Fast Lane T-Maxx Bulkheads

Installation

Replacing your bulkheads isn't a difficult task, but it does involve removing several components so you can remove and replace the bulkheads themselves. You should notice that in the pictures below I've removed many other parts of the truck in some cases. Removal of many of these items are not necessary, but I've done so for clarity.

The first thing you'll need to do is to remove the bottom skid plate that covers the bulkheads. Once that's out of the way, I would remove the screws that fasten the stock bulkheads to the chassis. From there you can remove the screws that secure the shock tower and the bumper to the bulkheads. Then finish by removing the suspension pins that secure the suspension arms to the bulkheads.

When installing the Fast Lane bulkheads onto your truck it's pretty much the reverse of the removal. First you'll want to reattach the suspension arms to the bulkheads. When using the upper RPM suspension arms, I found it necessary to remove a small amount of material from the ends to allow the arm to swing completely free. This was due to the extra thickness of the RPM arms. It wouldn't be necessary with stock suspension arms.

Also when installing the suspension arms, you should ensure that your suspension pins are absolutely straight. Otherwise reinstalling the arms will be difficult. The plastic bulkheads will flex more and accommodate a bent pin at times, where the aluminum bulkheads will not. I would recommend picking up a set of Traxxas Suspension Pins. These pins, with the e-clips at both ends, will provide a more solid hold of the suspension pin and bulkhead than the stock screw type pins do.

Now you should replace the shock tower. Use a small drop of thread lock such as this thread lock by Devcon. You can pick up a tube of thread lock at several places including your hobby store and an auto parts store. Ensure that the tube you pick up is medium-strength (blue), otherwise it will be very difficult to remove the screw later should it become necessary. Also try to avoid getting the thread lock on the plastic shock tower, as thread lock can damage plastic.

Next I would replace the bumper brace and bumper. Notice I am also using the Fast Lane Bumper Brace between my bulkheads. This is a separate item, but will help provide something more solid for the bumper screws to screw into, as well as adding even more rigidity to the front of the truck. If any of your bumper screws are bent or damaged, now would be the time to replace them. Also don't forget to properly adjust your bumper.

Even though the screws that secure the bumper are screwing into the aluminum bumper brace, I would avoid thread lock in this situation. That way if the screw becomes bent you're not fighting the thread lock and the bent screw.

Now you need to secure the front suspension to the main chassis. Make sure you apply thread lock to the supplied screws before installing them. You definitely don't want these screws to loosen up.

Once that's done, you're ready to go. Rest assured that the front end of your truck is now stronger than ever!!!

Part One:	Introduction
Part Two:	Installation
Part Three:	Testing and Final Thoughts