On my first Phoenix build (
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/vanq...igin/626827-b-mows-vs4-10-phoenix-portal.html) I thought about stretching the front end out to give a better approach angle. It never got done due to not wanting to mess up the geometry and screw up the panhard link and mount, but I really wanted to do it.
Then with the release of the Fordyce and then Josh (Harley) posting the vid of how to stretch the front end and recommended link lengths, I figured I'd give it a shot with this build. Josh had said that the upper link needed to be 94mm and the bottom link should be 108mm.
So onto to the VP website and ordered titanium links. Also picked up the Series 2 LED light kit and a BCA 24mm servo horn.
Had to add my own rod ends as the links do not come with them. I had a few VP spares in my stash that I used.
Here's the lower link comparison. The top is the new titanium and the bottom is the stock stainless steel link.
After installing the titanium links, I wasn't happy with the results. IMO the "front stretch" should have been more. There really wasn't that big of a difference. Next I tried a set of RPM rod ends that are similar in length to the Traxxas Jato rod ends. These rod ends looked like they would extend the axle much farther. I did add the RPM rod end to both the upper and lower links.
After installing both lengths of links, I marked a line on the inner fender showing how much the axle was extended. The left mark is stock, middle mark is the 108mm link, and the right mark is the 108mm link with 1 RPM rod end.
Looks much better! The tire now sits damn near even with the front bumper. Should give it a much better approach angle.
As seen below, the panhard link still clears both mounts and the axle gets full compression without any interference. The only issue I see is the tire catches on the front bumper. I'll trim some of the backside of the bumper to give more clearance. The tire does hit the front of the inner fender, but I don't think it will be too much of a problem. Only should be a problem at extreme full tire stuff.
The wheelbase now as it sits is right around 332mm, give or take a mm. I'll get a pic with the body on showing how the stretch looks later.