Extending the wheelbase on RC cars is nothing new but I've yet to see anyone document this for the WL Toys 144001 Thus, I've written this article to show you how to do it step by step. There are a number of benefits, not least of which is straight line stability. The good news is that this requires no extra parts and it only takes about 10 minutes Basic theory for extending wheelbase Changing wheelbases has long been something you could do with race-spec RC cars in order to adjust for track conditions. Generally speaking short wheelbases allow for faster turning (sharp corners in particular) and longer wheel bases allow for better straight line stability. The 144001 is overpowered for such a small car (especially if you upgrade to brushless) that any increase in wheelbase is welcomed ESPECIALLY if you are looking at speed runs where straight line stability is crucial. Extending the wheelbase on a WL Toys 144001 The good news is this is very simple on the 144001 and it's free - no new parts are needed and so far as I can tell there are no compromises to the car. In fact there are slightly more benefits than I first thought:
Easy right?! I've checked over the alignment and everything seems to be fine - the shock sits square and doesn't foul on anything and the dynamic suspension geometry remains nice and neutral. The only disadvantage I can see is that you can no longer fit an LC Racing Anti Roll Bar. This is a fairly minor disadvantage - anti roll bars are typically only used for track racing. This mod will add an extra 5 to 10 mm of extra wheelbase which is small but significant. But for a fast and free mod? I'll take it. For those keen eyed readers you can probably figure these changes have been made for my new speed run car, however I will roll out to my other cars in time as the benefits well and truly outweigh the disadvantages on these small cars. Thanks for checking out my article and please let me know on my facebook page or in the 144001 group if it worked out for you. I've created a reference page below for all of the 144001 articles I've published here: 144001 UPGRADES - EVERY ONE OF MY GUIDES HERE. Thanks for reading, if you found this article useful please feel free to like or share, the facebook links below directly link/like this article. Links are affiliated and help me buy the bits I need to produce this type of content. If you are looking for RC cars, quads or parts check out my coupons and discounts page which I keep updated with only the RC cars, parts and quads I like at a proper discount
30 Comments
Martin
28/8/2020 05:55:43 am
Very cool guide as always! Can I have name of them foam wheels?
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Quadify RC
28/8/2020 10:16:06 am
Thanks Martin. I bought from Amain Hobbies but they are widely available:
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Hazza
22/9/2020 08:46:56 am
Great guides as always and I have done both the part 1 and part 2 changes already. With regards to this one is it still a benefit for a basher, not going to be doing big speed runs so just wondering if it's still worth doing?
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QuadifyRC
29/9/2020 09:35:20 pm
Cheers Hazza
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Hazza
29/9/2020 09:37:50 pm
I'll have to look at the droop adjustment again as I couldn't really work it out. I got the screw kit but the grub screws seem very short to to anything
Markus
22/9/2020 08:07:37 pm
As far as I can see this changes the geometry for the dogbones. They are slightly angled afterwards, which _may_ cause issues. The dogbones have to bridge a bit more distance between the drive cups, which _may_ cause the dogbones to slip out.
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QuadifyRC
29/9/2020 09:36:30 pm
Let us know how you got on. All my gear was stolen last week so sadly my testing has stopped until my new orders arrive :(
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Markus
4/4/2021 04:42:11 am
Other projects got in the way, but I have just done the swap and also changed the outer wheel bearings to slightly wider ones to minimize slop. I have to wait for better weather to try the car. As I use 85mm wheels I suspect to curb the tendency to wheelie a tiny bit, as also more mass is put towards the center of the car. Not that the featherweight shocks mounted 2cm more towards the center will make a huge difference, but every tiny bit counts 😄
QuadifyRC
5/4/2021 10:45:57 pm
Nothing wrong with a good wheelie! Have fun
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Paul
28/9/2020 05:50:36 am
You need to drill the droop holes again with this change too.
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QuadifyRC
29/9/2020 09:37:47 pm
Hey Paul. Would love to have my cake and eat it too but I'm too nervous to drill a 3mm hole in a skinny little arm! Would be cool if it works. Something for me to try when I get replacement gear in.
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Jean-Michel
11/12/2020 06:13:58 am
Hey
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Johan Bogg
30/12/2020 11:12:34 pm
You do realize you could have achieved the same by just swapping the left and right side? That way you wouldn’t have needed to turn the hub or removed the shock or the tie rod from the arm.
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QuadifyRC
31/12/2020 08:26:12 pm
Hub orientation is wrong if you do it that way though
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Johan Bogg
1/1/2021 05:37:14 am
Well, the only thing that is reversed is the mount for the tie rod, can’t see how that would affect anything really?
phil
4/2/2021 04:33:45 am
what are cons of swapping the arms to keep the droop grub screws?
QuadifyRC
4/1/2021 10:12:58 pm
It does actually, the suspension geometry changes and you'll need to readjust your camber. That's not "exactly the same operation" in my books but if you want to do that I won't be standing in your way!
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Johan Bogg
4/1/2021 10:39:56 pm
Well, personally I thought the tie rod was at a more “straight” angle towards the hub in this direction.
Jason
14/1/2021 06:59:38 am
It looks like from the before and after that the Track has been extended (widened), but the wheelbase remains the same (distance from front lug to rear lug). Also do you have the measure in MM for this distance?
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QuadifyRC
4/2/2021 08:50:41 am
Hi Jason
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Alex
21/1/2021 10:02:41 am
Hi,
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QuadifyRC
4/2/2021 08:49:34 am
Thanks Alex. I agree with you, on the 124019 the wheelbase is long enough already and I'd much rather have droop adjustment
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David Giles
16/2/2021 09:10:49 am
Hi,
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Johnny
16/2/2021 09:33:52 am
The problem occurs when going to bigger tyres as that will make the motor work harder to achieve the same rpm, more torque is needed with same gearing if going up in tyre size.
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QuadifyRC
16/2/2021 10:58:11 am
Thanks Johnny, perfect explanation
QuadifyRC
16/2/2021 11:01:51 am
Hi David
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Daniel
18/4/2021 09:31:00 pm
Great mod!
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Markus
18/4/2021 09:46:20 pm
I‘ve done it exactly like that. Worked like a charm. Car drives well and won‘t wheely that much anymore 😄
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tim
15/2/2022 07:33:44 pm
hi are my front wheels supposed to go opposite directions when i turn it with my hands?
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Alkay
28/5/2023 01:37:31 pm
Yes and rear as well.
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