Originally Posted by oreo

I've briefly peeked at the Oval racing websites(Rc4Less.com,Ovalstuff.com, LefthanderRc), and also TeamIRSRC and also TeamCRC......some of the options are teflon coated pivot balls , the standard # 8417 ones (plastic Associated parts) and the Bronze pinch-proof ones from CRC. I've stuck with the standard issue # 8417 pivot balls. Good luck with your choice.

Originally Posted by DesertRat

The bronze ones from CRC are not as good as their plastic ones, they seem to bind more easily. I swapped back to the plastic.

Originally Posted by SlowerOne

Stick to the plastic ones. Despite lots of effort over many years, no one has come up with anything that matches the performance of the plastic ones. The lowest friction is with the plastic ones, anything else raises friction and compromises handling.

Make sure you lubricate the kingpin with enough silicon fluid to prevent the dirt getting in - a smear will do the trick - and they will last a long time. If you don't like damping on your front pins then use a 3000wt oil. Clean out everything thoroughly and re-lube after every meeting to maintain the performance of the suspension.

The fit in the socket can be fixed with a smear of superglue on a cotton bud if too loose, and if the kingpin or socket fit is too tight, select another ball. Metal ones will not fix those fit issues. HTH