RC shocks 101

[@OlmanEg]

Idk what you do for a living, but you are one hell of a teacher! The patients you promote in your voice while explaining is phenomenal! Awesome tutorial videos!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm no teacher, but I play one on KZbin...LOL. I'm glad you like the content. AJ

[@tharusbradley4651]

I wholeheartedly echo this comment 👌👏👏👏👏

[@RecklessGenesis]

Lol ape

[@klngkongcorey]

Yes Sir agreed

[@The_K_Project]

I'm newer to RC but after watching this I know just what to do to service my shocks. Great presentation. Thourough and easy to follow!!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrRodney215]

You are my new RC teacher. Some people were born to teach. 💪🤙

[@Goat67]

I truly appreciate all you do. Your 101 series is exactly what i needed. My grandson was just born and i want to make like a time capsule for him. I am putting in two Losi Camaro dragsters, a 2023 Legacy Big Boy Lionel Train, a FMS 1300mm PA-18 Super Cub with Reflex V2, a FMS 1700mm PA-18 Super Cub PNP with Floats & Reflex V2, Cheerwing 25" RC Brushless 30 MPH High Speed Boat, UMX Turbo Timber Evolution BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE, a LOSI PROMOTO-MX RC Motorcycle, a NX8 8-Channel DSMX Transmitter with AR8020T Telemetry Receiver and anything else I can find. Still lots to learn

[@mfmindustry]

Best video talking about shocks. Well done. Thanks

[@TheAurabell]

this is becoming my favorite R/c channel

[@AJJAMStudios]

Yay. Thanks for the compliment. AJ

[@unclephesterandwaldobrown6652]

Thank you very much for your contribution to the hobby.your information is very valuable and myself and others really appreciate you..thank you

[@jessefarias1507]

Love the depth of this video , I would love to see a 101 video on shock tuning and how the different positions affect the truck , you got my sub keep up the good work 🤘🏽

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for the input. 😎👍

[@Top-Jimmy]

This is one of the most informative, interactive RC car channels that a person could want. What I've done is created a playlist with all the best on topic videos I will need at any given time. Having a library like this is super easy to create and to navigate. It saves the frustrations of rummaging around KZbin for decent material. If you have a KZbin Premium subscription, Download your Library onto a device that you can use to follow along on the bench when you're working on your cars. Thanks for another top notch video AJJAM. You save me a lot of headaches. Take care! Jimbo, Australia.

[@brendancurtin252]

I'm fairly new to rc hobby and this is one of the best channels I have found you are awesome thank you for the help and knowledge. Best video's ever

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you. We’re glad you found us 😎👍

[@jorgeserrano246]

That was an excellent demonstration, i am new and i did not know, Thank you Sir

[@kevin0007]

Thanks for an excellent video. The only vid I've found that correctly explains how to fill a shock. I tried all the others with bad results. Also, a lot of totally incorrect methods, and very incorrect explanations. But yours is spot-on. FINALLY!! Thanks again!! and yes, I'm subscribing, and looking forward to perusing the rest of your posts.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad it worked for you. 😎👍

[@tomasgrigley8844]

Once again. Always make videos I need at the right time. I was just starting to have trouble with my shocks on almost all my RC cars. Love your channel. Thanks for the tips!❤💪🏾

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad I could help. AJ

[@jeffsrcchannel2191]

Thanks for the nice and clear demo, I really appreciate it.

[@AJJAMStudios]

I’m glad you found it useful. Thanks 😎👍

[@WIZARDDETECTIVE]

I’m new to RC cars so this really helps and I will be sure to check out the other videos you’ve posted

[@WIZARDDETECTIVE]

I’m looking at building my own from scratch and will have many questions

[@RBRCH]

Very comprehensive video, well done! Keep it up 👍🏼

[@RodEvens]

This is the best shock video I have watched and I have watched several. Great job. Thanks, can't wait to watch other videos.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Welcome to the channel.

[@seattlecarpenter]

You explain things really well. Keep up the good work.

[@bregbarega3717]

Fantastic!

[@DozerBoyRc]

This is a video I have saved to my RC tech notes!!!! I'm sure it will NOT be the last one of your video's to end up in that playlist!! As always, great video and keep them coming!!!! I have a question but just don't know how to go about it...l

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad to hear we have been helpful. Thank you 😎👍

[@duskmean]

Best video I've found yet. Thanks!

[@cyrilvillarosa2421]

Awesome DIY video. I just got into the hobby and this video was by far the best video view. You have a subscribed viewer. Thank you very much for the tutorial.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for the sub!

[@brolicartrixing4111]

Great teacher always comprehensive Ethan hawke. Thanks a million. I'm about to do some upgrades

[@wingsy16]

Great in depth video. This is my next task to attempt. I watched you diff 101 a few times and attempted the diffs on my dbxl-2.0. Was surprised how easy it was, hardest bit was removing them. But on opening there was only a smear of oil in them from factory, so glad I did strip them out. Runs super quite now too.

[@AJJAMStudios]

I'm glad you faced this task and got the fright behind you. It really is much easier than we all think it is, especially the first time we attempt working on a new car. Yay...I'm glad it worked for you. Keep on wrenching. AJ

[@kerrymccambry6132]

I am very new to RC cars and trucks also drones so I am taking in quite a bit of information and a short period of time but great video.

[@sleepycbr]

Great videos. Just getting into rc cars and your videos have been very helpful!

[@enigkotik]

Hey man I really appreciate your video. So much good information and as others have stated you are a great demonstrator and teacher. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this.

[@davidwatts6696]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge. New to RC in any form. I've been concerned about working on shocks but not any more. Can see it's a very technical subject though but your explanation was brilliant. 👍👍

[@lfbarni]

this is so much more I could expect to learn haha, thank you for this video. Now I feel I can service my shocks myself (if I can find where to buy those oils around here lol).

[@rubyvaldez3976]

Real informative. Thanks

[@supranomicon]

brilliant video thanks, great info

[@anthonybachmeier7380]

Great video really enjoyed the full breakdown on the shocks you're are always very detailed when you put them out thanks man Oregon.👍

[@AJJAMStudios]

I appreciate that!

[@budmansdragracingchannel2726]

Also how do you know if you jave the right springs for your weight? I mean just about any springs will keep it off the ground an tightened down enough will raise the height.

[@someonewhocares5712]

thanks for all this good info

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@someonewhocares5712]

@@AJJAMStudios all your videos. Have been I have not been in this for over 30 years. My first buy is a sledge my god what a beast

[@meirdeaph]

Man im still hype Off that frontflip u did in your other Video

[@hermanhelfrich1747]

Suggestion, eventually you will be changing out your worn silicone o rings.dont throw them away, you can reuse a couple per shock the same way he is using the silicone tubing. Just put a couple of the used o rings at the bottom of the shafts to absorb impacts.

[@moereefer]

Great list of videos I like them. I recently purchased the Arrma Granite Blx it’s fun needed to fix diff. Thanks 🙏

[@AJJAMStudios]

The Granite is a great little basher. I hope you have loads of fun with it. Thanks for commenting 😎👍

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

Man you do a great job at making videos ..be blessed and keep it up

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you. 😎👍

[@Lord_Pistachio_Nut]

I'm pretty sure you could start an E clip instal and removal company, literally doing nothing else but E clips, and you'd be rich. Omg! When you said eclip my anxiety went through the roof.....but watching you do them was soothing AF 🤣🤌

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you 😎👍

[@Lord_Pistachio_Nut]

@@AJJAMStudios thank YOU! Of all the RCing channels I watch, for fun or for learning, you're hands down the most in depth. The why is almost as important as the what and I love that you break everything down! You rock lol

[@AJJAMStudios]

We appreciate your comment greatly. Thank you. Bash on, AJ

[@louieHuelsman]

Ty

[@Isai_Calderon]

Thank you, subscribed!

[@tonesanchez456]

Thank u

[@rufffinoo]

This was something that pretty much terrified me but now that I've taken a set apart and rebuilt them, I'm way more confident. I still think I over tighten stuff though!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad I could help. 😎👍

[@GabrielHodge]

I didn't even know about that center cup dampener I really want to use my infraction for on road and off

[@seangotham]

I own a Smt10 and currently take no impact when doing jumps like they are way to stiff. I did turn the shock all the way up. I want it to absorb the impact more but I also like the ride height.

[@lambo6892]

Good morning aj, So have Traxxas xrt ,grip it and rip it basher, has 30w all around, not enough. replace shock oil 35 front ,50 back ? Diff oil combo??? What say ye? 👍 Great 101 series , thanks for your help.

[@AJJAMStudios]

I've not torn into the diffs yet on our XRT so I'm not sure how to answer that one, at least not yet anyway. Give me a bit of time to put ours through the testing process and I should be better equipped to help you out. Thanks for asking. 😎👍

[@lambo6892]

Thank you brother!

[@nofreerides7033]

Was thinking about putting bump stops on my dbxle 2.0 what would be good?? But this is a great idea got some fuel line sitting around… Iam gonna put this on all my RCs .. it’ll help with the chassis slap.,. And will also help with damage to chassis and underlying screws.. all in all a great idea thanks.,,

[@AJJAMStudios]

Search around and find some tubing that fits the shock shaft size of the DBXL-E. In this application, with the weight involved, the tubing size really matters. Think of the weight of the car under power, and the impact pressures. The tubing I used in the video works for 8th scale, but the DBXL-E is way bigger. Please let me know what you find, and what you chose to use. Thanks for the comment, AJ

[@nofreerides7033]

Probably go down to my local hardware…thanks for info…

[@ramonbmovies]

Where can you get that silicone tube that you cut to size and put over the shaft?

[@meknow2851]

Thanks

[@justinsimmons4614]

Have aftermarket shocks on my BigRock. I put 40wt oil in them. The rear are ok but the front bounces when I hit bumps. Go with heavier oil or stiffer spring?

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool, are all shock absober from the 1979 Sand Scorcher's stock dampers to the latest all adjustable? How man mm are they adjustable- I mean the length? God bless.

[@raztastic]

I'm less than a minute in and you got a like+sub for being awesome

[@buttersgrows8427]

I bought gpm shock for xrt the fluid sucks. Could you do a video on piggybacks?

[@justinellis9465]

We're you ever able to find a decent piston replacement for the Big Bore shocks?

[@AJJAMStudios]

Not yet.

[@allenjohnroe]

shock pistons are further adjustable by tapering the holes in them. if you use a body reamer or oversized dril bit then just hit the top or bottom of the holes (depending on the desired effect) you can change the bound or rebound of the shock characteristics. I always save the factory piston original and experiment on secondary pistons. i've found no benefit from tapering both sides 1/2 way, it just makes them act as if there were more or larger holes. also please be mindful that all shock pistons are in the same direction, tapered holes on the top or bottom. great video you scraped the surface of how a shock can be infinitely adjusted.

[@Goat67]

21K views and only 706 likes. This is valuable in formation. A lot of work goes into making these videos. Please take the time to hit the LIKE button. It's FREE!

[@InverJaze]

I am using these shocks for my Mercedes SLK clutch pedal. Speed bumps make your leg 4 times gravity, which causes the clutch system to overpressure. This is a shock on the applied pedal pressure. Having a shock absorber, stops the shock of bumps being suddenly transferred to the hydraulic fluid and causing damage to the pipes, master and slave cylinders. (Known as hydraulic hammering) See Mercedes Clutch over centre helper spring. 🏎🔧 One of the factors in any sports car is weight. So adding over pressure hydraulic bypass valves and controllers are just too heavy to use. Note that it is not that I drive over speed bumps at speed, it is when you never saw that killer bump coming. Note, the brake doesn't seem to need this addition, as the system is more robust. 1:1 scale lol

[@fredrickfletcher2823]

What's the best RC Shocks to buy from Amazon?

[@denvermatt]

Question: the 1st kraton shock at about 4min you have aluminum (silver) shock retainer on it. Whi makes them? Thanks for the videos. I'm a 80's kid also and love the heavy metal. Seems like yesterday I saw Motley Crue in 89 on tour lol

[@AJJAMStudios]

I am unsure. I have such a large scrap box of stuff. I just picked them out and they fit so I used them. Wish I knew more. They are from 1/8th scale shocks, I know that much.

[@harlembrown2943]

I have the 2024 Arrma Kraton 8s EXb only 2 month just a roller nothing major and only 2 runs just noticed oil come out of tiny hole at top of shock what’s the issue?

[@phillipfrey6597]

Thank you for the video. What shock oil would you suggest for the arma vorteks

[@AJJAMStudios]

At the moment I have 35weight in mine and it works well. Thanks for asking 😎👍

[@BoomslangSuss]

When you add that silicon sleeve you are also reducing your shock travel by about 1/2 the length of the tube because it can’t compress 100%.

[@AJJAMStudios]

It compresses more than you think upon impact. It also prevents maxing the shock out, lowering the shock to the suspension. It is a negligible difference. Thanks for commenting 😎👍

[@BoomslangSuss]

@@AJJAMStudios Not trying to be a jerk here, just talking. Those sleeves will never compress more than 50% - that's just how all rubbers work and I've seen it on full scale shocks all the time - bikes and motorcycles. Also, if you are shortening your shock travel both internally and eternally, wouldn't it be smarter just to get a shorter shock? Personally I just use a soft o-ring for a little extra bottom out protection. I strive for my shock to be tuned well enough that you don't need so much additional bottom out control. Great channel and vids!

[@AJJAMStudios]

That is what I love about running this channel. (Casual conversation here). Each person can do things the way they want to do them and if it works for them it is not wrong. I have a video coming out to address this issue and show the way we do it, when necessary, and to explain why we do it this way. Is it easier to place shorter shocks on a vehicle, yes, but if you are not able to get a set of the correct shocks or there are time constraints this method works too. If I need to use duct tape or some kind of wire, or zip ties to get an RC up and running in the short term, I'll do it. I have a couple of RCs that require a certain amount of extra cushion to prevent bottoming out or the drivelines pop out and this method solves that particular problem. It is cheap and easy and prevents wrenching in the field more often than not. The tubing we use here is RC nitro fuel tubing and with enough pressure during landings it will compress all the way down until the shock hits its stop. Those landings are entirely too much for the system, but it does occasionally happen. As always, there are thousands of ways to address an issue like this. Most of them work. Oils, piston vent sizes, shock lengths, they all play a role in tuning an RC. You are not wrong on the basic premise, finding the correct parts to address an issue like this is usually the best way, but there are times when this method is exactly what is needed to correct an issue overlooked by the factory. The RC that pops to mind is the Cen Racing Reeper. The chassis never hits the ground, placing the whole weight of the truck on the suspension parts during a landing which causes the truck to break arms and pop out the drive axles. The RC comes from the factory with stiff sleeves to prevent this axle issue but I think it is a design flaw in the RC and they did this as a stop gap measure. We use the silicone on other RCs as a way to add extra cushioning during impact and it helps. I appreciate your willingness to discuss this issue. Thanks very much for the comment. AJ

[@hobbyman1971]

Good video sir. It’s really helpful. But Can I use 1/8 shocks on a 1/10 car ? Will it work properly? Thanks

[@AJJAMStudios]

Usually no. The scale difference is too great. I'm sure there are a few shocks that might work in certain applications, but as a rule, you need 10th scale shocks on your 10th scale vehicle. The throw and size of 8th scale shocks, plus the weight they are designed to carry, would negate any possible advantages they might have. Thanks for asking. If by some chance you get a set to work properly, leave me a comment and let me know what you had to do to get it to work. Thanks. AJ

[@hobbyman1971]

@@AJJAMStudios thank you. I bought mine accidentally, and I didn’t know about that. I tried to reduce the length of the shocks by using fuel line tube. But I feel that there is sth wrong. Can you help me?

[@hobbyman1971]

@@AJJAMStudios thank you. Recently I’ve got a set of bladder shocks, but after a while from bashing, I found that the bladder was torn. But there isn’t leak. I am in Vietnam so it’s inconvenient to get the new bladder. So is it ok if im still running it with torn bladders? Or can I replace it with silicon O-rings?

[@lifetakesflight]

Have you swapped out the stock springs on your Mojave EXB?

[@AJJAMStudios]

Negative. I like the way it runs out as it is. Thanks for asking. AJ

[@blameusa7082]

thank god 2 days of searching

[@AJJAMStudios]

We’re glad you finally found us 😎👍

[@fredrickfletcher2823]

I'm looking to upgrade my front and rear Shocks on my Arrma Senton 3s 4x4 BLX and I want to purchase them off of Amazon, which do you suggest?

[@AJJAMStudios]

We don’t usually buy from Amazon so I can’t help you there. Sorry

[@segt99]

Very informative video. Unfortunately I am still at a loss. I am running a stock Traxxas 2wd Stampede. Recently the back end is barely rebounding. The stock shocks don't have the threaded barrel so I can't adjust the ride height with the spring like your aftermarket shocks. Would the lack of rebound be caused by air? low fluid? worn out springs? I would like to fix them myself but being on a budget I can't afford to purchase parts that just aren't the cause of the issue.

[@AJJAMStudios]

First I would remove the shocks and see if the suspension is binding up. If things move smoothly I would test each shock for smoothness to see if they function properly. We use light fluid for rough terrain. Let us know what you find. 👍

[@segt99]

@@AJJAMStudios Thanks I just dissembled the rear end. Cleaned it all and made sure things were moving easily and without interference. The shocks do rebound but once reinstalled onto the truck and placed on the ground it sits fine. However, if I push down on the rear it stays down except for maybe 1/4-1-2" up travel. Like I stated earlier, they are stock shocks and don't have the screw type barrel so I am not sure what I need to do.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Most manufacturers use spring clip adjusters for spring tension. They snap over the barrel and press the springs down. That should help with your spring settings. 😎👍

[@gatordave6629]

Why did you not discuss spring rate

[@matthewbellaus3752]

I did 4 shocks.... 1 of them I've re done 3 times .... Same process but when I put it back together I can not pull the shaft down with out a fight ... It's like so hard and won't come out

[@jessemanglona2366]

And now I know.... thanks...

[@nelsonbrum8496]

You forgot to mention that the retaining rings have a correct way to mount.. and that is the leading cause to them coming out of their groove in the shaft and ruining your day..

[@hustlerkc11]

Why cant u just drill more holes in the piston until u gget the ride u want?

[@AJJAMStudios]

You can but you cannot undo it without buying new pistons. Both ways do work. Thanks for asking.

[@hustlerkc11]

@@AJJAMStudios thanks for the quick response.. much appreciated

[@JullyJully-sg3se]

shock almost not compressed, this only works on big scale rig, probably way too stiff for 1/10th even smaller.