optional hardened steel end caps

[georgec]

I hope to soon order the slipperential for my RCM converted D8 and was wondering if I would need to order the optional hardened steel end caps, the angle of the front drive shaft is rather steep on the D8, or is it just a good idea to order them both.
Thanks, georgec

[RC-Monster Mike]

The steel endcaps aren't necessary, but they will last longer with higher side load applications. It is good practice to grease the diff outdrives during the initial install, which minimizes wear (on any diff, not just the Slipperential). The steel endcaps are about 2x as heavy as the aluminum endcaps, but they will probably outlast the car with proper use. :)

[georgec]

Thanks Mike

[JThiessen]

Is there any visible difference between the steel and the "normal" (I assume those would be aluminum?)

I ordered the hardened endcaps, but didn't think to see what I was putting together......now its a little late to check for sure!

[Nick]

Not sure but I ordered aluminum and it broke on the first few runs...

Also, the other end is good for getting wrench around to adjust the slipper, so hardened steel is a little nicer, doesn't mash as much.

[georgec]

WOW Nick, Any idea's as to what caused the breakage?

[Nick]

I'm not really sure, it will still work fine I imagine - but don't want it to crack any more!

[georgec]

After seeing this, I think to be on the safe side I will order the hardened pieces.

[RC-Monster Mike]

Nick's endcap is the only one of its kind out of hundreds of units - I wouldn't worry about experiencing this type of failure with either material as a rule. There is no substantial strength advantage with the steel(advantage is in wear). The aluminum caps are stronger than some steels and are still recommended for most applications at half the weight of the steel caps. In an application with a high side load(diff offset substantially from the center), the steel caps are recommended for improved wear inside the outdrive bore, but otherwise the aluminum caps are optimum.

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by RC-Monster Mike

Nick's endcap is the only one of its kind out of hundreds of units - I wouldn't worry about experiencing this type of failure with either material as a rule. There is no substantial strength advantage with the steel(advantage is in wear). The aluminum caps are stronger than some steels and are still recommended for most applications at half the weight of the steel caps. In an application with a high side load(diff offset substantially from the center), the steel caps are recommended for improved wear inside the outdrive bore, but otherwise the aluminum caps are optimum.

I'd assume both styles are anodized black? Guess I can do a scratch test to see what material it is if I really needed to verify.....

[RC-Monster Mike]

Aluminum is black hard anodized, while the hardened steel units are black oxide coated - both are black, though. The steel units are notably heavier(over 2x the weight) and have slightly larger radial lightening cuts on the face of the larger side. If you have a magnet, it is easy to see if you have a steel endcap. If you ordered steel, we almost certainly sent steel. :)

[What's_nitro?]

Magnet...