T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

These posts are from the CEN forum on radio control zone: http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/a...36819-p-2.html

Originally Posted by CENST2RACERX
Hey Poor Judgement, Update on my projects. Both CVD's will work, But I don't quite like the finished fit. But I have a solution to our problems (I think). Give me a little time to work all this out. I am going to be using Tmaxx axle carriers and CVD axles mounted to the HPI MT CVD bones. If all goes right, we won't need tmaxx wheel adaptors anymore. We will have stronger CVD's With Tmaxx size axles!!!!
Keep your fingers crossed!

My response:

Call me crazy, but I got an idea to go along with CENST2RACERX's idea with the t-maxx axle carrier project. Instead of using a combination of MIP CVDs and axles, what if you used the entire stock t-maxx half shafts? I think they can just be cut down enough to fit in the fun factor. I am working out how to have it mount to a modified CEN dif cup. I really do think this could work. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I think I am going to run out a get a set of the t-maxx half shafts to give it a shot.


Can any former T-maxx owners verify whether or not we can cut the half shafts to fit?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I am afraid I cant answer your question but when you get the modifications done I would love to see some pictures if you can post some. Sounds like a wild project you have got going.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I have a t-maxx sitting on the shelf next to my mt2 and usa-1 nitro crusher.... what do you want me to look at to see if it fits or can be cut down... I was looking into maxx modified wheel hexes and offset wheel as my way of making them fit, but I think it will put too much stress on the bearings.... I was talking to poor judgement and waiting for his findings when the t-maxx kind of landed in my shop... I fixed it for a friend who decided he didn't want it anymore... not bad for a 28 dollar investment... needed a new tank and spur gear.....

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Cool. I know that the t-maxx axle carriers will bolt right onto the mt2 suspension arms. Now we need to have some kind of drive axle. I want to use the stock tmaxx half shafts, since they are cheap and I THINK they should be easy to cut down to size, in order to fit in the space between the diff and the wheel. Take a look at both sections of the half sharts (axles/cvd) to see if they would still work if they were cut to size. If they are, good. Then we need to figure out how to modify the mt2 dif cup to accept the tmaxx axle or u-joint.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I will look at it tonight or tomorrow as I get home from work at around 10:00pm... the girlfriend won't like getting ignored right away... but she knows what I have been trying to do with the truck so we'll see....

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I have been looking into this T-maxx axle carrier project and checking the forum for progress. Especially since I broke the plastic steering part attatched to the hub. I was wanting to use an aluminum t-maxx axle carrier only. Keeping the cen cvds, and standard 2.2 tire and rim. Will the pillow ball screws fit without any modifications? Is the cvd the right length? Will I have to find special sized bearings? The reason Im asking so many questions is because tommarow im visiting a hobby shop salvage yard. Just the way it sounds. They have walls and walls of shelves with tubs filled with new and used parts for all rcs. This place is incredible. If I had to guess the have a 1/2 milllion in inventory. There was a tub that weighed at least 100lbs filled with titanium rods. I could go on and on. I would be willing to examine some other parts if any of you are curious. Also is there a part # for the axle carrier? I seen integy makes them but last time I went to this shop I could only find 1/8 scale carriers. I would hate to order the wrong one considering all the money I waste on shipping. Thanx for your input!!

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

This weekend I discovered that the clearance under the upper suspnsion arm would not allow the tmaxx half shafts to be used. SO, using the stock cvds would be an option. You would, however need to use different bearings, as the axle of the mt2 is smaller than that of the tmaxx. Before you head too far down the road, make sure that the space between the bearings on both the mt2 axle carriers and those of the tmaxx are the same. If the tmaxx has a larger space, you will not have enough space on the axle to put the pin through the hole on the axle. If you are going to access to such a large amount of parts, I would be interested in finding out if any other truck's suspension arms would fit on the mt2. Of course I would be looking for ones that are longer. I have been looking on the net, but it is hard to size things up that way ;-)

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I looked at my t-maxx which will be sold this weekend due to lack of use.... the half shafts are way too thick... I looked at the mip cvd conversion for the maxx but no way to cut it down.... I will be looking at the savage set-up shortly to see how that works... I have a kyosho usa-1 also and will look at that... Its very close to the savage except for the wheel hubs

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

cenracer: how did u get on with the hpi mt halfshafts? will they go onto a tmaxx stub axle?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

been so busy to look at that... will try this weekend after the bunny hunting...... (I mean easter egg hunting).... I don't think they will fit into the carriers as eveything is so much larger than the cen, but you never know... I'm still waiting to test the new chassis brace, but between work and another 6-8 inches of snow tonight... who knows... I will try the usa-1 shafts as they are almost exactly the same as the savage...

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

hmmm - i was under the impression u were looking at using the hpi mt shaft with the t-maxx stub shaft fitted in the tmaxx hub...

if the cv joint works out ok, then i think thats our best shot, mate. the hpi mt shafts are listed as being 87mm long, now so long as the tmaxx stub shaft is around the same length as the hpi stub, all should fit in there.... in theory.

question is... how much thicker/stronger are the hpi shafts over the cen ones, if anything?

and just to spoil all the fun - the cen shafts i got are the thicker ones, and they look pretty chunky in there to be honest, but the stub shaft still looks a little flimsy. so maybe...here we go again.... the tmaxx stub would work with the cen shaft and tmaxx hub... maybe.

failing all that - the savage front (or was it the rear..?) centre shaft may work with the tmaxx stub shaft and the tmaxx hub carrier. but thats gonna work out a bit pricey, although it would be very strong if it would all fit

if only i had a decent lhs here..... doh.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

wow... I'm confused myself.... I don't have access to a savage,but the usa-1 should be close at least thats what I'm told... before I get rid of the t-maxx I will tinker with it again and see what works....

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Went to the salvage yard today and made some finds. The t-maxx axle carriiers will fit(old news). But ther isnt enough clearance for the standard cen 2.2 rim. So you will need the 14-17 wheel adapter and tmaxx rims and tires. Also I think the pivot ball on the cen are too small. You will need to use tmaxx pivot balls. That raises the question if the ball threads will fit cens arms. They can be made to fit with tap and die. You will probably need a specially sized bering or make a bushing around the factory sized bering. I know this will work using while using cen cvds. I must put this project on the back burner temporarily due to a couple different mods Im working on which I will keep you posted. Also Im going to check with a local machine shop about making identical cen carrier out of alluminum instead. I will upgrade this weak link before long though.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

sshuler,
Didnt read your post before I left. Its a shame because my hands touched hundreds of suspension arms today. I plan to go back next week though and I will test fit some longer arms and measure and let you know.
They do mail order and internet ordering. So if I find something I can put you in touch.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Thanks for keeping me in mind. I sure hope you can find some. Longer arms would make the truck just that much more less able to roll

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

sounds like u have found a little goldmine taylormade!

if u could keep an eye out for any buggy type arms that connect to the lower shock mount directly, ie actually mount in the arm itself, i would be very grateful.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I have just had a look at the Savage lower a-arms and compared them to the CEN mt/ st lower arms. The Savage arms split into wishbones at the chassis end. If the outer part of the wishbone is removed, they appear to be a very close match to the width of the CEN arms. The plastic is much thicker but there should be enough clearance around the CEN bulkhead to allow the SAvage arm to move. I will take the Savage arms off to confirm this at the next opportunity, but in my opinion the Savage arms could be made to fit on the CEN.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Found a picture of the Savage lower arms. these are aluminum ones but are identical to the stock plastic ones. As posted earlier, if you remove the outer parts of the arm, the inner dimensions seem VERY similar.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

How much longer are the savage arms? And what about upper arms?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

nice one scouser

so are u looking at using the inner savage arm mount for the cen top arms, and the outer one for the lower arms?

if it works then we are back to the damn driveshaft issue!! lol, shouldnt be that hard tho if the savage shafts will clear the top arm at the diff end.

keep us posted mate, i like the look of that, but i personally would go for plastic arms, to keep a bit of flex in there.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

The Savage arms are much longer, they would widen the CEN considerably. The main problem would be making the hub assembly work on the CEN. Haven't worked out the upper arms bit yet.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

if the savage uses pillow balls like CEN and t-maxx do, we should be able to hook up the hub assembly

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Right, the top arm goes like this. The Savage has something called a control arm where it is basically the fixed arm cut in half with a turnbuckle in the middle. If you ditch the end that mounts to the bulkhead and keep the hub end then get CEN upper arms for the rally car and screw them onto the other end of the turnbuckle, you are left with an upper arm that fit the Savage hub and the CEN bulkhead. SORTED. Now, driveshafts.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

lol... go scouser, go!!

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

It all works. Had the Savage lower arm and modified upper arm on the CEN today. With this set up you can use the Savage hub assembly, giving you easy access to the range of maxx size wheels and tyres. There is only one hurdle and that is the drive shafts. The Savage ones are way too big to fit in the CEN cups. Any ideas as to a solution?
By the way this thing looks awesome. Totally factory looking.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

do u have any pics of the setup mate?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

I bet we are going to have to use some kind of longer cvd. I think most of the longer regular shafts will be way to thick. COngratulations Scouser! We are most of the way there!

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

right - i have the tmaxx hub carriers fitted.

does anyone know if a savage rear centre shaft would fit onto the tmaxx driveshaft cv? also will the dogbone end of the centre shaft fit the cen diff cups?

its the perfect length.... if it fits, then im done! bit concerned as to how it will handle now its so wide tho...

im guessin that u will be tryin to use savage driveshafts with the savage arms? if so keep us posted as to how they fit.

doh just read scousers post sayin that they wont fit the cups... was it a really bad fit scouser?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Sadly the dogbone was way too big. I am going to have a look at some buggy driveshafts to see if they will be any better. I have ordered four lower a-arms and four hub assembly units from my LHS. When they arrive I will try a comparison on some buggy shafts while I am there, the owner of the store is very helpful and may also come up with some alternatives. I will see if I can get some pictures done of the set-up to show you what it all looks like. Meantime, if anyone has any ideas as to dogbones that will fit, it is the last piece of the puzzle.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

One other thing that I noticed. With the Savage arms fitted the standard CEN buggy shocks are too small to reach the mounting point. The distance from the JT shock tower to the Savage shock mount is 125mm, just about right for a set of buggy rear shocks. When completed this thing will be soo mean! Next on the list, an OS .18TZX!!

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

125mm!! That will equal some serious shock travel.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

At the end of this project I am thinking of entering into some truck racing to see how well the modifications perform against Revos' and T-Maxxs' and Tamiya TNXs'. I think with some low profile tyres like bow ties, the cornering speed will be far higher than stock and it will no longer look small next to its competition. All this depends on me finding a driveshaft that will fit of course! With a good set of bugy shocks and the Savage arms and hubs, I am thinking this truck will be near enough indestructable!

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

hmm, is there any chance that u would be able to use the savage diff cups, and make up a short shaft to get it to run off the diff?

or are the cups still going to interfere with the savage arms?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Dont think there is any way for the Savage diff cups to be modified to fit the CEN. Whereas the CEN diff cups are linked together by a long pin on one of the cups, the Savage cups attatch to the diff itself via pins and grub screws and the diameter of the linkage is much wider than CENs'. It could be that I will have to ask CEN outright if they know of a way to put wider/ heavy duty diff cups through their diffs. That is of course if I cant find a dogbone that is narrow enough to fit in CENs diff cups and beefy enough to work in a Savage drive cup. After a strong start I seem to have stalled a bit.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

im in the same boat as u mate...

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

Been searching around and it doesn't look like buggy drive shafts will work. The buggies wheelbase is narrower than a truck so all the drivetrain parts are going to be too narrow to work with the Savage arms.
With this in mind I am asking CEN directly if they know of any way to get one of the drive cups from the Genesis to work with the Fun Factor diffs? I realise this is all warranty voiding stuff but any help or nudges in the right direction would be very much appreciated.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

too bad we can't find entire diffs that would work ;-)

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

lol, theres a fine line between loads of mods and a different truck!

right... here is a way to do the shafts and hubs... finally....

i have here the plastic tmaxx driveshafts. the male sliding part has a hole thru the length of it that is very similar in diameter to the cen driveshafts. if we chop the dogbone end off the cen shaft, drill a hole thru it (tricky bit that), and drill a corresponding hole thru the tmaxx male shaft, cut the cv off the male shaft, slide the dogbone into the tmaxx shaft and secure it with a cen hex pin. with me so far? then slide back into the female shaft to avoid the pin falling out.

obviously the tmaxx shafts will need shortening. oh the dogbone from the cen centre shaft may work too. i reckon if we grind a small flat on the dogbone shaft then it will be easier to drill it for the pin...?

the shock lower mount may need a trim for clearance but i reckon its a goer if i can drill thru the shafts ok...

any thoughts?

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

That really sounds like it could work. A drill press would really come in handy, though.

RE: T-maxx axle carriers and half shafts on a fun factor
 

theres more... forget all that complicated stuff above...

the cen stub shaft (that sits in the hub carrier) fits into the tmaxx shaft perfectly, it also has a hole drilled for the hex pin already...

the dogbone part of the cen shaft is exactly the same diameter as the part of the diff cup that goes into the diff gears... if i cut the dogbone shaft down and grind a flat one each side, then they would fit the diff gears perfectly also. however - this means there will be no pin joining the 2 sides like there is with the diff cups...

it does give me a true cvd shaft that slides if i use the tmaxx female shaft with it. (i will have to use it to retain the hex pin anyway...)

i could just use the male part and let the shaft slide in the diff gear, so long as i make the flat areas long enough to do so, and use the female part of the shaft to retain the pin only.

it looks great, old man has my cam lead tho... pics soon!!