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I was reading a review of the Ultima Pro in the 1989 RC Car Action. The car got a good write-up, but it mentioned that the steering should have been something better than bent wire to reduce slop. Another review of the Ultima in an earlier issue also mentioned the steering as a weakness. I have noticed this slop/looseness on used Ultimas, but what would be a good fix? What were the fixes back in the late 80s? After-market parts?

Thanks for the replies.

Are you interested in a period correct solution? The A&L steering system would work, if you can find one. Kyosho also made an upgraded steering set up too. If you want something easily available today, you can use the current RB5/Lazer parts but you'll have to source a rack for it to function properly. I suggest LA-17 which is still available @ shopkyosho.com.

What you aso just can do is put an turnbuckle between the two arms to connect them like Joel did...


mvh Isobarik

Great suggestions, thanks. RichieRich - I just saw a picture in the magazine of the A+L steering system (it's bright yellow, right). Wow - I never knew that existed. I'm sure it was rare then - good luck finding one now, but I'll be on the lookout. I'll look into the other ideas - always good replies here, thanks!

here's the custom Steering i made for my runner ultima through a couple revisions of it. the fiberglass bar is what i still use today and has been working great.

the A&L is great steering, probably hard to find on ebay, but they come up all the time, i needed this type in order to mount the servo and battery lengthwise in the car and for the car to steer like it does now. i never liked the way the battery mounted from side to side, hate that crap lol

The parts I'm using are LA-17 (rack only), LA221b for the plastic steering arm parts, 92921 (Kyosho servo saver tube w/spring) and TOWC8480 (servo saver shaft). The last part is from Tower Hobbies.

This what I want to put on one of my next ultima projects along with a servo-mounted saver
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWTU0&P=7#

but this principle will work fine as a solution with the standard parts:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLVU8&P=7

Hmm, I like that steering rack idea.

you could also search for a losi/houge alloy bellcranks but you may have to drill the bellcrank holes a little larger. I have them installed on a couple of cars, also you would have to go with ball studs and ball cups. much nicer set up then the old kyosho eye ball or even big fat ball stud.

Great ideas and nice pictures, thank you!

I put in an OTW-10 Kyosho steering set-up (recommended by RichieRich). I like it, but how do you mount the servo when you flip it like in MikeDealer's pics. First, I think I need a micro-servo and then are you drilling new holes.

If you are using a standard wheelbase Ultima, you will need to use one of those low-profile servos. I am using an Ultima Pro XL chassis so, I can get away with using a standard servo. It's about 1/2 inch longer than the standard chassis.

Thanks RichieRich. So something like this: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPB45&P=7
With the standard chassis, I have to mount it sideways? Is there anyway to mount it like MikeDealer? I assume I'd have to drill holes, correct.

Yeah, that should work. I have no idea how Mike was able to mount the servo. It looks like he cut the mounting ears off one side. Try sending him a PM and get it straight from the source.

Thanks RichieRich - you are always a big help.