Xmaxx to Xmonster build thread‼️

[AjDale]

Got my hands on a used Xmaxx, everything works but it is a bit rusty. I’ve been swapping out screws and replacing them with stainless steel (yes I know they aren’t as strong but that’s not what I’m going for). I want this rig to be clean and as close to new as I can get it. I traded my SCX10.3 for it since I never use it. I really wanted the new Traxxas Xmonster but wasn’t about to pay Traxxas price on a chassis. Although I will say to get all the parts to convert a Xmaxx to a Xmonster is very pricey. Hoping to have it done by the end of the week. I also ordered a max5G2 1100KV combo along with a M2C motor mount and upper chassis brace/esc mount. Excited to work on a big rig again!

 

[Tunedfrog]

This is going to be cool.

 

[AjDale]

This is going to be cool.

Definitely gonna be a sweet rig once I’m done! I’ve already swapped about 95% of the screws over to stainless steel. Have a couple more to go once I really tear into it as parts arrive. (First pic is the first round of screws I removed, second pic is the second round of screws I removed and swapped).

 

[HPIguy]

Man the cost of that conversion!

 

[Doom!]

That's screwed up man! Sorry couldn't resist.

That's a whole lotta screws!

 

[AjDale]

Aaaaand more screws swapped. These are the proline Xmaxx arms that have a bunch of 3x6mm screws that hold the inserts in. I had to order some 3x6mm stainless steel screws separately due to not having any in the kit I had purchased (xmaxx stainless steel screw kit).

Also, my new Max5G2 1100KV combo arrived in the same package.

To be continued….

 

[AjDale]

That's screwed up man! Sorry couldn't resist.

That's a whole lotta screws!

Definitely screwed up! so much rust it’s a bit ridiculous, luckily I do enjoy wrenching (possibly more than bashing).

It sure is! I've swapped out even more now. They just keep appearing!

 

[AjDale]

**UPDATE
Max5G2 1100KV, M2C perfect mesh motor mount, M2C esc mount, and M2C gear cover installed

To be continued….

 

[WickedFog]

**UPDATE
Max5G2 1100KV, M2C perfect mesh motor mount, M2C esc mount, and M2C gear cover installed View attachment 252217
View attachment 252218

To be continued….

You better slide that pinion back

 

[AjDale]

You better slide that pinion back

I’m gonna have to sand it or cut it down a bit. Seems every pinion I try with this m2c mount has the same issue. Even when flipped the grub screw won’t touch the motor shaft

 

[WickedFog]

I’m gonna have to sand it or cut it down a bit. Seems every pinion I try with this m2c mount has the same issue. Even when flipped the grub screw won’t touch the motor shaft

Have you looked at Robinson pinions?

You definitely don't want to run it like that. It will chew itself up.

 

[AjDale]

Have you looked at Robinson pinions?

You definitely don't want to run it like that. It will chew itself up.

I’ll check out a couple other options. I may order a hot racing pinion as they seem to be a bit skinnier but I’ve read they don’t last long.

Everywhere I see says it’s pretty normal for 1.5 mod gears to sit like this on the m2c motor mount. It’s not optimal but it does work. I may even have my XRT set up the same way with the M2C motor mount and I haven’t had issues going on a year. Although, I would definitely like to make it “correct”

 

[AjDale]

Have you looked at Robinson pinions?

You definitely don't want to run it like that. It will chew itself up.

Just ordered a hot racing pinion as well as a GDS pinion. They both look significantly skinnier so it should fit the motor shaft better. Unfortunately they won’t be here until next week, but all is good! I can wait

 

[WickedFog]

I’ll check out a couple other options. I may order a hot racing pinion as they seem to be a bit skinnier but I’ve read they don’t last long.

Everywhere I see says it’s pretty normal for 1.5 mod gears to sit like this on the m2c motor mount. It’s not optimal but it does work. I may even have my XRT set up the same way with the M2C motor mount and I haven’t had issues going on a year. Although, I would definitely like to make it “correct”

It may work, but you're killing your durability by not utilizing all of the gear contact patch on your pinion and spur gear. Not to mention all the heat created between the gears is being focused into a smaller area. Not that you will be able to notice this, but that corner where the mesh is will be hotter than if you spread that heat across the entirety of the gears as it would with a correct mesh.

Examples...
You can see it beginning to wear the spur unevenly.

 

[AjDale]

It may work, but you're killing your durability by not utilizing all of the gear contact patch on your pinion and spur gear. Not to mention all the heat created between the gears is being focused into a smaller area. Not that you will be able to notice this, but that corner where the mesh is will be hotter than if you spread that heat across the entirety of the gears as it would with a correct mesh.

Examples...
You can see it beginning to wear the spur unevenly.
View attachment 252293
View attachment 252294

Yeah, I definitely get it. Those are perfect examples, I’ll have to check my XRT again but I did order the two new gears and if they both happen to fit better than I’ll swap the gear out on the XRT as well. But I’m definitely looking for other options as obviously as stated it’s not suited for durability.

 

[WickedFog]

If you have room to grind that pinion down without getting into the set screw, go for it. Just try not to get the gear too hot.

 

[AjDale]

**UPDATE

Body, wheels, front and rear chrome bumpers installed. Super happy with this!
Unfortunately couldn’t get it soldered, shop didn’t have any plugs I needed in stock. I’ll get some ordered up and head back to get it finished.

I still have to replace all the bearings, since I got the kit today. Gotta swap the steering links, install hot racing bellcrank, swap motor pinion gears to hopefully get it to line up with my spur better and install m2c rear motor brace.

Also just ordered a perfect pass Monster T servo. Trying all new things on this rig! Hoping it works out.

To be continued…..

 

[AjDale]

***UPDATE

I’ve swapped almost all of the bearings, just need to do the center diff bearings and freshen up the fluid. I have rebuilt the front and rear diffs with freshen fluids. Installed TRAXXAS aluminum steering links, and Hot Racing steering bellcrank. Also swapped out the drive cups for ones I had laying around with M2C outdrive reinforcement rings.

Still on the list to install - basher block for center driveshaft, Hot Racing spur cover, Hot Racing upper front chassis brace, GPM shock sleeves, GPM chassis plate/brace, M2C rear motor support, Perfect Pass Monster T servo, and 3D printed Cush drive dampener.

To be continued….

 

[matt05]

You’re making me want to find a used Xmaxx and do the exact same thing. Great build!

 

[AjDale]

You’re making me want to find a used Xmaxx and do the exact same thing. Great build!

Totally should! It’s pricey but worth it in the end!