Savage Flux Conversion to 1717, Center Diff, XL Length, Mech Brakes

[rcs2022]

Have been enjoying the RC for less than a year now, this forum has provided a lot of insight to the hobby through its members and their great conversions, tips and experience. I feel I need to return something back by posting my humble conversion. Please remember this is my first Conversion with minimal tools; In fact my first RC truck, not counting my sons MLST.

Lots of ideas have come from different conversions and forum members, a thanks to all.

It started with the need for more power and a center diff. I enjoyed my standard Flux a lot, but wanted to lessen the wheelies and of course more power. I pefered to do it the custom way as much as possible. And obviously with the recent Castle Creations sale; got my self a 1717.

Design Considerations:
To limit Wheelies, i thought of 2 things; Motor Forward as much as possible, and a center diff.
Moving the motor forward and reversing it, the steering servo had to be relocated.
Batteries for now will remain in the side trays.
I got the HPI Racing Wheelbase Conversion Set Savage Flux; # 102404, I am aware of the many aftermarket TVP's available and motor mounts, but decided on a bit of challenge and decrease the cost. Another thing for the price of HPI # 102404 it includes the 4x widened axles also, i happened to have them on my Flux and broke one of them; now i have 3 spares ;)

I used a hot bodies diff which I got cheap on ebay, hope it holds; may upgrade later after everything works out fine.
Obviously I will be using the monster mamba ESC of my stock Flux
Intention of using mechanical brakes to lessen the load on the ESC, this will come later.

For starters here is the general idea:



Another view:




Comments, Feedback and Ideas Most Welcome!