RC10Talk - The Net's Largest Vintage R/C Community

So.

Gold sport
PTFE-coated team
Blue RTR

Are there any real-world differences between these shocks besides their exterior coating? There are a few sets of the GT PTFE-coated shocks on eBay and I was thinking about grabbing one for my GT, but they're not cheap and if it basically just boils down to the aesthetics, I'll keep the blue RTR shocks.

Thanks in advance!

In theory, the PTFE shocks should be a little smoother and the external coating more abrasion resistant.

But when dealing with 30+ year old parts, I'd say that the condition of the parts is more important.

I will say this. Of all my AE shocks, the PTFE models have all held up good. I can't say the same for all of the gold and blue ones.

it could just be me falling for the hype, but the gold and blue shocks always feel a bit 'squeakier' like to me. like i can feel the piston edge dragging/sliding on the shock interior more than the grey shocks.

badhoopty wrote: ↑Mon Dec 16, 2024 6:36 pm it could just be me falling for the hype, but the gold and blue shocks always feel a bit 'squeakier' like to me. like i can feel the piston edge dragging/sliding on the shock interior more than the grey shocks.

The non Teflon shocks contaminated the oil very quickly for sure- I'm sure the anodizing wear was the culprit

The Teflon shocks were a big upgrade in terms of durability. The shocks on my original team car are nearly in perfect condition as a daily run basher. The used shocks I got off absolutely beaten looking ebay wrecks are all in at least good condition. Given the price, you may want to look into the Kashima gold colored shock from AE. They aren't that much more than then vintage PTFE shocks.

It's really too bad they they haven't replicated those for the reissue. It's next level expensive to get small batch PTFE anodizing done.

I really appreciate the replies!

I was wondering because there were a few sets on eBay going for around $50 for take-offs of unknown condition. They looked alright in the photos but that doesn't tell you much about the internals.

Then I found a T3 set new in the original bags for not a whole lot more. Awesome. Let's go. I picked them up.

I always hated building Associated shocks but that "crunch" when you get those o-rings and that cap in there just right is so rewarding...

Brand new old-stock Team shocks. Just finished building and installing them.

I still hate building Associated shocks, but I can't argue with the results. The smoothest shocks I've ever owned...

wunjee wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:49 pm Brand new old-stock Team shocks. Just finished building and installing them.

I still hate building Associated shocks, but I can't argue with the results. The smoothest shocks I've ever owned...

Wait are there shocks that don't suck to assemble?

JosephS wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 11:45 pm Wait are there shocks that don't suck to assemble?

I see it as a sliding scale. They all suck but the degree of suck varies. Tamiya's CVA shocks are probably the least sucky to build with Losi's old bottom-loaded being the worst, and everything else falling somewhere inbetween.

I put the new PTFE hard coated shocks on my GT , they make the shock bodies again in the correct sizes. They will outlast the truck. Super smooth also the finish will resist internal wear from the piston and external wear from the spring for years.