Solid axle question

[spinout180]

I was looking at a friend's Axial crawler the other day, and noticed their axles seem narrower than the Wheely King's (anyone know for sure?). I guess my question is would they give me about the same width as the TLT's axles? I'm trying to get some ideas for a more scale-ish build, without breaking the bank. I haven't checked into cost for either set, but I've heard the TLT's are kinda pricey. I wonder how hard it would be to narrow the WK's. I'd think the only real issue would be the cases, as in not weakening them by cutting and maybe regluing them back together. The shafts wouldn't be too big of a deal to crop and re-machine (file?) the flats at the diff ends. Any thoughts for a budget-minded project like I've described?

Troy.

 

[spinout180]

I was hoping someone had some thoughts, ideas, opinions or info about this....anyone? Bueller? Bueller???

Troy.

 

[kjr2]

I don't think Axial axles are any cheaper than TLTs... Aren't they like $40 per axle? I know you can buy unassembled axles and tranny from Tower or anywhere that sells Axial stuff. I think the axles are $40 ea. and the tranny is $38 or something...

 

[kjr2]

Yep $45 per axle so $90 a set which is about what TLTs cost I think. But at least with the Axials you don't have to hunt them down.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTBD8&P=7

 

[spinout180]

What do you guys think about narrowing the WK axles? I think they'd look and work awesome for a more scale appearance.

Troy.

 

[kjr2]

Sounds hard to me. Do you have good fabricating skills?

 

[Supreme Reign]

I read that the widths from the wheel mounting flange to wheel mounting flange are:
Wheely King: 9 5/8"
AX-10 Scorpion: 8 5/8"

I can't confirm since I don't own a Scorpion. TLT axles are 178mm or 7".

 

[Supreme Reign]

The shafts wouldn't be too big of a deal to crop and re-machine (file?) the flats at the diff ends.

To get TLT dimensions, you may as well do this to the case as well. You may just be machining a whole new axle case.

 

[spinout180]

Shortening the case would definitely be needed, the question is would they still be strong enough. Cutting plastic is the easy part:tong. Might make a cool project, though.

Troy.

 

[william g]

are you looking for some TLT axles? I have a set here I never even finished assembling.

 

[spinout180]

I like the proportions of the TLT axles, and would like to duplicate that look with something that's easier to get replacement parts for. The WK's would have to be narrowed by about an inch, which wouldn't leave much room between the diff area and C-hub mounting flange. I'm still toying with the idea...

Troy.

 

[spinout180]

Just crunching some numbers to build the WK axles: minus bearings and hexes- $54 and some change, per axle. Looks like it'd be cheaper just to buy the "no electronics" version and get some extra parts. I'm still interested in the axle narrowing idea, not sure of the best way to make the cuts on the housings, though.

Troy.