Clod Tech: Shaving Clod Axles
 

In the 1:1 world ground clearance is a big issue, every inch counts. So why would it be any different in the rc world of crawling. I noticed I got hung up on the stupid little screw boss on the bottom of the axle alot, so I clearanced my axles. I did this without taking the axles apart but if you add some JB Weld or epoxy to the area be sure to take it apart so you dont seal the two halves together. :roll:
Now the gains you see depend on how much you have the axle tilted to raise the motor, less tilt than I have means less gains. However, shaving the boss off does make the axle smoother so that should still help.

I have been running my axles like this for 3 months now, driving it very hard, and have experienced no problems associated with losing that screw that holds the two case halves together. I do have a crack in the housing on the front axle, either from a rock racing incident or from kicking my truck across the yard.
However, this does not mean you will not have problems. I can not and will not recommend that you do this to your axles.
Hardcore crawlers read on and follow my lead at your own risk. :twisted:

Here is what the stock Clod axle clearance looks like with Savage tires. Clearance was measured at 1 7/8" looking directly from behind. That standard 35mm film cannister is roughly 2 1/8" tall.
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/6449/155_5550R.jpg
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/7538/155_5551R.jpg

Here is the shaved axle with the same tires. Clearance increased to 2". About an 1/8". Plus notice the smoother profile of the axle housing. I screwed some 3mm screws into the boss where the bumper usually mounts, they dont actually pull the two halves together but they do help to keep the halves from separating under flex, a little I guess.
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/4825/155_5563R.jpg
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/2109/155_5554R.jpg

Here you can see the boss on the stock axle. I used a dremel with a cutting disc to remove it. I cut a big piece off being careful to stay away from the haxle housing and then carefully ground away material. The plastic on the housing gets real thin in this area so be careful, it may be better to leave a little more material and fill the area with JB Weld or epoxy.
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/5296/155_5558R.jpg
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/7648/155_5559R.jpg

Just for giggles, here is the clearance with Losi LST tires. 2 1/2" here!
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/4097/155_5553R.jpg
http://img70.exs.cx/img70/7236/155_5564R.jpg

So that's it. I know guys in the 1:1 world that spend many hours grinding axle housings to gain an inch of clearance. You can gain the same thing in scale in less time in scale. Happy krawling.

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

TTT :flipoff:

Man this site gets alot of posts, more than any other per day I bet. I posted this last night and it has already been bumped off the 20-latest. 8)

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

COPYCAT!!!!!!! :flipoff:

See you Sunday.
New cell number 303-475-8960

I'm jobless now!!! whooo hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

WTF? Looks like you copied!!! :flipoff: :lol:

Jobless? Got caught surfin crawler sites huh? :lol:

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

You've had no problems with the hex's trying to spit out? That bottom bolt worked its way loose on my once and I killed my sidegears... Maybe if you got a bolt going all the way through where that bumper was (just gotta find one long enough!

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

Don't be fooled by Grizz's "modification"

That's just from runnin a bizzilion miles in the duke, any low points on the axle are bound to get rubbed off!

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

No, no problems at all with gears or hexes. I was gonna drill the bumper mount boss all the way through, run a piece or 4-40 all thread through it, and nut both sides to squeeze the cases.....but I hae not had any problems so I forgot all about doing that. :lol:

Edit: I also dont jump mine off 4 foot jumps man! :flipoff: :lol:

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

Shhhhh, quiet Ace. :lol: :flipoff:

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

Hey! :flipoff:

It can take them no problem now. I actually rolled it down a 15' rock cliff the other day with no problem. :D

The mechanics are absolutely bulletproof, I even ran it into a 2" pole at full speed yesterday at 'work' :lol: Just made a lovely DING noise and was fine.

The electronics on the other hand are a different story :x :x Looks like the stock motors aren't doing it for me, they keep arcing internally, so its time to look into rebuilding the pullmasters, or just commiting to running only one battery and getting some Lathe motors...

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

There is more than 1 loose nut associated with your rig Dave. :lol:

Lathe motors sounds like a big step for you but hey, ya gotta do what werks.

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

hey ya, on that ground thing, i can put a pop can under my clod axle :flipoff:

i'm using the GD-600 as a portal and running kongs, it all works great, i'll get some pict. when i get it all done, but that might be a few weeks

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

Explain how you mounted the GD600 to your axle. That would be killer if you could find a way to mount them. I know a few people have been messing with them but couldnt get them to work.

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

cd 600 is that a airplane unit

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

The very reason I built the buggy! The jugg chassis didn't fare too well. :lol:

I've noticed this damn R/C thing has taken away from my urge to work on my 1:1. Rear disc brake kit for my 60 has been sitting here for 2 months and I'm too busy with my buggy to put it on! :roll: :twisted:

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

With a CG that high I'll crawl against ya any day of the week :flipoff: .
I'd love to see pics of the GD-600 portals.

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

Exactly what happened to me too, the full width axle, fuel injection, and paint project on my 1:1 Bronc is almost done but has been sitting for several months as well. The rc's are addictive. :lol:

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

this is the only addicting drug thats legal! damn rc cars THER GOING TO TAKE OVER! :flipoff:

Re: Shaving Clod Axles
 

True Dat! :lol: