A Few Mods for the MERV

[HPIguy]

Does anyone know if traxxas sells a metal gear servo upgrade?

Mudslinger are you stripping the servos?

Looking good man. Makes me want one again, such bad ass little rigs!

Thanks SNG, I'm really happy with it so far. Perfect travel size basher, everything fits in one small little duffel bag. Got some more goodies on the way

 

[MudSlinger33]

I have stripped one servo, today I bought a second one to add hoping it will take some of the strain off the other servo. Would be nice if they sold metal gears to prevent it from stripping again, but maybe having two will help.

 

[HPIguy]

I have stripped one servo, today I bought a second one to add hoping it will take some of the strain off the other servo. Would be nice if they sold metal gears to prevent it from stripping again, but maybe having two will help.

Yeah, I was going to say you could add a second one just in case. The gear sets should be cheap I'd think though.

 

[jtboogie]

This is the servo I use and I only use one and have no issues anymore

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXN685&P=ML

 

[HPIguy]

This is the servo I use and I only use one and have no issues anymore

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXN685&P=ML

That's definitely a nice servo, but I need to retain the waterproof feature for my needs.

 

[jtboogie]

Let me know if you find a good metal gear one that works well for you that is waterproof. I searched for a while and then just decided to plastic dip my hitec.

 

[HPIguy]

Let me know if you find a good metal gear one that works well for you that is waterproof. I searched for a while and then just decided to plastic dip my hitec.

Has it been exposed to water and snow since then? I have a brand new stock servo here I could do the dual servo mod with, but Traxxas wants you to buy the whole steering assembly to get that one tiny little link. I bet I have something in the heli bag of parts that would work though. Besides, I've read you need an adjustable one for a second servo to get them centered just right without binding and fighting each other.

 

[jtboogie]

I saw the same thing about running duals and this is what made me kind of lean towards trying the plastic dip. I have had my summit in way deeper water then I have intended to with no problems. I live in Texas and we had almost no rain all year last year till about november so in october I was running in a little 30 by 30 pond that was probably about 15 feet deep when full but had dried up to what I thought was inches. Well I was running through the sides parts of what remained as water in the pond just having fun. Decided to push my luck and go right through the center from one side to the other, when I got to the middle it was about a foot. LOL kept the throttle just slightly pinned enough to keep the tires churning and well pretty much just the top of the front tires were all I could see and the head light decal and I made it out fine and all my electronics including the servo worked fine after. I have it with me now while I am visiting my parents in Chicago and have run it through plenty of snow to the point where it was packed full inside and hell most of the time I rinse it off after a run with the shower head in the bath tub and have had no problems either. I followed squirrels video on youtube on how to dip them correctly and what to use. Believe me it is nerve racking at first espicially with the 30 bucks just spent on a new servo but I like it and think it probably works better than 2 stock ones and i didn't have to fool with the extra parts. But some would rather fool with the extra parts than plastic dip.

 

[MudSlinger33]

Got done installing the second servo. I can defiantly notice the difference. The only bad part like HPIguy was saying is that you have to buy the entire bell crank and servo saver assembly for just the one little linkage.

 

[tmaxxfreek]

Hows the adjustments on it? Do they bind with each other?

 

[jtboogie]

Yea let me know how it works out. Also slingger if you can look at my response on your v twin emaxx build thread. I am trying to understand gear rations 100%. Just send me a pm if I have it right with what I said if you could please bro.

 

[MudSlinger33]

Nope, no problems.

 

[HPIguy]

Well, doesn't matter what I can come up with on the linkage (and I have tons of that stuff lying around). The new servo didn't even come with a servo arm. You have to buy that steering kit to get it. Stay classy Traxxas :ahem:

 

[HPIguy]

Well I had some more stuff show up yesterday, so I did a few more things to the MERV.

I pretty much had to tear it down to the bare chassis and electronics

So I could check my diffs, good thing too the front was almost dry

When you reassemble your bulk heads, pay attention as you tighten this screw, you don't want it too tight or it will spread the bulk in the back, creating play between the ring gear and diff

Like this

Too loose, and there will be a gap up front like this

You want it so that with the screw snug, and slight pressure on the sides of the bulk head, there are no gaps. That ensures that when you mount it all back in the chassis, you're good to go. I didn't need any shims at either end BTW

I also noticed the diffs aren't sealed, so I decided to tackle that as well. I used some high temp RTV sealant, some cut in half Q Tips, and a paper plate. CAUTION! The RTV has stong fumes and vapors that are not healthy, make sure you do this in a well ventilated area should you choose to try it.

Applicator is a Q Tip cut in half at a 45* angle

All done! Make sure you don't use too much, a little is a lot here as you still have to get it bolted back up. You need to let the RTV set up for a bout a half hour before putting things back together also. Make sure you get the seams on the bulks at the front and back of the diff too

I also got my new GTR shocks, filled them with 50wt, and installed them

And my RPM bumpers came too, thanks for the tip hamz! As always, fit and finish on the RPM stuff it tip top

Needless to say, the MERV is ready to rip now, and I'm anxious to drive it with both diffs working properly. Till next time.........

 

[MudSlinger33]

Did you blow your diffs already?
The truck is looking good, I am loving the looks of those RPM bumpers. :thumbup:

 

[bergoff]

Looks nice how do you like that wheelie bar. I need to get something I've been going through a lot of wings.

 

[HPIguy]

Did you blow your diffs already?
The truck is looking good, I am loving the looks of those RPM bumpers. :thumbup:

Thanks mudslinger. Oh no, I haven't had any trouble with the diffs. But I saw in the stickie where some were shipping dry, and almost dry, and sure enough both of mine were almost dry. Yeah, the rear even looks almost scale, even has a little step plate. Needs a hitch

Looks nice how do you like that wheelie bar. I need to get something I've been going through a lot of wings.

Thanks bergoff. I really like it, and it seems very strong thus far. You do need tools to adjust it, and have to notch the body for the highest position though.

 

[Mn Monster]

killer ride! watching this thread will lead to me get one !

 

[HPIguy]

Added a couple more things.

Dual steering servos and motor heat sink

Losi mini zombi max tires on mini LST rims. Easy mod, all you need is the losi drive hexes, and drill the hole in the wheel out to accept the larger MERV axles. They're roughly the same diameter, but slightly narrower. Can't wait to try these out off road as the talons are underwhelming to say the least.

 

[frickenjoey]

Love the Zombie Max tires...oh and the Velcro was the real deal aircraft grade 3M stuff. No better Velcro made!! I bought a big roll of it with a couple buddies when we were doing foamie combat planes in Okinawa. They were too fun. Digging the Merv, kinda wish I would have went that way vs the Savage XS.