The Build – Part 6
Time to build the center shock. We’ll also be attaching the upper deck in this step as well.
Build Notes: Since we’ll be building the center shock at this time, have a few clean rags available in case of any spills.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 63 – Rear Pod
Start off by installing the o-ring into the spring retainer. I suggest washing your hands prior to this step. Installing slippery o-rings (because of oil on your fingers) is really no fun.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 64 – Rear Pod
Build the center shocks cartridge. Install the o-ring followed by the plastic spacer, shaft guide and lower cap. Add a small drop of shock oil to the o-ring when installing.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 65 – Rear Pod
Next, build the shock shaft. Install and e-clip, the piston shim, the piston and then the 2nd e-clip.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 66 – Rear Pod
Slide a black spacer onto the shaft. Add a small drop of oil to the threads on the shaft and feed it through the shock body. Press it SLOWLY through the lower shock cartridge to avoid tearing the o-ring.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 67 – Rear Pod
Using a pair of these awesome STRC Shock Shaft Pliers, grab the shaft and thread on the shock end. If you don’t have some of these trick pliers, go get some. I’ll wait. If you don’t me to wait that long, use a pair of sidecutters to hold the shaft…just make sure you grab down near the threads.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 68 – Rear Pod
Fill the shock with oil and pump the shock shaft up and down a few times to release any air in the shock. Place it in a suitable holder (I use Duratrax’s Shock Building Stand) for a few minutes to allow all the bubbles to rise to the top.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 69 – Rear Pod
Time to cap it off, but before we do, get all the parts ready; the bladder, rebound bushing, shock head and damper cap. Fill the shock until the oil is just under the lip of the shock. Place the bladder on top of the shock, letting any excess oil ooze out. Now drop the rebound bushing into place followed by the shock head and damper cap. Screw down all the way. The shock shaft should plunge almost all the way into the shock and rebound almost all the way out.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 70 – Rear Pod
Screw the spring retainer onto the shock followed by the spring and spring cup. We’ll adjust the spring tension at a later time.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 71 – Rear Pod
Attach the antenna mount and center shock mount to the upper deck as shown.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 72 – Rear Pod
Attach the upper deck to the LM-1.
Speed Passion LM-1 LeMans Build – Part 73 – Rear Pod
Finally, pop the shock into place. The manual shows the addition of a screw and o-ring over the front mount. I didn’t add it, but you can for a little extra security.
Tony Phalen -
As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!
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Since we’ll be building the center shock at this time, have a few clean rags available in case of any spills.
