Aftermarket component manufacturers to avoid?

[bull8042]

I am going to replace many of my suspension components with aluminum parts, but don't want to fall victim to false economy by trying to save money and end up buying sub-standard parts that I will have to replace over and over.
I have been perusing the online vendors putting together a list and see names like Integy, Golden Horizons, and RD Logistics. Granted, their components are metal, but are they machined aluminum or cast crap? So, my question is: are there aftermarket manufacturers that are generally regarded as ones to avoid? Or should I avoid third-party parts altogether and just spend the money for HPI stuff?

 

[xll-SavageX-llx]

For suspension i would strongly suggest the HPI aluminum big bores. ( HPI A720 )
You can pick them up on ebay for a few bucks or on TCS Crawlers for $65

https://www.tcscrawlers.com/HPI-Big-Bore-Aluminum-Shock-Set-Assembled-Savage-A720-p-17653.html

and for other aluminum parts ill suggest Fast Lane Machine.

http://www.fastlanemachine.net/products.php?cat=22
Scroll down a bit it's already on the savage tab.

cheers
Brandon

 

[bull8042]

Thanks Brandon, much appreciated. I have already ordered the HPI aluminum big bore shocks from R/C Planet, but am on my way to check out the links you mentioned to see what else I can find.

 

[xll-SavageX-llx]

Thanks Brandon, much appreciated. I have already ordered the HPI aluminum big bore shocks from R/C Planet, but am on my way to check out the links you mentioned to see what else I can find.

Just keep in mind to much aluminum can cost you $$ down the road when you bash.
I kept my FLM build to a minimum.

FLM tvps
FLM motor plate
FLM skid plate

I kept the shock towers, bulkheads, a-arms (lower & upper) and carriers plastic.
At least this way if the plastic bends it just bends. If you have aluminum on aluminum the bend will head up the aluminum to the other aluminum parts and break.

Brandon

 

[Combuster]

one thing i would suggest is the hpi suspension conversion

 

[bull8042]

This is an awesome board. Thanks for all of the suggestions.
I have been looking at the FLM TVPs and I am not sure that is the right way to go though. Apparently they are longer than the Savage X parts. But since I have an XL, they will actually shorten my wheelbase. That would not be a positive mod would it?

 

[frddyj]

i wouldnt say that there is any certain manufacturer to avoid necessarily. i would recommend running the truck a while when you get it and then planning hop ups based on what you want to change about the truck.

a word of caution on alloy suspension parts tho, check this out https://www.hpisavageforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8293

 

[SwampDawg]

as far as the suspension arms go...stay away from any alloy parts. the stock plastic ones are the best to use as they have memory on impact and will resume original position whereas alloy will bend. i do suggest using alloy on the c-hubs and knuckles however. ive been using this set up for years without failure which also using CVD driveshafts all around and HPI alloy shocks. This is also with the strain of Imex jumbo tires apon them aswel.

 

[Bankrupter]

as far as the suspension arms go...stay away from any alloy parts. the stock plastic ones are the best to use as they have memory on impact and will resume original position whereas alloy will bend. i do suggest using alloy on the c-hubs and knuckles however. ive been using this set up for years without failure which also using CVD driveshafts all around and HPI alloy shocks. This is also with the strain of Imex jumbo tires apon them aswel.

Shocked to see your keeping CVD's alive and in one piece. What brand are you using ?

OP
I agree with this post 100%

 

[SwampDawg]

not sure what brand is used as i have dynamite and HB sets aswel as HPI i believe? however...part of them holding up may be due to me being so anal in maintenance. I clean my entire rig after every single use thouroughly which also means cleaning the CVDs, bearings, nitro engine, etc... geting the grit out fo the CVDs which is the biggest killer of the joints is key success i think.

 

[bull8042]

Thanks for the info. I think I may just check out the HPI Suspension Conversion after I have a little runtime on the truck and leave it at that. Well, for now at least. I can say that I won't be putting any alloy arms on it though!