So I got Axial Yeti RTR and have some plans with it. I will share my upgrades and experience here. This is my first RC car :)

Here is website for my project: http://yetibuild.com/

Here is how it looks now:
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Parts that are already installed in my car:
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Team Ottsix Voodoo U4 (blue)
Crawler Innovations Deuce's Wild Single Stage Closed Cell (standard)
MIP X-Duty Rear C-Drive Kit For Axial Yeti #14390
Vanquish Aluminum Front Shock Tower Black Anodized #VPS07790
Vanquish Aluminum Double Sheer Steering Rack Kit #VPS07230
Vanquish Aluminum Front Shock Adjuster Black #VPS07770
Vanquish Front Skid Plate Black #VPS07890
Vanquish Titanium Front Link Kit #VPS07200
Vanquish Titanium Rear Upper Suspension Link Kit #VPS07201
AX31169 - Axial Machined Body Post Mount (Hard Anodized)
AX31166 - Axial Machined Shock Mount Plates (Hard Anodized) (2 pcs)
ProLine PowerStroke XT Shocks (5” Length) - 6275-00
ProLine Power Stroke Shocks - 6063-01
Vanquish Yeti Motor Cam Black Anodized
Vanquish Yeti Motor Plate Black Anodized
RRP1564 - Robinson Racing Gen 3 Slipper Unit for Axial Yeti - 64T Black Steel Spur
NOVAK 5mm 32-Pitch Steel Pinion Gear 3-Pack (15T/16T/17T)
OMF 2.2 Wheel Clamp Ring
OMF 2.2 Front Ring Clear Anodized
OMF 2.2 NXG1 Rear Ring Clear Anodized
OMF 2.2 Original Beadlock Clear Anodized
Scale Wheel Screw Kit
SLW Hub Screw Kit
Vanquish Aluminum SLW 475 Wheel Hubs Silver #VPS01043
Vanquish Aluminum SLW 850 Wheel Hubs Silver #VPS01627
Vanquish Aluminum Bell Crank Black #VPS07810
Vanquish Aluminum Steering Rack Black #VPS07231
Holmes Hobbies Puller PRO BL 540 XL 3500 KV (Waterproofed)
Mamba Monster X
Holmes Hobbies HV500 SERVO
Vanquish Centered Pumpkin Rear Currie Axle Black #VPS07400
Vanquish Incision VDI #IRC00021
Axial Yeti / EXO Steering Knuckles Black Anodized
Yeti Front Caster Blocks Black Anodized
RPM Front A arms for Axial EXO Terra Buggy #70472
GPM Aluminum Anti Roll Bar Set Green For Axial Yeti #YT311FL-G
GPM Steel #45 Front Wheel Joint 1 Pair Set For Axial Yeti #YT039FS
Boom Racing Aluminum Rear 4 Link Mounts - 1 Pair Black
Boom Racing Aluminum Rear Lower Links - 1 Pair Black
Boom Racing Performance Combo Package D With Tool Box (Rear Sway Bar Mount,Anti-Sway Bar Arms,Anti-Sway Bar Links) Black
Team DC Axial Yeti Chassis Protector for Yeti Matt Black
Integy Billet Machined Front Bulkhead (Black)
Integy Billet Machined Spur Gear Cover Assembly*(Silver)
Integy Billet Machined Gearbox Case Set*(Silver)
Integy Billet Machined Alloy+CF Rear Cage Stiffener (Black)
Integy Billet Machined Spring Loaded Front Bumper Mount Kit (Black)
Integy Billet Machined Upper Deck Brace*(Black)
Integy Billet Machined Front Bumper Set w/ LED Lights*(Black)
Incision Spool/Locker
Robinson Racing Extra Hard Steel One Piece 15 Tooth Idler Gear Gun Metal For Axial Yeti #1515

Parts that arrived and are ready for installation & spare parts:
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Baja Bug Body

Few more parts are still on it's way:
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Team KNK Stainless Hardware KIT for Yeti
CREEPERBOB custom fabricated titanium rear axle shafts for Currie centered pumpkin axle
Strong Arms RC modified RPM A Arms
Underdriven heavy duty bevel gears for front and rear

So here it goes...

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Here goes the Voodoos U4 with Deuce's Wilds inside - feels like completely different car on the road ;) Much better handling, not too prone to rollovers in highspeed turns. Nice!

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Yep, I lost right swaybar plastic piece right during my first ride :-D Waiting for replacement. New MIP C-Drive looks very solid! I was able to install it only this way - was not able to slide other end on transmission output shaft - very tight fit - I hope this way everything will be OK...

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Pure beauty :)

Will update next week once second gift-box arrives and I put someting into my Yeti. Hope I will not destroy it (as usual) during weekend :-D

RTR = Ready To Replace, hahaha :twisted:

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Some harder bashing done over weekend and to my surprise, everything is still working - I was expecting to break something "thumbsup"

Here is short video of my relentless water and mud bashing:

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Another batch of parts arrived today!

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So, weekend bashing sessions were not exactly without any damage :)
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Titanium front links installed:
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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Yesterday I ordered Holmes Hobbies Puller PRO BL 540 XL 3500 KV (Waterproofed) + Mamba Monster X ESC + Holmes Hobbies HV500 SERVO

Yay! :flipoff::twisted::flipoff:

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Were you able to order it as a combo?

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

No, I ordered combo with Trailmaster ESC (only one choice there) + external CC BEC and then changed my mind and asked if is it possible to swap Trailmaster with external BEC to Monster X as it costs approximately same and it is better choice. There was no problem with swap, I'm just waiting for price confirmation - maybe I will have to pay some extra - don't know yet. I will update later.

UPDATE:
Trailmaster BLE Pro + Puller Pro BL 540 XL 3500 kv + External BEC 10A = $305.97
CC Mamba Monster X + Puller Pro BL 540 XL 3500 kv without external BEC = $284.84

Actually I was refunded $20 and that is nice. Puller XL with Monster X will be better combo IMO and it is even cheaper.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

More parts coming today...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Today I installed new Proline shocks, rear shock mount, rear titanium links and front post mount.

I also discovered that my (stock RTR) servo is broken. Seems kind of stripped, making strange noises and sometimes steereing to one side stops working, then get back to OK after while and so on. I did not took a closer lok at it. Anyway new HH servo is on the way already so I will wait for this...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Here comes the investigation of my "broken servo"! Things turned out little different. Servo is working and problem was caused by water leaking into reciever box (really waterproof, dear Axial!). I just swapped servo and ESC plugs on reciever box and tried to control servo by throttle - it was working. Simillarly, trying to control motor by steering wheel and it was lagging. This is not good news as I have my new servo on the way, but did not plan to buy new reciever. Anyway, they have TR325 in local RC store so I will pick it up and waterproof it.

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Water everywhere! :)

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Sweeet words :) TRust your Axial :)

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Swapped servo and ESC wires on reciever to test if my servo is working. POSITIVE :)

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Put more aluminium parts to the front. Vanquish steering rack and bell crank are in place.

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

This is what i will do to waterproof my new receiver and servo - simple and effective"thumbsup": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCui1Z9Sukw

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I look forward to your review on those shocks.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I did not run it with new shocks yet, but whole setup seems much stiffer (with 40wt front, 30wt back) than with stock suspension. I'm more into high speed bashing and racing than crawling, so I think it will handle much better. I'm interested if this setup will be able to take full speed corners without rollovers. It is pretty near with Vanquish shock adjuster installed. But then I will put HH Puller PRO XL into it and my wheels will look into the sky again :twisted:

I will let you know once new receiver arrive and I will be able to put my car back together and take it for a drive.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

That's the same way I use my yeti I look forward to reading your review after you test it out.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

More parts showed up!

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I was not able to install new OMF wheels as I do not have 3/32 Allen wrench. I have metric wrenches and this one is 2.6mm - I have 2.5mm :lmao: No problem, I can get 3/32 and finish wheels later :mrgreen:

Because of this, I changed my plans and proceeded with istallation of Vanquish Motor Cam and Plate along with Robinson Racing Gen3 slipper unit and Novak 16T spur gear:

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Look how much beefier Novak spur gear is compared to stock. On the left is Novak 16mm spur gear, on the right is Axial stock 16T spur gear. Novak sells sets of 15, 16, 17.

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I'm little worried with this. Look at the holes into the motor. Vanquish Motor Cam is not solid piece as stock Axial's plastic cam. Stock cam has no holes, it is just solid piece of plastic that covers holes in the motor whereas Vanquish cam opens this holes for water to let into motor. I'm still waiting for Holmes Hobies Puller Pro XL so I will see whether there will be same problem. I think motor is sealed from inside, but I'm not sure. I have time to investigate. Any thoughts on this are welcome. UPDATE: I do not have to worry installed it same way as Harley did so I suppose it will not do any harm if water gets under the motor cam: https://youtu.be/n5AmiWT_n7M?t=6m25s

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Another thing I tried to install yesterday was Incision VDI but did not finished this as I ran out of time trying to slide Yeah Racing knuckle bearing (bigger one that is inside the knuckle) on the VDI. Hell that was impossible! Interesting thing is that Incision VDI slides right into the stock plastic knuckle with original bearing in it. I have few options to try:

1, Freeze VDI, heat up bearing, then slide in. I'm worried if I can dissasemble it later :roll:
2, Put VDI into Vise vertically, carefully align bearing on top of it, put some big washer on it and then use pipe and hammer it right on.
3, Use sandpaper to very slightly brush VDI - this should be better for later dissasembling once I break bearing or something.
4, Try different bearing from same set (I did not tried this yet)
5, Try different bearing (stock one for example - but I can't get that out of the stock platic knuckle :lmao:)
6, Leave original plastic knuckles on my Yeti for now and do not break things :lmao:
7, Leave original dogbones on my Yeti for now and do not break things :lmao:

I wish I can do it this simple, but no luck: https://youtu.be/bkQQg3TxHMg?t=11m3s

I will have to investigate and learn more on this topic and then choose best option. Any advices and thoughts on this are welcome. I'm learning on the go (sometimes hard way) as I'm new to this hobby :mrgreen:

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

More parts! Some of them are spares...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Assembling the wheels...


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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I just picked up THIS! Cannot wait to put it into my Yeti!

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I just contacted Axial asking for replacement receiver. We will see how they care for their customers ;-)

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Yesterday I prepared new motor, ESC and servo. Just connected everything up with castle link and castle quick connect on my table, calibrated, tweaked some settings using Castle Link software. Nothing much to show yet, but everything is working perfectly :)

I did not put any electronics to my Yeti yet because I'm still waiting for this Liquid Electrical Tape so I can wyterproof my new receiver PCB. Hopefully I will do this today and then move on with instalation.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Waterproofing receiver...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Waterproofing servo. Seems like there is some coating but I was worried as it looks very uneven an thin on some spots.

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I used some liquid tape on top of it...

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And then filled up with dielectric silicone grease.

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And it is ready :)

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Mamba Monster X is bigger than stock ESC so I needed to clear some space for it...

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Then glued some plastic pad to raise it above screw hubs...

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Testing new ESC and motor combo...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I have the same ESC :twisted: , my Yeti is the kit version and there is a plate included to mount bigger esc's ;-).

Nice build btw, looks a little bit like mine "thumbsup"

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I have RTR so no plate for bigger ESC. I had to help myself out :) But I will check spare plastic parts that came with it, maybe I will find something... I also unmounted ESC fan as it is not waterproof and I will run 2 cells for now, later maybe 3 cells so it should not overheat.

I hope I will put everything together today so I can test drive it tommorow. Hopefully I will not tear it into pieces - we will see [emoji13]

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I found it, hehe :)

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

New HH servo in place, ESC ready to mount...

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ESC mounted, receiver box stuffed with CC quick connect, receiver and lot of wires. Ready for motor&transmission installation...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Ready to go!

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After test run. Everything OK. Steereing is razor sharp and fast. New suspension is great - almost no rollovers in full speed (2s, stock gearing) on asphalt - it is skidding :) Very happy with this!

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Swap your front left and right rear tires, they're mounted backward. Build looks good. If your running fast, you might look into the HR front sway bar. It made a big difference on mine. Sounds like it's dialed in pretty good though if your not experiencing the yeti roll

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

You are right I didn't noticed that. I will swap hubs. I already have GPM front sway bar and will mount it soon.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Work in progress...

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re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Strong Arm RC on faceBook for his mod to RPM arms, installed and have had apart 3 times for repairs and still using the same stainless bolts supplied, a must have.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Skp64KKXWc

linkee to Strong Arms

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Perfect! Thank you, this is really great and I will definitely buy it for my Yeti. If you have any other suggestions for better durability based on what is already used on my build, please go ahead :)

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

i did something similar to mine but diy style.
without modifying the a-arm, i took just two alu tubes m4 and m5 innerdiameter 3mm and 4mm cut them to fill the gab where the hinge pin is free (18mm) to support the hinge pin without weakening the a-arm.

at the next hit the a-arm and hinge pin still as new. broke my plastic steering knukle, vp waiting to install...

on the nexT hit i bet, either the a-arm or c-hub will break.
an aftermarket c-hub and stock a-arm are on the way. just incase:twisted:

i will leave the a-arm as my weak point like in the rear tthe wbhd.:flipoff:

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Looks good man, only suggestion is to get that reciever out of its hole and get it into the " fuel cell" , id drop a pic but cant seem to get this to take it.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Pardon guys, 47 yrs old here, how do you get allowed to post pics on this forum ?

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

Move that receiver out of its hole and into the " fuel cell" , any water above the pan and your day is over... ask me how i know LoL.
added a switch from an rc airplane and got the out of the silly stock location , looks factory to me.
Pardon so dirty, she had a long day today.

re: Life of one YETI - Tom Frajer's Axial Yeti build log
 

I sealed it already very well in original receiver box and I will keep it there as I do not want to diasassemble it again. Should be OK, and it is lower than fuel cell box - this should be better to put weight lower.