Open Diffs Cherokee - First Test Runs

[Spidernad]

This is the first test run on my recently completed Scale Cherokee with open differentials front and rear (no lockers).

After some trial and error, I have finally got the shocks sorted out so it sits low like a stock Cherokee but still has full suspension travel. The desired result was achieved by using the 100mm RC4WD scale shocks with their 50% softer springs cut and reworked about 40% shorter.

As I expected, the open diffs make it much more challengeing to climb or navigate soft terrain.
It removed the binding when turning and makes the truck ride very smooth.
This test was with small stock tires that are pretty hard and very light (no weight added), and it went better than I imagined it would.
When I put the weighted and no foam RC4WD Mud Thrashers on it should perform even better.

You can see the full build thread here: Cherokee build - Very Scale - SCX10

[BadRockNoCookie]

That is taking scale to limits. Fun!

[johnnyh66]

I put a little bit of Silly Putty in the front open dif of my basher... slows down the slipping but still allows good cornering. I like it.

[sweli]

Originally Posted by johnnyh66

put a little bit of Silly Putty in the open dif of

X2!

I watched the thread, hit reply, then saw someone had already mentioned it.

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by BadRockNoCookie

That is taking scale to limits. Fun!

Thanks. Love the username! LOL

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by johnnyh66

I put a little bit of Silly Putty in the front open dif of my basher... slows down the slipping but still allows good cornering. I like it.

Haven't heard that one before. Interesting.

[Spidernad]

I have found a way to limit the slip in the diff, and it's so simple.
It did add a significant amount of drag on the side gears when I put an axle in and tried to turn it. I will put this in the Comanche diffs and see how well it works like a real Limited Slip Differential. (see pics below)

[Lobonyc]

That's a great looking Cherokee!! love the realism, love the driver and detail!

[BigSki]

Did you use stock AX-10 side gears? I like what you built, I've thought about it but never went past the 'thinking about it' stage.

[Meatwad]

Hey that pen spring is hpi's fix for leaky diffs on the blitz. Apparently works...

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by Lobonyc

That's a great looking Cherokee!! love the realism, love the driver and detail!

Thanks, I appreciate the positive feedback.

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by BigSki

Did you use stock AX-10 side gears? I like what you built, I've thought about it but never went past the 'thinking about it' stage.

Yes, all the diff gears are stock AX10.
Sometimes I think I should stop at the "thinking about it" stage too, I might not be so broke then. lol

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by Meatwad

Hey that pen spring is hpi's fix for leaky diffs on the blitz. Apparently works...

lol