The next update is the front turnbuckles. I’ve wanted to try the Vanquish custom build 3/16” titanium links for a while and it looks like they must be phasing them out. Or so it seems from the random lengths still for sale; looks like they’re clearing out stock rather than something more deliberate.
Finding which ones might work was a total easter egg hunt. Sometimes I dream about as-yet-unavailable and magic RC part databases where descriptions are complete, lengths and compatibility are listed, and it’s possible to avoid guessing. Maybe some day ... relevant details are often “feats of strength” for only the most determined, lol. Or maybe it’s just another way to burn hours on RC cars.
Anyway, back in the world as it is today, Amain has a chart that shows the link lengths with Revo rod ends, but doesn’t have any links in stock
https://www.amainhobbies.com/vanqui...-16-link-shaft-65mm-vps03922/p708403?v=706498
whereas Vanquish has links, but doesn’t provide any information (that I could find) that might tell you which length to use
https://www.vanquishproducts.com/titanium-links-1/
I’m also perpetually confused by rod and turnbuckle lengths that are the shaft alone whereas the bottom line dimension that matters is the eye-to-eye length with rods ends attached. I’m sure there’s an Excel spreadsheet somewhere.
Luckily for Rock Rey enthusiasts, the 60 mm Vanquish shafts that are still in stock + the Revo rod ends listed on Amain are a good match to the camber links. No more turnbuckle action with a fixed link, but it’s an infrequent adjustment and doesn’t need to be super convenient.
My second insight was that Traxxas 3738a turnbuckles are a decent match to the steering links (but not really, see below).
https://m.traxxas.com/products/parts/3738A
I was initially impressed by my seemingly genius find: they’re inexpensive, retain the steering adjustability provided by the kit turnbuckles, and are a sweet blue aluminum. But then ... I put them on the truck and realized they’re a little short and require backing out a decent amount of threads to match the required length. Plus the 3 mm rod may not be up to handling the big Rock Rey tires. So much for that. I left them on for now and may see how they perform.
Here’s the front end with both replacements, crazy NW Washington snow storm in the background (not much compared to other places but never happens here). I also reinstalled the panels. I still need to remake the roof and hood.
There’s probably no way that little blue steering link is strong enough. But no fear! Turns out that Yeti 4 x 60 mm turnbuckles with Traxxas Revo 8647 rod ends should work.
https://www.amainhobbies.com/axial-4x60mm-aluminum-turnbuckle-2-axi31247/p468933
I’m trying this option next anyway. Onward to the next upgrade!
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