Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 4 – Front Suspension Part 1

CompetitionX Build Blog

Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 4 – Front Suspension Part 1

Tamiya F104X1 Build

Formula 1 is the pinacle in all of motorsports. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Radio Control. However, Tamiya has released their new F104X1 that is sure to change the way people see this segment of RC. The scale realism, the authentic side-by-side, open wheel racing and the sheer pleasure of the final product are all checkmarks in the positive column for this class. Follow along as I do a step-by-step build of this awesome racing vehicle.

Build Notes:
We will be building the F104X1 with 1 degree of front camber. With the tire setup we are running in our UF1 Series, more camber might be seriously overkill.

Make sure you build the front turnbuckles with the turnbuckle-shaft notch facing the same way. This makes it easier to adjust them in the same direction.

The Build – Part 4
In step 4 we will be installing the lower front suspension. The upper front suspension will be a later step as it incorporates the steering parts as well.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 25

The first step is to install the ballstuds into the Camber plate. Start by sliding two shims on each ballstud. Apply a dab of blue loctite into the 1 degree holes in the Camber plate and install the ballstud.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 26

Next, slide the two nuts into the retaining holes on the Camber plate.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 27

Fit the two spacers to the lower front suspension arm followed by the Camber plate. Notice that the ballstuds are towards the back of the assembly.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 28

Install that assembly to the front of the chassis plate and fasten with the two 4x30mm screws. These are aluminum screws so be careful not to overtighten and strip out the head.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 29

Attach the 3x10mm screw and washer to both lower front suspension arms. These are the steering stops and are required. Leaving these off can over-extend the steering and lock it to one side. Also pop the aluminum balls into the lower front suspension arms. Pay attention to the direction of the balls. The ‘flange’ should be facing down.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 30

This is not a necessary step but one I highly recommend. When you install ballcups, the first time you pop them on they are a nice, tight fit. Repeated removing and replacing tends to widen the cup and produce some slop. To help prevent this, I shave the top of the ballcups off. Now, when I need to make adjustments or replace something, instead of popping the ballcup off I stick a tool through the hole and unscrew the ballend.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 31

The next step is to install the ballends through the aluminum servo saver. A dab of blue loctite here is helpful. Build the turnbuckles per the instructions. The manual says 22mm in length but I think mine was a little shorter.