Capra Pen Spring Mod

[@paulmatlock5969]

You should revisit this car. There has been a lot of aftermarket support since you made this.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

You're right, it's an oldie but a goodie mod!! Even helps the crappy stock plastic SCX10 II Shocks, because they are wobbly and leak the most at full extension... One tip... If you can find one of those 4 color Pens, with the 4 clickers at the top, you can get all four Springs in just one Pen! 👍👍 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@dezfan]

The Capra like any rig is s giant lump of clay just waiting to be molded into a work of art. Some just require more creativity. 👍🏼

[@adidastrev8689]

The innovation in this hobby still amazes me! Pen springs seemed to really help, doesnt seem near as bouncy nor the body seems to roll around as much. Great video, have a great day!

[@ExocagedRC]

Adidas Trev thanks the innovation of this part of the hobby is why it’s my favorite.

[@carlosortiz9790]

Greetings from Puerto Rico! I just mounted my axial capra in which it helps to do is upgrade to the shocks

[@ExaltedRC]

In regards to the belly hang up, you'll probably be fine with some added brass, as it becomes available. Usually when the skid gets stuck on my trx4, it's for a second, while the skewed weight distribution tips the front tires down, giving traction, and alleviating the issue altogether. I'm sure that'll happen with these as well, as soon as parts become available. I wouldn't normally ever recommend weighted tires, but for now, that's probably your best bet to get this thing crawling better asap.

[@carlosortiz9790]

I just did that to my shock absorbers tomorrow I do a test to see what improvement it will have. Thank you for sharing your ideas very kindly

[@PaulRawlins2]

I did the pen spring mod to my Gen8 Axe's stock shocks and put 40wt in the rear - 35wt in the front. Made a YUGE difference! I'm all about the pen spring mod now.

[@adamkaser4759]

I’m thinking this vehicle just needs a bit of reverse engineering. The increased height of the portals accompanied by the almost 100mm shocks seem a little bit like two steps forward, one step back. I don’t have my hands on one yet because I really appreciate the the fact that people like yourself guinea pig these rigs so us “ the consumer “, can make strategic decisions in our builds without wasting money.

[@ExocagedRC]

yeah man I've tried a few things without success on this one, I do like the pen spring mod and its relatively free if you have pens and time.

[@billderas3420]

I used four plastic pivot balls under the shock pistons to effectively limit shock length to 90 mm. So, our extended lengths are pretty much the same; but, no action from the extra springs.

[@ExaltedRC]

That's a good way to limit the shock, but the best thing about pen springs, is not having your shocks push your body outward when they unload at extreme angles, imo. I just recently experimented with the "pen spring" mod myself, on my trx4. I tried to explain what I'm talking about here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjJkqKBqKhspbM but..the end results are seen in the ability to climb stuff like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV7TdWOpgt2SpKM

[@helis9019]

Yes it will drive better, anything will drive better with a lower CG. But you did belly out a bit more which is understandable as the wheels can't droop as much. Try just putting shorter springs in, and removing the pens springs, so you still have the same amount of suspension travel. OR put an anti sway bar on. BUT I love watching your vids, they are very informative, keep up the good work. Looking forward to the Capra coming available in NZ.

[@ExocagedRC]

I did that in a previous video, they still unloaded and drove bad there too.

[@helis9019]

@@ExocagedRC OK then you are on the right track with less travel and less CG unless an anti sway bar is fitted.

[@klampykixx]

Gday! From an outsider perspective, I do believe it was more stable. If it were me, I probably wouldn't have cranked down to hard on the preload collars because that brings you back to a similar situation to stock with the coils wanting to extend. The idea of the internal springs is to hold the shock at a central position, which can easily move up of down but not just flop/unload. And along with it. A thicker oil like u did, except maybe a 60w would reduce the speed of the movement further. I still firmly believe it needs to be physically heavier. But that's my personal preference. Keep it up

[@ExocagedRC]

klampykixx thank you. Yeah I agree and these still need more tuning. I’ll have a set of Ottsix 90mm shocks on it soon. Probably run a 70wt in them too.

[@klampykixx]

Be good to see a back to back difference with a "better" shock

[@ExocagedRC]

klampykixx if I do that I’ll have to remove the pen springs so it would be a legit comparison

[@klampykixx]

I was more thinking of what is considered to be a good shock, vs an average shock that's been setup to operate as good as it can

[@klampykixx]

We have a pretty good knowledge on the stock shocks already.

[@urdonercjeremyburris7541]

You never tune your shocks by tighting your shocks springs down. That just determines your ride height

[@ExocagedRC]

sorta yes and sorta no, with the pen springs in there I can still get a tighter spring rate on compression but way softer on the extension, setting height comes with the adjustments of course but its a tuning option, I've also ordered the purple springs this morning to see how they can work. Chances are really good I'll end up changing these shocks out for something else, looking at the 90mm Ottsix shocks with more Ottsix stuff in the cart. What would be neat is if someone could figure out a way to make both the big outer and an inner spring under the piston adjustable, now that would have some tuning options!!!

[@neiljones8284]

Try McMaster Carr

[@ExaltedRC]

Yeah..I've recently experimented with this pen spring thing on my trx4..with pretty good results. My video trying to explain it kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjJkqKBqKhspbM but the results are easy to watch here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV7TdWOpgt2SpKM So..you do actually tune with the tightning of your outer springs. The reason is, the inner spring is causing pushback, which compresses the shock..but, if you don't have enough decompression from the outer springs (tuning) to combat the compression, then you lose articulation. It's kinda hard to explain..but basically, you've got competeing forces..compress the shocks, depress the shock..you tune to make the shock compress when unloaded (at extreme angles, so your cg stays low, and you don't tumble due to body moving outward during unloaded shocks), and depress with normaly driving, so your shock outweighs the opposing force of the pen spring, so you get full articulation during regular angled driving. Holy shit, I dunno if that translates or not, i feel like I get it, and it's working for me..but I just can't seem to articulate it in a fashion that sounds reasonable to me, LOL

[@Fureinku]

@jeremy burris read up on preload, it does not just asdjust your height.

[@roberttruesdell6151]

The spring adjustment collar only sets ride height. It does nothing for spring tension. The tension of the spring doesn’t change when compressed or not. The number of the coils and size of the spring material is what changes the spring rate. Looks to stiff in the video though. Didn’t seem to roll over the rock smoothly kinda thumped along

[@STEVOD313]

Thanks for sharing bud, i've been taking mental notes from all ur vids on the Capra, I start building mine this weekend n think ill be trying this mod

[@twisteds2fast4u]

Ive notice in stock configuration that the belly does hang up a bit. i know i just recently seen a flat belly skid that someone 3d printed.

[@ExocagedRC]

George Silliman yeah I’m sure we will be seeing a bunch of stuff coming out soon.

[@robertdale7453]

Glad I caught this one working on mine right now and haven't done shocks yet, well defiantly be doing this as i put them together. Thanks for the awesome videos

[@ExocagedRC]

absolutely yes, put these in with the build.

[@jamesswift4641]

I know you will get the right combination and that beast will own the rocks👍👍

[@robbryan3044]

Haven't actually run mine yet...waiting on a few parts, plus I'm working on something "interesting"/special for the interior. In building the shocks, I decided to start with 25wt front/20wt rear, plus added 3mm of limiters inside. However, I'm considering removing the limiters, and swapping them for pen springs...will first have to see how it runs with the limiters. As for 4WS, I'm trying with that idea. I was planning on setting up 4WS on second (yet-to-be-purchased) crawler, which will be the Vanquish VS4-10 Pro, but I've since discovered converting it to 4WS requires extensive modification to the chassis (ie. the rear cross-bracing), thus the reason for considering 4WS on the Capra...but, before I decide, I want to have plenty opportunity to run the stock steering setup.

[@ExocagedRC]

Robb Ryan gotcha. Yeah the dig feature works great. I’ve got stuff on order for rear steer on the Capra so that should make this Goat more like a real Goat and less like a truck with a bad name. LoL.

[@robbryan3044]

@@ExocagedRC Well, it could have been called the "Axial Goat"...think "Capra" is better.

[@ExocagedRC]

@@robbryan3044 lol or the Goatsie LOL

[@teddygee1613]

Got a Vader flatskid on my Capra. Work great

[@MarcoLemmetti]

It looks like it’s a bit more grounded compared to the stock setup. I’m wondering if the extra desert lizard springs that I got with my shocks would do the same instead of the pen springs 🤔

[@mojaverc1585]

Yeah those would be perfect and there are many springs to choose from. My capra kit should be arriving today and I also have some desert lizard springs that Im gonna use for droop. I may actually try the desert lizard shocks in the capra too because I have the 90 mm ones.

[@TerraQuestRC]

Think I may try some functional piggybacks, adjust the internal pressure without losing the travel length.. assuming that there are some that fit.

[@el34superlead]

The belly is hanging up more because you limited the ride hight by shortening the shock travel. I went with the heavier spring and used the outside upper shock mount. Also a stiff tire foam with the Hyrax tires seem to help. I think adding weight to axles, portals or rims could make the biggest difference hope the aftermarket will help with this.

[@ExocagedRC]

I've had belly issues since day one with this truck, it looks great but it catches everything. Oh and yeah the aftermarket is all over this thing right now so expect some brass stuff soon.

[@Boss-dr2zk]

Just ordered mine today💪😎 together with 25 pens🤣

[@ExocagedRC]

LOL awesome

[@sik05civic]

I honestly think you’re going about this all wrong... you’re lifting front tires because the spring is too soft in the rear and/or fronts prolly not soft enough. I would add weight to the tires and play with springs and oil more so then trying to shorten them, and the spring inside is “tricking” the outside spring to be a touch softer and shorter, so in the end you lose its purpose of being a longer spring for less travel. Add some weight to the tires so it lowers the COG and let the suspension work for you .

[@ExocagedRC]

Mike Maxwell chassis weight it pulling it back

[@davidspinney7344]

Brass portal covers will hold those tires down.

[@mortenfosse1808]

I’m going to try this on my trx4 brazin build 👍🏻

[@stevemoon2136]

Pen spring, who'd of thought. Great idea.

[@ExocagedRC]

its actually an old mod from years ago with the comp crawler guys.

[@neiljones8284]

McMaster Carr makes ones you can use too.

[@trailcrawler2038]

I've tried the pen spring mod before, but never found pen springs that were strong enough to counter the external springs. I preferred using my Incision 90mm shocks over stock, but nowhere near as much as I like the 100mm Desert Lizards.

[@ExocagedRC]

TrailCrawler 203 these helped but I think it was more effective as an internal limiter more than anything.

[@JDuke-uw3fk]

@@ExocagedRC Thx for the great vid! This seems like a great idea to help the shocks behave. Do you think the pen springs will hold up over time? Is there an actual RC specific internal shock spring out there somewhere? After using the pen springs, would you recommend them again, or do you think internal limiters would be sufficient? Thx!

[@matthewfojtik994]

Are you still running it with the treal brass and stock foams. Also I was looking for the treal brass and I can’t seem to find the Knuckles for the Capra, the link in your video didn’t work

[@honestlyforreal6304]

I don't get your bonner for less drop out. Can you go into more detail as to why its a problem for your driving style?

[@ExocagedRC]

honestly for real chassis control is why. Dropping into holes and insane flex looks cool but it’s not very good for performance.

[@La_motavation]

i replaced mine with YeahRacing Internal spring dampers. 90mm with droop so its about 85mm on the rig. i might need to change the oil weight from 35 to 20

[@ExocagedRC]

Antonio Barajas for higher speeds the thinner shock oil helps out quite a bit.

[@brandonfarner2950]

Try the pro line trenchers for tires you won’t regret it

[@JDuke-uw3fk]

@Exocaged RC Thx for the great vid! This seems like a great idea to help the shocks behave. Do you think the pen springs will hold up over time? Is there an actual RC specific internal shock spring out there somewhere? After using the pen springs, would you recommend them again, or do you think internal limiters would be sufficient? Thx!

[@ExocagedRC]

Jared Duclos I’ve been told that Ace Hardware and some other stores have different versions with different rates. I’m sure they will hold up fine.

[@c6doki-82]

Hi! I know it's an old video but maybe You can answer me lately. I have an SCX10 first gen since 7 or 8 years and never really used and finished. I like this mod but have concerns about it. How does it keep up? I mean it doesnt affect or scratch the o rings inside or the shock shaft? I thought with time the spring eventually poke through the o rings. If not and it holds up than I'll do it for sure. Sorry for the long tale and probably grammar mistakes! Greetings from Hungary!

[@roberttruesdell6151]

Looks more stable but almost a little to stiff. Did you try the purple springs with the pen springs?

[@ExocagedRC]

I’ve tried the purple springs but they were just too soft. Now I use stock springs with DSM straps as bungee limiters. Works out great

[@roberttruesdell6151]

@@ExocagedRC still with the pen springs?

[@roberttruesdell6151]

@@ExocagedRC I picked up a set of the proline shocks im going to try

[@njtProductions]

Where do you get rocks like that

[@ExocagedRC]

njtProductions those are concrete

[@tomandrews5392]

I ordered all the parts to do 4wd steer and the soft purple springs I thing I will thy the pen spring model too before the conversion to 4 we steer ...I am using 50 weight oil in shocks it seemed to slow the compression and rebound ....

[@ExocagedRC]

I ordered the 4ws stuff this morning too lol

[@NSRBOY250]

Brilliant update bro 👍

[@fernsolo]

Awesome mod for sure 👍🏼

[@connerwalters4769]

Do you know what the stock shock length is

[@wnyscalers1252]

Front overdrive gears would definitely help. Rear underdrive would be better but there not made.

[@ExocagedRC]

wny scalers I’m recording an OD video this weekend. We will see.

[@honestlyforreal6304]

Is body roll the "problem" you're trying to solve?

[@ExocagedRC]

honestly for real not really, the body roll isn’t bad but it lifts tires very easily and then tries to go over.

[@jla1137]

Hello, this solution is good for scala crawler ?

[@gregkeezee5969]

Try the proline BFGoodrich mud terrain T/A in the predator part number 10150-03... and by the way proline copied this tire pattern for the hirax...

[@old-rcplane-phart]

Just wondering exo: R u still using this mod in your mod capra?

[@lowslowcrawlers1304]

He has 2 capras now lol. I used it til I switched to shorter shocks. Classic 2661 with mini T springs seems to be just right. With pen spring mod. Rubber band mod is also very good on the capra!

[@goreyboggs]

So ride height is the problem?

[@emilhagglund3318]

were is the belly that stuck?

[@ExocagedRC]

??

[@emilhagglund3318]

@@ExocagedRC 7:20. What are that?

[@ExocagedRC]

Emil Hägglund yeah it hung up on that edge. It’s hung up quite a bit more than that on and off camera. Hard edges really seem to hang up on a lot.

[@emilhagglund3318]

@@ExocagedRC Okey thank you! Nice videos!!!

[@ryanhawkins3387]

Your gears/ Trans is sooooo much quite than mine. I've tried setting the mesh tight, loose, greased it, Shimed parts, ect! Nothing helps

[@gangstafish25]

Heavier rims. Try to lower the center of gravity even more than stock.

[@alecsimmons1120]

Craig Vickers no plastic?

[@럴수가이-u1w]

100미리쇽을 펜스프링으로 80미리 만드는거랑 그냥 80미리쇽 쓰는거랑 어떤게 다른가요?

[@ErSlickVic]

Wat r u running for steering servo ? Reef 555?

[@davidmeryhew9628]

Great mod! Thanks!

[@babook96]

Nice course...

[@Zr1corvetteguy]

Which wheels are you using?

[@ExocagedRC]

These right here rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F4Pcs-1-9-Heavy-Duty-Alloy-Beadlock-Wheel-Rims-For-AXIAL-SCX10-D90-RC-Crawler%2F173310592417%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649&campid=5338273067&toolid=20008

[@jeeplivion]

Has anyone ever tried ceramic coating belly pans?

[@Nickwillfixit]

I think you went the wrong way with the shock fluid, it needs a delrin skid.

[@ExocagedRC]

think it needs thinner? I've done thinner before for faster trucks like the TRX4 and that worked well but this is a slow one. Oh and yes it needs a better skid, this one hangs up way too much.

[@davidspinney7344]

Anyone producing the delrin skid yet?

[@ExocagedRC]

David Spinney none that I know of.

[@davidspinney7344]

@@ExocagedRC I was on a site 2 days ago and he was in making of them and now I dont remember the vendor, suck!! He had brass portal covers as well

[@baxrok2.]

Well, I give you credit for trying. However, I think the Capra is just going to fall into the toy truck category like the Unimog and MST.

[@ExocagedRC]

man I hope not, it doesn't really fit anywhere right now but who knows what the scale world will look like in the next few years.

[@fjbowski]

Try just the pins springs in the back

[@ExocagedRC]

fj bowski I don’t see how that would help with how much the front drops out and unloads.

[@DrBleck35]

Try Proline dual stage foams and Hyrax in the "Predator Compound" (not to be confused with Proline's "Sexual Predator Compound"

[@ExocagedRC]

LoL yeah none of them predators around here!

[@DrBleck35]

@@ExocagedRC Just imagine. An RC tire compound specifically developed for tenth scale ice cream trucks and mid-seventies vans of all types.

[@honestlyforreal6304]

You keep saying, "not bad". Compared to what?

[@ExocagedRC]

honestly for real as compared to what I think this truck can be once it’s fully tuned up.

[@Thelegendl23]

Like really man? Stfu

[@tippedbacktj8492]

Dang :/ I often times find myself scratching my shaft lmao

[@dirtrider88]

decreasing the amount of flex, hell na

[@ExocagedRC]

At the time it’s all I could do. I don’t do this mod anymore

[@JoseMartinez-lm4zp]

I have 2.2 mud slinger

[@JoseMartinez-lm4zp]

Too bad I can send you a picture

[@carlobell2558]

I’m sure you’ve found the right tires, but I found the deep woods work perfectly for it, but I’m on the upper eastern coast

[@wermie68]

I made stainless steel skidplates

[@NoReason2Liv]

You changed too many things outside of the new springfor this to be a valid run. You changed the shock oil, dropped the CG, modified the pre-load. Not sure you made any improvements

[@ExocagedRC]

Ken Ford I did adjust a few things. They were minor but I do feel it drives better now. The change from 35-40wt oil didn’t really do anything. Wait till next week. LoL yeah bunch of mods.