XRAY - Model racing cars

For the guys who build there XB808 what would I need to buy extra that does not come in the kit but it is needed. Like some one said that a .2mm shims thats it is needed does it come in the kit or do I need to pick one up.. I am asking because I am getting ready to order all my gear for the buggy which it is coming in 2 day and want to have everything.


Thanks
Felix

Finally got the shocks built, and man these are tasty. Seriously big, and superbly machined. There are no less than 22 components per shock!

The components for the front shocks and o-rings/ washers for all four.

Please note these are obviously the shocks from the first generation 808 and not the '09 spec one.


The OD of the springs is just shy of an inch!


The six hole pitsons.


The washers are definitely different from those included in previous models. They look to be machined, not stamped, and feel thicker than before. They are only needed underneath the the piston.


The ingredients to make one shock (minus the spring!).


The end assembly.


Clever machining of the end cap means the o-rings are held securely but the felt pad isn't squashed at all.




I cut some round pieces of foam to sit in the cap underneath the bladder.


Not that important, but just thought I'd show how I catch the excess oil when bleeding shocks. Means you can hold the shock upright but no oil drips down the side of the shock body!


All four shocks filled and bled.


I used a cutting tool on a Dremel to cut a little groove in the centre of the adjusting nut. I did this after I had assembled the shocks and made sure it was screwed all the way on to the body. It just means you can easily make equal adjustments left and right.


Cleverly one turn on the adjusting nut = 1mm, so 11 turns out equals 11mm!


The inserts for the shock cap are made from a piece of machined steel, and two moulded plastic inserts. They hold together very well and the assembly doesn't fall apart when the shocks are removed from the towers.


Notice the zinc plated left hand threaded screw on the left (in the picture) lower arm. This stops the right front and left rear screw from backing out.


All four shocks installed in their default holes. For the time being I've gone with the stock setup for oils, so thought I'd try out the factory settings for the shock positions. The recommended droop settings are WAY off, so I've set my droop so the front shocks are 104mm and rears are 114mm from centre to centre on the mounting points.


All in all the shocks are hands-down the nicest shocks I've built. Not sure how you US guys will feel about still using the felt washer, but I've never had a problem with dirt entering my XT8 shocks here in the UK, so can't complain. And no more split shock boots!

I like the "unitized" shock caps, much better setup there.

Thanks for the assembly pics Oli.

Good review Oli, please keep them coming!


As for running without any shock boots, this will be a first for me. I'm sure the felt does a great job in cleaning the shaft, but my "only" concern is from rocks and debris. Actually debris being thrown up and hitting the exposed shafts thus causing little dents and or scratches on the shaft(s), Intern tearing or at least accelerate the life of the O-Rings. I feel the boots do two things, keep dirt out and helps with a any debris hitting the bare shaft. Every manufacture say to carefully grease the threads when there shocks are assembled, so the slightest nick on the shaft could cause a shock failure.

shocks look good, but I am still not real excited about the felt shafts...every shock I have ever ran with those does an inadequate job of keeping junk out of the shocks. The shock boots have done far better for me and mine seem to last about 2 gallons a set (and a replacement set is only a few bucks)...seems like a no brainer to me to use them...I am sure xray had/has their reasons for using the felt, but I would like to know what those reasons are

The reason is the felt doesn't interfere with the shock damping characteristics, consistency, and travel the way the boots do.