Spring Loaded Skis for R/C Buggy

These skis are designed for a Traxxas Rustler but could probably be adapted for other rear-wheel-drive / 2-wheel-drive R/C cars. The spring keeps the front tip up when/if the weight comes off. The stanchion part prints with a hole through it length-wise for inserting one end of the spring. The grooves on the bottom of the ski should give a little more grab for steering.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrbdGSYCjCY (Planning to add more photos soon.)

To print:

• (4) bushings
• (1) left stanchion
• (1) right stanchion
• (2) skis

Note: The skis may print more cleanly if they're printed "on edge". The support material ends up around the pivot-risers instead of under the curved tips.

Note: Since the camber and tow on the left and right are opposite, but the spring is not mirrored, the left and right stanchions are two different parts.

Note: The spring hole comes very close to the edge of the "leg" on the stanchion so, depending on printer resolution, it may show through or even leave an opening.

Note: For strength, at least the stanchion should be printed solid (100% infill). It may be ok to print the ski part at less than 100% infill, but that would affect how much it would tolerate abrasion (from patches of dry pavement, rocks, or dirt).

The pivot bolt is a M4-0.7 x 35 mm "cap screw" and matching nylon lock nut.

• Home Depot SKU: 577742 and 594265 The spring comes out of a Harbor Freight "1-1/2 in. Nylon Spring Clamp".
• Harbor Freight Item#: 69292

Assembly:

1. Insert a spring in the bottom part of each stanchion with the exposed "leg" of the spring pointing towards the rear (vehicle-wise).
2. Position the rocker part of each stanchion between the risers on one of the skis so the longer end of the ski points toward the rear (vehicle-wise).
3. Slide a bolt through a bushing, and then through one ski-riser, through the rocker part of the stanchion, and through the other riser.
4. Slide another bushing on the "nut end" of the bolt before adding the nut. Note: The bushings should slide all the way into the ski-risers on both sides.
5. Install the ski-stanchion assemblies on the car, in place of the front wheels, so that the tabs line up on either side of the steering arm, preventing the stanchion from rotating.

Category: R/C Vehicles