Thursday , 28 March 2024

Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 5 – Links | CompetitionX

Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX

The Enduro comes with some pretty serious, chrome-plated steel links under it. Element RC also includes different lengths for you to adjust the wheelbase; simply build using the correct lengths for 11.8″, 12.0″ or 12.3″ options.

Build Notes:
Due to the tolerances in the plastic, building the links can be a bit tedious. The manual suggests black grease on the threads to make assembly easier, but I often use Chapstick for this procedure. Everyone has Chapstick.

The links are not marked in any way, so it’s best to have a pair of calipers handy to measure them. There is a visual notation in Step 1 below that denotes the lengths; you can use this as a form of measurement if you don’t have calipers handy.

The plastic pivot balls that are popped into the rod ends are directional. Pay close attention to the orientation of the flange; in most cases, you’ll want the flange to be against the surface the link is being attached to.

As a note, you’ll be building all of the links using the curved plastic rod ends.

Step 1:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Before you build, lay out the links to get acquainted with what is available. You won’t be using all of them in the build; some are optional rear links to adjust the wheelbase to your desired build length.

The kit comes with the following links:
114mm x2 Rear Lower Links
108mm x2 12.3 Rear Upper Links
100mm x4 12.0 Front Lower Links, Rear Upper Links
96mm x2 11.8 Rear Upper Links
93mm x1 Front Axle Link
83mm x1 Panhard Link
73mm x1 Steering Link
Curved Steering Link x1

We’ll specify which ones go where during the build. You may proceed.

Step 2:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Something to also note are the different length pivot balls that come on the plastic tree. There are short ones and long ones; we’ll be using ONLY the short ones on all the links. The long ones will be for the shocks in a later step.
Step 3:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
The first link we will build is the panhard rod. Grab the 83mm rod and screw on a pair of curved rod ends. Once assembled to 112.5mm, pop the pivot balls into the rod ends. Note the orientation of the pivot ball flange.
Step 4:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Attach the panhard link, connecting it from the panhard chassis mount to the axle.
Step 5:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
The next link we’ll build is the steering link. Grab the 73mm rod and, once built to the 102.2mm length, pop the pivot balls into the rod ends.
Step 6:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Attach the steering link from the servo to the right servo plate.
Step 7:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Now, grab the 93mm rod and assemble the front upper chassis link. Build to 122mm and pop the pivot balls into place.
Step 8:

Attach the front link. Since we’re using a panhard rod, we won’t be installing a second upper link. However, to keep the 3x28mm screw from collapsing the axle mount, we need to install a stand-alone short pivot ball. Don’t forget this step!
Step 9:

Grab your curved steering rod and add the two STRAIGHT rod ends to a length of 154.5mm. Pop a pair of pivot balls into place.
Step 10:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Attach the steering rod to the steering plates BEHIND the axle. Yes, well done with this BTA option!
Step 11:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Here’s where you’ll need to decide on what wheelbase you want to build to. Your options are:

11.8″ (299.7mm) – use the 96mm rods
12.0″ (304.8mm) – use the 100mm rods
12.3″ (312.4mm) – use the 108mm rods

Once you’ve decided on your length, build you links with the curved rod ends and pop the pivot balls into place.

Step 12:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Once built, attach the rear upper links in the same fashion as you did the front upper link.
Step 13:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Grab a pair of the 100mm rods and build your front lower links. Complete length should be 129.5mm. Pop the pivot ball ends into place.
Step 14:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Attach the front lower links. I would suggest only screwing the 3x16mm set screw in until it’s flush with the hole.
Step 15:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Finally, take the 114mm rods and build a pair of rear lower links. Build to 143mm, then pop the pivot ball ends into place.
Step 16:
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build - Part 5 - Links | CompetitionX
Attach your assembled rear lower links. Again, I would suggest only screwing the 3x16mm set screw in until it’s flush with the hole.

Wah-lah! Give the truck a little twist to make sure everything flexes smoothly. If there’s any notchy feeling, you may have built something incorrectly. Otherwise, you’re good to go! Let’s get to Part 6 – the Drive Shafts!

Use the links below to follow each step.
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Opening Page
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 1 – Pre-Build
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 2 – Chassis
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 3 – Transmission
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Axles
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 5 – Links
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 6 – Drive Shafts
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 7 – Shocks
Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Build – Part 8 – Body Mounts

About Tony Phalen

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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