Proline Pro MT 4x4 Project
Page 2: Upgrades!
The most significant problem I had with the ProMT was the sloppy
steering. I used a very strong steering servo, but most of the
torque was lost in compliance in the linkage. The biggest source
of loss was the servo saver input crank. The initial version was
prone to almost immediate breakage so Proline replaced it with a new
version under warranty. The new version solved the breakage
problem but only making the part in a much softer plastic that would
bend rather than break. This made the problem even worse.
Later, they came out with the aluminum option shown on the right which
made a huge difference. The next weak point in the steering system
was the tiny bearings used to connect the cross beam between the
cranks. These came apart very easily. A Facebook user came
up with a system which doubled up the cross beams as shown on the
right. This, in combination with the aforementioned servo saver,
made the steering work great. I didn't take any pictures though,
so these stock photos will have to do.
Phase 2:
A couple of years later I decided to install some other upgrades. I
can't claim any of these were really necessary because they aren't
solving a problem, but I do like aluminum. The photo on the right
shows the new aluminum parts from Proline and Kraken RC. The photo
on the right shows the plastic parts which were replaced ex post facto.
The first part I changed is the steering plate. This part connects
the front gearbox to the center differential housing, thus stiffening
the whole front suspension. It also serves as the upper bearing
support for the steering posts. The new aluminum version has some
slots which allow you to see through to the upper steering cross
beam. The above photos show before and after.
These before and after photos show the rear diagonal gearbox
stiffener. The new part is nearly the same geometry as the old,
just aluminum instead of plastic. This part and the front brace
above come from Kraken RC who did an amazing job of replicating the
anodization color of the original Proline parts.
These photos show the new upper aluminum shock caps and shock mounts. No problems with the originals, but these look cool.
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