Beefy copper axles
 

this isn't for a crawler, but the technique still applies:

http://img347.imageshack.us/img347/1387/mvc061s3rf.jpg

those are 1/2-3/4 copper pipe adapters on the sides of the diff (it was a very tight fit, had to use a vise) brazed to the brass shroud. the shroud is installed around the diff case, then CVD cups are installed, then the adapters get pressed on. onca all that's done, i brazed the whole mess together. i wouldn't do it with the plastic diff cases, as a good deal of heat is required.

the axle tubes have brackets for Maxx knuckles, using the stock wheel nuts on the back of the pivot balls to hold the knuckles in place. the steering arms will point straight up and tie into the holes in the top of the shroud, which will also be the inner attachment points for the 4-link.

the extra hole on the knuckle plate is for the shock, and the outer 4-link mount. this way the axle tubes do not carry weight, or at least not much of it. while copper is soft, it's plenty strong enough in the lengths i'll end up using (approx 5 inches per side).

this is going on a scale rig, a 1/6 Ranger.

beefcake, Beefcake! BEEFCAKE!!:twisted:

I dont know about copper. Those long tubes might be prone to slight bending that will cause it to kink the driveline. You could just sleeve it with something stronger, or atleast less prone to bending. But i'm not exactly sure what thickness you're using so this is just my experince with copper axles. It seems like since you're axles will be so long, that leverage will bend them. Hard landings from jumps may also do it. just my $0.02

the tubes are only that long because the truck hasn't arrived here yet. once it gets here and i can figure out how wide to make them, they'll be cut down. there will probably be about 3-4" of copper tube on each side of the diff. and, the links on top will prevent them from bending. the tube is about .030 thick. plenty beefy.

if it's not a crawler, then what is it? Puller? Basher?

1/6 scale bash rig, a little bit of everything.

mostly it's just something to build :)

well, it's stubby but it'll never bend:

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/5100/mvc066s0fk.jpg

it'll fit just fine under the Ranger, which arrived today. w00t!

whats your final weight gonna be around? 8-10 #'s?

if this axle is any indication, it'll be around 60-90lbs. :-P

trying to keep it light, but i want it strong, too. got some more work done last nite:

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/3777/mvc067s0fv.jpg

chopped the body down to single cab to match my 1:1 and worked on the chassis layout. looks like a hybrid plate/frame chassis, most likely brass with piano wire reinforcement.

wow, that is awesome. a maxx scaler. what size tires are you going for? my vote is some standard maxx swampers.

harris

it's gonna run 2.2 Moabs, they scale out to 30"

yea, that should look good under that truck. this project looks awesome, i cant wait to see how it shapes up. some swamp dawgs would look a bit more to scale, but if you want preformance too, then you gotta go with the moabs. i just have never seen a truck with tires like that.

harris

the axle is done! i silver soldered the CVDs tonite. they're so cute!

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9707/mvc067s9gq.jpg

for anyone interested, here's an overall shot so far:

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/3875/mvc068s4kf.jpg

mods, feel free to move this to chit chat, although this thing is gonna have lots of Maxx parts (tranny, diffs, front bulkheads, etc)

u need to make it look nicer looks like u found it in a pond or a junk yard

no offesne

can you say work in progress?!?!?!?!!?

god your a dumbass

are you complaining that his driveshafts are dirty? thats the only dirty part i see, and its from his shaft customizing. The rest looks clean as a whistle, and im diggin that body. The chassis looks nice as well. What did you use for sideplates? Its just really nice looking.

K Sorry

micro, you should clean up your workbench!! it makes your crawler look all dirty!! :lol:

I love the driveshafts, actually. They look like they came straight out of a Madmax movie. Is silver solder the same as brazing?