4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

Is it possible to get a transfer case to allow you to shift between two and four wheel drive on an RC vehicle? And if so is it easily retro into existing trucks?

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

It's called a 'dig', Vanquish makes one for the SCX10-II, but I'm sure you could fit it into any shaft driven truck if you tried hard enough. I'm sure other manufacturers make them but I don't know any.

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Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

Yes and no...

A Dig locks up the back tires and puts all power to the front. Some dig units allow you to freewheel the back as well, but it still does not operate like a 1:1 transfer case.

As far as I know, no, there is nothing off the shelf that would act like a 1:1 transfer case. But, with a little bit of research, a touch of imagination and a bit of garage engineering it wouldn't be too difficult to make something that would work like one.

The big question is "why?"... Even in trail running, there is not much use for a 2WD rig.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

Because it's fun? I don't put my real truck into 4wd until it's absolutely necessary. The challenge of getting as far as possible in 2wd makes an otherwise mundane, snowy ride home a lot more interesting. Driving the RC up the easy parts of a trail would be a lot more fun if I could tackle it in 2wd. "thumbsup"

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

The Tamiya Bruiser/Mountain Rider transmission can do 2/4 wheel drive. It's not a separate transfer case, but the effect is the same.

https://www.tamiyausa.com/items/radi...in-rider-84386

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

Different in this hobby is always good, even if it is something I do not see the value in. But, the reason why I asked the "why" questions is to see if the OP has something specific in mind, a particular scenario that he has to would require 2/4WD.

There are a good number of ways to skin this cat, especially if the OP is looking for 1:1 transfer case functionality, but not necessary arranged like a 1:1 truck would be. I am pretty sure you could do this with a LCC transmission by modifying the shifting a little bit, and setting it up to free-wheel instead of dig. But, it is really up to the OP and what he is after on this project.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

I think this is what your looking for.
Bullet 3 Speed Transfer Case
First Gear is 4WD (1:1 Gear Ratio)
2nd Gear is 4WD (1.9:1 Gear Ratio)
3rd Gear is 2WD (1:1 Gear Ratio)
I've never seen one mounted in a rig. Good Luck with your build.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

I've tried this years ago before, with a Vanquish dig system on an SCX10. I just mounted the whole transmission skid 180 from stock and reversed the motor rotation. RWD, 4WD, and "line lock" (i.e. rear wheel burnouts).

This was quick and dirty, but I had to relocated the receiver box and possibly may have trimmed/mounted the shift servo a bit different to get it to fit without interference from the chassis and/or plastic braces. Kind of fun, but it needed more development. Would need to change the weight distribution to bias at least 60% rear to get it to be any "fun" to drive around in 2WD, but then having a rearward weight bias screws up the climbing ability of the truck.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

I took a Wraith trans, bought the dig, modified the dig unit by grinding off the locking nubs so it would always freewheel, flipped it around, put the spur/input shaft up front and used it as a transfer case. Boom, 2/4wd drive.

It's hooked to a Tamiya semi trans, so it has 3 speeds as well.

Only issue is the entire setup is pretty large. Mine's in a 1/6 rig so I had the room. For a 1/10, you'd just need a front mounted motor/trans like the Venture, CMX, Trailfinder etc.

So bottom line - it can be done!

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

I think the Traction Hobby Cragsman has the selectable transfer case.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

Yes the idea was to see what the truck could do in 2 wheel drive and then switch over to 4 wheel drive when absolutely necessary. Also it would be cool just to be able to blow some donuts and stuff like that every now and then. This is all new to me and I don't want to go too far down the rabbit hole, but it seems like this will be enjoyable......... especially once the weather warms up!

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

Wow I just checked out that site that Toyota truck would look awesome with a set of regular tires on it. But what makes it worth $1,200?

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

It's not. That's just Tamiya's price as the distributor. They charge more than the retailers that they sell to so that they are not competing with their own customers for sales.

You can buy a new Tamiya Bruiser for about $750 from retailers.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

I like 2/4wd myself. Wouldn't do it to every rig, but it's a cool scale feature on the right rig.

Really have to have a balanced truck, if it's a front heavy rig, 2WD is totally useless. Mine is set up about 50/50 weight-wise, so 2WD works ok on the trail. As soon as I hit some hills or a rocky section, I go as far as I can, then shift into 4W and continue.

I'd like to mix my channels together so that I have 2H, 2L, and then creeper gear with 4WD. Just never got around to it.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

This is exactly what I am looking for. It does appear that I'm going to need to definitely improve my skills and knowledge before I am able to tackle something like that.

Re: 4x4 with functioning transfer case?
 

This does everything you're asking for - high/low and rwd/4wd

https://www.asiatees.com/display?Tra...d=147193&pid=1