AR45 straights

[josh9mile]

Have any of you guys successfully installed ar45 straight axles under your element? Thinking about going that route on my current build.

[Lashlee]

It should be fairly easy, most of the mounting points are nearly identical.

[MOguy]

44s fit real easy.

[HumboldtEF]

The Stealth X tranny has the front driveshaft offset to the passenger side and the AR45s have the offset pumpkin on the other side. Seems like that may be an issue.

[twade984]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

The Stealth X tranny has the front driveshaft offset to the passenger side and the AR45s have the offset pumpkin on the other side. Seems like that may be an issue.

With the optional top shaft you can flip the trans and have the output on the left side. You need the top shaft, and you have to flip the gears inside the transmission so the o/d is going to the opposite output.

[josh9mile]

Originally Posted by twade984

With the optional top shaft you can flip the trans and have the output on the left side. You need the top shaft, and you have to flip the gears inside the transmission so the o/d is going to the opposite output.

Yeah, I've actually got the inverse shaft on the way 👍

[ScaleLifeNewbie]

Instead of starting another thread, ill just post my question here. I have been toying with the idea of going to AR44 or AR45s.

With that being said, would AR45s be worth it? What's different between 44 and 45s?

[twade984]

Originally Posted by ScaleLifeNewbie

Instead of starting another thread, ill just post my question here. I have been toying with the idea of going to AR44 or AR45s.

With that being said, would AR45s be worth it? What's different between 44 and 45s?

The biggest difference is offset diff with the 45.

Similarities:
Ring gear, pinion and lockers are interchangeable
I believe the width is the same
This one I’m iffy on, but I thought I read someone in here used ar44 knuckles on an ar45. Don’t hold me to that though


Pros of ar45 over ar44:
Offset front diff (looks more realistic)
Readily available as a set and cheaper than two ar44 axle kits
(Side note, the 98mm shock that comes in the kit has the same compressed length as a Trx4 shock)
Beefier stock housing
Stock with 6-bolt locker and machined gears
Stock with universal shafts

Cons:
Almost no after market as far as housings, c-hub’s, and maybe knuckles
Offset diff can cause drive shaft binding if the trans output is too far to the right
Panhard and upper link mounting points slightly different, and may not drop in as easily as an ar44 will in certain setups
No option for running servo on axle