Bashable GP? - Helpful tips

etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
My first RC truck was a GP, since then I also added a Clod and a WK. However after some mods to my GP I still consider it my favorite truck. I am sure if you own a GP you would have experienced one of these issues

and this

and this

and especially this for sure!!

Here are some simple mods that will help eliminate these and allow you to push the GP a little more without the dreaded downtime. I am not going to get into the shocks on this truck at this point as many users have discussed some tips to make the suspension better using the stock shocks. I have tried all the shock mods to some success but eventually I changed them as I had issues with bending the shock shafts and although they could easily be fixed, the time it took to repair them finally got the best of me.
 
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etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
As soon as I changed to brushless it seemed that every run would result in a stretched plastic rod end, or bent link. The cheaper aluminum links that RedCat use are a one piece design and the threads seem to be a weak point. I changed them all to the HPI # 88076 - ALUMINUM TUBE (4PCS). This is a 4 link kit that includes 4 rods (same length as a stock GP) but are stronger and have hardened steel threads that won't bend and hold to the plastic rod ends better. I also upgraded to the Monster Dubro link ends that CPE sell as these wont stretch or pull off like the stock GP ones did. The link kit is the one HPI uses for the WK Crawler King and each package comes with 4 rods an allan key, and enough threads to make set.
 
etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
I also lost my mind replacing axle housings. I tried a lot of mods that I found on this site but eventually broke down and bought the Hesse Brace. I know it's expensive but I can say with experience that I have NEVER broke an axle housing since I installed them. I am talking BIG jumps and Hard curbs. Before the braces were installed I had replaced 7 axle housings in 3 months. If anyone out there has a cheaper way to fix this weak axle issue let me know as I would build another GP in a heart beat if I new I didn't have to spend the extra cash for the braces. See below
 
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etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
I purchased the extra chassis braces that CPE or RedCat sell for the GP. I think they come in packs of 2. I added 2 on the bottom where the bottom links connect to the chassis and one between the rear shocks. I would have installed one between the front shocks but I reversed the battery tray and it was in the way. I didn't want to move it again plus I like it where it is. I also added some at the rear and at the front of the chassis. See below.

These extra braces tightened things up significantly and I haven't bent the chassis (majorly) since.
 
etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
You may have noticed on one of the above pictures that I moved the bottom suspension links to the out side of the chassis instead of the inside as mounted from stock. I also connected them from side to side with a chassis brace (look closely). I recieved this tip from a member on this site (sorry forgot your name - Feel free to take credit!), I found doing this spread out the links thus putting less stress on the rod ends. Worked well enough that I did the same mod on my WK. Here is a full picture of the truck, I will get some videos up as soon as the weather cleans up.

and another one of the links on the bottom
 
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Manfjourde

Manfjourde

Contributor
Are those HPI # 88076 links the same length for the whole truck or will they just be for the lower links? So far my lowers are the only ones that are loose.
 
etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
sokey70 said:
Are those HPI # 88076 links the same length for the whole truck or will they just be for the lower links? So far my lowers are the only ones that are loose.
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Good point, they will only fit the lower links. Thanks for pointing that out.
 
Manfjourde

Manfjourde

Contributor
Thanks, and those monster dubro ends paired with the links have worked out great for you? I gotta do something - too much slop.
 
etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
Yes, it bothered me too, could never get it to track right when the links were sloppy. Yes the dubro's are made of real hard plastic. The link will bend before the plastic stretches. You may still pull the threads rarely if you hit something hard but you can glue them back on with JB weld and they won't come off again.
 
F

flounderrc45

Well-Known Member
just today a broke some upper and lower links, a real hard hit, what size fits the uppers, anyone know? i was thinking about rc4wd links with metal ends but the dubro might be better so there is some give.
 
etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
I looked at mine today and I am using the stock upper links however I removed the stock plastic rod ends and replaced them with the dubro's. I really haven't had too many issues with the uppers.
 
im2tall

im2tall

Well-Known Member
I almost gave up on my Ground Pounder until I saw your tips:rolleyes!!!LOL!!
Just kidding !!These are great tips for staying on the road !!!Straight forward no non sense!!:emot116:
 
Manfjourde

Manfjourde

Contributor
On those Dubro monster ends - what thread were they for? The HPI kit looks like m4, did you just order the ones from CPE and they worked and fit fine? I'm about to order some, thanks.
 
T

TheMainInsane

Active Member
etzaras,
Any recommendations for shock mounts? Those have been driving me crazy, and CPE doesn't make the aluminum ones any more! :mad Thanks! :cool
 
etzaras

etzaras

Well-Known Member
TheMainInsane said:
etzaras,
Any recommendations for shock mounts? Those have been driving me crazy, and CPE doesn't make the aluminum ones any more! :mad Thanks! :cool
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Too bad, I had the CPE aluminum ones and sold them to a member after I bought the Hesse brace's. To be honest with you, I would save up and buy the Hesse Braces as I have not had a single problem since I made the investment. I have paid for them already if you consider the axle cases and shock mount I stopped buying.
 
Jerry Matoon

Jerry Matoon

Well-Known Member
etzaras said:
I used the Gmade (Junfac) Universals. If you want the exact part numbers let me know. But they are the best drive shafts I have owned yet.
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Yes please if you know them. and where you got them would be helpful as well.

Thanks!!
Jerry
 
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