Driven front axle options?

[Bob From Downunder]

This is a fantactic forum. I have read this several times and have more understanding of what is required for a 6x6. I have also searched for an F350 transmission but no luck so far.
Fred, you demonstrated the difference's in manufactors front axle's very well - thank you for that.

Bob

[Bob From Downunder]

Guys, now that the front diff is sorted I would now like know about the transmission options. Has anyone used the RC4WD 3 speed full metal transmission? The gear ratios seem a little bit fast? How someone can shead some light here.

Bob

[Thorsteenster]

Smallhaul is doing this:
http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=236
Or you can look around for a High Lift trans.
As well RC4WD and Eritex make some nice transfer cases, don't know how well they'd look on a semi tho lol.

[SmallHaul]

Originally Posted by Thorsteenster

You can always just get a transfer case from RC4WD or Eritex. Or really a bit of rod and a couple pinions for something simple, especially if it's hidden from view.

Thanks Thorsteenster, that statement gave me the idea to make this:

[Thorsteenster]

That's good thinking there. I have a semi trans and have been thinking how I'd couple it to a t-case, never thought about just building one on the back!

[Bob From Downunder]

Gee thats good thinking. Anyway to make the front engage and disengage?

Bob

[SmallHaul]

Thanks, Thorsteenster

Originally Posted by Bob From Downunder

Gee thats good thinking. Anyway to make the front engage and disengage?

Bob

Thanks, here is one way to disconnect:

http://www.tcscrawlers.com/images/mi...structions.pdf

[Roadmasters]

Stickeyd

[Bob From Downunder]

Thanks Scott, that was very helpful for me. I had something like that in my mind after I had looked at the RC4WD and your very own conversion build. I'm not sure but if the R2 has any reverse. Do you know?

Bob

[Thorsteenster]

No, but the ESC makes up for a mechanical reverse.
This R2 version looks pretty cool, 2 speed and selectable 2WD/4WD.
http://rc4wdstore.com/2/product_info...51140c0bf709c3

[Bob From Downunder]

Scott, how does the ESC make up for a mechanical reverse?

Bob

[SonoranWraith]

The ESC can run the motor forward or backward. No mechanics needed.

[Thorsteenster]

Do you have a forward only ESC? You can use a Traxxas Revo transmission and get a shiftable reverse.

[Bob From Downunder]

I have not purchased a ESC unit as yet so thats good info for me. This is my first build so thats why I know know very much - but I'm learning fast thanks to you guys.

Bob

[Thorsteenster]

Yeah as long as you get an ESC made for cars/trucks, it will have reverse.

[Thorsteenster]

Originally Posted by Thorsteenster

I'm planning on building my Volvo as 4WD. For the front axle I'll be trying this:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120531
Or buying a German unit already built.

Seeing the pics Fhhhstix posted though, a standard TLT axle looks to bring the front axle width out to match the outer rear tires, so even a slightly narrowed TLT should look pretty good.

After looking at a diff I have, I got to thinking about the link I posted to RCC. This would lock the diff making it a posi rear, or front as the case may be.
So I was looking at the diff parts, and I don't see why the same couldn't be done with the side gears. Cut the axle shaft to length, drill out the splines in a side gear so the axles just slides in and drill/crosspin right behind the back of the gear. When assembled the diff case looks like it should keep the pins in place w/o having to press them in too tightly and you could easily narrow both sides.
I have an extra diff set, I think I may give this a try. I'll have to get a better bit though, or a pilot bit I think they're called, and figure out what size, I should be able to use the TLT hex pin.

[Thorsteenster]

I just ordered a couple bits to try out my above post. If it goes okay I'll start a separate thread.

[SmallHaul]

Originally Posted by Thorsteenster

I just ordered a couple bits to try out my above post. If it goes okay I'll start a separate thread.

Sounds good, please do!

[SmallHaul]

More pics for reference...

Bruder Cab. Unmodified TLT axle on tamiya semi frame. Inside wheel from tamiya dually set used as front wheel:

[Thorsteenster]

Wow, that looks about, if not, perfect. I had thought Bruder cabs were narrower than Tamiya's, but I guess not all.