Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 9 – Center Shock

CompetitionX Build Blog

Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 9 – Center Shock

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:
To make the build process easier, prep all the plastic parts before starting to build your shock. Trying to find a place for an oil-filled shock with no lid can sometimes prove quite difficult.

Shock building can be messy. Have some paper towels available for clean up.

The Build – Part 9
The shock and roll damper are the 2 major handling components of the F104X1. Take your time building these as they can drastically affect your car’s performance.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 56

Tamiya has included one of their awesome TRF threaded shocks with the F104X1. Yay. To start, insert the clear o-ring, spacer and rod guide into the bottom of the shock body. Cap this off with the aluminum shock bottom.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 57

Install the two e-clips and 3-hole piston onto the shock shaft. Apply a little shock oil to the threads on the shaft and slide the black o-ring onto it. Insert the shaft into the shock body and feed it through the bottom. At this time you can also attach the shock rod bottom.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 58

Fill the shock to the top with silicone oil (I used Team Associated’s 30wt). SLOWLY slide the shaft up and down a few times to remove any air bubbles below the shaft. When the shaft is in the down position, the oil level should be alot lower now. Fill back up to just below the top. SLOWLY slide the shock shaft up and down again to make sure all the bubbles are gone.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 59

Wrap a paper towel around the shock and place the rubber bladder on top of the shock. It’s best if you slightly fold the bladder over and ‘roll’ it onto the top of the shock. This will force any excess oil out one side of the shock instead of randomly all around. Make sure the bladder is completely seated on the top of the shock body. The paper towel helps keep things clean.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 60

Place the shock cap mount on top of the bladder. Slide the aluminum cylinder cap over the shock cap mount and screw into place. A nice, snug fit is all that is necessary.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 61

Fit the o-ring into the groove in the threaded spring retainer. Apply a little bit of shock oil to your finger and line the installed o-ring. This will make it thread on the body much easier.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 62

Thread your spring retainer assembly onto the threaded shock body. Start with about a 4-5mm gap between the spring retainer and the shock lip.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 63

Attach the center spring followed by lower spring retainer. Key the retainer to the shock end.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 64

Install the 3x10mm setscrew into the shock rod end. Screw the opposite end into the roll damper piston.

Tamiya F104X1 Build Step 65

Feed the shock rod end onto the roll damper cylinder. Apply some grease (I use Team Associated’s white diff grease) to the roll damper piston and slide up into the the roll damper cylinder. It’s best to apply a bit of grease and use your finger to smooth it down into the notches. Attach both the shock and roll damper to your chassis.

Stay tuned for Part 10 – Assembling the wheels, tires and wings.