Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 4 – Front Suspension Part 1

The Build – Part 4
In step 4 we will be installing the lower front suspension. The upper front suspension will be a later step as it incorporates the steering parts as well.

Build Notes:
We will be building the F104X1 with 1 degree of front camber. With the tire setup we are running in our UF1 Series, more camber might be seriously overkill.

Make sure you build the front turnbuckles with the turnbuckle-shaft notch facing the same way. This makes it easier to adjust them in the same direction.

The first step is to install the ballstuds into the Camber plate. Start by sliding two shims on each ballstud. Apply a dab of blue loctite into the 1 degree holes in the Camber plate and install the ballstud.

Next, slide the two nuts into the retaining holes on the Camber plate.

Fit the two spacers to the lower front suspension arm followed by the Camber plate. Notice that the ballstuds are towards the back of the assembly.

Install that assembly to the front of the chassis plate and fasten with the two 4x30mm screws. These are aluminum screws so be careful not to overtighten and strip out the head.

Attach the 3x10mm screw and washer to both lower front suspension arms. These are the steering stops and are required. Leaving these off can over-extend the steering and lock it to one side. Also pop the aluminum balls into the lower front suspension arms. Pay attention to the direction of the balls. The ‘flange’ should be facing down.

This is not a necessary step but one I highly recommend. When you install ballcups, the first time you pop them on they are a nice, tight fit. Repeated removing and replacing tends to widen the cup and produce some slop. To help prevent this, I shave the top of the ballcups off. Now, when I need to make adjustments or replace something, instead of popping the ballcup off I stick a tool through the hole and unscrew the ballend.

The next step is to install the ballends through the aluminum servo saver. A dab of blue loctite here is helpful. Build the turnbuckles per the instructions. The manual says 22mm in length but I think mine was a little shorter.

Pop the turnbuckle links on and you’re all set!

Part 5 – Servo install.
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