Extend TXT-2 shocks for Clodbuster

[Peter_B]

I've just come to try and fit a set of TXT-2 shocks to my Super Clodbuster.

In doing so I've discovered that the TXT-2 units are a fair bit shorter than the Clod shocks. Probably almost 15mm shorter.

If I fit them then I end up with practically zero suspension travel before the steering cranks hit the chassis.

So, what can I do about it?

I only have the 8 built shocks. In the kit do they come with any alternative ends that make them longer?

[Peter_B]

Might these work as longer end connectors (although I don't know if they'd be long enough)

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tamiya-50875-5mm-Ball-Connector-8-Pcs-TA04-TA05-TA06-TB03-NIP-/252823402947

[Peter_B]

Found a couple of other possible solutions

http://crawfordperformanceengineering.com/product_info.php?products_id=605

Or

http://crawfordperformanceengineering.com/product_info.php?products_id=64

Anybody had any experience of either of those?

[Prescient]

That's the way to do it or make some brackets yourself from flat 2mm-3mm aluminium bar sections which you can buy in B&Q.

You only need the below from CPE and use the long eyelets/ball ends (part X2) for the shocks assuming you have the suspension parts sprees as the stock TXT-2 uses the short ball ends (part X1). In fact using the long eyelets on their own will be sufficient with only nominal reduction in ride height and no real need for the CPE parts.

http://crawfordperformanceengineering.com/product_info.php?products_id=64

[Peter_B]

@Prescient thanks. Unfortunately I don't have the parts sprues, just the assembled shocks, with the short ball ends.

Would both of the CPE items work? If they do then I think I would rather the other option to hide the mod behind the wheels.

[Prescient]

31 minutes ago, Peter_B said:

@Prescient thanks. Unfortunately I don't have the parts sprues, just the assembled shocks, with the short ball ends.

Would both of the CPE items work? If they do then I think I would rather the other option to hide the mod behind the wheels.

Hi Mate, 

See my pic below I have just taken of one of my Clod shocks and TXT shocks with the longer eyelet / rod end (spree still attached lol). The difference is negligible. If you go for both CPE options which are unnecessary this will raise the suspension which you definitely don't want to do due to wheelbase impact and loss of stability. Lowering a nominal amount will make a big improvement on Oil Dampers. TXT shocks are what I and many others use. 

You want 2 sets of the below item from the seller linked to below (mobile and fun). It will include 4 sprees, although he doesn't specifically say 4 he includes what is in the photo. I have used him for TXT parts in the past. I bought 2 WT01 gearboxes from him a few weeks ago and it came within 3 days by DHL. I made a best offer 20% below asking which was accepted. I reckon if you make a best offer on 2 sets at £6 each or £12 in total he would accept + then its only £4.30 for shipping. This works out considerably cheaper than going the CPE route and remains fully Tamiya so looks better. It also gives you your suspension spares including spring tensioners. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tamiya-1-10-Monster-Truck-Agrios-TXT-2-50950-Shock-Absorber-Attachments-TAM-/142073578506?hash=item21143ec40a:g:j5EAAOSwtnpXoOHI

[Peter_B]

@Prescient thanks I'll take a look at that.

I wasn't thinking of both cpe parts, just the lower mounts. The info for those says they give a lift with the stock shocks. So I thought with my shorter shocks it would be about right.

[Prescient]

2 minutes ago, Peter_B said:

@Prescient thanks I'll take a look at that.

I wasn't thinking of both cpe parts, just the lower mounts. The info for those says they give a lift with the stock shocks. So I thought with my shorter shocks it would be about right.

The other option which is free is to swap over the nut and rod ends from the Clod as per below which gives almost the same length. Honestly, the Tamiya solutions are perfect for the Clod. 

[Peter_B]

1 minute ago, Prescient said:

The other option which is free is to swap over the nut and rod ends from the Clod as per below which gives almost the same length. Honestly, the Tamiya solutions are perfect for the Clod. 

Trouble is my Clod has blue shocks so having a blue end would look weird.

I think I'll try your first suggestion. As you say it's cheaper than the cpe option. If I'm not happy with it I can then go cpe after.

[Prescient]

My clod shocks in the pic are blue ones but I sprayed black with matt black. £6 for a can of plastikote or £12 for plasti-dip. Maybe worth trying with the blue, if it works then can respray or use as a temp solution whilst waiting for the X parts. At least you have a range of options.

I do have the genuine black f parts too but not on this clod. 

The CPE kit is good stuff buts it's all really designed to improve travel and articulation gearing towards a crawler. The lower suspension mount you are looking at is used to assist with running their 4 link kit when you remove the stock axle suspension mounts and arms.

I find Clods more fun slightly lower on oil dampers, although stock is perfect for that vintage monster truck vibe....

[TheMidnight Pumpkin]

14 hours ago, Peter_B said:

Found a couple of other possible solutions

http://crawfordperformanceengineering.com/product_info.php?products_id=605

Or

http://crawfordperformanceengineering.com/product_info.php?products_id=64

Anybody had any experience of either of those?

I own a set of these from ESP. They are simply aluminum plates that lift the chassis up. They work great on stock and modified Clods. Plus as advised above you can make them very easily.

[Peter_B]

@TheMidnight Pumpkin thanks for the info.

I'm going to try longer ball ends, first some non shock specific ones, then maybe the shock specific ones @Prescient linked to.

If all else fails then I'll look into the other mods.

Is it just me or is CPE the only place where these types of mods are still available?

[Prescient]

@Peter_B CPE are still one of the main consistent sources of Clod chassis upgrades. They seem to have slowed and discontinued a fair few items and kits recently though.

There were more companies making upgrades 5-10 years ago including for carbon bits but the scene seems to slowed down with the advent of RTR crawlers from axial and even Traxxas now etc plus increases in 3D printing. 

A lot of the stuff is USA based and expensive. 

[Peter_B]

@Prescient thanks. I've just found an equivalent lift kit to the CPE one for about half the price. Still from the USA though and doesn't look like it comes with screws, but I have loads of those anyway.

I'll explore the ball end options first before I look at additional hardware.

[TheMidnight Pumpkin]

There seems to be a lot of UK guys on this forum. I would think you could get together with some of those guys in order to make any metal Clod parts that you need. None of the after market Clod parts are truly difficult to fabricate. Well the exception would be the aluminum gear boxes. But you can still get the axles housings, which are the important part of that upgrade. ~ Get the fellas together, make some parts, drink some beers, post some pictures of your mad creations!  -lol

[Peter_B]

Got them fitted in the end using a set of the lift plates.

I used the stock Clod springs in the TXT shocks as the TXT ones were too soft