Yeti XL Solid Front Axle by Helios RC

[BoardN88]

Put me down for an aluminum kit!

[Helios RC]

These will be ready very soon to purchase the printed parts. Just finishing up some of the install instructions and other things folks will need for the first batch.

[Helios RC]

Originally Posted by Fordfreak95

How is this going to mount up to the front of the frame? Im green to this solid axle RC truck stuff sorry...

Most folks will use this conversion as the stepping stone to other projects. The stock chassis won't work very well with the solid axle front. Keep an eye out for the XL based monster truck we're working on as well as a few shafty comp style crawlers folks are building.

[Helios RC]

Beta testers! Read up!

For those who have been patiently reminding me every hour on the hour (you know who you are), the wait is over.

Use the links below to order the special 3D printed parts for the conversion. They will be available in black or dye-able white nylon. You need to pick a color when you order.

Also, these are print to order, they are not stocked yet. We are using a service to print using selective laser sintering of nylon on a machine that costs between $500k and $1M. These can be done in PLA, but the SLS nylon most closely matches the strength and flexibility of the injection molded parts.

Ok, you either read all of that or scrolled down here to the good stuff.

1. Truss - this replaces the stock truss allowing a servo mount. The holes for the upper link mount arr printed under-sized. This will allow you to use set screws, drilled and screw biting into nylon, or through hole with a long screw.

Model | Shapeways

2. Servo mount - yup, this is where you mount the steering servo. Currently it mounts to the left side, but the truss allows for a mirrored servo on the other side letting you use two servos for steering. The mirror mount is designed, but not released. If you really want it, I'll upload it and it will be the same cost as the first mount.

Model | Shapeways

3. Left Chub - you need chubs for steering. These are clearanced slightly more than the first set you've all been seeing pictures of. The fit of that one was tighter than I liked so the ID was opened up a little. You want them snug, but may need to clean them up a little inside.The goal is to have a tight fit where they need to be tapped on.

Model | Shapeways

4. Right Chub - the Yin to the Left's Yang.

Model | Shapeways

NOTE: these are BETA products. This means that there is a good chance we will make minor tweaks to them. Please contact me if you have an issue. You fearless testers are part of the team and get to put in your feedback. These are YOUR parts!

[BoardN88]

Anybody try this yet?

[67mustang]

I think this is great...but I have slight reservations.

Why is there only gonna be 25 aluminum sets? Wouldnt you want to sell 25x that? I am mainly interested in the c-hubs. Is the geometery right? I understand BETA, but has this setup been vetted/run on an actual vehicle? Do you plan on offering housing/hubs/bearings/shafts/knuckle/gears? Essentially a built front axle?

since you seem to be breaking new ground.....what about a spool/locker?

[__T__]

any pictures of it mounted? i would think it would look sick

[BIG T]

Can't u just take two chassis and cut them and use a plate to bolt them together to have mounting point for links.

[rockalot]

Originally Posted by BIG T

Can't u just take two chassis and cut them and use a plate to bolt them together to have mounting point for links.

Of course you could but I think the main idea with these parts is that now you have both a large scale steering axle and rear axle for custom projects like monster trucks, mudders, crawlers, scalers, not just straight axle Yeti's.

[BIG T]

Ah very true why did I not think of that a wraith xl

[BIG T]

now where to find a complete rear axle assembly

[Helios RC]

Originally Posted by 67mustang

I think this is great...but I have slight reservations.

Why is there only gonna be 25 aluminum sets? Wouldnt you want to sell 25x that? I am mainly interested in the c-hubs. Is the geometery right? I understand BETA, but has this setup been vetted/run on an actual vehicle? Do you plan on offering housing/hubs/bearings/shafts/knuckle/gears? Essentially a built front axle?

since you seem to be breaking new ground.....what about a spool/locker?

Good questions. I've run the parts on the rear of an XL with the steering locked just to test durability and it held up very well. The geometry was designed to be very good, but we all know that things can be tweaked as we use it more and more.

I will certainly entertain more than 25 sets. I figured that was a good starting point, but always happy to do more.

[Helios RC]

We're going to offer all of the parts together as a kit to build an entire front axle as well as potentially offer some built ones. We're looking at the spool/locker too. It's not too bad, just need to get it machined.

[Sneetches]

Sign me up for a spool, I'll gladly be a test dummy.

[BoardN88]

ill be a tester too!

[BIG T]

still looking for complete yeti xl axles

[Scrambled83]

Im in the process of a large scale build and would love to use XL axles!
How do I order a steering conversion?
Would like spools for both axles as well.
Thanks!!

[TRAV]

up dates?????

[BobTeagle]

Originally Posted by Helios RC

Indeed!!! You'll spin her around as fast as a greased pig at a carnival.

Anyone tried this yet on the rear for four wheel steering?

[tonyfalkon]

Originally Posted by Helios RC

We're going to offer all of the parts together as a kit to build an entire front axle as well as potentially offer some built ones. We're looking at the spool/locker too. It's not too bad, just need to get it machined.

I saw your products on shapeways a week ago I thought it was strange that it was not for sale it'd be a nice starting point. After scouring the net for a day I was glad to see that you were a member here as well, and started this thread, I was wondering if you are still entertaining the idea of adding another beta tester. I'm new here, just a month today, but building and improving things has always been a passion of mine and given the chance I would like to get involve in your Axial front solid axle project. I'm sure this project is gonna be a lot of fun tweaking, cutting and re-sizing not to mention discovering weak points, geometry of stress points and load pressure stress tests.

And if you do not consider me thats disappointingly OK too, have fun with your project and I'll be looking forward when you move it to market.