Return to the BUILD
“Next, you will attach all the parts of the Front Suspension system that you have been building or collecting to the Front Chassis Frame of your model.”
This is going to be a longer pack to complete, so take your time and enjoy!
Contents
Parts
Build
Front Suspension System
Step 01
Retrieve the two unused Hinges from Pack 41 (these are marked ‘1’ and ‘2’). Fit the Hinges to the left side of the Front Chassis Frame at the matching numbered locations. There are small, keyed posts on the Front Chassis Frame that these Hinges sit on top of to align them correctly, as shown.
The Front Chassis Frame has these numbers marked on it that match the numbers on the Hinges:
Secure these two Hinges to the Front Chassis Frame with two (2) HM screws.
This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
Retrieve the two unused Hinges from Pack 46 (these are marked ‘R1’ and ‘R2’). Fit the Hinges to the right side of the Front Chassis Frame at the matching numbered locations, as shown:
Secure these two Hinges to the Front Chassis Frame with two (2) HM screws:
Step 02
Retrieve your Front Left Suspension assembly. Slide the Left Lower Swing Arm down into the two left-side Hinges, as shown:
You will also want to make sure that this suspension arm is below the square block of the Front Chassis Frame, as shown:
Secure the Left Lower Swing Arm into place using two (2) FM screws and matching nuts:
Step 03
Retrieve your Front Right Suspension assembly. In the same way as the other side, slide the Right Lower Swing Arm down into the two right-side Hinges, as shown:
Secure the Right Lower Swing Arm into place using two (2) FM screws and matching nuts:
Step 04
Retrieve the Right Front/Middle Half Shaft assembly from Pack 45. Slide the round end of the Right Front Half Shaft through the fork of the right Stroke (arrow below), aligning the pin and screw holes of the Middle Half Shaft to this location on the Front Chassis Frame.
I circled the alignment pin location on the Middle Half Shaft below:
Secure the Middle Half Shaft to the Front Chassis Frame with two (2) HM screws:
Step 05
Retrieve the Left Front Half Shaft assembly from Pack 45. Slide the round end of the Left Front Half Shaft through the fork of the left Stroke, aligning the mounting hole to the Middle Half Shaft, and secure it in place with one (1) HP screw.
In order to ensure this is installed correctly, take note of this extra ‘half-circle’ of plastic at the base of the tab. This should be facing down towards the Front Chassis Frame:
Step 06
Retrieve the Steering Shaft from Pack 50. Turn the Front Chassis Frame assembly over and fit the rounded ends of the Steering Shaft over these struts of both Steering Knuckles, as shown.
The ‘box’ of the Steering Shaft should be facing towards the rear of the Front Chassis Frame. It is not seen in the photo below, so look closely at the ends of the Steering Shaft and how the bends look to make sure you have this correct:
Secure the Steering Shaft in place with two (2) DM screws, one at each end.
Do not over-tighten these screws as these are pivot points that should be able to rotate:
Step 07
Position the Left Suspension Arm into this groove of the Front Chassis Frame:
Retrieve the Left Arm Housing from the previous pack (it is marked ‘L’). Secure this into place over the Left Suspension Arm with two (2) HM screws, as shown.
These screw holes are kind of deep, so I needed to put some solid force on the screwdriver to get them to bite:
Step 08
Position the Right Suspension Arm into this groove of the Front Chassis Frame:
Retrieve the Right Arm Housing from the previous pack (it is marked ‘R’). Secure this into place over the Right Suspension Arm with two (2) HM screws, as shown:
Thoughts
I loved this issue! Anytime we bring lots of loose parts and assemblies together, it makes me happy. And look at our front suspension system, it looks fantastic. I wonder when we get to install it into the car?
Next Up
Pack 54 – Interior: Dashboard, Instrument Panel/Cluster/Indicator/Holder