Well, with a solid setup, the savage can take it. I've upgraded both my diffs to XL ring/pinion gears and alloy cups. I've installed alloy diff cases so I could shim properly and know the case isn't going to flex. I also installed new/better bearings to help them last longer.
I run standard black dogbones on the outer and inner axles. I've busted 2 or 3 outer axles, but I think it was more due to my inability to realize a problem. I didn't put fuel line/o-rings in the cups to give the bones a cushion and keep them running centered in the cups, so they would bind and snap at extreme articulation (carthwheeling and hitting a tree for two I remember
).
My main issue now is the center diff cups. They start showing wear pretty quick and they aren't any fun to replace. I have spares on a shelf... I just don't have the "want to" to change mine out, but they are pretty worn after 3 gallons or so of use with the LRP28.
It has to be due to either material or alignment. The set on my aftershock have had 13+ gallons through them and they are the original center cvd's and cups! Those gallons were from various engines, but at least 4-5 are from an LRP28S3. The cups show almost no wear, the CVD joints are sloppy though and probably should be replaced, but I don't drive that truck much, it's my "baby"
.
But geez, 13+ gallons vs 3-4 in a savage? Something is wrong with the setup or materials HPI has. Wish it wasn't so fun to beat the snot out of!
