ends and cups a PITA sometimes.

[alfagta]

my ansmann 55mm dampers ( older big body type with threaded collar ) use a 5.8mm ball end , like these , http://www.tqrcracing.com/shop/product_view.asp?p_id=7608 , they look the same as those used on the newer ansmann ones , http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ansmann-Racing-Aluminium-Dampers-55mm-2Pcs-201000036-/281365690446?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item4182b3b84e .

[ChrisRx718]

Cheers bud. Tried it with a 5mm and it was too tight

At a loss now, will dig the calipers back out as I must've made a mistake before!

[ChrisRx718]

Same scenario, different shocks.

This time some old GPM numbers which are too nice to throw away. I'm rebuilding them with Tamiya seals / oil in the near future. I've bought some new 'V-Parts' to solve the unusual-sized ball link at the bottom of the dampers, but the tops are solid aluminium.

I have made some measurements and they have a 4.5mm diameter - see below. Also determined by sliding a 4.5mm drill bit through there.

I basically need a method of fixing these to the chassis?

Any tips / ideas?

[Percymon]

What about a M3 screw with washer at the screw head and a section of rubber / fuel tubing to take up the slack in the shock eyelet ?

[ChrisRx718]

I was thinking that, but won't the whole thing want to flex a bit?

I was looking into a flanged tube arrangement, but struggling to find anything. All the Tamiya ones I have in surplus seem to be 4mm.

Those horrible black step screws which fix a lot of standard TL01 parts together have a 3.75mm diameter on the stepped part too!

I just don't want them to go to waste

[Percymon]

I may have some GPM / 3racing parts in the spares box - is is a ball you need, or a standoff / post with ball on the end ?

[GregM]

Am I guessing right that these GPM shocks do not allow balls to be fitted into the top cap mount? Since they have just a cylindrical hole, but not rounded for balls mounts? I've got similar shocks that were once sold by Carson Modelsport and later by Conrad Electronic (I think GPM was the OEM at all), and this top mount is just a big bummer.

[ChrisRx718]

Going to take a punt at some cheap 4.8mm Ball ends for the Ansmann Racing ones, my reasoning - it appears to be the only sized ball connector Ansmann sell, so they're probably going to be correct ("probably"!)

The GPM ones are really driving me mad though. The only item I found with a 4.5mm diameter was fuel tube, so I may take Percymons' advice and try and make a little rubber collar for them. Maybe cap it with a washer so it looks half presentable...

Any other suggestions in the box on your way out please!!