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Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281 vs GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R

These are not competing parts: one is a single steel turnbuckle (ARA-3281) and the other is a pair of alloy rear shocks (MAKM074R). Buy the turnbuckle only to replace a bent or stripped M3x48mm link on a Mini Kraton; buy the GPM shocks if you want firmer, rebuildable rear damping with adjustable preload. No prices were provided for either part, so check current store prices on each listing before ordering.

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Arrma
Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281

Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281

Choose the Arrma turnbuckle if you need to replace one damaged M3x48mm steering or camber link and want to keep the truck stock.

Pros
  • Steel construction resists bending better than soft stock links
  • Direct stock replacement, no setup changes needed
  • Simple threaded length adjustment
Cons
  • One piece per pack, so a full set means buying several
  • No upgrade in damping or handling
  • Only fits the M3x48mm position
GPM
GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R

GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R

Choose the GPM rear shocks if you want a pair of alloy, rebuildable 74mm rear dampers with threaded preload and a spare stiffer spring set.

Pros
  • Thicker 3.0mm shafts than the 2.5mm stock parts
  • Bleeder screws make oil changes and rebuilds easier
  • Threaded preload collars let you set ride height precisely
  • Two spring rates included for tuning
Cons
  • Only rear shocks, so the front stays stock unless bought separately
  • Oil weight is inconsistent between the spec list and the description
  • Alloy shocks can bend or crack in hard crashes where plastic flexes

What separates them

Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R
Part typeSingle steel turnbuckle link, M3x48mmPair of alloy rear shock absorbers, 74mm center-to-center
Quantity in packOne turnbuckleTwo shocks plus two extra springs
Shaft diameterNot applicable (threaded link)3.0mm shaft vs 2.5mm stock
AdjustabilityThreaded ends for link lengthThreaded spring preload collars for ride height
RebuildabilitySolid steel, no service partsBleeder screws for easy oil changes
Spring tuningNone1.2mm black spring installed, 1.3mm silver spring included
OilNoneSilicone oil, listed as 500cSt in specs and 1000cSt in the description
FitmentMini Kraton M3x48mm link positionARRMA 1/16 Mini Kraton 3S (ARA2508), replaces ARA-2670/2671/2762

Price history

  • Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281: lowest $8.68 on Oct 29.
  • GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R: lowest $22.90 on Oct 29.

Specs compared

SpecArrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R
Type—Suspension
Compatibility—Car / Truck
Shock length—74mm centre-to-centre
Shock shaft diameter—3.0mm
Stock shaft diameter—2.5mm
Oil weight—500cSt silicone oil
Installed spring—black spring with a 1.2mm wire
Extra spring—silver spring with a 1.3mm wire
Quantity included—2pcs
Extra springs included—2pcs
Model number—MAKM074R
Brand—GPM

What reviewers say

Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281

Owners of Arrma's small-scale trucks generally treat stock steel turnbuckles as adequate for normal bashing but a weak point in hard crashes. Reception of this specific part number is thin, so treat it as a routine replacement rather than a praised upgrade.

Pros
  • Direct fit with no modification
  • Holds adjustment better than worn originals
  • Inexpensive to replace
Cons
  • Bends in heavy impacts
  • Single-piece sale means buying multiples
  • Threads wear when rod ends are already loose

Questions and answers

Which one should I buy first?
They fix different problems. Replace the turnbuckle if a link is bent or stripped. Buy the shocks if the rear damping is blown, leaking or too soft.
Do the GPM shocks fit my Mini Kraton?
They are listed for the ARRMA 1/16 Mini Kraton 3S (ARA2508) and replace stock parts ARA-2670, ARA-2671 and ARA-2762. Check your model number before ordering.
Are the GPM shocks worth the extra over stock replacements?
They add thicker 3.0mm shafts, bleeder screws and preload adjusters, plus a spare stiffer spring set. That matters if you race or tune; for casual bashing, stock replacements are cheaper.
What oil weight do the GPM shocks use?
The spec list says 500cSt and the description says 1000cSt. Confirm with the seller, or plan to refill with your own oil weight through the bleeder screws.
Will the Arrma turnbuckle fit other trucks?
It is sized for the Mini Kraton at M3x48mm. Measure your existing link before buying for any other model.
Do I need both parts together?
No. They are independent upgrades. Many owners replace links after crashes and shocks after the stock dampers wear out.

More comparisons

  • Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281 vs ARRMA ARA-2669 CVD Driveshaft 71mm (2)
  • Arrma Turnbuckle Steel (Mini Kraton) M3x48mm ARA-3281 vs GPM Rear Lower Suspension Arm 7075-T6 Aluminum for ARRMA 1/16 Mini Kraton 3S - Upgrade Replacement A-Arm
  • GPM Rear Lower Suspension Arm 7075-T6 Aluminum for ARRMA 1/16 Mini Kraton 3S - Upgrade Replacement A-Arm vs GPM Racing ARRMA-Mini Kraton Alloy Rear Shock Absorbers 74mm MAKM074R