Low CG Maxx
 

So I picked up a 3905 Maxx roller, added a CC1518, 4s/6s and a MMM and had some fun bashing with it. Until I broke the stock chassis 2 times at the common breaking point by the bulkheads.

I didn't want to get another stock chassis, or buy the FLM(although I wish the G4 was still being produced...) so I decided to try something slightly different with it.

After having fun with some truggies on the track and enjoying their handling, I thought it might be beneficial to the Maxx to truggy-ize it. So I picked up some 1/8" 6061 alu sheeting, 12X24" in size and got to laying it out.

I measure the bottom of the stock Maxx from skid to skid and added 3/4" to the length for some added wheelbase. Then drew it out how I wanted it. I based the layout after the common buggy/truggy layout using the motor in the right rear, lipo on the left. I'll have the steering servo on the left front and the MMM on the right front.

The bottom plate still need some trimming but is pretty close to being done. Its basically a solid piece, eliminating the stock skid plate. The bulkhead bolt right to the plate. I need to fab 2 spaces for the center diff and drill a couple more holes. Here's the current layout and status:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1.../Photo0058.jpg

I plan on using a strip of alu to tie in the front to the center to the rear, mounted at the bulkheads like the top of the stock chassis would. This will also provide a spot for mounting the receiver.

The center CVD's shown are Traxxas brand. The rear cvd will be perfect for both the front and rear center. So i'll pick another one of those up. I picked up a complete center diff from a Ultra LX of ebay for $8 shipped and a RC-M motor mount to pair with it. Steering will be handled by the stock setup and a Futaba 9351. Power will be a 1518 on 4s for now. Geared at 14/51 will be 42mph. I may have to throw in some LST diffs to add some gear reduction and durability as well.

I decided on the Ultra LX diff since the whole assembly was so cheap. But I also got it for the fact that Ofna has a center spool kit that drops right in for when I'll want the locked up MT feel. I'll likely pick up some buggy shocks and run a 4shock setup too.

With this layout, I can really slam the body post down. I'm thinking of picking up a Proline Bulldog body for the truggies and putting on it. Would look like with some Maxx Mashers!

Questions, comments, concerns, opinions all welcomed!

Great! I knew you'd be back to the Maxx sometime! You may be in luck with the stock diffs. When I bought my chassis from user 3.3maxx the diffs that came in it are still in it. They have done really well. I attribute it to the CD. The tranny would rip them up within 15 runs. Not these. Hundreds of runs I'd say and they are still working well. I do have 8 Ultralites at the ready. Should be a real performer. Don't be afraid to add some kickup.

Zack, it'll be similar to the Mutant in most ways.

I'll be adding the stock kick up in the front once I get it all trimmed up.

I can't think of a darn thing to add. Well thought out and looking good!

Sweet! I have been plotting this for about a year or so... Have the metals in cart @ OLM :lol: I will be staying tuned in on this... Whats the wheelbase total? 14.25"? I was going to shoot for ~16".

What Steering Setup are you going to use? 1/8 Style or Stock?

Check my Sig for some pics on my Maxx. I have it "Low CG" Setup now but really need a CD...

It makes you wonder why Traxxas never did this in the first place......

Do you still have the tranny for the Maxx? Is it the new one or older one?

I agree, but then it wouldn't have agreed with the 4" ground clearancend wheelie action Trx was originally boasting about when the Maxx was first released.

Although they could have brought on a 1/8th scale lineup... :whip:



Its a 3905 transmission. Probably going to keep it tho.

Looks nice.
 

It looks nice. I have been thinking about doing something similar. I like the idea of using a center diff like that one. I have a Neu 1527 coming with special mounts and I am thinking about setting it up almost like yours. I have never tried to make my own chassis, but it does not look too difficult. Keep us posted on your progress.

I like this idea too. Been thinking about doing it myself.

One of the things I don't like about the stock chassis:

It's limited on battery size, high center of gravity, and just plain limited on mods.

Good work! Please keep us updated with pics as you progress.

Jerry, I was originally going to make a chassis to convert my Revo 3.3 to a chassis like this. The angles of the skids/bulkheads on the Revo threw me for a loop so I decided to keep it simple and tackle the Maxx with a conversion like this first.


For shocks, I was thinking of using some LST shocks, until I realized that they are extremely longer than Maxx or 1/8's. I may still give this a shot, if I can make some lower mounting brackets to accept them.

Nevermind - I reread your first post.


I like it.

That's what I'm sayin'! Traxxas doesn't have a truggy yet, AFAIK...

I'm curious to see if they'll attempt to adapt the Slash 4x4 platform into a 1/8th buggy...

Yeah that is one thing that I wish I had spent more time on. The Gen5 steering is the best for the Maxx, unbreakable, highly tunable, easy to maintain, but doesn't have ackerman. A cheap truggy steering rack would be easy.

Looks like the wheelbase is about 15". Is that right?

You really need to do the bracing right. The back end of my chassis is settled now but it did tweak within the first week and has stayed tweaked. Its got some 'kickdown'. You sound like you have a good plan.

You know FLM has an adapter for their towers to allow for LST shocks? You've seen that build I'm sure. I've thought about it myself. It gets complicated though. Aluminum arms seem to be a must. Because you have to cut some of the upper a-arm to make room for the massive shock.

-Zack