WANTED: Maverick DesertWolf Centre Diff

[TrueBlue 45]

Me again! Not about tyres this time though.

Something a lot more challenging! I recently came into procession of a Maverick DesertWolf 1/8 scale buggy. It needs many parts, most of which I have found on Wheelspin Models (though most of them are Shadow Stock).

The electrics, I hope, are pretty universal and can get them anywhere, but I'd like to get the car in a state where it'll actually run once the electrics are installed.

So far, the one thing that has eluded me after hours of looking is the centre diff. Wheelspin has some of the parts to rebuild it, but the main spur gear is pretty much extinct at this point.

I'm reaching to everyone and anyone to see if anyone has complete Maverick DesertWolf centre diff. 

Can't really add a photo of the buggy right now as it's too dark, and not sure if I can edit posts to add the photo. If not, I'll add a reply.

If anyone does indeed have one, please do get in touch!

Please and thank you!

[wintersdawn 178]

I'm surprised that you even found a Maverick DesertWolf, I have had Timberwolf and Desert Wolf bookmarked on Ebay UK and haven't come across either for sale in over two years.

I have two Timberwolf models and got these during 2020/2021.  

I hope you find the parts you need, these are great 4WD bashers with great handling and very stable, just a shame they didn't seem to sell many (based on the lack of them turning up on Ebay).

[wintersdawn 178]

p.s. as far as I know the Timberwolf and Desertwolf are identical apart from the bodyshell/body posts.

[TrueBlue 45]

On 11/14/2023 at 3:47 PM, wintersdawn said:

I'm surprised that you even found a Maverick DesertWolf, I have had Timberwolf and Desert Wolf bookmarked on Ebay UK and haven't come across either for sale in over two years.

I have two Timberwolf models and got these during 2020/2021.  

I hope you find the parts you need, these are great 4WD bashers with great handling and very stable, just a shame they didn't seem to sell many (based on the lack of them turning up on Ebay).

Sorry for the late reply, TamiyaClub didn't notify that I had any replies!

Honestly, I'd never even heard of the DesertWolf until someone showed me a picture. Then just asked me "Want it?" and I'm like "Give now" ...and here we are. I've searched eBay for DesertWolf parts, but all I can find is a pre-painted body shell, and a clear body shell. That is literally all there is.

I was able to find a good amount of parts on Wheelspin Models, but most parts where Shadow Stock, delivery expected 1-2 weeks. Already been 9 days, but I'm hoping they'll be dispatched soon and I'll see how far I can take the repairs. Wheelspin also had a centre diff for an FTX, but it LOOKS the right size for the DesertWolf, also uses the same size bearings either side... so fingers crossed this diff fits. If not, I feel as though the restoration is gonna be an early Game Over.

And you think the DesertWolf and TimberWolf use almost the same parts? I'll have to look into that, might get lucky!

[wintersdawn 178]

Hope the diff fits.  I bought a spare new diff for a Timberwolf off ebay once but it got lost in the post   These are links I have bookmarked for timberwolf/desertwolf spares:

https://www.makeitbuildit.co.uk/spares-hop-ups/maverick/maverick-timberwolf-parts/?gclid=CjwKCAjwtdeFBhBAEiwAKOIy5wku3LQqEB8r_k4O9K-pQdKQPucbd5U4Rjh4vYF37zR0lzThV1qQnRoC_9YQAvD_BwE&product_list_limit=32

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/spares/timber-wolf-1330

https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/c/1301/

[TrueBlue 45]

Well... finally received the parts from Wheelspin.

Good news is the FTX centre diff fits... but.. the bad news is that the drive cups are too small for the Maverick centre drive shafts.

After al that, at this point, I think I might have to call it quits. Without a centre diff, it can never be repaired, and this FTX diff is the ONLY one I was able to find that actually fit properly. Still cannot find an original Maverick DesertWolf diff.

I did have the idea of buying some Maverick differential outdrive cups and see if they'll fit in the FTX diff, to replace the small cups. But since I can't be sure it'll fit, I don't want to spend more money on it.. having already forked over £140+ just in parts for the chassis.

So the restoration... Time Of Death... earlier today. Such a shame.

[wintersdawn 178]

Sorry the FTX diff didn't work out.

Sent you a pm.

[wintersdawn 178]

Any news about the restoration?  Did you resolve the centre diff problem?

I did some research and found out that the Tower Hobbies Cutback was virtually the same as the Maverick Timberwolf/Desertwolf but again parts are long discontinued, including the spur gear, which I think is the same as used on the Timberwolf/Desertwolf but there appears to a replacement that can be used that was made for an Axial rc:

https://www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk/Cars/Car-Spares/Axial/Axial-1/84458-/Spur-Gear32P-54T

Someone tried it and said it needed to be slimmed down, probably on the sides I imagine.  Just ordered two as the Maverick ones are definitely unobtainium.

[wintersdawn 178]

This is the thread I learned about the spur gear but it also mentions diff parts:

https://www.rctech.net/forum/electric-off-road/839687-tower-hobbies-cutback-1-10-4x4-short-course-truck-25.html

[TrueBlue 45]

Hi! Well, the restoration is actually coming along quite nicely.

Got a load of parts for the chassis from Wheelspin Models, and a new unpainted body shell. Also a bunch of (very expensive!) electronics from Modelsport UK.

And as for the centre diff? Was a little difficult, but I found one that fits. It's from the FTX Zorro and it fits perfectly. I did have to replace the outdrives with some Maverick ones, as the FTX ones were too small. 

Once I installed the Maverick outdrives, it all fit. I was struggling to get a centre-front drive shaft, so in the end I got the front CV joint upgrade. Will also get the rear one at some point as well.

If you want to see the progress for yourself, I've been documenting it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY-tSZT3PPJehmlvd2J9PmceD8TxU1pCZ

7 parts so far. Still a few things I need, but need to save a bit before I splash out again!

[wintersdawn 178]

Glad the restoration is going well and the centre diff issue is resolved! 

Thanks for the link to the video's, will check them out 

I've done a bit of work to my Timberwolf lately, replaced the mud flaps, the front bumper support and upgraded the stock ESC to a fully 3S compatible ESC (HPI EMH-3S), also ordered a few spare parts in case they become harder to come by.

 

 

[TrueBlue 45]

Haha, yeah... the centre diff was basically the be-all and end-all of the restoration. It would have been the only thing stopping it. Thankfully, after many, MANY days of looking at tons of centre diffs, I found one that fits. I think I also had to get a different pinion gear as well, as the diff uses a Mod1 type spur gear.

Your Timberwolf now runs 3S? Good luck with that, lol. I tried 2S on the Desertwolf and it flew. I'm too scared to try 3S... feels like I'm going to break something!

And good idea stocking up on some spare parts while they're still available. You never can tell when they'll suddenly be out of stock... everywhere... forever...

[wintersdawn 178]

You did very well to crack the centre diff problem, well done, as you say that was the make or break aspect of the restoration.

I believe the Desertwolf and Timberwolf came out in around 2015/16 for about £300 but don't think they could have sold very well as they seldom come up on Ebay.  The video below show them being unveiled at a toy fair:

https://www.hpiracing.com/en/article/view/2016020101

My Timberwolf does fly on 2s so 3s might be pushing it!  It is my favourite RC so don't want to break anything.  The stock ESC was 3S capable if a change was made to the fan so hopefully Maverick made the Timberwolf/Desertwolf capable of handling 3S power.

Had an email from Elite Models and the Axial spur gear is not actually available so had to cancel the order and carry on looking for a replacement spur gear.

[TrueBlue 45]

It was proving difficult, but yeah.. I finally managed to find one that fit! Every time I came across a diff, I'd find the model it was made for, find an exploded diagram, find the measurements of the diff and bearings. NONE I found fit, except the FTX Zorro. Huzzah!

They came out that long ago? Virtually vintage at this point, lol. Well maybe not.. but still rare and hard to find nowadays. Kinda surreal seeing the Desertwolf brand new in that cabinet, in that video. We both have a piece of history, haha.

Yeah, running a 3S might cause something to explode spectacularly, lol. Shame I bought a 3S that I no longer need. Only my Traxxas Rustler can use it, but it already has one. But yes, you should be correct.. if the original ESC was rated for 3S, you'd think it would be able to handle that power. Not sure if you've seen my Part 7 yet, the quick run... but make sure you do up the wheel nuts tightly...

Oh dear, that's unfortunate. Not sure if the FTX Zorro spur gear will fit. They do look similar: https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/1338483?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAibeuBhAAEiwAiXBoJJdbPbQ-FO3b3Z6bjoX7dakrhCyPUPT_EI34G1ZSAG4MGWFOhBQ8fBoC0iIQAvD_BwE ...but it's only 43T and I think the pitch is different, it's a Mod1 gear, so you'd also need to change the pinion to a Mod1 as I had to.

[wintersdawn 178]

As I'm doubtful that the FTX Zorro spur gear would fit the Timberwolf centre diff, starting to get quite interested in putting together a FTX Zorro centre diff to have on standby. Are the following parts correct? Cheers.

Centre diff:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/ftx-zorro-brushless-complete-centre-differential-unit-1338468

Maverick diff outdrives (for Desertwolf/Timberwolf):

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/maverick-differential-outdrive-pr--389696

FTX Zorro pinion gear:

https://sussex-model-centre.co.uk/products/ftx-zorro-brushless-13t-pinion

Are there any other parts I need? Cheers.

[wintersdawn 178]

Just watched your YouTube video on the centre diff, did you sort out the movement in the rear driveshaft?  Seemed like quite a lot of movement and wondering if the driveshaft may pop out under stress when running.

Cheers.

[TrueBlue 45]

Both Modelsport parts are correct. Not sure about the pinion. It SHOULD fit, since it's also an FTX part, so the pitch of the teeth should match the spur.

I had to use a pinion with a 5mm bore, since the motor I bought had a thicker shaft (snigger) so I bought an Arrma pinion which fits. But the FTX pinion you linked should fit with the FTX spur. I can't see why it shouldn't.

As for the movement in the rear drive shaft. I just put a small piece of rubber tubing in the rear drive cup, which seems to have helped. 

And for other parts you might need? The only thing I can think of is possibly some E2.5mm E-Clips to secure the Maverick outdrives to the diff. Since the Maverick outdrives are bigger than the FTX ones, they need bigger clips. I bought some according to the Maverick manual. They fit but aren't very tight. So might need to squeeze the clips closed a little before putting them on.

[wintersdawn 178]

Thanks for confirming about the parts, yes hopefully the pinion is correct. Good idea putting tubing in the drive cup to reduce movement. I have done the front and rear driveshaft upgrades so only the side going into the centre diff will be able to move, just hope that end will go far enough into the diff outdrive.

That's odd about the correct E clips not being very tight. I encountered them when doing the front and rear driveshaft upgrades and if I remember correctly they fit into a narrow groove in the drive cup shaft and once in place I think they can still move around but should not get out of the groove.

If I do the FTX centre diff I will get the steel spur gear as will have to take the diff apart to change the outdrives anyway, just hope I won't get any screws stripping as you had happen. Did you find a way to tighten things up, maybe with slightly bigger screws or by gluing them in?

[TrueBlue 45]

No problem. Yeah, I'll have to do the rear driveshaft upgrade as well at some point, it might actually eliminate the need for the rubbing tubing in the outdrive. So, currently need new wheels and the rear drive shaft upgrade... I need to win the lottery at this point, lol.

It is odd about the E-Clips. I bought the size listed in the DesertWolf parts list, but still wouldn't fit completely without me bending them in a little. Hopefully, they won't pop off when the diff is spinning!

Yeah, I've also bought the steer spur gear for the FTX diff, but I'm not going to install it until the standard plastic one breaks. so it'll be a future upgrade if anything. As for the screw stripping. That was annoying. Thankfully there's enough tightness to keep the diff closed. I did put a very small dab of CA glue on the end of the screw, and screwed it in so the glue lightly coated the thread. Should keep it from unscrewing, but still be able to break the glue if needed.

[TrueBlue 45]

So this is a bit random, but I was wondering if you had any of the original Desertwolf wheel hexes with a part number of MV29070, or even HPI 86925?

The 17mm hexes I bought for the Desertwolf fit, but not very well and had to bodge a fix to get them to fit properly. Unfortunately, they are the only ones I can find.. quite literally in fact. I've searched high and low for alternative 17mm hexes but none seem to exist anywhere in the world.

So if per chance you had at least 4 original hexes (I think they're black) then that would be great! If not... any idea where I might be able to find some??

[wintersdawn 178]

Just saw your reply, although I've got a Desertwolf now, I don't have any spare 17mm hex wheel adapters, only the ones fitted.

Seems to be another unobtainium part, like the original spur gear 

[wintersdawn 178]

What's the latest on your Desertwolf?

[TrueBlue 45]

Not a lot at the moment.

Acquired another clear body shell, with the plan to paint it metallic orange. I know the original shell is already orange, but I think a metallic colour might make it pop a bit more. Also, I think orange suits the DesertWolf quite nicely.

Also got some new wheels for it, a set of JetKo 1:8 Tomahawk wheels with belted tyres, and finally decided to get the rear centre CVD shaft to go along with the front one.

Just want to get some new Maverick shocks, 95mm ones to lower the ride height just a tad. I was thinking of replacing the plastic toe and camber links with turnbuckles, but not sure on that yet. And a new Traxxas 2S LiPO since the one in there now is supposed to be in my Tamiya Aqroshot.

[wintersdawn 178]

Thanks for the update, like the wheels and tyres. 

I have got the front and rear drive-shaft upgrades ready to fit to mine, but have done the turnbuckle upgrade.  The picture below is how mine came to me with wrong big shocks on the front so I swapped some front shocks from one of my Timberwolves as they cannot be seen under the bodyshell.  I didn't fit the big shocks to the front of the Timberwolf, I ordered some rear Timberwolf shocks (fronts out of stock) and shortened the travel of the piston and fitted them to the Timberwolf that donated its shocks.  The shock bodies are longer but again you can't see them under the big Timberwolf bodyshell.

[TrueBlue 45]

I assume you mean you HAVEN'T done ethe turnbuckle upgrade? I just found some threaded rod and tie-ends on eBay and was going to make up the turnbuckles myself. But since the plastic they're using is quite flexible, it shouldn't bend or break like a metal turnbuckle... so still undecided.

Also notice you still have the original wheels and tyres. Nice. Can't find them anywhere otherwise I'd have snapped them up instead. 

Lot's of shock work going on, lol. I forgot you also had a TimberWolf as well. I'm just, hopefully, going to get some simple alloy Maverick shocks that should fit. I think they're for the Strada MT but should hopefully fit. Also, might get new shock towers. Mine are scratched and a little bent.

So much to do, so little money to do it, lol.