Slash 4X4 center driveshaft question.

[biggman100]

How much play is there supposed to be in the center driveshaft? I picked up a used Slash 4X4, and, although it is in very good condition, I noticed that the center shaft has a lot of play back and forth, so, I'm wondering if maybe someone put the shorter shaft from the Stampede in it, or it's just that I'm missing something. After doing some digging, the Stampede shaft is 189MM long, and, the Slash one is 215MM long, which is about a 2 inch difference between the two, so I'm not exactly sure the Stampede one would actually work in the Slash, but, I could be wrong. Right now, I can't post any pics, because it is completely apart, and won't be back together until I get the few parts I do need for it, which might be a couple weeks, or more.

 

[RustyUs]

You will want some play in the driveshaft to account for chassis flex. I would call 5mm of play quite normal.

 

[RustyUs]

Some 4x4 platforms will use slider type center driveshafts that are splined to accommodate for chassis flex. Some platforms will use spring loaded splined center driveshafts that are constantly contracting/expanding to accommodate for the chassis flex. Dog bone, or splined... chassis flex is gonna happen.

 

[9x19]

Yep, fore/aft play is normal (and necessary) for all the Traxxas 1/10 4x4 models.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

A certain amount is normal and adjustable. The splined end connected to the spur shaft has a set screw that will allow it to move in and out.

 

[biggman100]

A certain amount is normal and adjustable. The splined end connected to the spur shaft has a set screw that will allow it to move in and out.

On this one, the splined part is fixed in one position with a screw that goes through the gear and the shaft, just like the driveshafts have, so it isn't adjustable. I think it even uses the same screw the driveshafts do.

 

[Ramp addict]

Most people put a rubber O ring on either side of the drive shaft to keep it centered. If you crash your truck and need that extra space the worst case scenario is the drive shaft will push the O ring out of the way.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

On this one, the splined part is fixed in one position with a screw that goes through the gear and the shaft, just like the driveshafts have, so it isn't adjustable. I think it even uses the same screw the driveshafts do.

I didnt know that. Mine must be the old design.

 

[biggman100]

I didnt know that. Mine must be the old design.

Actually, I think the one I have is an old design, since, looking up the parts for it, it shows a slipper shaft with a flat part at one end, and, the splined piece only has a regular set screw and not the pin style screw mine has, so, I ordered the newer shaft and splined piece, and I'll see if my spur fits the newer shaft, or if I need the whole thing.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I will say I had issues with the short splined shaft rounding the end of the slipper shaft when I had it configured as a monster truck. Either the castle 3s system or the big tires seemed to be too much for it.