Spring Loaded Skis for R/C Buggy

thingiverse

These skis are crafted to fit a Traxxas Rustler but can likely be adapted for other rear-wheel-drive / 2-wheel-drive R/C cars. The spring keeps the front tip elevated when and if the weight shifts off. The stanchion part prints with a hole running through it length-wise for inserting one end of the spring. The grooves on the bottom of the ski provide extra grip for steering. To print: * (4) bushings * (1) left stanchion * (1) right stanchion * (2) skis Note: Printing the skis "on edge" may result in a cleaner finish. 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 distinct 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 added strength, at least the stanchion should be printed solid (100% infill). It may be acceptable to print the ski part at less than 100% infill, but this would impact 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 from a Harbor Freight "1-1/2 in. Nylon Spring Clamp". * Harbor Freight Item#: 69292 Assembly: 1) Insert a spring into the bottom part of each stanchion with the exposed "leg" of the spring pointing toward 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 onto 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.