RCCrawler Forums

Harley · 10-11-2011, 04:24 PM

I bought a pair of RC4WD aluminum Wraith axles last week and received them today. I ordered two front axles because my Wraith is setup with 4WS. The reason RC4WD specifies a front and rear housing is because these axles include either aluminum C’s (front) or straight axle adapters (rear). These pieces are included due to the fact that RC4WD modified the design to simplify machining of the axle. You can see that an Axial style C hub will not fit (this is a VP unit but is the same as stock). This is not a bad design at all, just worth noting. These axles also include aluminum bearing caps, another bonus!

After receiving the axles I inspected the finish. The machine work is what we have come to expect from RC4WD. These aren’t some crude version of what the stock axle looked like, such as what we see from Integy or Golden Horizon, these are very close copies of the stock Axial plastic housing. Many people may not even realize you are running an aftermarket aluminum case if you get the black version such as I did (that is until you see the scratches the rocks leave!).

I assembled one of the axles loosely shortly after receiving them. The axle went together easily and tolerances felt pretty good. I was missing one of the screws for the bearing caps and had one too many of the short screws used to hold the C’s on but that is minor. I had a VP diff cover on my desk so I used it to test fit, went right on just like you would expect. I will assemble an axle completely with bearings and gears soon.

First impressions of this axle, it’s a complete STEAL for the cost. I honestly can’t believe they are including so much for so little. If you subtract what aluminum C-hubs ($31) and bearing caps ($16) you are only paying $43 for the axle housing. Again, it’s a steal of a deal. I’ll buy these again in a heartbeat.

ROLANDROCKSHOP · 10-11-2011, 04:55 PM

x2!

ill be buying another set for the Rockshop wraith!

The Doc · 10-11-2011, 05:04 PM

Is the housing reversible to use on the other side.

Harley · 10-11-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doc

Is the housing reversible to use on the other side.

Yessir. Exactly like stock only better as it uses 3mm threads. Tapped on both sides.

ROLANDROCKSHOP · 10-11-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harley

Tapped on both sides.

thats what she said..

Harley · 10-11-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLANDROCKSHOP

thats what she said..

left that one hanging.

muddywaters · 10-11-2011, 07:17 PM

Harley could you use to front axles like your set up, but leave the front axle that will be used for the rear axle with the straight axle adapter for future hop up of the 4ws system.

northkona · 10-11-2011, 07:38 PM

GREAT! now there is another shiny part I just gotta have !

if I put my original axles on my honcho its another way to justify the purchase

Harley · 10-11-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddywaters

Harley could you use to front axles like your set up, but leave the front axle that will be used for the rear axle with the straight axle adapter for future hop up of the 4ws system.

Not really. The way the axles are retained it wouldn't work. You just have to buy the stuff you need. You may be able to buy the C's and straight axle separately.

muddywaters · 10-11-2011, 08:08 PM

Thank's Harley, I also agree on getting the axles black to give it that more scale look of scratched up and beat up axles. I will be purchaseing my axles by the end of the week. I've almost got the part's list completed so that when my Wraith comes in it's straight to upgrade mode.

M_ENERGY · 10-11-2011, 08:09 PM

Just for curiosity what is the weight difference between RC4WD and Axial??

Harley · 10-11-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_ENERGY

Just for curiosity what is the weight difference between RC4WD and Axial??

If I get a chance I'll weigh it. The RC4WD versions are heavy but it doesn't bother me in a big heavy scaler.

Harley · 10-13-2011, 06:54 AM

I completely assembled the axles last night. The tolerances on the bearing pockets were pretty decent and everything is spinning smoothly.

My Wraith is torn down slightly right now but I'll get it running with them soon.

zrxw13 · 10-13-2011, 12:08 PM

Will the VP high steer knuckles work on the rc4wd Chubs?

docsrcrepair · 10-13-2011, 12:19 PM

I got mine last monday and assembled them right away

I've gotta say they are right on and fit perfect. I cant wait to get some rash on them!!!

They should fit since this is almost a replica of the original,deminsions seem the same.

Harley · 10-13-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zrxw13

Will the VP high steer knuckles work on the rc4wd Chubs?

Yup they bolted right on.

Racer4Life · 10-14-2011, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the notes Josh. We chose to keep a good price point on these. Was very hard to do with the amount of machine work needed on them though.

I have made a note to the packing dept about the screw mishap. We have been working very hard to keep more items in stock, ship within 1-2 days and improve the customer service and support.

Thanks
Tom

Supercomputer5 · 10-15-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harley

If I get a chance I'll weigh it. The RC4WD versions are heavy but it doesn't bother me in a big heavy scaler.

Harley, did you get a chance to weigh them yet? And did the diff cover come with th em?

DRCrawlGood · 10-15-2011, 05:33 PM

Well its nice to know we have a fairly cheap and high quality alternative to the plastic versions if we break an axle housing.

Harley · 10-15-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercomputer5

Harley, did you get a chance to weigh them yet? And did the diff cover come with th em?

I forgot to weigh them. No a diff cover is not included. That is a VP diff cover.

10-11-2011, 04:24 PM	#1
Harley 20K Club Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sending illegals home one Hayabusa at a time. Posts: 22,981	RC4WD Aluminum Axles - Review I bought a pair of RC4WD aluminum Wraith axles last week and received them today. I ordered two front axles because my Wraith is setup with 4WS. The reason RC4WD specifies a front and rear housing is because these axles include either aluminum C’s (front) or straight axle adapters (rear). These pieces are included due to the fact that RC4WD modified the design to simplify machining of the axle. You can see that an Axial style C hub will not fit (this is a VP unit but is the same as stock). This is not a bad design at all, just worth noting. These axles also include aluminum bearing caps, another bonus! After receiving the axles I inspected the finish. The machine work is what we have come to expect from RC4WD. These aren’t some crude version of what the stock axle looked like, such as what we see from Integy or Golden Horizon, these are very close copies of the stock Axial plastic housing. Many people may not even realize you are running an aftermarket aluminum case if you get the black version such as I did (that is until you see the scratches the rocks leave!). I assembled one of the axles loosely shortly after receiving them. The axle went together easily and tolerances felt pretty good. I was missing one of the screws for the bearing caps and had one too many of the short screws used to hold the C’s on but that is minor. I had a VP diff cover on my desk so I used it to test fit, went right on just like you would expect. I will assemble an axle completely with bearings and gears soon. First impressions of this axle, it’s a complete STEAL for the cost. I honestly can’t believe they are including so much for so little. If you subtract what aluminum C-hubs ($31) and bearing caps ($16) you are only paying $43 for the axle housing. Again, it’s a steal of a deal. I’ll buy these again in a heartbeat. Last edited by Harley; 10-11-2011 at 04:28 PM.

10-11-2011, 07:17 PM	#7
muddywaters RCC Addict Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 1,168	Harley could you use to front axles like your set up, but leave the front axle that will be used for the rear axle with the straight axle adapter for future hop up of the 4ws system. Last edited by muddywaters; 10-11-2011 at 07:22 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-11-2011, 04:55 PM	#2
ROLANDROCKSHOP I wanna be Dave Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: roland,ar Posts: 5,981	x2! ill be buying another set for the Rockshop wraith!

10-11-2011, 05:04 PM	#3
The Doc RCC Addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,189	Is the housing reversible to use on the other side.

10-11-2011, 07:38 PM	#8
northkona Rock Crawler Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: FNQ Australia Posts: 681	GREAT! now there is another shiny part I just gotta have ! if I put my original axles on my honcho its another way to justify the purchase

10-11-2011, 08:08 PM	#10
muddywaters RCC Addict Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 1,168	Thank's Harley, I also agree on getting the axles black to give it that more scale look of scratched up and beat up axles. I will be purchaseing my axles by the end of the week. I've almost got the part's list completed so that when my Wraith comes in it's straight to upgrade mode.

10-11-2011, 08:09 PM	#11
M_ENERGY Rock Crawler Join Date: May 2009 Location: just north of BFE in SC Posts: 979	Just for curiosity what is the weight difference between RC4WD and Axial??

10-13-2011, 06:54 AM	#13
Harley 20K Club Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sending illegals home one Hayabusa at a time. Posts: 22,981	I completely assembled the axles last night. The tolerances on the bearing pockets were pretty decent and everything is spinning smoothly. My Wraith is torn down slightly right now but I'll get it running with them soon.

10-13-2011, 12:08 PM	#14
zrxw13 Rock Stacker Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 71	Will the VP high steer knuckles work on the rc4wd Chubs?

10-13-2011, 12:19 PM	#15
docsrcrepair Quarry Creeper Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pontoon Beach Posts: 405	I got mine last monday and assembled them right away I've gotta say they are right on and fit perfect. I cant wait to get some rash on them!!! They should fit since this is almost a replica of the original,deminsions seem the same.

10-14-2011, 05:31 PM	#17
Racer4Life I wanna be Dave Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: In Cali. Posts: 4,109	Thanks for the notes Josh. We chose to keep a good price point on these. Was very hard to do with the amount of machine work needed on them though. I have made a note to the packing dept about the screw mishap. We have been working very hard to keep more items in stock, ship within 1-2 days and improve the customer service and support. Thanks Tom

10-15-2011, 05:33 PM	#19
DRCrawlGood RCC Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Amish Buggy PA Posts: 1,100	Well its nice to know we have a fairly cheap and high quality alternative to the plastic versions if we break an axle housing.

Sponsored Links

RCCrawler Forums

Thread: RC4WD Aluminum Axles - Review