Tuesday , 26 March 2024

Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 7 – Shocks | CompetitionX

Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX

The TRF419XR includes a full set of Tamiya’s incredibly smooth TRF Super Short Big Bore Shocks. In addition, the XR comes with low-profile carbon shock towers to help keep the CG as low as possible.

Build Notes:
Shocks require fluid. Fluid can be messy. Have a clean work area and some rags available to help with any mess that might occur. A shock stand will also be beneficial here as well.
Step 1:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Before we start, completely disassemble the shocks and separate all the parts.
Step 2:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Slip the black o-ring into the collars. Doing this now will ensure you have fluid-free fingers; trying to do this with shock oil on your mitts could cause a mental breakdown.
Step 3:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Attach the pistons to the shock shaft.
Step 4:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Slide the shaft assembly through the shock body. Place a small drop of fluid onto the threaded part of the shaft and slide an o-ring and rod guide on. Make sure the ‘lip’ on the rod guide faces down.

Once on, thread the rod guide cap onto the bottom of the shock body. The ‘lip’ on the rod guide should feed through the rod guide cap.

Finally, thread the shock eyelet onto the shaft. Make sure all 4 shocks have the same gap between the bottom of the shock body and the top of the shock eyelet.

Step 5:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Thread the collar onto the shock. Fill the shocks with fluid. Pump the shaft up and down a few times to release any bubbles out from under the piston and set aside. We want all the bubbles to dissipate.
Step 6:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Refill with fluid until it is slightly crowned inside the shock, then set the bladder on top, forcing any extra oil out of the shock. Set the plastic shock top into place, then thread on the aluminum shock cap.

Plunge the shaft a few times to make sure the shocks don’t bind.

Step 7:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Install the shock spring and bottom spring retainer. Thread the collars down until they come in contact with the spring.
Step 8:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Assemble the rear shock tower. Note the orientation.
Step 9:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Attach the rear tower assembly to your car.
Step 10:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Attach the rear shocks.
Step 11:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Assemble the front shock tower. Note the orientation.
Step 12:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Attach the front tower assembly to your car.
Step 13:
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build - Part 7 - Shocks | CompetitionX
Attach the front shocks.

We’re using the kit-suggested mounting locations for the shocks, however we’ve started with 35wt fluid. This might change if the car feels lazy around the track.

Use the links below to follow each step.
Tekno ET410 Truggy Build – Opening Page
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 1 – Chassis/ Bulkheads
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 2 – Rear Differential
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 3 – Driveline
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 4 – Steering
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 5 – Suspension
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 6 – Anti-Roll Bars
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 7 – Shocks
Tamiya TRF419XR Touring Car Build – Part 8 – Final Assembly

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!

Check Also

Video: Tamiyas Toyota Supra on the BT-01 Chassis - First Drive | CompetitionX

Video: Tamiya’s Toyota Supra on the BT-01 Chassis – First Drive | CompetitionX

There is alot of buzz surrounding the new BT-01 chassis from Tamiya. This is mainly …