Some questions about the ORV diff

[Saito2]

I'm sorry if this post drags on, but I have some questions that have been stacking up about the ORV drivetrain for some time now. First, is the ORV diff really a defective part on it's own? Tamiya doesn't seem to think so as they did nothing to improve it on the re-releases, but I feel that's only half the answer. I think the diff is fine depending on the application. It gives no problems in the Hot Shot but pops and separates in the Wild One/FAV or ORV cars. So is the diff really at fault or is it how well its supported?

Here's one of my points. I'm starting to hear that the new MIP  ball diff is becoming THE solution to the ORV's woes. Now that's fine and true. I am very very happy that MIP produced it. It's greatly appreciated but there are other ways to fix the problem we've been doing here for years. The classic Oldfrogshot screw mod or supporting the gearbox plates in some manner both work and are cheaper.

Next there is the issues of halfshafts. I never had a problem with hex-headed halfshafts. Others have and Tamiya has seen fit to upgrade to dogbones which work great. The CVDs seem to have issues however. In fact, going back to Frog re-re dogbones appears to be the fix for the faulty CVDs. It seems the MIP diff is meant to work with the CVDs, or do they work with the dogbones as well? 

In the end its all about personal luck and experience I guess. For my part, using nothing more than Sport-Tuned type motors, I've never had diff issues with a Hot Shot-series car, an ORV Frog or Blackfoot (I know I'm in the minority when speaking of the Blackfoot), but I have had lots of diff issues in the FAV/Wild One. I've also never had hex or dogbone issues but haven't tried the CVDs so I can't comment on those other than what I've seen on the forum.

The reason I drag on about this is a friend is considering a Blackfoot but is scared off by the price of the MIP diff (which I personally find very reasonable) as he's gotten the gist that it's required to run and ORV monster. After explaining cheaper solutions to this and getting into the CVD issues, I realized the quagmire of problems, solutions and different experiences we've all had with this fun but, at times faulty, platform. Again this is not a put-down of ANYTHING MIP (or those involved in getting it produced) has done as they should be greatly applauded for the risk they took to produce such a top-notch part. If you want to put some real power through an ORV gearbox I imagine its the way to go. I sincerely don't mean to step on anybody's toes, just wanted some clarification.

 

[chevelle]

I think that the original ORV box is inherently flawed, However I have spent plenty of years running it stock without major issue. Of course understanding it and not trying to push it to far has helped, While absolutely enjoying running my cars  This been said I do think that the recently released MIP option is FANTASTIC news for those that really want to push their car's  So basically If your happy to cruise your car around, stock is fine  If you want to run harder, There are always upgrades 

[jeekelemental]

Cheaper than MIP, for sure ;-)

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=98441&id=22640