Install spring collars and springs and finally a spring retainer and we're ready to start installing. Kyosho provides plastic balls for the top and bottom of the shocks, which bummed me out at first, I would have liked to have seen steel or aluminum. However, it turns out this is pretty smart. As you tighten up the nuts and screws to secure the shocks, there was a little play between the ball and the shock, so I tightened a little bit more and the plastic swelled and held the shocks slop free. I guess I'll see how this holds up.



Here's a shot of everything installed up front.



And the rear...



Then I installed the servo, I used a 9100S in mine. I love the speed on it. It worked really well.



Reciever and speed control go in, I used an RS Pro and a Futaba FASST reciever matched to my 3PK.



And bolt in the motor and you're off and running.



I am running this in a ROAR stock class, so I used a 17.5 motor. One issue I ran into is Kyosho's spur is intended more for a mod motor than a 17.5 so getting the gearing right was impossible. I ended up swapping some AE slipper pads and spur gear for a T4 on it to get the gearing close for racing. It worked without issue during my race, but I have a proper Kyosho gear coming. I topped the truck off with a JConcepts Manta body and ran stock SC10 tires up front and JConcepts subcultures in the rear. It's an odd combo but worked well on our lower traction track (though it really shined when we laid down some water and got the traction up a little bit).

I haven't been to a race in about 6 months, so I knew it would be a tough night, but I was anxious to see how the truck would do. I managed 4 out of 6 drivers and had to sit out a qualifier because of a dead radio, I need to find a larger pack for my Futaba controller. For having no idea on setup and just running the truck as I built it I was quite satisfied. With some tuning and a few parts, I think it will be seriously competitive. Probably more than my driving skills can do justice.