Team Associated T5M Build – Part 2 – Front Suspension
The Build – Part 2 The front suspension is pretty straight forward and includes quite a bit of tuning. AE has opted to use inserts to adjust alot of the front end, including caster and axle location.
Build Notes: We used, once again, the silver Sharpie to highlight the parts steering block and caster block inserts in this step.
Team Associated T5M Build – Step 12 Before we start assembly, get familiar with the left and right parts being used. The caster blocks are obviously different, however the steering blocks have a small L and R molded into them (see the arrow). I would suggest keeping the left and right parts together but separate on your bench so you don’t mix them up.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 13 Install the heavy duty ballends into the steering blocks, using the M3 locknut to keep them in place.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 14 A look at all of the steering block inserts, Sharpied up for easy reference. We’ll be using the 2/4° trailing insert for this build (set to 4°).Team Associated T5M Build – Step 15 Press the inserts into the steering blocks, making sure the highlighted area, or 4° arrow, is facing away from the ballstud as shown.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 16 Install the bearings with the aluminum crush washer in between.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 17 Insert the T5 axles through your bearing assembly and secure with the 5mm screw. A light dab of threadlocker is suggested here to keep the screw from backing out.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 18 Install the heavy duty ballstuds into the caster blocks, using the M3 locknut to secure. Note the orientation of the blocks.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 19 The T5M comes with 2 inserts; a 0° and a 5°. We’ll be using the 5° per the manual, highlighted for easy reference.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 20 Install the caster inserts. Note the orientation of the caster blocks.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 21 Time to mate the steering blocks with the caster blocks. First, make sure you have the left steering block attaching to the left caster block. Slip the caster block bushings into the caster block, then slide the steering block into place and secure with the pair of 12mm screws. SLOWLY tighten all the way down, then backing off about 1/8 of a turn. Test the steering block; if it feels tight, back the screws off another 1/8 of a turn and re-test. You want the screws tight without hindering the swivel movement of the steering block.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 22 The T5M uses the same front arms on both the left and right of the truck. Note the orientation of the suspension arm, then insert the hinge pin through the arm, then the plastic spacer and then the steering assembly. Secure the pin with the 4mm screw.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 23 After assembly, your suspension arms should look like this.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 24 Now to attach the arms to the chassis. Start by installing the 4mm hinge pin retaining screw as shown.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 25 Slip the suspension arms around the front bulkhead and slide the long hinge pins into place.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 26 Attach the hinge pin brace. Give the front arms a quick swivel to make sure they move freely. If not, turn the truck up on its end and tap lightly on the suspension arm. Sometimes things are a little tight and need a little massaging.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 27 Flip the T5M over and attach the front bumper.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 28 Assemble the front shock tower using the middle hole for the upper shock mount and the inside hole for the camber link mount.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 29 Attach the front body mount to the tower.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 30 Attach the assembled shock tower to the front bulkhead.
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!
