Lunchbox mod advice

[Jim24 3]

Hey all, after much consternation my Lunchie is running and is a blast.  However, it is older and has NO mods yet.  I have a set of 4 shocks from Abisma coming from the UK and I will be ordering the 5th shock brace from Ampro to solve that area rather than doing the 5th shock.  My question is I have been reading posts about the front end on this vehicle and mine is just a sloppy mess.  However, the FX10 mod seems a bit complex and requires some fiddling, modifying, and extra parts and the Ampro double wishbone set up appears to be prone to breakage.  I am not going to be doing any major air with this thing but going off curbs and small jumps is part of the fun and I don't want to spend $30 on something that "may" break the first time out like I saw in another thread.

So, what do you guys recommend?  Is there a way to make the front end issues better with minor mods or are these two I noted the only real option out there?.  And if you have done one or both, pics or how-to's would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[VagabondStarJXF 350]

Hi Jim24,

Welcome to TC!

 

I don't know if you have seen them yet (and I know it might be a bit self-serving to do this...) but, as you're upgrading your shocks, I'd like to recommend my chassis braces!  A link to my Shapeways shop is in my sig where you can buy them singly or a set, with or without text, in many different colours.  

Ok, shameless plug over...

3D printed parts aren't as strong as injection moulded ones due to the way 3D printing works but I've found most of the stuff I've bought via Shapeways to be really good, sometimes a little more flex than I'd like but still quite strong. Admittedly, I don't get to run my models all that much lately (spend too much time and money on mods & upgrades to actually finish building something) but, after reading here on TC about someone else's misfortune with his AMPro arms, I did a few drop/throw tests on my Pumpkin which has the AMPro kit and my chassis braces fitted. Nothing broken or even cracked at the moment. Height got up to about my eye-line, I'm about average in height, and still no breaks or cracks as far as I can see.

 

[Jim24 3]

23 minutes ago, VagabondStarJXF said:

Hi Jim24,

Welcome to TC!

 

I don't know if you have seen them yet (and I know it might be a bit self-serving to do this...) but, as you're upgrading your shocks, I'd like to recommend my chassis braces!  A link to my Shapeways shop is in my sig where you can buy them singly or a set, with or without text, in many different colours.  

Ok, shameless plug over...

3D printed parts aren't as strong as injection moulded ones due to the way 3D printing works but I've found most of the stuff I've bought via Shapeways to be really good, sometimes a little more flex than I'd like but still quite strong. Admittedly, I don't get to run my models all that much lately (spend too much time and money on mods & upgrades to actually finish building something) but, after reading here on TC about someone else's misfortune with his AMPro arms, I did a few drop/throw tests on my Pumpkin which has the AMPro kit and my chassis braces fitted. Nothing broken or even cracked at the moment. Height got up to about my eye-line, I'm about average in height, and still no breaks or cracks as far as I can see.

 

Thanks Vagabond, I have read that chassis braces are really necessary in the front for sure.  I will look up your shapeways shop when I buy them.  I have seen some on there that have the Lunchbox printed in them and liked them.  Considering how involved the FX10 mod is, it might be worth the risk of $30ish on the Ampro arms. Thanks!

[Dangerseeker 162]

i would install the fx10 set (i already got one set for my future lunchbox build). i know its tricky to build, but its tough as nails. i put one on my grasshopper - had to modify the chassis, the shell, the servohorn etc. but it worked out. i never got 3d printed parts as a replacement for something that bears quite some load so i cannot tell how strong those parts really are.

here are some links to lunchbox mods:

 

 

 

[Jim24 3]

6 minutes ago, Dangerseeker said:

i would install the fx10 set (i already got one set for my future lunchbox build). i know its tricky to build, but its tough as nails. i put one on my grasshopper - had to modify the chassis, the shell, the servohorn etc. but it worked out. i never got 3d printed parts as a replacement for something that bears quite some load so i cannot tell how strong those parts really are.

here are some links to lunchbox mods:

 

 

 

Thanks, I will take a look at those.  I have read the FX10 mod is tough as nails.  I was a bit worried about the complexity and my lack of spare parts since I am just back into the hobby after a LONG time and both my Lunchbox and Pumpkin are used and did not come with spare parts!

[Aleblanc 57]

I just built mine a few weeks back and I did the following:

-FX10 front suspension

-Oil filled dampers all around with a 5th shock mod out back

-Chassis braces between the front shock towers and out back between the top and bottom of the tub

-Sport tuned motor

-RR Metal Pinion

 

Took it for a spin this weekend and not really knowing what to expect out of the ancient platform, I was pleasantly surprised - very fun to drive.

[Jim24 3]

Things have been crazy lately so I haven't gotten much done.  My shock set from Abisma has shown up and I still need to get them on.  After that I have to make a final decision on whether to go with the Shapeways or FX10 front end mod and of course  the chassis braces and 5th shock mod/shapeways brace.  If all this happens and works well, I will be doing the same to my wife's MP!

[Prescient 673]

4 hours ago, Jim24 said:

Things have been crazy lately so I haven't gotten much done.  My shock set from Abisma has shown up and I still need to get them on.  

Any probs with the shocks a lighter weight oil helps. They aren't always the best performing out the pack.

[Jim24 3]

Shocks are on, I had to used the pre-load adapters on the front shocks because it was still riding a bit low and the wheels were hitting the front bumper.  Working good so far.  Of course my servo saver broke on that initial run and I had to replace it but at least I had one!