Single speed conversion with Ultramaxx gears
 

Has anyone tried the Gorillamaxx single speed conversion with the Ultramaxx alloy transmission gears?

I have a generation-1 set of the Ultramaxx gears, but I am having a problem installing the coupler into the 2nd gear.

http://img71.echo.cx/img71/516/um0lf.jpg


As you can see, the coupler has straight edges at the top/bottom where it slots into the 2nd gear, which fit the stock gear perfectly. However, the Ultramaxx 2nd gear has rounded edges, meaning that the coupler will not fit int the gear without some modification. I don't have the facilities to modify the gear/coupler so that they will fit together properly, so I am a little cheesed off right now TBH. :M:


So I am basically left with two choices: use the Ultramaxx gears and stick with the 2-speed tranny, or use the single-speed with a stock 2nd gear, and an Ultramaxx/UE/stock idler.

I get the impression that the UE idlers are very hard to get hold of, but a stock idler wouldn't last long with 9L power. It seems a waste having the full Ultramaxx gear set and only using one idler gear. Does the tranny still need to be greased if I am using the stock top/2nd gears, and a metal idler?

Holy cow! You got some of those bullet-proof gears. I'm very jealous. I'd get it modified to fit IMHO, as a 1speed ultramaxx tranny could handle anything. I bet an RC company like coldfusionracing could put it in the cad machine for a few minutes and fix it? Just my 2 cents.

I would modify the coupler with a small file. Should not be a biggie, just round down those nobs.

But a G-Maxx tranny should be quite BL-proof with the stock output gear, too.

Nice post Toon, I was about to PM and ask you what you were up to with your Maxx...
now I know :D
I've got the Gen 1 gears too and was also thinking about the single speed.
I read on here Mike is getting some steel idlers made, maybe he could updated this one now.

The coupler or the UM gear could be modified fairly easily to fit each other. As Dafni mentioned, the g-maxx tranny conversion goes a long way towards eliminating the gear failure due to its positive engagement.

I've decided to use the stock plastic 2nd gear, with a UM idler. I really don't think that there will be any durablility problems, particularly as the single-speed will make the transmission a lot more solid.

I will most likely get one of Mike's steel idlers when they're available, then maybe sell the complete Ultramaxx gear set. Or I may just keep them as an investment... :p


Edit: I just thought I'd mention that changing to the single speed transmission, and removing the shifter servo + linkage, has meant a weight saving of 200g (7 oz) on the truck. My truck should come in at just under 12lb RTR now. :D

Yeah. Wise decision. One day they might be worth a fortune, your heirs will be gratefull.

:L:

Can't go wrong with the stock gear. I have a spare one in my toolbox, just in case.

Invest in a Dremel tool - if you don't already have one. You could grind the coupler corners down in no time. Just take care not to over do it.

After all, if you mess up a new coupler is less then the gears.

BTW - great photo - Thanks :D

That gets my vote,
UM gears already make good money on ebay.
If you can find them that is :p