Is it OK to have a dogbone center driveshaft with T's at each end?

[e32lover]

Hi, I have an extended wheelbase custom crawler, the only center front and rear driveshafts that I can find that will fit are dog bones with the T end at both end, IE no ball joint.

Is it OK to use such a set up? The only problem I can see is that there will be a few mm's of constant movement as the driveshaft is not at all fixed in place on either end.

If so, are their any tricks, like putting a bit of rubber in the housing or something to stop the driveshaft moving forward and back so much?

Thanks.

[ik632]

I don't think a regular dogbone will work. The drive shaft in my Wraith go in and out quite a bit and a dogbone won't allow that. I have Traxxas Maxx shafts in mine and I love them. You might want to get a set of those (search maxx shafts) and then use 2 females and a male glued into one of them. That is cheap and shoudl hold up.

[heartless]

just how long do you need? I dont think you are looking in the right places if you cant find a proper driveshaft of the right length, but can find a dogbone that is...

This Super long Punisher shaft is over 9 inches long...

and there are a few others that are quite long as well here

otherwise, do what ik632 said - make your own out of easily obtainable parts.
But trying to use the dogbone type of shaft? ummm...no.

[Olle P]

Some crawlers, like Losi Night Crawler, do have dogbone drive shafts that work. If the span is like 3mm or less I'd say it's a non issue.

[heartless]

Originally Posted by Olle P

Some crawlers, like Losi Night Crawler, do have dogbone drive shafts that work. If the span is like 3mm or less I'd say it's a non issue.

that may be true - but apparently his needs much more than 3mm... so it is an issue...

[Hunter711]

MIP's. Not cheap though. Have a look see:3 For the Hills: Project X

[e32lover]

Well the problem is at the diff end, because of the aftermarket gear set including main shaft, it needs a special drive shaft housing on that end so it needs to be a dog bone.

The problem is I cant find an 8mm dogbone with a ball joint that is 90mm long with a ball joint side housing that will bolt up to a 6mm gearbox main shaft. Hence the need to use a dogbone with 2 T ends. When I look at it I cant see how it could not work, the only problem i can forsee is that there will be way to much play, causing premature failure or power loss but i am only an amateure and new to this sport, so I seek your advice.

[doublej]

What crawler is this - photos would go a long way.
You said it's custom but how much travel does it have? I don't think the dog bone will slide on and out like your thinking but the amount of movement will let most modded losi crawlers function without issue - so should work for you.

[e32lover]

Thanks. It is more of a basher, 3s brushless beast. I put some photos up here of the setup but was unable to get a clear answer as to whether the dogbone setup would work.

Suspension travel does not need to be that great, and I have the car sprung quite stiff

Help me!! Drive shaft dramas, cant find one that will work!!