Hot Racing AX10 Replacement Axles initial review

[NluvWithXLR8ing]

Hot Racing AX10 Replacement Axles initial review

Factory information and specs:

Black or silver
On board power axle kit ax10
This is the optional Aluminum Front or Rear Low CG Transmission for the AX10
FEATURES:
• - CNC 6061-T6 Aluminum construction, Black in color
• - Nitriding Steel gears
• - Compact Gear Case for Low CG and more ground clearance
• - Vision clear gear box cover
• - HD steel axle
• - HD 155mm wide axle tube
• - Full ball bearings in tranny
• - Aluminum Servo, Shock and linkage mount.
• - Direct fit hop up requires no model modification for use
• - Use 48p Pinion Gear.
INCLUDES:
One Aluminum Low CG Transmission for the AX10
REQUIREMENTS:
Some parts from your stock AX10 set up Installation
SPECIFICATIONS:
Length: 155mm (from center of the king pin) width: 80mm height: 50mm
COMMENTS:
Nitriding to increased wear resistance, improved fatigue life, and enhanced corrosion resistant


My initial thoughts and concerns

When I first received them I was surprised at the cheesy packaging but once I pulled them out I was quite impressed with the axles themselves. The machining looks great. The hardware holding the axle cases together is a little small but it should not be an issue.

Positives:
• Direct replacement for the AX10. Those of you who want a rig with a MOA (motor on axle) setup and already own an AX10 will be really happy to see these make it super easy.
• Width is very close to the AX10 axles so you can use your original wheels.
• All the link and shock mounts for the AX10 are included and should make these axles a direct bolt on. I will update this statement when I actually try it for myself.
• Gears are standard 48P, so any hobby shop will have the pinion gears you need. Berg axles use a metric 48P that are harder to find.
• AX10 knuckles, stub axles, and bearings all bolt right up from your AX10 axles. If you already invested the money in upgrading to aluminum knuckles you wont need to spend the money again when you make the swap.
• All the hardware is included to mount the steering servo, this is a HUGE plus for somebody that doesn’t want to fabricate these parts. Berg axle kits do not include servo mounts.
• More steering than stock AX10 axles.

Negatives:
• I have come to love the wider axles like the bergs. The servo does not have to work as hard to turn the tires with the smaller scrub radius. Not that big of an issue though, nobody seems to complain about the width of the axials for this reason anyways.
• You will have to use the bearings for the knuckles and axle shafts from your AX10 or order new ones.
• Knuckles and stub shafts are req’d to complete the Hot Racing axles as well.

Onto the pics!

Whats included in each package:

Axle pics:

Now for the comparison pics. I used my FubarCrawler stands to keep them in line.

The HR axle was just a hair wider.

Assembled pics:

Note: I do not recommend running plastic knuckles on the HR axles. There is no flex in these axles because they are all aluminum, all the force from a hard hit will be sent directly to the knuckles

Pics of the internals

 

[slowngreen]

so those get rid of using drive lines???

 

[Webbage]

Looks like a pair of Berg axles for an AX-10 to me

Nice idea, but I think you'd be better off going for a purpose built Berg rig myself, or just modding a pair of bergs onto the Axial? I'm sure it's possible, and the Berg axels are the complete works.

Not to say they look bad or anything though, they look like a well made and well thought out piece of kit.

 

[CharliesTheMan]

I like them A LOT! They will allow the guys who have put tons of money into their axials to run MOA setups without changing their suspension links and all that like you would have to do with Berg Axles. For examples, I've spent weeks setting up my comp rig with axial dimensions, getting the links just right for the wheelbase and all that. I wouldn't put berg axles on that rig because I've got so much time getting it configured for the Axial setup. Also, I bet these will be more affordable than the Berg.

Slowngreen, these allow you to get rid of the motor, tranny, and drivelines that sit in the center of the chassis. With these, the motors mount right to the axles. You can imagine what that does for your center of gravity, while allowing you to run much higher ground clearance.

 

[slowngreen]

oh ok, so u need two motors? how much those things run?

 

[Timmahh]

140.per i think it is

 

[CharliesTheMan]

damn, that's more than berg axles. I was hoping they would be around $100 each

UPDATE: I received some info that they retail around $128 each, so the listing price will be less than that. Timmahh was right on the money but that's retail, so they should actually be selling for a good bit less.

 

[phx123]

I think they look hella sweet . Its just too bad I can't use them for comps here . We have a weird set of rules up here . Any clod type rig ( 2 motors ) takes points right off the bat . Same with torsion style rigs.. In fact my 2.2 and super Pimp Canes aren't even allowed cause its like 20 point hit or some stupid thing .

 

[Webbage]

I like them A LOT! They will allow the guys who have put tons of money into their axials to run MOA setups without changing their suspension links and all that like you would have to do with Berg Axles. For examples, I've spent weeks setting up my comp rig with axial dimensions, getting the links just right for the wheelbase and all that. I wouldn't put berg axles on that rig because I've got so much time getting it configured for the Axial setup. Also, I bet these will be more affordable than the Berg. .

The way the links hook up at the bottom on the axle is different to the Axial units, using one bracket at the outside (adjustable) with upper and lower holes, rather than the two opposite ones along the axle tube. If you attach them to an existing Axial setup they will likely increase the ride-height by a quarter inch and possibly widen the spread on the lower links which, unless you are on double triangulation, will reduce the stability a smidge (I think). The plates are adjustable (3 positions) but more playing around would be needed there also to mitigate against the possibility of binding or over-twisting the ball joints, especially on a double-tri setup. Also, if you run droop, for example, then the weight of the axles will also make a significant difference to the reaction of the shocks.

I think what I'm trying to say is theses probably are not a straight froward drop-in for the stock axles, I think the altered weight and dimensions of the axles, and the slight alterations of the lower/shock mounts will mean you will have to invest significant time 're-setting' the suspension.

I just think they are so similar in price that if I were to go down the MOA route I'd go for Berg axles because you get not only a high quality MOA unit, but you also get alu knuckles which are equivalent to about 23 USD worth on their own.

Also, just out of interest, how do you lock out these axles, I can't see how that works on these?

Just my 2 cents.

 

[WoodiE]

NluvWithXLR8ing,

Awesome review - those axles look tough!



-Michael

 

[NluvWithXLR8ing]

The way the links hook up at the bottom on the axle is different to the Axial units, using one bracket at the outside (adjustable) with upper and lower holes, rather than the two opposite ones along the axle tube. If you attach them to an existing Axial setup they will likely increase the ride-height by a quarter inch and possibly widen the spread on the lower links which, unless you are on double triangulation, will reduce the stability a smidge (I think). The plates are adjustable (3 positions) but more playing around would be needed there also to mitigate against the possibility of binding or over-twisting the ball joints, especially on a double-tri setup. Also, if you run droop, for example, then the weight of the axles will also make a significant difference to the reaction of the shocks.

I think what I'm trying to say is theses probably are not a straight froward drop-in for the stock axles, I think the altered weight and dimensions of the axles, and the slight alterations of the lower/shock mounts will mean you will have to invest significant time 're-setting' the suspension.

I just think they are so similar in price that if I were to go down the MOA route I'd go for Berg axles because you get not only a high quality MOA unit, but you also get alu knuckles which are equivalent to about 23 USD worth on their own.

Also, just out of interest, how do you lock out these axles, I can't see how that works on these?

Just my 2 cents.

You make a lot of good points, most of which I tried to hit on in my review. I will provide a lot more info on these as I attempt to bolt them up to my AX10 with stock suspension. Adjusting ride height will be easy. Right now I am mostly worried about the motor clearing the lower links.

I am working with FubarCrawlers who makes lockouts for bergs to get some done for these axles. Probably less than a month out

Also remember, if you dont have wheels with the correct offset for berg axles you will be spending roughly $100 for the currently available beadlocks for bergs. So maybe the cost of knuckles outweighs that? Something to think about.

NluvWithXLR8ing,

Awesome review - those axles look tough!



-Michael

Thank you Micheal! I hope they are as tough as they look.

damn, that's more than berg axles. I was hoping they would be around $100 each

UPDATE: I received some info that they retail around $128 each, so the listing price will be less than that. Timmahh was right on the money but that's retail, so they should actually be selling for a good bit less.

I noticed hobby ect. had them for under $110 each.

 

[Webbage]

You make a lot of good points, most of which I tried to hit on in my review. I will provide a lot more info on these as I attempt to bolt them up to my AX10 with stock suspension. Adjusting ride height will be easy. Right now I am mostly worried about the motor clearing the lower links.

I'm guessing they are made for 'standard' 540s and the AX-10s stock lower links. As an added negative I didn't consider, I don't think double-tri would even be possible unless you clocked the axles using longer upper links. Yet more suspension faffing about...

I think the byword here is these won't likely be a drop-on replacement for many AX-10 comp rigs. I think if you want to fit these to an AX-10 with tricked out suspension and custom link angles, spacings, etc then you're going to have a lot thinking to do. Sorry Charles...

Another thing is clocking the castor angle is a no-go with these, which although a minor point might affect matters, especially if you want to clock them to raise the motor for better ground and lower link clearance.

I am working with FubarCrawlers who makes lockouts for bergs to get some done for these axles. Probably less than a month out

Sweet. You really gotta have em.

Also remember, if you dont have wheels with the correct offset for berg axles you will be spending roughly $100 for the currently available beadlocks for bergs. So maybe the cost of knuckles outweighs that? Something to think about.

Never thunked of that. Good point.

Now I've been all negative I'm gonna throw some positive points on.

These fit an AX-10, so they will almost certainly fit a Wheely King also. The lower link/shock hook ups are very similar to HPI's layout and the top link is also appropriate. Now THAT has cool potential. Finally exorcise those WK high CoG demons, in style! Again, the links might need a bit of fine-tuning to get angles etc right, but how sweet would that be?

Or, Anyone fancy a 'Baby Clod' MOA monster truck based on a pimped WK with HR axles? Maybe one day...

 

[CharliesTheMan]

If you use these axles, and remove the drivetrain on the wheelyking, you will most likely be using a custom chassis as that is a huge weak point of the stock kings, and then you wont have anything wheely king left on it lol

Brit, I would personally rather have Berg axles. But I do think that this is going to be wonderful for the crawling community in general, and there are a lot of people that would rather buy something like this for their crawlers that's made for the axial, than to modify their rigs for the bergs. There are a lot of people getting into crawling now that are RTR crawlers, meaning they don't want to dice up their new crawlers and get their hands dirty, as unfortunate as it might be.

One guy actually posted a thread on the crawler forum the other day asking how to mount his body. When guys told him to get it there and see what it needed and fab up some mounts, he actually said "I just want to get it here and mount it. I dont want do have to do any thinking. What a bleeding idiot. Unfortunately, so people would rather buy than build, and this is right up their alley.

 

[Webbage]

If you use these axles, and remove the drivetrain on the wheelyking, you will most likely be using a custom chassis as that is a huge weak point of the stock kings, and then you wont have anything wheely king left on it lol

I wasn't necessarily thinking along the lines of a crawler, just a baby Clod Buster type MT. Bit easier to keep in your room than a Clod, ya know.

Brit, I would personally rather have Berg axles. But I do think that this is going to be wonderful for the crawling community in general, and there are a lot of people that would rather buy something like this for their crawlers that's made for the axial, than to modify their rigs for the bergs. There are a lot of people getting into crawling now that are RTR crawlers, meaning they don't want to dice up their new crawlers and get their hands dirty, as unfortunate as it might be.

Like I said, a few times, these aren't necessarily gonna be straightforward to fit, even to the truck they are designed for. People not wanting to get their hands dirty probably won't want to assemble the ends of these either, and fit motors and crap to them. They'd also have to use modified wiring or a new ESC. That'd really put them off, if there's anything people have an irrational fear of, it's wiring and electronics

Someone really needs to come up with something shafty-like that kicks these things into touch. I'm gonna have to put my thinking cap on

One guy actually posted a thread on the crawler forum the other day asking how to mount his body. When guys told him to get it there and see what it needed and fab up some mounts, he actually said "I just want to get it here and mount it. I dont want do have to do any thinking. What a bleeding idiot. Unfortunately, so people would rather buy than build, and this is right up their alley.

LMFAO. *falls off chair* I don't read threads on there unless they actually look interesting, on the basis that otherwise I'd never get anything else done and I'd have a hernia from laughing at all the idiots

I know what you mean. Part of me thinks they should all pee off and leave us to our specialist engineered and precision tuned sport, but that would stop growth and no growth & development = no money = dead sport. I agree something like this will appeal to the RTR crowd, but I can see a good proportion of them buying expecting them to be an easy fit and getting frustrated because they have to turn a screw, and can't remember what a screwdriver looks like

I'm sure Hot Racing will have a lot of success with them. They look like a good product. Who knows, if I can't get my rig good enough to beat the Berglers, I mat have to get a pair myself

 

[Cam]

Looks like a pair of Berg axles for an AX-10 to me

+2 or a set of XTM axles.. Looks nice though either way.

One guy actually posted a thread on the crawler forum the other day asking how to mount his body. When guys told him to get it there and see what it needed and fab up some mounts, he actually said "I just want to get it here and mount it. I dont want do have to do any thinking. What a bleeding idiot. Unfortunately, so people would rather buy than build, and this is right up their alley.

RCC is full of morons like that.. Including some of there staff.. oh crap, did I say that outloud?

 

[Webbage]

Now, now. Lets not go badmouthing, it's unsightly. High visibility forums like RCC attract people from all walks of life, They are not all going to be as nice as you guys

Aaanyhoo. NluvWithXLR8ing, can't wait to see em fitted up and working. Go to it my friend