Mini LST Center Diff Ultimate Fix

[makakoa808]

Here is my attempt to fix the Mini LST Center Diff.
My idea is to replace the Mini LST Center Diff with the Mini E-Revo Center Diff.
Any helpful input will be much appreciated.
http://rccustomzone.com//rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF1.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

Erevo one looks so beefy compared to the losi

[makakoa808]

Erevo one looks so beefy compared to the losi

Yes it's very Beefy!! But it's also a stock center spool. So I'm waiting on my Mini E-Revo center diff to come in the mail... soon I hope..


Here is a pic of the Mini E-Revo Center Diff
http://www.thetoyz.com/cart/product_photos/7014.jpg

The problem I'm having now is getting the Mini E-Revo Team Integy center drive shaft
into the Mini LST drive cup..
The Mini E-Revo drive shaft (on the right) is just a little bigger then the Mini LST drive shaft (on the left.)
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF2.jpg

The center Merv drive shaft fits in the opening and actually catches and can turn the wheels but it's not far in enough..
I am not confident it won't wear out the cups and fall out.
The drive cup actually bevels inwards stopping the Merv drive shaft from being inserted farther in.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF3.jpg

http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF4.jpg

The question here is do I dremel down the inside of the Mini LST Drive cup or do I dremel
down the end of the Mini E Revo Drive shaft.

[makakoa808]

So I got my parts in the mail.
Using the viscous input pinion and cup.
http://www.thetoyz.com/cart/thumbs/LOSB1253-450.jpeg

It seems I can replace the viscous cup with the Mini E-Revo cup.
Even the screw that keeps the cup on the pinion that came with the viscous pinion and cup
fits the Revo cup.. The hole where the pinion goes in the cup is
the same for both as well. I put it all together and this just might work...
See the pics below.


The hole where the pinion gear goes in is the same size..
http://rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/CenterDriveCups1.jpg

Here is the Mini E-Revo cup with Mini LST Viscous Pinion gear and bearing.
http://rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/CenterDriveCups2.jpg

Here it is next to the viscous cup.
http://rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/CenterDriveCups3.jpg

This is a big step to this mod.
Next is to see if it will fit in the Mini LST front and rear diff housing.
If it fits I wont need to grind down anything which will make this mod that
much easier.

[rceckspurt13]

Wow, i hope you get it working. I know id wanted to get a mini erevo, but putting the diff into the mlst didnt even cross my mind. lol

also, where do you get your aluminum pieces that you make the chassis out of?

[makakoa808]

Ok I got the Viscous Gear in to the rear diff housing and it fits perfect,
and I was able to install the Integy Mini E-Revo Diff Cup.
So it's a go.. Moving forward with the project. Now I need to do the front diffs
and work on a Mini LST Chassis that will hold the Mini E-Revo Center Trans.
Oh will also need to replace the Mini E-Revo spool with the Mini E-Revo Center diff.
Here are some pics below.

Here is the gears side by side.
Viscous gear on your left and the stock Mini LST gear on your right.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF5.jpg

Here is another pic of the two gears side by side.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF6.jpg

I also shimmed it. Here is a pic with the shimm in place between the bearing and gear.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF7.jpg

Here is a pic of the viscous gear in place in the gear box.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF8.jpg

[makakoa808]

For good measure here is a pic of the Mini LST Diff. I shimmed this as well but did not get a pic. I thought I did but did not. The shimm would go on your right between the bearing and the shaft cup.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF9.jpg

Here is the gear box with the viscous diff installed. Also the Integy Mini E-Revo cup on the bottom and the Mini LST cup above.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF10.jpg

And here it is with the Integy Mini E-Revo cup mounted on to the Mini LST gear box.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF11.jpg

Here is a pic of the Mini LST rear end.. done deal with Viscous pinion gear and Integy Mini E- Revo Cup.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MLSTCDF12.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

looks good. really good.

[makakoa808]

Which way to mount the motor..
Using a Mamaba motor I have the option to
Mount it towards the front or towards the back.
Either way space will be tight. I kind of want to mount the
motor towards the front. That way I will still bable to use the
Battery Tray, but the motor seems to be hiting the Servo.
I will have to see how far forward I can move the front end and still
have the drive cups connect with the center dogbones.
Below is some prefabrication pics.

Here is the Pre Fab Mini LST with Mini Revo Trans with out the motor.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTRX/Pics/MLSTRX1.jpg


Here is the Pre Fab Mini LST with Mini Revo Trans with Mamba Motor Towards Rear.
Fits but really tight and If I mount it this way I wont beable to use the battery tray.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTRX/Pics/MLSTRX2.jpg


Here is the Pre Fab Mini LST with Mini Revo Trans with Mamba Motor Towards Front.
The motor is hitting my 1:10 scale servo, but I might beable to fit it this way by moving the
front end forward, just as long as the center dogbone connects with the front drive cup.
And this way I will bable to use the Battery Tray.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTRX/Pics/MLSTRX3.jpg


Here is the Pre Fab Mini LST with Mini Revo Trans with Mini Revo Motor.. Does not fit either way.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTRX/Pics/MLSTRX4.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

Hmm, that does look like a tight fit. If I were you, I'd put the motor facing the rear, and then stand the battery up between the center diff and the servo. Im assuming your using a lipo, so you should be able to get a nice flat place on the battery to stand it up.

Also, I'm wondering why you dont switch the dogbones in the center drive around, and put the longer one in the rear, and the short in the front, like the mini lst is stock?

[makakoa808]

Hmm, that does look like a tight fit. If I were you, I'd put the motor facing the rear, and then stand the battery up between the center diff and the servo. Im assuming your using a lipo, so you should be able to get a nice flat place on the battery to stand it up.

Also, I'm wondering why you dont switch the dogbones in the center drive around, and put the longer one in the rear, and the short in the front, like the mini lst is stock?

I will be putting the Motor in the rear. I want to beable to use the 380 motor VXL motor as well at the 370size motor. If I placed the motor towards the front the 380 motor wont fit.

I figure being ale to use the Merv center tran you should beabe to use the Merv motor as well.

Cant place the shorter dogbone in the front because it's to short. Will end up hitting the servo..

[makakoa808]

The Mini LST Merv Center Diff Transplant is almost done..
Just need to finetune the mounting holes for the Mini Revo Center Diff Case.

Here are some pics.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MiniLSTMerv1.jpg

http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MiniLSTMerv2.jpg

http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MiniLSTMerv4.jpg

http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/Pics/MiniLSTMerv6.bmp

[rceckspurt13]

hmm that does look like a bit of a tight fit. Its good to see some progress on this though. This may be the final answer to losi's crappy stock driveline components. I find it funny how stuff just fit together like that with minimal fabrication. Now all you have to do is make a shiny new chassis for it. lol

[makakoa808]

Yes very tight fit but it fits.. lol
The great thing about the the Mini Revo Tranny is you can also put a 370 size motor on it...
So if the the 380 is to much of a tight fit.. or if you dont want to a 380 VXL or saving up for a one you can still put your mamba motor in there.. Have not tried to mount the stock motor yet.. I should though just to see if it's an option..

The mamba motor fill fit fine not as tight...
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTRX/Pics/MLSTRX2.jpg

[makakoa808]

Here is my first draft of the chassis. Just sent to the CNC shop to cut today.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/RCDMount_BFinal.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

Here is my first draft of the chassis. Just sent to the CNC shop to cut today.
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/MLSTCenterDiffix/RCDMount_BFinal.jpg

Do you think you plan to sell these as a kit like your others? Only downside is the amount and cost of the other components needed. :/

[makakoa808]

Yes will be making these so others can do this mod to their Mini LST. A not perfect but much needed fix to the center diff. Maybe one day Losi will come out with a better fix.

With this mod I wont have to worry about the center diff anymore and I'm thinking having a center diff not a locked spool will put less stress on the front and rear diffs. allowing them to last longer plus I'm going to shim the front and rear which will add even more longivity to the front and rear diffs.

I have spent a lot of money replacing the diffs for the Mini LST.. I mean it seemed like every other run I had to buy new diffs.... Ball diff was great but they had to be replaced after a few runs as well, being that they work on friction and eventually those little bearing wear down... Then I tried locking the center diff, which made the drive a little diffrent and added more stress to the front and rear diffs.... lol in the end I would have spent as much and then more constantly replacing diffs....

[rceckspurt13]

Yeah i guess this will end up being cheaper in the long run. I run a locker in mine now, but id much rather have the diff to keep the nose down. It also seenes to handle better on my loose gravel driveway with the diff.

[makakoa808]

I finaly got my Mini LST Single Servo Mini Revo Chassis.. (lol) Thats a mouth full...
Cant wait to try it out....!

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs234.snc3/22178_107453295932695_100000040768647_195295_24357 00_n.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

Looks Good. I didnt know that it was going to be two pieces though. lol

How much does it cost you at your shop to get a piece like that cut? I too have some ideas for the chassis, but I have no way of making it since I cant cut 1/8" aluminum. lol

[jdmhg]

What motor mount are you using? also can you do this same mod on a stock chassis?

This is fixing the problem before losi could with another components products.. I hope they see all this haha

[rceckspurt13]

What motor mount are you using? also can you do this same mod on a stock chassis?

This is fixing the problem before losi could with another components products.. I hope they see all this haha

Its a traxxas mini E-revo center transmission and motor mount. If you want to cut out a big enough hole in the stock chassis to allow it to fit in there, I guess you could do it on the stock chassis. And as far as losi fixing anything, I doubt they will, if they haven't yet. This has been a problem with the mini lst since it was first made.

[makakoa808]

Looks Good. I didnt know that it was going to be two pieces though. lol

How much does it cost you at your shop to get a piece like that cut? I too have some ideas for the chassis, but I have no way of making it since I cant cut 1/8" aluminum. lol

If your intrested in getting some custom parts cut let me know..

[makakoa808]

What motor mount are you using? also can you do this same mod on a stock chassis?

This is fixing the problem before losi could with another components products.. I hope they see all this haha

The motor mount is what comes with the Mini E-Revo Center Diff Case. This mod will not work with the stock chassis with out some major moding..

[makakoa808]

Here some updated progress pics of my custom Mini Revo LST chassis with some
electronics and center Mini Revo Trans Mounted. Check out he images below.
I have not ran her yet but hopfully soon.

Just about ready to do some test Runs!!
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs214.snc3/22178_107567055921319_100000040768647_197822_58334 27_n.jpg


Mini Revo LST Chassis with the electronics tray
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs234.snc3/22178_107567005921324_100000040768647_197821_57876 06_n.jpg

Electronics Tray, Can be mounted in various positions.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs294.ash1/22178_107566949254663_100000040768647_197820_45840 12_n.jpg

Mini Revo LST Chassis with out the electronics tray
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs234.snc3/22178_107566889254669_100000040768647_197819_76217 58_n.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

Larger pinion? lol That electronics tray looks excellent! Id put the speed control up on there to hopefully allow it to get some more airflow, and then put the receiver down to the left of the motor.

But about the custom parts, if I were to make up a diagram with the dimensions, would you be able to cut it for me? So far through my tinkering, I've found that I need a lower chassis, Upper brace/support, and a battery/electronics mount. I already have to chassis figured out, but I need to still figure out the upper, and the battery mount.

[makakoa808]

Larger pinion? lol That electronics tray looks excellent! Id put the speed control up on there to hopefully allow it to get some more airflow, and then put the receiver down to the left of the motor.

But about the custom parts, if I were to make up a diagram with the dimensions, would you be able to cut it for me? So far through my tinkering, I've found that I need a lower chassis, Upper brace/support, and a battery/electronics mount. I already have to chassis figured out, but I need to still figure out the upper, and the battery mount.


Yes defenetly something can be worked out.
Is this for the Mini LST?
When you say diagram do you mean hand pencil and papper drawn?

[rceckspurt13]

Yeah for the mini LST. Its really something unique I think. I've never seen it done before. Basically I want to incorporate Two MONSTER 540 sized motors, and a single 10th scale servo into one chassis.

But about the diagram, I can do a basic 2D design on the computer. I cant do the cool 3D ones that you made. :/ I will have the measurements on there down to the mm though, so im hoping you would be able to re-create it.

[makakoa808]

Yeah for the mini LST. Its really something unique I think. I've never seen it done before. Basically I want to incorporate Two MONSTER 540 sized motors, and a single 10th scale servo into one chassis.

But about the diagram, I can do a basic 2D design on the computer. I cant do the cool 3D ones that you made. :/ I will have the measurements on there down to the mm though, so im hoping you would be able to re-create it.

I have a 540 motor plate that I can custom into a dual 540 motor plate...
http://www.rccustomzone.com/rccz_pics/mlst540/RCZ540MLST1.JPG

Combine that with my Single Servo chassis and there you have it...


Here is a Video if you have not seen it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_FM6oCUcvI

[rceckspurt13]

I've seen your products before, and they look great, but I thought Id like to try to design one myself. What you've done is really a bolt on product that would be great to sell for the average user. What I want to do is more of a complete chassis re-design, and its a lot different from anything I've seen done before. Im no where ready to build it yet since its going to take some (quite a bit) of time and money to get it the way Id like to see it. It probably wouldn't be until this summer anyway, but since you offered, I thought Id go ahead and ask about the custom parts now.

[makakoa808]

When your ready let me know..

[rceckspurt13]

Ok will do.. Thanks

[makakoa808]

I started this mod a while ago, but got tied up with other things before I could finish it.
I am currently trying to fit the Mini Revo VXL brushless motor as well.
I can mount a mamba on there but with the extra weight I felt I just had to make it mount the VXL motor.
All that is left to do is mod the rear upper chassis brace to be a little longer. See the secound pic.
Then the VXL motor will fit in the Mini LST.

Here are some pics below.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs395.snc3/24022_109691012375590_100000040768647_243561_22589 83_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs395.snc3/24022_109691195708905_100000040768647_243567_59578 89_n.jpg

[rceckspurt13]

Wow that really came together. From the looks of the pictures, it seems the shock tower is in the way of the motor? How do you plan to remedy that? you could extend the chassis, but then you need to extend the dogbone also dont you?

[makakoa808]

Once I extend that upper rear plate, in the secound picture. The VXL motor will fit in the Mini LST.. A very tight fit.. lol

[makakoa808]

Here is a video of my Mini LST with Revo Center Diff Fix.
I call it Mini LSTR

Click on You Tube link below to watch video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5t5KAwebS8

[BackyardBasher]

Keep us updated on this project. I'd be interested in picking up one up depending on price.

[drkdgglr]

Wouldn't this be an easier fix for the MLST center diff problems?: http://losi.com/Products/Features.aspx?ProdId=LOSB1065

[trivialone]

Wouldn't this be an easier fix for the MLST center diff problems?: http://losi.com/Products/Features.aspx?ProdId=LOSB1065

that looks exactly right, I looked at some of the cross referencing on the losi site and they both fit in the mini t, so am guessing they are the same as the part losb1066 plastic ones.

I have the ball diff in mine, and has worked so far, but I haven't abused it too much, either.

Great find!!!!:D