Suspension Pin Conversion

One of the more irritating items on the Rustler is the stock screw-in suspension pins. They truly secure only one side of the suspension component, and often have a tendency to back out. One method to help prevent them from backing out is to slightly enlarge the hole for the pins, and use some powdered graphite in them. This does nothing to address the strength issue though. Also, if the drilling is performed incorrectly, can result in the destruction of the area that is intended for the threads of the screw-in style pins.

You can convert the Rustler suspension over to kingpins and e-clips. This is standard for the steering blocks, in newer versions of the truck, and it makes them a great deal stronger. This approach can also be carried over to the rest of the suspension as well. Below you see the items and information needed to make this conversion happen.

The picutres below are of an Electric Stampede. However the location and procedure for the Rustler is exactly the same.

Front Suspension

Caster Block To Front A-Arm

You have an option for this replacement. You can choose Traxxas Part #2636 or Losi Part #A-1149 XXT.

If you use the Traxxas pins, you'll need to enlarge the holes in the arm and caster block. Use a 1/8 in. drill bit for the holes in the arm. It will be a very snug fit, but that's fine. Use a 9/64 in. (or slightly larger) drill bit on the caster block to enlarge the hole where the pin from the arm goes through. The caster block will not fit as snug, nor does it need to. It should swivel on the kingpin easily.

If you use the Losi pins, you won't need to enlarge the holes. The Losi pins are a millimeter or two longer, but this won't cause any problems. You can throw a washer behind the e-clip if you are concerned about the small amount of play to remove it. The Losi pins do not come with e-clips so you'll need Losi Part #A-6103 as well.

Chassis To Front A-Arm

The part you need for this is Traxxas Part #2640. It is a direct fit. Just remove the screw pins and replace them with the kingpins and e-clips.

You'll also want to use a tie bar on the front of the truck, between these two pins. You can choose Traxxas Part #2532 (Fiberglass) or Traxxas Part #2532X (Graphite).

Steering Arm to Caster Block

This is standard on newer versions of the truck, and it makes the caster block much more resistant to breakage. If you need to make the change, you'll swap the stock screw pins with Traxxas Part #3740, as it's a direct fit.

Rear Suspension

A-Arm To Bearing Carrier

The pins you'll need here are Traxxas Part #2637. It's a simple swap. Replace the screw pins with the kingpins and e-clips.

Chassis To Rear A-Arm

To swap these you'll need Traxxas Part #2639. They are a direct fit.