Some time ago, I was running the Maxx when a jump went wrong in midair. Unlike cats, T-Maxxes don't always land on their feet, and the front right lower A-arm snapped one of the hinge mounting holes. Instead of removing it I decided to see just what I could put this arm through, and proceeeded to drive my truck as hard as I would any other day. For three weeks, I proceeded to hit six foot jumps, whoopty doos, rock climbing, wheelies, and any other thing I could think of doing. Then one day at the beach, after about 25 smooth (and some not so smooth) jumps, she took her last one and bottomed out.
I do have to say that after that experience I have decided against aluminum a arms. Why, you ask?
1-Plastic arms (as well as graphite arms, which one day will be made for the T-maxx) have a flex to them. After from impact, they flex back to the original shape. Aluminum arms won't bounce back--they'll keep the flexed shape.
2-When the aluminum A-arms break they are going to take the hinge pins and bulkheads along with them.
3-Plastic arms cost $3.40 apiece. Aluminum are anywhere from $25.00 to $35.00 to replace (not counting the price of the hinge pins and bulkheads). 4-Can I read your mind for a second? "Why is he talking about breaking? I put these on here because they're indestructable!" Well for those of you who think this, I am sorry, but at an average of 15-20 mph I guarantee you, if you hit anything the wrong way (which is the fun of this hobby), it is going to break/bend/twist/burst/pulverize (take your pick) your suspension, whether it's made of aluminum OR plastic.
Personally, I would rather be replacing $3.40 a arms that can break and still function for three weeks after that.
