Front mono-shock suspension on a 1:10 drift chassis: how it works on the XP1 and XP2

Most 1:10 drift chassis have one damper per front wheel. The XP1 and XP2 have one damper for both. This is where the idea comes from, what it gives you, and when it is not the right choice.

Where the idea came from

Mono-shock front ends show up in several branches of motorsport, from hillclimb cars to Formula 1. Those cars were the inspiration for the XP series.

The MMC version does not work exactly like them. In the full-size systems, the bellcrank can slide sideways against springs to absorb lateral loads. That was impossible to replicate at 1:10 scale. The answer was to let the chassis itself absorb those lateral loads, which is why the XP1 and XP2 have a flex slider.

How it works

Both front wishbones drive one central damper through a bellcrank. The damper reacts to loads that hit both front wheels at the same time: braking and accelerating (pitch). Body roll is handled by the chassis flex, set with the slider.

Mono-shock vs two dampers

The D3 uses the conventional layout, with one damper on each front wishbone, so you can compare both approaches across the MMC range.

Advantages of the mono-shock

• Less weight.
• Fewer parts creating friction.
• A simpler front end.
• More room for the wheels at full steering lock.

Disadvantages

There is only one, and only on irregular surfaces. Because the arms on both sides are linked, bumps and imperfections are not absorbed as well as with fully independent suspension. On smooth surfaces it has no drawbacks.

Setting it up

• Spring. The right stiffness depends on how you place the electronics on the chassis, because that sets the weight on the front. There is no single correct spring.
• Oil. A very thin oil gives a lively, reactive feel, and it is what we run.
• Stiffness. Adjust it with the spring preload on the damper, as on any conventional car.

When not to use it

On very irregular surfaces, like very aggressive asphalt or a bumpy track, a fully independent front end will absorb the surface better. On smooth surfaces such as P-tile, carpet or polished concrete, the mono-shock has no downside.

On the XP2

The XP2 kept the mono-shock from the XP1, and it pairs well with the XP2’s triple-shock rear suspension.