Titanium hinge pins for stampede? keep breaking caster blocks

I just ordered fastlane caster blocks and front bulk for my stampede not just a minute ago. I kept break caster blocks and bending the pins. Will my alum caster blocks be able to keep it from ever break again? Or are yall using different kind of pins.

These are the pins i keep bending.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJF51&P=M

[jnev]

Welcome to the forums.

The castor blocks from FLM are very strong. Even if they do break, FLM has a great warrenty and you'll get another set for very cheap, if you even do break them. I'd suggest hinge pins from Lunsford racing. You can get a set here:
http://www.lunsfordracing.com/mm5/me...Code=TRUC-TRST

I am sure you can get them from Tower Hobbies as well.

Originally Posted by bi_eep

I just ordered fastlane caster blocks and front bulk for my stampede not just a minute ago. I kept break caster blocks and bending the pins. Will my alum caster blocks be able to keep it from ever break again? Or are yall using different kind of pins.

These are the pins i keep bending.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJF51&P=M

2.5mm pins are too wimpy. I doubt Ti pins would help at that thickness. I drilled mine out to take 3mm. Once you go to 3mm, you'll rarely have issues. And I doubt you'll ever see broken casters again with Al blocks. One of my pede's had large sport traxx t-maxx tires all around which is major stress on the little guy and I only occasionally bend the rear pins. That's more a design flaw on the truck though and mostly inevitibe to bend the pins here and there. Keep spares on hand of all lengths. I'm pretty sure the FLM's are already set up for 3mm already. But you need to be aware the FLM blocks are made for Rustler nitro front ends and you need to switch over the nitro steering arms and rustler style front wheels (bearing in the rim, no hex nuts) if you want to use the FLM blocks. There's a Al set made as a direct replacement for pedes if you'd rather not switch. They're pricey though, and you will need to drill out the 2.5mm pin holes to 3mm like I did.

I just realized i bought the wrong caster block....it's for the nitro stampede i have the xl5 electric. I know i could get nitro hubs and run the tires that go with it but i just ordered rpm hub carriers...

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXNY89&P=ML

Is it possible to run these hubs on the nitro caster block with the stock hinge pin?

I've emailed mike about my situation. I sure hope we can get this resolved.

not possible. Also, stock hinge pins are too weak. Surrounding them with stronger parts won't help since the pins aren't captured. They're in simple shear. I strongly suggest you move up to 3mm pins whatever route you take.

I've been there, and I suggest you return the blocks to Mike if you want the RPM hubs , and pick up these blocks up instead...

http://www.hobbyetc.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?part_id=1391

FLM has nice stuff but I am at a loss as to why they chose nitro style hubs for the pede. Not worth the headache to me to convert everythign to nitro.

So is this everything i need?

-Already purchased flm caster blocks

-these pins. 3mm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJG83&P=ML

-these hubs
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJE88&P=7

-these wheels
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJJ87&P=M

and im set? drill 3mm holes in the hubs right?

[jnev]

Yep, with that stuff, I think you'll be set.

I wanna say thx to you "rc" you have been such a huge help! I do have another question. I bought the front bulk for the stampede. Is there anything special with these? Do stock 40mmx3mm pins fit these flm bulk? All your info has help tremendously.

[hyperasus]

I think you are making a huge mistake converting to nitro. Guess if you already bought the stuff then you'll see why soon as you do it. I've been there done that and quite frankly, I'd rather replace the stock plastic caster block often then go back to the crappy pita nitro style front axles. That link cadima provided is golden so don't overlook it. Looks like they have both the aluminum electric caster blocks, and aluminum bearing carriers. Those are the two missing links for stampede. How is it that I didn't know about these hobbyetc.com guys. Thanks cadima.

no prob hyper.

bi-eep, you want a perfect fit for the hinge pins to prevent wheel play. So I suggest you pick up a drill bit slightly less than 3mm and buy a 3mm hole reamer. If yu don't want to do it perfectly right, at least buy a 3mm drill bit. The SI inch versions will either be too small or too large depending on which size you try.

Originally Posted by hyperasus

I think you are making a huge mistake converting to nitro. Guess if you already bought the stuff then you'll see why soon as you do it. I've been there done that and quite frankly, I'd rather replace the stock plastic caster block often then go back to the crappy pita nitro style front axles. That link cadima provided is golden so don't overlook it. Looks like they have both the aluminum electric caster blocks, and aluminum bearing carriers. Those are the two missing links for stampede. How is it that I didn't know about these hobbyetc.com guys. Thanks cadima.

I have all Al for my fronts. Had a bearing seize up on me once and the heat melted out my RPM carrier. Now, I just spend the money up front and do it right, do it once.

I dont know what imma do with flm blocks but i think imma go this route.

these hubs
http://www.hobbyetc.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?part_id=1391

these steering
http://www.hobbyetc.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?part_id=32262

use stock
-pins

kinda curious why you said the nitro front end sucks though?