Losi Gurus, stick w/5 link or go A-arm?

[oldskool]

Hi all,

I always wanted one of these back in the day, but went 4wd instead. I ended up with two (funny how that happens) and want to know if I should keep the 5-link or go with the a-arms. From what I can tell, there is little interest in vintage losi, so changing it from its original config isn't a big crime.

These are two complete (except bodies) early JRx2s. Neither has the servo saver slot in the chassis and one seems really early, unstamped motor guard/plate and no holes in the shock towers. Both are decent, but one is headed for the shelf while the other is headed for the dirt. I figured that 5-link is a shelfer, but how does it run?

Oh, and losi shocks are horrible! I have to find a set of replacements.

Thanks!

[aconsola]

Hi all,

I always wanted one of these back in the day, but went 4wd instead. I ended up with two (funny how that happens) and want to know if I should keep the 5-link or go with the a-arms. From what I can tell, there is little interest in vintage losi, so changing it from its original config isn't a big crime.

These are two complete (except bodies) early JRx2s. Neither has the servo saver slot in the chassis and one seems really early, unstamped motor guard/plate and no holes in the shock towers. Both are decent, but one is headed for the shelf while the other is headed for the dirt. I figured that 5-link is a shelfer, but how does it run?

Oh, and losi shocks are horrible! I have to find a set of replacements.

Thanks!

Post some pics.
The early one with the unstamped motor plate and solid shock tower is early for sure. I'd keep that one for a shelfer if it is in good shape.

As for a runner, the 5-link does ok, but I have found that the special lower rear shock mounts tend to be fragile.
The h-arm rear suspension was direct fit and available as an upgrade kit so there is no crime in converting. You could use just the h-arms with the orignal hubs or with the full conversion with the updated hubs and outer hinge pins.

If you plan on running it there are several parts that were beefed up over its production, I would build a runner with the newer parts. There are variations on the side bulkheads, lower links, lower front shock eyelet, and spring clamps that all make for a more durable driver. I have a lot of the variations pictured here: http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3171
I will be adding more to that post once I get the pics together.

[Eau Rouge]

Yup, runner = H-arms, shelfer = 5-link.

The shocks are fine, they just need a little help. An upgrade in the cartridge made those the best shocks on the market at the time, and building them today, if you pack the cartridge with Associated green slime when you're building them, they don't leak at all. If you plan on running them, make sure you have the later, updated shock collars for strength.



doug

[oldskool]

Thanks for the replies. One other question, can I use the h-arms off a modern losi (like an xxx) or do I need to search for vintage parts?