Sloppy Front knuckles on MT PRO? Problem solved, LQQK

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MrMeatHooks

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Oops, this should of gone to the Projects thread :D


Ok,


So there is no doubt, im all about fit and finish... When I grabbed the front wheels on my new MT Pro and they wiggled up and down like a truck that had 100k miles on it, I started to think, what the hell? Well, I found a HUGE flaw with the front end on this truck.


The upper and lower bolts on the control arms that connect the steering knuckles to the truck are not a machine fit to the metal sleeve in the aluminum arms. Instead, the bolts are threaded all the way up to the bolt head...


This is bad for a couple reasons, first off, the combined slop between the top and bottom makes the front end feel unfinished and will cause premature wear.


Secondly, a fully threaded bolt is weaker then one that is un threaded at the point where the most friction and weight is riding, the end where the bushing will ride.


Ok, so here is what I did.


I simply replaced the bolts with the same style bolt but with a 1/4" unthreaded stock at the head. With this mod you will need to measure the bolts and cut them to ensure you are able to thread them all the way into the knuckle for maximum strength. I also added a washer on the bolts to give a harder surface for the bolt heads to ride. As you can see in the pic, its ruining the aluminum, so it is necessary.


I am not finished yet, but with the new bolts and existing sleeves there is ZERO movement in the knuckles! Tight like a bearing, less friction, and much stronger then stock! You will need to use some grease on the bolt because it now acts like a bearing. And use blue/ red loctite to keep the bolts locked into place.. Here is some pics before I started. I can post a follow up
 
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This should work on the plastic arms too, however I have not seen any of them, so I can not verify. I would assume so based on the design and that plastic would have to have metal inserts to keep it from wallowing out. I'll finish tomorrow for sure.
 
Project finished.. Made a huge difference in the way the front end feels. No more sloppy parts wearing on each other. If you attempt this improvement, you will need to be sure the top bolt is adjusted first. This will take up the slack before the weight of the vehicle is on the ground. The way this suspension is designed leaves the top bushing and bolt as the load bearer for the front suspension. Not doing this could result in abnormal wear.Here are some pictures of what everything will look like when done. Be sure to use some grease on the bolt and sleeve, and red loctite ( Its stronger ) on the bolts to hold them in place (This is how the factory did it), make sure these cure all the way, or a bolt may back out. Ultimately a set screw in the side of the knuckle would be ideal, that way there is no loctite needed, or worry of loosing bolts.Had an issue uploading the other pic. As you can see, the gap is at the bottom of the knuckle, this is how it should look.

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Is that a Version 3 truck? If I can recall, the older MTs use that knuckle set up. I remember seeing some aluminum knuckles that look like yours. It was a V2 I think.
 
Yeah, I looked and the V3 plastic is like yours. I was not sure when I posted the thread if this would pertain to non pro models, now I can see it does not! That design looks it is pretty tight. Mine are definately tighter now, like they should be.
 
Shalako said:
The plastic ones have a C type connection at the top and bottom. View attachment 6259
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Yeah that should be a v3 cause mine is and looks The same i Also have The aluminum part and it doesn't have that c type connection which sucks i think they had and old versión of The aluminum which looked exacly The same as The plastic don't know why they would change it but i Just kept The plastic
 
Sergio said:
Yeah that should be a v3 cause mine is and looks The same i Also have The aluminum part and it doesn't have that c type connection which sucks i think they had and old versión of The aluminum which looked exacly The same as The plastic don't know why they would change it but i Just kept The plastic
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Ha, I was going to mention that in my last post. I remember seeing the aluminum knuckles for the blastic a-arms. Could not find a pic so I just kept my mouth shut lol. There may be a way to improve the c-clip style, I would have to get my hands one first!
 
Same design, it would be a good upgrade if the knuckles break, I think the control arms would be weaker and a better upgrade option first.
 
The fork design is not needed on the aluminum version. The weak point of the aluminum version is the arm that fastens to the steering link. I've bent several. LOL
 
RCDAD said:
The fork design is not needed on the aluminum version. The weak point of the aluminum version is the arm that fastens to the steering link. I've bent several. LOL
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Yeah on the aluminum set up I can see that for sure, the structure at that point could be thicker with larger bolts attaching the tierod to the knuckle.

In Sergio's case, wouldent the plastic control arms be a better upgrade over the plastic knuckles? Im just curious, because I always break control arms. HAHA
 
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