How to shorten your Ascender Axle Housing Track width

[Rich Trujillo]

For you customizers, one of the features we designed into the Ascender but not mentioned in the instruction manual is the ability to reduce the overall track width by as much as 12mm. To do this you will need some additional parts to make up for the narrower width and have to trim the housing,drill a couple holes and trim the carrier.

Our Axles have flats built into them so that they can slide in and out of the Spool so no need to modify the axles. You will need to shorten the steering link by 12mm. You can use a 66mm link and a 12mm spacer if you use our parts. Since the carrier is being slid in behind the suspension mount on the housing, you will loose the ability to secure the carrier on the back side. You'll use one screw but i would suggest drilling a hole from below the housing and use a set-screw to keep in more secure. The panhard bar is easy, just remove the 12mm spacer that was installed on the kit with the stock width. The rear is easier as you will only need to trim the housing and drill new holes.


I realize these are not perfect step by step instructions but i wanted to share some unique features that I could not in the instruction manual. I will post a more detailed "how to" in the next couple weeks.

[johnnyh66]

Forward thinking, nice!

[89redranger]

Rich, any insight as to whether or not multiple housings can be used to build offset versions of this housing? One of these will be finding it's way to my home soon enough, but I'd like to build a true passenger offset housing. Basically, what I need to know is, are the tubes a consistent inside diameter so they can be cut, sleeved, and glued back together like Wraith housings?

Then comes the battle with shafts... Sounds like shortening the short side shaft should be no problem, but I may have to get creative with coming up with a long side shaft. Maybe you guys can release some "unfinished" extra length optional shafts or something for those of us willing/wanting to get creative with these rigs...hint hint. Maybe a little over an inch longer than stock, without the flats cut. Then we can cut and mod them as needed for custom builds?

BTW, While I do have my reservations about the ring/pinion size, I really like where you guys are headed with this rig. Lots of innovation here!

[Rich Trujillo]

Originally Posted by 89redranger

Rich, any insight as to whether or not multiple housings can be used to build offset versions of this housing? One of these will be finding it's way to my home soon enough, but I'd like to build a true passenger offset housing. Basically, what I need to know is, are the tubes a consistent inside diameter so they can be cut, sleeved, and glued back together like Wraith housings?

Yes the tubes are constant diameter through the housing.

Originally Posted by 89redranger

Then comes the battle with shafts... Sounds like shortening the short side shaft should be no problem, but I may have to get creative with coming up with a long side shaft. Maybe you guys can release some "unfinished" extra length optional shafts or something for those of us willing/wanting to get creative with these rigs...hint hint. Maybe a little over an inch longer than stock, without the flats cut. Then we can cut and mod them as needed for custom builds?

Not likely to happen unless we had a huge demand for them. The MOQ's (minimum order quantities) are pretty high and adding a new SKU for what could be a very small selling part won't pass the "sniff" test when it comes to cost vs. profitability. Maybe a vendor here will come up with an option to support this request.


Thanks,

[bvrc]

What would be the track width (hex to hex) after trimming 6mms on each side? What is the stock width?

[OSRC]

That sir, is a very nice feature! Not a bad way to go ilo a multi-piece (expensive) axle housing.

[Szczerba]

Adjustibility is always good!

Originally Posted by bvrc

What would be the track width (hex to hex) after trimming 6mms on each side? What is the stock width?

Great question and I will second it.

[Rich Trujillo]

Originally Posted by bvrc

What would be the track width (hex to hex) after trimming 6mms on each side? What is the stock width?

Stock Width Hex to Hex (face) is 192mm.

6mm removed from each side of the axle housing is 180mm width hex to hex

[Oz Bruiser]

Originally Posted by Rich Trujillo

Stock Width Hex to Hex (face) is 192mm.

6mm removed from each side of the axle housing is 180mm width hex to hex

Awsome

[Ty@Tekin]

I forgot all about this, I might have to give it a try on my FJ build! I'll know for sure later today when my body shows up.

[JENS]

What is the inner and outer diameter of the axle tube ?

[Ty@Tekin]

Originally Posted by JENS

What is the inner and outer diameter of the axle tube ?

I measure OD - 12.8mm ID 7.35mm

[JENS]

Originally Posted by Ty@Tekin

I measure OD - 12.8mm ID 7.35mm

Thanks

[Ikfoto]

What about any step by step photo tutorial? Any help with the safts? Would be very helpful... =)

[lcbsc]

Anyone attempted this yet? Any extra tips after it has been executed?

[Davy120]

I did this mod its fairly straight forward. I did shorten my steering link 12mm, and that was all i found that needed to be shortened.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by Ikfoto

What about any step by step photo tutorial? Any help with the safts? Would be very helpful... =)

IIRC saw one on RCC here...but it's very easy, disconnect steering linkage, remove axle c-hubs with inner axles, cut off ends of axle housing, drill new hole for chub screws(s), reverse assembly. Inner axle shafts do not need cut or anything, the flats are already machined to slide in the extra distance.

Originally Posted by lcbsc

Anyone attempted this yet? Any extra tips after it has been executed?

Yes, several see below.

Originally Posted by Davy120

I did this mod its fairly straight forward. I did shorten my steering link 12mm, and that was all i found that needed to be shortened.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Bananaclip]

Awesome! You can correct or gain castor while your at it

[rc2000]

Originally Posted by Davy120

I did this mod its fairly straight forward. I did shorten my steering link 12mm, and that was all i found that needed to be shortened.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Did you use a set screw to hold the top part of the carrier or did you drill through the shock mount and secure from the top.

[rc2000]

I'm thinking set screw because based on my measurements the carrier doesn't seat far enough under the shock mount. So drilling through the shock mount would be pointless. I might just try removing a little of the outside shock mount, just enough so the carrier can be secured from the top.