Team Associated B5M Build – Part 6 – Shocks

The Build – Part 6
The B5M comes with V2 12mm Big Bore shocks. These large dampers do a fantastic job of soaking up the bumper and feature threaded bodies, 3mm shafts and updated o-rings for smoother performance. Let’s put them together.

Build Notes:
We’ll be filling the shocks with silicone fluid and that’s never a clean situation. Have a rag or paper towels handy for clean up.

After you fill the shocks with oil, you’ll want a place to put them while the bubbles rise. I like using the ProTek Shock Stand, but there are a few others that I’ve listed at the end.

The V2 shocks come with 12mm 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 hole pistons. To make them easily readable (even IN the shocks), I use a black Sharpie to highlight the markings. We will be using the 1.6 pistons in the front and the 1.7 pistons in the rear shocks. Put the other in your B5M parts box.

We’re jumping ahead here a bit. I like to install the o-rings into my shock collars now before my fingers get oily, making it difficult to get them to seat properly. Do it now, get it done.

While we’re at it, let’s install the o-rings on the top and bottom openings of the shock body as well.

Build 4 shock shafts, using the 1.6 pistons on the front shafts (shorter shaft) and the 1.7 pistons on the rear shaft (longer shaft). Slide 2 .030 spacers onto each shaft as shown.

Install the lower o-ring package into the bottom of each shock body. I like to put them on a tool, add a drop of oil and insert them all at the same time. Easier and a little less messy. Pay attention to the install direction of the top and bottom hat bushings.

Put a drop of oil on the threads of the shock shafts and slide them through the shock bodies. Thread the shock eyelet onto each and then press the shock pivot ball into the eyelet.

Fill the shocks with oil to the top. Plunge the shaft SLOWLY a few times to release any air from under the piston. Set them aside for a few minutes until all the air bubbles have escaped. Add more fluid until the oil ‘crowns’ as shown.

Pre-drill the bleeder screws into the caps. This will make bleeding them a little easier. Remove the bleeder screws.

Thread the cap on the shock and tighten. Lay out a paper towel and slowly compress the shock. Oil should flow out of the bleeder hole. Once fully compressed, insert the bleeder screw. The front shocks should both rebound (or, stroke) to 20mm, the rears to 26.5mm. You can add more oil (or remove more oil) to get them to match.

The V2 shocks come with a +0mm, +5mm and +9mm lower spring cups. We’ll be using the +5mm spring cups on all 4 shocks.

Thread the shock collars onto all 4 shocks followed by the springs and +5mm spring cups. YOu can rub a little shock oil on the threaded collars to allow them to install easier.

Using the outside hole, attach the front shocks to the front suspension arms. Slide the shock bushing onto the upper shock mount, then secure the shock with the M3 locknut.

Using the inside hole, attach the rear shocks to the rear suspension arms. Slide the shock bushing onto the upper shock mount, then secure the shock with the M3 locknut.

There you have it; super-plushy V2 Big Bore shocks installed! Time to install some electronics.

Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 1 – Steering
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 2 – Front Suspension
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 3 – Rear Suspension
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 4 – Transmission
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 5 – Axles & Turnbuckles
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 6 – Shocks
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 7 – Electronics
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build – Part 8 – Body, Wheels & Tires

Back to the Team Associated B5M Buggy Build List