The Losi Nano Qlo is a remarkable little machine: a fully functional rock crawler that fits in the palm of your hand. Despite its tiny scale, the Nano Qlo delivers impressive crawling capability right out of the box. However, like any hobby-grade RC vehicle, upgrading the suspension can dramatically improve articulation, stability, and durability. This guide covers the most common suspension parts available for the Nano Qlo, what they do, and how to choose the right upgrades for your driving style.
Understanding Nano Qlo Suspension Basics
The Nano Qlo uses a four-link suspension system with oil-filled shocks. The stock setup is decent for casual indoor crawling, but serious enthusiasts often replace components to overcome limitations. Key suspension parts include:
- Shocks and springs – Control damping and ride height.
- Suspension links – Connect axles to the chassis; affect articulation and geometry.
- Axles and knuckles – Transfer power and allow steering; aluminum versions reduce flex.
- Sway bars – Rare on this scale, but some aftermarket options exist.
- Shock mounts and brackets – Provide adjustability.
Upgrading Shocks: Oil-Filled vs. Friction Dampers
Stock Shocks
The Nano Qlo comes with tiny oil-filled shocks. While better than friction dampers, the stock shocks use thin oil and have plastic bodies, which can leak over time. They also lack threaded adjustment collars, making ride height changes difficult.
Aftermarket Aluminum Shocks
Several manufacturers offer machined aluminum shocks for the Nano Qlo. These are typically adjustable via threaded collars, allowing you to change ride height and preload. They also use smoother shafts and better O-rings to reduce leaks. Prices range from $15 to $30 for a set. Look for shocks with multiple oil weight options; thicker oil slows rebound, which helps in low-speed crawling.
Spring Options
Replacement springs come in different rates (soft, medium, firm). Softer springs allow more articulation but may cause the chassis to sag. Firmer springs improve ground clearance but can limit weight transfer. For most indoor crawling, a medium-rate spring is a good starting point.
Suspension Links: Length and Material
The Nano Qlo uses plastic four-link bars on both front and rear. These are adequate but flex under load. Upgrading to metal links (often stainless steel or titanium) reduces flex, improving steering precision and consistency. Additionally, adjustable links let you fine-tune wheelbase and caster angle.
Adjustable Links
Aftermarket links are usually threaded with rod ends (ball joints). You can adjust length by turning the ends, which changes the distance between chassis and axle. Lengthening the links increases wheelbase (improves stability), while shortening reduces it (improves turning radius). For crawling, a slightly longer rear link often helps with hill climbing.
Material Choices
- Stainless steel – Durable and affordable, but heavy. Good for budget builds.
- Titanium – Lightweight and strong, but more expensive. Preferred for weight-saving.
- Aluminum – Light but can bend. Not recommended for link material.
Axles and Knuckles: Strengthening the Foundation
Stock Issues
The stock plastic axles and steering knuckles are the weakest point on the Nano Qlo. Under heavy crawling or after adding weight, the tiny plastic C-hubs can strip or break. Upgrading to aluminum or brass components adds strength and lowers the center of gravity.
Aluminum Knuckles
Aluminum steering knuckles (front) provide a more rigid steering system. They also allow the use of bearings instead of bushings, reducing friction. Some knuckles come with a higher steering angle for tighter turns.
Brass Parts
Brass suspension components (like brass portals or brass axle weights) add unsprung weight, which improves tire grip and stability. Many competitive crawlers add brass to the front axle to keep the nose planted during climbs. Brass parts are heavier than aluminum but much denser.
Spring and Shock Tuning
Preload
Use shock collars or spacers to adjust preload. More preload lifts the chassis, increasing clearance but reducing articulation. Less preload lets the suspension sag, lowering the center of gravity and improving tire contact. For technical crawling, a slight sag is beneficial.
Oil Weight
Replace shock oil with a heavier weight (e.g., 30wt to 50wt) to slow down suspension movement. This prevents bouncing on steep descents. Conversely, lighter oil (10wt) allows faster response on small bumps. Experiment between 20wt and 40wt for most conditions.
Other Suspension Parts Worth Considering
- Shock Towers – Aftermarket shock towers (front and rear) provide additional mounting holes for shock angle adjustment. Different mounting positions change the leverage ratio and affect ride quality.
- Panhard Bar – Some kits include a Panhard bar for the rear axle to locate it laterally. This can reduce rear steering and improve consistency.
- Lower Links – Replacing only the lower links with aluminum can be a budget upgrade. Upper links see less stress, so plastic is often fine.
Building a Suspension Upgrade Strategy
For Trail Walking and Light Crawling
Start with aluminum shocks and a set of medium-rate springs. Add adjustable links to set the wheelbase to 80mm (stock) or slightly longer. Replace front knuckles with aluminum to improve steering feel. This setup increases durability without adding much weight.
For Competition-Style Crawling
Go full brass: brass knuckles, brass portal covers, and brass lower links. Use titanium upper links to save weight. Install threaded shocks with 40wt oil, and set the ride height low. Add a Panhard bar if available. This setup maximizes grip and articulation, necessary for extreme lines.
For Rock Racing or Bashing
Focus on durability: aluminum everything, especially axles and knuckles. Use stiffer springs to handle landings. Consider a 4-link upgrade kit with heavy-duty rod ends. Use thick shock oil (50wt) to control rebound.
Practical Tips for Installation
- Use threadlocker (blue) on all metal-to-metal screws.
- When installing adjustable links, count the turns on each side to keep the axle square.
- Check for binding: after installing new parts, cycle the suspension by hand to ensure smooth movement.
- Add a drop of silicone oil to shock o-rings before reassembly to prevent leaks.
Final Recommendation
For most Nano Qlo owners, the best first upgrade is a set of aluminum shocks and a pair of aluminum front knuckles. These parts address the most common weaknesses: poor damping and brittle steering components. If your budget allows, add adjustable lower links (stainless steel) to fine-tune geometry. Avoid over-upgrading all at once; make one change and test before moving to the next. The Nano Qlo rewards incremental tuning, and suspension is where the biggest gains come from.
Remember that tiny screws and parts require patience and proper tools. A good set of mini hex drivers (0.9mm, 1.3mm, and 1.5mm) is essential. With the right suspension upgrades, your card-size crawler can tackle terrain that seems impossible for its size.