Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 10 – The Shocks
Axial EXO Terra Build
Scale vehicles have become the hot ticket lately. They not only look like their full-scale counterpart, but also perform like them too. Axial has just released their awesome EXO Terra buggy, a 1/10 scale buggy complete with roll cage, interior and other realistic parts. In my opinion, this is the thing our industry has been waiting for. Follow along as I build one for you complete with helpful hints.
Build Notes:
In this step you will be dealing with shocks oils. Things could get messy so it’s advised to have some clean towels handy.
The front shock bodies and shafts are short, the rears are longer. Pay close attention that you put the shorter shock shaft with the short shock body.
During the building process, you will need to remove all of the air bubbles out of the shocks. I recommend a high-quality shock building stand like the one from Team Fast Eddy. While this one might be a bit overkill (there are cheaper plastic ones available, I prefer this on because it accepts all different types of shocks…from 1/10th up through 1/5th.
The Build – Part 10
The shocks on the EXO are the same tried-and-true units that come with most of Axial’s crawler line-up. They’re durable and are pretty smooth, so they’re a great addition to the EXO.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 118
To make the entire shock-building process a little smoother, start off by removing all of the plastic shock parts from the parts trees. Don’t forget to remove any burrs or flashing prior to assembly.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 119
Assemble the 4 shocks shafts as shown. Don’t forget to include the washer on top and below the piston.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 120
Build the bottom shock cartridges.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 121
Slide the larger, clear o-ring over the cartridge. This will help seal the bottom of the shocks.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 122
SLOWLY thread the cartridge into the bottom of the shock body until you are 100% sure the cartridge is going in straight; then tighten down.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 123
Put a drop of shock oil onto the threads of the shock shaft…
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 124
…and carefully slide it into the shock body and through the cartridge. Make sure the short front shafts go into the short front shock bodies and the longer shock shafts into the longer rear shock bodies.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 125
Once through, slide the shaft up and down a few times to lubricate it. Then install the rubber up-stop (note the direction) and the shaft eyelet. Once completed, measure the distance from the bottom of the shock body to the top of the shaft eyelet. The two front measurements should be the same. Tighten or loosen the eyelets until they are. Do the same for the rear shocks.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 126
Thread the ride height adjustment screw onto the body. I like to thread mine to the bottom to help keep it away from any shock oil that might pour over in the next couple of steps.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 127
Fill the shock to the top with oil. Slide the shock shaft SLOWLY up and down to help fill the shock below the piston. You should notice the oil level drop.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 128
Fill to the point shown in the picture (more is better than not enough) and place your shocks into your shock stand. Here is where you’ll wait about 5 minutes for any bubbles to disperse. Go get a cold drink or some cookies.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 129
Ok, snack time over? Good. Let’s get back to it. Insert the clear bladder up into the shock cap as shown. It might take a little pursuading but you’ll want it to seat as far up in the cap as possible. DO NOT puncture the bladder!
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 130
Place the cap on the shock, tilt the shock to about a 45 degree angle and start slowing screwing the cap on. Oil might/should drip out a bit. This is expected.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 131
When the cap is about 1/4 of the way on, push the shaft up into the body. More oil might drip out (depends on how full you filled it). Screw the cap all the way on at this point. Pull the shaft out all the way and press it back to the top. You should have about 5-10mm of rebound. Follow the same steps for the other front (or rear) shock. You want the rebound to be about the same. If it’s less, you can add a tiny bit of oil to the ‘less-rebound’ shock or re-bleed the ‘more-rebound’ shock. Get them as close as possible. Follow the same steps with the rear (or front) shocks.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 132
Insert the short springs on the front shocks and the long springs on the rear shocks. Capture the spring with the spring cup as shown.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 133
Press the eyelet balls into the shock caps and shaft eyelets as shown.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Step 134
Set the front shocks aside (those will be attached in the next chapter). Take one of your rear shocks and slide the cap in between the EXO cage and the aluminum shock mount bracket. Slide one of the 3x18mm screws through the assembly and secure it with the locknut. Follow theses step for the other side.
Stay tuned for Part 11 – Body, wheels and tires.
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 1 – Differentials
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 2 – Front Gearbox / Suspension
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 3 – Rear Gearbox / Suspension
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 4 – Center Differential
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 5 – Chassis
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 6 – Steering
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 7 – Front / Rear End Assembly
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 8 – Electronics
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 9 – The Cage
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 10 – Shocks
Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 11 – Body, Wheels and Tires
