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MadInventor

Diff locking axles, info required please

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I've just been trawling ebay and came across these:

http://store.rc4wd.com/Scale-Semi-Truck-Rear-Axle-with-Locking-Differential_p_2897.html

RC4wd 1/14 axle with a servo controlled diff lock. I'm thinking about getting one for my 6x6, but would have to make my own custom axle shafts to drive the walking beams on it. I'm quite tempted by it as I can get

Does anyone have one of these axles they could post some pictures of the inside of it so I can see how the axle shafts interact with the diff locking mechanism, or possibly some scans of the assembly instructions, so I can see how it goes together inside.

If anyone knows of any other sensibly priced axles for 1/14 with controllable diff locks I'd also be interested in that info as well

Thanks.

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if you are already using Tamiya axile, just order that plastic lock piece for cc or xc chassis, which i think is the same.

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if you are already using Tamiya axile, just order that plastic lock piece for cc or xc chassis, which i think is the same.

I'm not looking to lock the axle permanently, the RC4wd axle has a lever poking out of the axle which can be used to lock or unlock the axle on the move. This is why I'm so interested in it, I can keep the axle unlocked when on the move, and just lock it if I get stuck by using an extra servo :)

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I did not know about axles with such features. Must be a blast to run some RC off-roader with that kind of axles, so you have more control and the ride would seem more realistic. If you find those axles I know I won't be the only one interested in knowing what they are. ;)

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I've nothing to add on the spec of the axles Martin, but knowing the power and weight you generally have in your projects I'd question whether such a scale axle is man enough ?

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I've nothing to add on the spec of the axles Martin, but knowing the power and weight you generally have in your projects I'd question whether such a scale axle is man enough ?

:) Yeah, I know, that's why I'm interested to get a look at the internals of the axles. I suspect that it's something along the lines of a dog clutch attached to one axle which then slides into lugs in the side of the ring gear for the diff lock. I also need to find if the diff gears are made of cheese, but with it being RC4wd I suspect it might be quite tough.

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I googled searched the part number and came up with this guys photobucket library - it has a photo from the other side but no internals - he looks to be a bit of a fabricator too Martin, but he's only utilising stock Tamiya truck power..

http://s335.photobucket.com/user/russisloud/library/unfinished?sort=3&page=1

He seems to have a build thread here, but no real shots of the axles..

http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=7550

maybe you could message him via that forum ?

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I recently came across the traxxas Summit truck.

These have lockable diffs via a servo.

Maybe this could be strong enough

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I recently came across the traxxas Summit truck.

These have lockable diffs via a servo.

Maybe this could be strong enough

Thanks for the info on these, I think would be strong enough, but the axles have independent suspension, so not so good for my 6x6 application. I liked the rc4wd items as the axle ratio is the same as the Tamiya axle, as well as the width, so it would be a direct replacement for my existing 6x6 rear axle.

Edit:

I've just had a look at the locking diff assembly for the summit and it looks like it might be a drop replacement for the REVO diff, which means I could fit a locking diff to the rear of my grapple skidder. There goes the budget ................. ;)

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I googled searched the part number and came up with this guys photobucket library - it has a photo from the other side but no internals - he looks to be a bit of a fabricator too Martin, but he's only utilising stock Tamiya truck power..

http://s335.photobucket.com/user/russisloud/library/unfinished?sort=3&page=1

He seems to have a build thread here, but no real shots of the axles..

http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=7550

maybe you could message him via that forum ?

I decided to go straight to the source and emailed support at RC4wd asking for some pics of the internals of the axle. Now the waiting begins ..............

I'm sorely tempted by the summit axle for the grapple skidder. The ring and pinion are the same, and the mounting for the axle is the same on one side, I would only need to modify the axle to attach the other half onto the modified casing the other side, but it does look rather impossible..................

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I'm sorely tempted by the summit axle for the grapple skidder. The ring and pinion are the same, and the mounting for the axle is the same on one side, I would only need to modify the axle to attach the other half onto the modified casing the other side, but it does look rather impossible..................

I have been looking at those summit diffs.

It seems that the side of the diff with the locking mechanism, also has a shorter drive shaft.

Its a shame that it wont fit your Grapple Skidder, as it would make it unstoppable

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I have been looking at those summit diffs.

It seems that the side of the diff with the locking mechanism, also has a shorter drive shaft.

Its a shame that it wont fit your Grapple Skidder, as it would make it unstoppable

Just pulled the trigger on EBay on a summit locking diff. Hope I can get it to fit

I'm also thinking about rebuilding the back end to make the wheelbase longer so that I can fit walking beams on the back and make it a 6x6 TigerCat style machine. With a diff lock to lock all 4 rear wheels that will really have some pulling power combined with the monster motor I've got fitted. I'd just need to find a tractor pulling competition to enter it in then :)

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The lockable diff turned up. The good news is that one half of the axle tube bolted straight on, no modifications required at all. The bad news, well, let's just say the other side is going to require considerable thought ............ :wacko:

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