Attachment 745912
After much deliberation we chosen to make the switch to Shepherd for a great many reasons.
Early feedback:
Negatives:
Reaching the rear droop screws seems like an effort
Front droop/sway block in plastic need changing
Clutch front bearing bothers me
C Clips on wheel hubs caused grief for son - need the right tool
Needed a third post. (Son followed M Rhienhard and made his own)
Positive:
Pinion split at 4mm means I can use TM clutches.
Diffs are a delight, small
Handle works as a roll bar, sweeet
Build nice and manual quite reasonable
Concerns:
Access to rear droop screws
Grub screw type lower shock arm connection
Front bearing on Shepherd clutch is tiny.
Needed to shave down the ball cup on steering to prevent rubbing on bulkhead.
Fuel tank is quite long and maybe subject to heat deformation
Overall I think it's a good car and we'll soon find out how it handles. Machining seemed precise and the 2011 updates were included and necessary as the front eccentrics were way too low from what I saw.
We included LiIon, with a Muchmore 7A regulator, I've never liked the idea of a regulator, I suppose we had to at some point try it out.
Any further tips would be appreciated.