1 Epoch 1: Big Build Day
Epoch 1 Total: ~$130-160
Complete chassis swap with new suspension, servo, and bearings. Alasdair wants a “beetle car” so we’re going with the BUG18 body kit which includes the LCG aluminum chassis. You have to disassemble most of the truck anyway for the chassis swap—might as well do all the internal upgrades while it’s apart.
After this epoch: New beetle body, lower center of gravity, better articulation, reliable steering, smoother drivetrain.
The kids’ job: Sorting screws, handing you parts, pressing bearings in with supervision.
1.1 Bill of Materials
| Item | Part Number | Source | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUG18 Body + LCG Chassis Kit | BUG18-BK-111 | Injora | $56 | Beetle body with interior + aluminum chassis |
| 59mm Brass Oil Shocks (4-pack) | 4M-63BK-4 | Injora | $26 | Threaded preload, brass ends for added weight |
| Metal Gear Servo (7kg) | INJS2065 | Injora | $15-20 | With matching mount |
| Sealed Bearing Kit (22pc) | 4M-03 | Injora | $14 | Replaces stock bushings |
| Brass Diff Covers | — | Injora | $15-25 | Low weight for stability |
| Silicone Shock Oil | 30wt | Amazon/hobby shop | ~$8 | See Q&A below |
| Hex Driver Set | 1.5/2.0/2.5mm | — | ~$15 | If you don’t have one |
Why brass shocks? The 4M-63 shocks have brass ends instead of aluminum. This adds ~20g of unsprung weight at the lowest point on the truck, improving stability. Same price as regular shocks but better for crawling.
1.2 Q&A
What weight shock oil should I use?
Start with 30wt for general crawling. Heavier oil (35-40wt) slows rebound for more controlled descents but feels sluggish on flat terrain. Lighter oil (25wt) is bouncier but more responsive. The 59mm shocks come empty—you’ll need to fill them.
Tip: Buy a multi-pack with 25/30/35wt so you can experiment.
Do the shocks come with oil?
No. The Injora 4M-63 shocks ship dry. You must add oil before use.
What about the Defender body?
We’re replacing it with the BUG18 beetle body. The original Defender body works with both stock and LCG chassis if you change your mind later.
1.3 Reference
1.3.1 Alternative Shocks
| Option | Length | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injora 4M-63 (brass) | 59mm | $26 | Threaded preload + brass weight; our pick |
| Injora 4M-42 | 59mm | $25 | Threaded preload; lighter |
| Pro-Line Big Bore Scaler | 60mm | $50 | Three spring rates included |
| Little Guy Racing Parts | 60-62mm | $30-31 | Two spring rates, billet aluminum |
Video Guides:
- TRX-4M LCG Chassis Install — Search for current build videos
- Oil Shock Basics — Understanding preload and damping
Community Discussions: