How to install RPM A-arms

[selfishson]

Hey guys. Just did some shopping today and picked up an HPI aluminum tuned pipe, and some RPM arms. The pipes installation is pretty straight forward to me, but the arms seem more difficult. I have searched the forums for RPM arm installation and didn't see any sort of step by step guide for a noob like my self. I do have my manual with the exploded view handy and I am ready and eager to tear this thing down, however I was wondering if I could get some advice from some of the veteran savage goers here, so I don't screw anything up. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advanced.

 

[frddyj]

I was wondering if I could get some advice from some of the veteran savage goers here, so I don't screw anything up. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advanced.

Best advice is use what you got; exploded view manual, tear it down & build it up.

its easy. build your confidence on this small project & get you ready to tackle other things.

don't sweat it, you'll do fine. if you run into any probs, then hit us up.

 

[selfishson]

Thanks for the confidence boost. I have started the tear down process. Just not sure if I have to remove the entire bulk head or can I work on it with it attached.

 

[xtremsavage]

Thanks for the confidence boost. I have started the tear down process. Just not sure if I have to remove the entire bulk head or can I work on it with it attached.

Replacing the arms are very straight forward. Only main thing you'll have to remove is the bump braces and skid plate. Then you should be able to just slide the hinge pins out and pull the stock arms off. Installing the RPMs is reverse of removal. Hope this helps you out more.

 

[selfishson]

Thanks xtremsavage appreciate the heads up. That Defiantly helps out.

 

[xtremsavage]

No prob. It should only be about a 10-15 min. job. It's literaly that easy.

 

[maximusraylius]

One more thing. You might need to shave a little off each arm between the braces near the bulk heads where the hinge pins go through the arms. The rpm arms are a bit tighter than stock. So they don't move as freely. I shaved mine down with my dremel. Worked great. Just go slow. Then take your time to study how the mechanics of the truck is out together. Its pretty easy to figure out once you do it a time or two you'll be zipping through. Building one from ground up in no time. Good luck. Hit is up if any gang ups.

 

[selfishson]

I finished installing them before I seen your comment maximusraylius. I agree that the arms are pretty stiff. Do think that this will fix its self through wear and tear, or should I take them apart and do what you recommended. Thanks again.

 

[maximusraylius]

I don't know if they will loosen up or not I had the same problem. And was. Thinking the plastic is so durable that it would take for ever to loosen up. So I ground down mine. I guess if the shocks don't raise the truck back up on their own. Then I'd do it. But its totally up to you. Gives you more practice tearing it apart aswell if you decide to fix it. Good luck. And nice to have you here. Bash on.

 

[xtremsavage]

Glad to see you got them taken care of. Another way of checking to see if they are too tight (binding), is to take the wheels off and the shocks, just take the lower shock mount loose and hold them out of the way with one hand. Then, with your other hand, raise the suspension all the way up until it stops, and then let go. If it doesn't freely and easily fully drop on it's own, then you'll need to trim up the arms or find out where it's binding. That's another way of checking for a bind free suspension. LMK if you need more help understanding this.

 

[Combuster]

i have heard of people having the same problem and they just sanded them down

 

[newbe5.9]

I sanded mine down until they were moving free

 

[selfishson]

Thanks again for everyones input, it defiantly helped me out. I have learnt a lot by doing this mod, and I have also came to the realization that I am not a fan of purple upper and lower arms. I wish my LHS had them in black. However the experience was worth it, and I will be selling them on craigslist now. If anyone is interested in them and live in the greater Toronto area, shoot me a pm. Thanks again for the help.